Character Race and Class: Level 1 Goblin Barbarian
Character Portrait:
Character Personality: Proud, Twitchy, Hungry, Curious, Easily Distracted, Touches everything he can (and tastes, if possible)
Character Background: Outlander
Character Backstory:
Grrzark grew up in clan. Start small. Get knocked about. Grow bigger. Knock smaller gobs about. Grrzark not get too big, but fight very good. Hurt jerk who also chief's son. And Grrzark's stomach is very big. Eat two whole oinkers. Clan impressed. Say "Grrzark, you powerful gobbo. Go find woman. Make new clan." Grrzark need lady goblin, copper, and lunch. Not in that order.
Writing sample:
Grrzark come to Darkshelf because money there. Grrzark need copper to start new clan. Grrzark good hunter. Maybe Grrzark hunt food for village? Maybe kind villager help Grrzark meet lady goblin? Grrzark also like food maybe.
Link to Character Sheet: ddb.ac/characters/94134751/ZcNhyl
Sylvio prizes his reputation above all. Charismatic, greedy, power hungry, vindictive, aggressive, sneaky, and above all, deceitful.
Character Backstory:
Sylvio works as a locksmith’s apprentice in Baldur’s gate. He is working hard to learn the craft of crafting and disarming safes and lockboxes for the lords and ladies of the city. He is always looking to advance his position and reputation whether that be by hard work, intimidation, deceit, or theft.
He has an intense hatred of the rich and noble classes who he sees as stepping on the backs of the poor in order to build their riches. However, he must present the face of the friendly and congenial person to them in order to earn their trust. He uses his position to scout the homes and businesses of the upper class so that he can rob them later.
There’s a lot more that I would like to keep between the DM and myself if possible. I have a concept for the character that I would like to discus without the other players knowing. It may or may not work with your game/setting but it could make for a fun story and lots of RP moments if it works out.
A writing sample of how your character came to be in Darkshelf:
“Sylvio was-a sent to Darkshelf at-a the behest of-a his guildmaster. There was-a rumors that-a the quarries here might have-a the ores for creating stronger safes.”
A link to your Character Sheet (whether that be here at D&D Beyond or another site you prefer for sheets)
Character Personality: He doesn't make friends quickly but when he does he is loyal to them. He is a frugal person and will take a chance to earn coin (honestly) if the opportunity presents itself.
Backstory:
Zarlow grew up hunting and gathering with his clan in Faerun. He he learned his skills of the bow and how to survive with resources little. As he gained his skills his parents sent him away to learn about the world outside of the woodlands and forest they called their home. His mother giving him a copper ring as a symbol of independence. Zarlow left his home and returned many years later only to find his family and clan virtually non- existent. Speaking to what survivors were left he comes to find his family destroyed because of a plague of disease that had cursed this land leaving everyone in extreme hardship. Having nothing left but a copper ring and a promise to honor his family name he leaves the Faerun to find his own adventures.
Writing Sample:
(A farmer stops and points towards the town. Zarlow gives him a nod and a handshake. He starts walking towards Darkshelf.)
Zarlow, A tall elf with blond hair and copper skin makes his way through the streets of Darkshelf. He stops a man pushing a cart full of chickens. "Can you tell me where to find the nearest tavern or pub?" The man points down the street and continues on his way.
(Zarlow walks a half block more and enters the tavern takes a seat on a stoll at the bar, the barkeep walks over.)
“What can I get you?”. “I’ll have an ale” (pushing some coins across the table) While waiting for his drink he looks around, the bar is poorly lit and smells of dust and grime from the night before. “Here’s your drink. What brings you to town?” (Asked the barkeep). “I’m here looking for work or hire if the job fits my eye. Do you know where there might be postings in town for people looking for help?” (The Barkeep reply’s) “Check the town square, it’s down the street about a block, people looking for help usually post signs there.” “Thank you.” (Zarlow gives a nod, grabs his longbow and leaves the tavern entering the busy street.)
Character Personality: Gilbert is smart, but he's not the kind of in-your-face smart. He knows that there are people smarter than him, and he knows that there's a lot he can learn; in fact, learning is often his main goal, from both books and general situations. He's optimistic and relatively quiet, but he gets excited when topics he's interested in come up. He's interested in quite a number of topics, though, so he gets excited pretty often.
Character Backstory:
Gilbert was once a young librarian, but Time, as it is wont to do, changed that. Working at a secluded and prestigious library called the Watching Raven where many scholars congregated to debate the ifs and whats and other such things about sciences both magical and physical, Gilbert was not the wisest nor smartest in his circles. Instead, his specialty was bounding up tall bookcases to get to where the oldest (and therefore most coveted) books were stored.
His was a difficult yet rewarding job, but eventually something changed. The other librarians and researchers began to whisper anxiously. Apparently, a great sage was to return to the Raven for the first time in over a decade, bringing dire news. When he arrived, however, he was not alone. As the sage gathered all present into a lecture hall to announce his news, an expertly-aimed tipped arrow pierced his chest, and he died before taking another breath. Fires started everywhere, and a volley of arrows from a league of trained attackers littered the large room in fresh corpses. If not for his quick thinking and speed, Gilbert would have perished along with the many others, but instead he managed to narrowly escape the room. Although he did want to survive, he wanted more than anything to preserve what he could of the library before it became naught but ash. He rapidly bounded up to the oldest (and therefore most coveted) book that he knew of in the library; the ornate spellbook that he carries today, filled to the brim with arcane lore (in runes and glyphs that nobody has been able to read for a millennia, so honestly not that useful).
After that, he slinked out of the library, unnoticed by the assassins. Although he did not see any others leave, there is a chance that some of his colleagues did survive, as a number were arcane practitioners of notable prowess with their own means of movement. After leaving the Raven, Gilbert knew he had a purpose. He wanted to enact vengeance on those who killed his colleagues and burned his home, and he wanted to learn the secret that they had seemingly done so to protect. He began to study the spellbook he had taken, managing to slowly pick up a few bits and pieces of arcane knowledge as he engaged with the tome. He also studied the blade in his off time, learning how to augment his physical attacks with wizardry.
The horribly unrhythmic sounds of the horses were distracting Gilbert from his studying. He decided he would take a break from his usual practice of looking at his spellbook until his eyes bled, and instead try socializing with the others in the caravan; A half elf and a couple of humans, who were currently in the process of absent-mindedly towering over Gilbert. He found that towering was quite a habit with many he came in contact with.
"Excuse me, but... where are we going?" The others in the caravan stopped towering for a second so that they could redirect all their combined energy into staring holes into Gilbert. After the most pregnant silence Gilbert had ever experienced, which he estimated was roughly a month overdue, there was a response. "Darkshelf," said the half elf, "Darkshelf Quarry."
"Ah, I see. And, uhm, is there coin to be earned there for a practicing magician?" The half elf replied, "Maybe. Depends on if you've got any of those explode-and-kill-things spells." One of the humans piped in, "Those spells are no joke. I once saw somebody disintegrated with just a word. I wou-" The other human, seemingly the man's sister, interjected a "shut up" with iciness that might as well have disintegrated him. Gilbert decided against asking more questions, having gathered that this group wouldn't know or care about the happenings in the library world, and quickly the group returned to studying and towering and such. He flipped to the "Explode-and-Kill-Things Spells" chapter of his book and began to decipher what he could. If he wanted to have any chance of avenging the Raven, he needed coin and he needed practice. And, based on what he knew of magic, he probably needed quite a few shiny rocks.
I 100% understand your dislike of find familiar, and I respect your rules. That being said, I'm personally a fan of having a little pal by my side. It's totally fine if you say no, but maybe a little modification could reduce the spell's disruption. Two ideas that I had are reducing the range of telepathic communication/transported sight to ~20 feet, or maybe removing the transported sight ability altogether.
Are we allowed to submit multiple characters? Just in case one character fits the story and party composition that you want to go for more than the other.
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny. Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
I would love to re-flavor a feat that I love and that I think would fit well to the character. The feat is from the Eberron sourcebook, it is the ‘Aberrant Dragonmark’. Now, how the feat works for the character is however not related to Eberron, so I hope that it might be ok - yet as you mentioned you prefer to have it run by you. Sure, I agree a dragonmark is something intrinsically bound to the Eberron campaign and I don’t want to convince you that this should also work in your world, but let me explain first. The idea of the character is that he is half Giant (or to some degree at least), and the feat (as well as other character development features) would work towards that end by granting him access to ancestral magic. I would see the feat rather as ‘Mark of the Ancestors’. Should you feel that stretches it too far, I would go with ‘Shield Master’ instead.
There is a very specific reason why Eberron isn't in the included list of allowed materials. To that end, I will say a hearty "No" to the feat.
I 100% understand your dislike of find familiar, and I respect your rules. That being said, I'm personally a fan of having a little pal by my side. It's totally fine if you say no, but maybe a little modification could reduce the spell's disruption. Two ideas that I had are reducing the range of telepathic communication/transported sight to ~20 feet, or maybe removing the transported sight ability altogether.
Are we allowed to submit multiple characters? Just in case one character fits the story and party composition that you want to go for more than the other.
For the familiar question...I've already banned the spell outright in other games, and I'm close to doing so here. However, I wanted to at least give people the option of getting it at some point, and that point is in-game. When we get there we can revisit these potential changes.
As far as multiple characters: No. If you submit more than one character, how do I know which one you really want to play? How do I know that you aren't going to just get bored with the second one?
I have updated the first post of this thread to indicate you need to include your character Background in your post as I cannot see them in the D&D Beyond sheets. I cannot validate character sheets without seeing this.
Character Personality (no more than a paragraph please) - I’m always polite and respectful. Despite my noble birth, I do not place myself above other folk. We all have the same blood. The common folk love me for my kindness and generosity.
Character Backstory (no more than 4 paragraphs please) - Ander is the 2nd son of the noble Brightwood family of the great kingdom of Ablissa. Hearing of the recent difficulties in Nyrond, Ander has made his way to see if the people are in need of aid at these difficult times. Descendants of legendary adventurers the Brightwood family have never forgotten how their family gained such nobility, or where their family origins began. The family origin story is passed down the generations as almost doctrine, that the greatest achievement in this life is that of being a pillar of the community. The family are known to do what they can to help support the common folk because of this, much to the distaste of other noble families. Brightwoods instil a sense of responsibility, work ethic, and duty in their children. At 18 children are send out into the world to find their own way. There will always be a loving home to return to, but the family isn't going to pamper their children, they hasn't earned that yet. So now Ander is out on his own, exploring the world, earning his place, and learning what life has to offer. Class backstory - Ander has always wanted to follow in his mother, Xaliea, path - a Knight Lieutenant Paladin in her own right. This was cemented when he witnessed other noble children mistreating common children and the need to protect those less fortunate arose within him. Extra - Anders older brother, Galile, is also in the world, although he chose to follow in their father's footstep as a member of the Royal Guard.
A writing sample of how your character came to be in Darkshelf - Upon setting out to prove himself, in line with family tradition, Ander reached out to his brother, for any information or quests that would help him to get started. Galile told Ander of the troubled kingdom of Nyrond that lay to the North. Having spent years at war and with the kingdoms economic situation worsening the people of Nyrond were suffering. A survivor who Galile had found on the side of the road, whilst his Prince was out on a hunt, had told him of a quarry near Darkshelf where the workers had been subjugated by a dwarven master and a darkness had fallen upon it. The people there needed aid, so Ander set out to see what he could do.
Personality - Arvad is ambitious, hot-headed, and cocky. He greatest goal in life is to be "one of the greats". Despite his ego, he bonds quickly with other people and is generally kind. He isn't the brightest and knows it, and delegates the thinking to smarter people, and the doing to himself.
Backstory - Arvad was born in a town nearby Darkshelf. His human parents were not expecting nor did they want a dragonborn, and gave him up to the local church. He doesn't know who is birth parents were, but it still stings thinking about it. Arvad raised himself on the books in the church, stories of great heroes and wizards, and now he wants to become a legend himself. He took a job as a blacksmith's apprentice, saving up the coin he got. Then one day his moment came. He caught a robber trying to rob the blacksmith's shop, and apprehended them using moves he taught himself. Afterwards, he used the coin he was saving to purchase armor and weapons and set out to become a hero.
Why is he in Darkshelf - His home town was nice and all, yes, the people there were all pleasant and nice, but nothing here really scratched Arvad's itch. The heroes in his books traveled all around the kingdom, and Arvad wasn't the type to get complacent. He was going to travel the realm stopping evil-doers and ne'er-do-wells. The only problem was where to go? His first though was the big city, but that place is scary. There were bandit-lords and huge monsters lurking around every corner. No, the city wouldn't do. He'd heard about Nightstone from his apprenticeship. The person he worked for was from there, they said nothing much happened there. He could start there, Arvad thought. Save the smaller towns, work his way up to the big city. After basking in the intelligence of his plan for a moment, he said his heartfelt goodbyes to his church, his smith and his town. After a long trek, he made it too Nightstone. As he looked at the town from its border, his old doubts enveloped him again. Could he be a hero? Could he be strong enough? Maybe he is just worthless. Arvad shook the thoughts from his head. He'd made it this far, no use in getting cold feet now.
Character Name: Paavu "Brightsmile" Goldmead, Clan Goldmead Character Race and Class: Custom (Tasha's; +2 INT), Feat: Resilient - Constitution; Class - Monk (most likely Way of the Drunken Master) Character Background: Guild Artisan Character Portrait: see Spoiler
Character Personality (no more than a paragraph please):
Paavu is a fun-loving, hardworking woman (half-dwarf, half-goliath) who prefers contests of drink to contests of strength and has found a true passion in the brewing of honeyed-meads and dark ales for her family, friends and clan. She has garnered a name for herself (Brightsmile) in being incomparably cheery to most of the other stern-faced brewers in the clan, and has found that many of her younger cousins would rather spend time in her company than in that of their other immediate relatives.
Character Backstory (no more than 4 paragraphs please):
Paavu is a proud daughter of her father, Fargrim Goldmead (dwarf), and mother, Nalla "Steadyhand" Akannathi (goliath), and member (through her mother's union to her father) of Clan Goldmead. She has become a capable brewer in her own right (and a passable metalworker) and regularly assists in making deliveries with her fellow clan members.
Much of her inspiration has been derived from the festivals her clan has attended and participated in, and though her brews are good enough for her family, they've never quite been enough for the judges at the other competitions (though Fargrim and Nalla would decry them, saying they were rigged in favor of the hosting clan). Nevertheless, she's placed well at cosmopolitan events and made contacts and gained a few friendships because of this.
One of her personal heroes (apart from her parents and a kindly uncle) is the fabled warrior-brewer, Brewer Li. A human monk, he seemed to Paavu more like an always red-faced clown, eager to make her and others nearby laugh, but also capable of allowing all manner of unkind jests and insults to wash off of himself like a splash of water. She once witnessed him surrounded in a festival square by all manner of adult males who were well into their cups and intent on challenging this lone individual to a contest of force, but—as though in a haze of drink herself—she watched in awe as he single-handedly twisted and turned, leapt and dived and sent each one of the men crashing into tents, into festival-goers, into middenheaps and worse. This served to elevate this fool of a man into somewhat of a hero (and, if she's honest, her first crush).
Since that particular day, Paavu has spent a good deal of her earnings and extra time in acquiring scrolls, books and parchments with techniques on hand-to-hand fighting, dodging, and related fitness activities that would allow her to become even an ounce as fine as Brewer Li. Yes, she still enjoys her drink, but there's a personal dedication to physical self-betterment that has arisen in Paavu as a result of having witnessed Brewer Li's feats of daring that day.
A writing sample of how your character came to be in Darkshelf:
It was for a delivery, nothing more. It wasn't uncommon for a Goldmead caravan to hit the road for weeks, making deliveries and stopping at festivals and guild gatherings along the way, and Darkshelf was just a stop on the path for Paavu and the Goldmead Clan.
She'd been at the local drinking establishments and chatting with the staff and regulars over a tall pint and heard the various rumors. It seemed like the locals were worried... frightened, even, and that was when she had the vision. Well, daydream, more likely. It wasn't as though she hadn't pictured herself fighting off groups of drunken sods before—she'd bested a number of her cousins in informal wrestling and grappling matches, and the people here weren't indicating that it was a big concern that might involve an army. Surely this would be a good opportunity to test out her personal capabilities, right?
Paavu gathered a few supplies (do-gooders came prepared, right?), let her parents know she was going to stay in Darkshelf for a few days and promised she'd catch up with the caravan at their next stop.
FYI for anyone paying attention to the recruitment thread!
I have done reviews on all of the characters to this point, and I have sent PM's to those of you who need to clean stuff up. If you are unsure as to whether or not your character passes muster, by all means ask! I'm not perfect, and I'm sure I have forgotten and/or will forget something!
Name: Stoney Tark Race and Class: Rock Gnome artificer (armorer very likely, slight chance of wizard multi-class) Background: guild artisan / merchant Portrait/Personality/Backstory/Arrival at Darkshelf:
Personality: Arrogant, but recently humbled and haunted. Confident, even though he is afraid of making mistakes. Makes jokes and condescending comments, even though he knows it will get him in trouble. He was originally chaotic neutral, now neutral with some good leanings. He doesn't have to be reminded as often that it isn't always about him and his ego.
Backstory: Unlike more peaceful gnomes, Tark designs and builds weapons. He was part of a guild of arms merchants, and he took pride in his work. That changed when a criminal gang attacked their factory, taking all the goods and enslaving the workers to make more weapons for the bandits. Tark was stunned to see that the attackers were armed with weapons that his guild made, including some of his work. After weeks of being beaten and forced to make more weapons, he eventually made enough tools in secret to escape their compound. He stumbled into the wilds, lost and disorientated.
Tark was eventually found unconscious, clutching driftwood while floating down a river, by good-natured village farmers. He spent several weeks recovering in their village, getting back his health and crafting items to repay their kindness. He still obsesses about his work, but now he is aware of the harm his creations can do. While he appreciates the serenity in the village, he leaves them to regain fame and fortune in the cities. And perhaps, when he is stronger, get a measure of revenge on the evil-doers who upended his life.
How your character came to be in Darkshelf: It should be simple to get to the gnomish clans of the Flinty Hill, and find more lucrative work. So why does every day find Tark further and further away? Maybe he could have asked for better directions, but any fool can read a map. And when he got a ride with that merchant wagon, and they said they had a surefire shortcut through the Gnatmarsh, who knew it would turn out disastrously?
Tark has been able to find enough work, village to village, to keep his belly full. But his purse is much lighter than he would like. His random path leads him to Darkshelf. Probably too small for a well paying job, but a mining community probably could use someone handy with both a smith's hammer and a jeweler's loupe. And its location on the coast might improve the luck on his journey. Hopefully he can find a (safe) boat, either west to the riches of Greyhawk or to the east closer to the Flinty Hills.
And if he comes across Sea of Gearnat pirates, who may have been involved with the scum who trashed his former livelihood? Maybe there will be an opportunity to work off some personal grievances.
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
slave-lords-locations, which will be used to give an overview of the locations and areas visited by the PC's. The opening 2 posts, which are pinned, give information on Darkshelf.
slave-lords-maps, which will be used to display area maps for the locations that the PC's visit. The opening 2 posts, which are pinned, show the Viscounty of Nyrond, as well as a zoomed-in view of the area surrounding Darkshelf.
At the current time, everyone can read the channels, but posting is turned off. Once the game starts, I will have a channel specific to OOC chatter that the group will be able to post in.
Hello, I am a new player. You seem like a systematic DM and I hope I can tune in. My character description is listed below.
Character Name Oskar Dankil
Character Race and Class (with potential Subclass, if you are already thinking that far ahead) Hill Dwarf / Cleric (Life Domain)
Character Background Acolyte
Character Portrait
Character Personality (no more than a paragraph please)
I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace. I am tolerant of other faiths and respect the worship of other gods.
Character Backstory (no more than 4 paragraphs please)
Oskar Dankil has been a faithful and simple minded cleric. He spent most of his time in temple, learn and practice god's teachings. To prove himself worthy of god’s favor, he is now traveling, helping who is in need. He indeed helped some folks (cleaning up the town quarter after festival, looking for a lost pet, helping kids with their homework...) Oskar knows well being epic is not the purpose of this journey, but something is just missing. Being a good guy is not enough, this will not earn him the favor of the god. The journey goes on...
How your character came to be in Darkshelf
Along his journey, Oskar came across and helped a wounded young human to find a shelter. The kid was running, trying to hide from slave merchant related to a slave camp in Darkshelf. Oskar took this encounter as an oracle, it got to be a call, a mission given by the god. This is his destiny to save the poor suffering slaves in Darkshelf. However, Oskar is not reckless, this is not a task he can handle alone. He is now approaching Darkshelf and looking for other adventurers with this common goal. (Please feel free to edit to fit the opening of the campaign)
Character Race and Class (with potential Subclass, if you are already thinking that far ahead): Lotusden Halfling Druid
Character Background: Far Traveler
Character Portait: (Found on D&D Beyond character sheet)
Character Personality (no more than a paragraph please): Loves to wander and explore with the animal friends she makes along the way. A lot of hyper and curiosity in a small body.
Character Backstory (no more than 4 paragraphs please):
Growing up on a remote sheep farm, high upon the cold cliffs bordering the sea, there was little for Pippi to do beyond work and wander the nearby woods. Her parents would say that she befriended every animal in those woods, and to be honest, they might be right.
Over the years, the forest noticed Pippi's love and dedication to every plant and animal within and began whispering to her. At first it just sounded like rustling of leaves, but the longer she listened, the more it sounded like faint words, and eventually it became recognizable as singing.
Pippi would talk to the woods and the creatures within, and they began to understand her too; but more than that, nature itself would listen. She could ask the ground to move and it would, the plants to grow and they would. She even sent a wandering bear away from her sheep herd with a few kind words and a handful of sweet berries.
From time to time she would hear stories from her animal friends of people she's never seen, voices she's never heard, and places she's never been. In time she built up the courage to venture to these places and beyond, and left her parents with a hug and a kiss; and a promise to one day return.
A writing sample of how your character came to be in Darkshelf:
With a skip in her step and an open path before her, Pippi travels with as much wild ambition as the foliage around her. She has no desire for where her journey takes her; as long as the sun shines and the rain falls, she will continue to reach for new destinations.
This is how she happened upon Darkshelf, not because it was the closest civilization, not because she was in need of money or supplies; but because she encountered a road in her journeys and simply thought; "Huh, why not.", and then began traveling down it.
Note: I have used D&D Beyond to create this, but with access to a number of books so I'm unsure if any are not in the required books. If anything is not supposed to be used, let me know and I will change it.
Racial ASI - Half-Elf : "Your Charisma score increases by 2, and two other ability scores of your choice increase by 1." == +2 CHA, +1 CON, + 1 DEX Tasha Custom Options: changed +2 CHA to +2 INT
Character Name: Alex Dane Character Gender/Pronouns: Male, He/Him. Character Race: Half-Elf [PHB] Class: Wizard [PHB] Subclass (Planned): Bladesinging [TCoE] Character Background: Urchin [PHB]
Character Personality: Shy, a little skittish. Somewhat aloof. Seems to try and have as little presence as possible and often manages this, despite their size. Head is often lowered a little but their eyes are always observing everything around them. They always seem uncomfortable - as if untrusting of everyone around them. When speaking they seem rather socially awkward as though unused to conversation yet will maintain eye contact, in spite of their shyness. If one catches a glimpse of Alex when they are not noticing, they seem to be discreetly eyeing everyone up - as though expecting a fight. Those with a discerning nature may glean from Alex's demeanour and behaviour that he had spent a lot of time having to fight for every scrap he got, in order to survive.
Character Appearance: 6 ft tall. Toned physique hidden behind simple baggy clothing. Dark reddish-brown hair. Eyes are very dark brown, almost black. Naturally tan skin. Simple features except for a slight scar on his left eyebrow. Simple dagger sheathed on his basic belt. Standard backpack with usual travel gear on his back. He wears a ring on the middle-finger of his left hand which is silver with 3 gems: 2 blue gems and a slightly bigger red gem between them. The gems are inexpensive looking. Those of a particular mind or skill may be able to recognise the ring as an Arcane Focus - the only indication that Alex may be a spellcaster of some kind. Of course this is because they cannot see his spellbook in his backpack.
Character Image / Portrait:
Character Token:
Character Voice: Soft-spoken, a bit quiet. Mild tone.
Character Backstory:
Alex's father died at war before Alex was born. He was raised by his single mother until the age of 2 when she died from illness. He was then raised in an orphanage until the age of 8. It was not a nice place - children had to fight for their scraps of food and they were not allowed belongings or toys. The people running the orphanage were neglectful - the orphanage was less about altruism and more about the right to brag about the 'altruism'. They received many donations and very little went to the care of the kids and mostly lined the pockets of whoever ran it. Alex never learned the names of those who owned the orphanage - or even remembers the name of the orphanage itself. It was just a building where he learned how to punch kids he could punch, hide from those he couldn't and stash his food for rationing. He was never very strong, lost more fights than he won, and he got tired of it. He left and lived on the streets learning how to steal from homes and pockets.
At age 14 he picked the pocket of a drow woman who managed to realise, track him down and taken by the scruff of his neck to her simple abode. She then, gave him food, told him where he could sleep and gave him a choice: learn the blade, learn magic, and return to the world better equipped to survive, or run and probably die to hunger, thirst, a vengeful target or disease. He chose the former and so was adopted by this woman, Ygritte Dane - a wizard. She taught him basic magic and the art of Bladesinging - a way to incorporate magic into a dance-like swordplay. Ygritte had once been like him - an orphan on the street. She was eventually taken in by a human woman and her high-elf bladesinging husband. Thanks to their kindness Ygritte survived and became a better person. She vowed to help those like herself whenever encountered. She adopted Alex, taught him her ways.
Turning 18, Alex was now a man and could fend for himself. He decided to go travel. He learned a fair bit but on returning home 2 years later, to the day, he found Ygritte had been murdered in her home. The city guard were already at scene - informing him the culprits realised she was a wizard and attacked her as she slept. They had already been found and killed by guards in their escape attempt. Alex returned to adventuring but his party needed coin and so turned on their newest member - stripped him of everything including his magical sword, his spellbook, everything. Having lost literally everything in a span of a few months - his adoptive mother, his home, his belongings, his so-called-friends... He fell into depression. Nevertheless, he had a fighting spirit and over the course of 4 years slowly began to find himself again. He managed to steal enough for supplies, a new blank spellbank into which he copied the few spells he could remember, and was once again on his way. He hadn't used his bladesinging in all this time - he was rusty and it brought back memories he could not yet face. The day will come, just not yet.
A writing sample of how your character came to be in Darkshelf:
"You're sure that's where they were headed?" Alex asked the oversized half-orc as he stared at the notes he was just given. The sounds of the tavern's patrons little but a buzz in the back of his mind at this point.
"Aye," the half-orc answered gruffly. He was a rotund balding fellow in a stained cloth shirt and few would give him a second-glance, but this person was more shrewd than most. He was an information broker and a darn good one, too. He took a large swig of ale, gave an odd half-burp half-growl and continued: "Fella met yer description an' the company he 'ired the 'orses from confirmed the destination."
Alex stared at the note in his hand with a quizzical look. "Seriously, Garth, a quarry? They're adventurers, even if split up, why would they seek a quarry?"
"Coz," replied Garth, "ain't no simple quarry. Darkshelf Quarry has secrets. The dwarf in charge seem sus. Those in tha knows be knowin' there's far more to that quarry than one ought to know. Anyhowsits, that alls I gots fer ya. None else matchin' yer descriptions have passed through that could be yer previous buddies." He shrugged and held out a hand. With a sigh Alex handed him the gold, nodded and left without a further word.
This was a long shot. There was no confirmation this was actually one of his old adventuring party. Could just be a normal person with normal business at this quarry. In fact, it very much seemed like it. But this was the last lead. Better than nothing and who knows - even if it was a dead-end then maybe there'll be something of interest at this Darkshelf Quarry?
He checked his coin pouch. Not much left. After travel and supplies he'd have like 10 gold at best remaining. Not good. Also, should he go alone? He much preferred it of course but it could be dangerous. Could be? Oh what was he thinking. It was definitely dangerous. Combine with the decline in his skills in blade, magic and even health this was certainly not ideal. He would need to find a group - others wanting to investigate this quarry. Shouldn't be too difficult, right, if this quarry was as suspicious as it seemed to be? Yes, unfortunately, he definitely needs a group.
Thanks for running the game and inviting people to join.
Name: Ash Silverstone
Race and Class: Mountain Dwarf Wizard (Heading towards Diviner)
Background: City Watch / Investigator
Backstory:
Ash was born into the Silverstone family of renowned smiths located in the Flinty Hills. He inherited his parents physical strength, but none of their skill in the trade. He would become distracted at the forge and spend his time studying the fire rather than the metal. Despite his best efforts, his hands would shake and he could never manage the detailed work. Realising that he needed a new path he joined the Watch and spent over 250 years protecting Schukendale and its allied towns. Never considered a hero, he dedicated himself to the Watch and the everyday tasks that kept the people safe. He found himself well suited to the life of a Watchman, his strength allowing him to break-up fights and his inquisitive mind enjoying the puzzles involved in solving everyday crime. Ash’s life continued in this routine until one day a young wizard, Rulfar, joined the Watch. Ash mentored Rulfar by showing him the ways of the Watch, which taverns to avoid and who to keep an eye on. What Ash didn’t expect was to learn as much from Rulfar as he was teaching him. During the long nights on patrol Rulfar would show Ash his spellbook and the ways of magic. Quite unexpectedly Ash found that he had an aptitude for magic. Now in his twilight years Ash has started on a new path. He wants to see how far he can take his magical powers in the only way he knows how, through focused application. Therefore Ash sets out into the world, to see if there are larger crimes that need solving and bigger mysteries that could push his magical limits. He may not be as strong or as quick as he once was, but it's time to show that he can still be useful and it’s never too late to try something new.
Character Personality:
Ash is still a Watchman at heart. He loves puzzles, hates injustice and will always look to work within the law. Now in his autumn years, he doesn’t have anything to prove or lose. He is happy to support others and offers guidance based on his years of experience. He prefers to end any conflict peacefully if possible, but he knows that diplomacy doesn’t always work. He is decisive when required and won’t hesitate to reach for his trusty staff when needed.
His magic is still new to him, and he is still finding the best way to use his spells in a fight.
He is generally amiable and has spent over 250 years dealing with people of all walks of life, who are often annoyed, drunk or angry at the time.
Example Text:
Ash sits back in his chair in the Watch house, he looks at the younger Dwarf opposite him and says “Well Otto, it's an interesting tale. Lets just go over the details one last time so I can be sure that I have them straight”. Ash looks down at his notebook as he recounts the relevant details “So you are saying that there was an accident in the Darkshelf mine and three of your friends were lost?”. Otto is still obviously shaken by the whole experience and just nods in reply. Ash takes this as confirmation and continues “Obviously a tragedy, but not an unusual one in a mine.” Otto gets a bit defensive at this point and says “But that’s not all Uncle, there is something wrong in that mine, I don’t trust Brazili one bit and there was that issue with the slavers”. Ash can tell that Otto is getting agitated and makes a placating gesture before consulting his notes again. “Ahh yes, this mysterious new manager of the mine. I had heard about his fight and execution of the slavers. A bit blood thirsty in my opinion, but I don’t like to judge what I wasn’t there to see myself. The question is, what do you expect me to do about it? I have always been fond of you Otto, but Darkshelf is a bit out of my jurisdiction to put it mildly and no clear crime has been committed.” Otto calms himself, looks Ash in the eyes and says clearly “I’m not sure uncle, they were my friends that died. You always told me to trust my instincts and I don’t think it was just an accident. I’m not sure what else to do or where else to go, I just wanted to tell someone and I’ve always looked up to you.”
Ash is no more immune to flattery than anyone else and it's nice to feel needed. He considers this and says “Well Otto, I had been meaning to take a trip and stretch myself. Darkshelf seems as good a destination as any and there isn’t anything here that cannot wait. I can’t promise anything and I won’t interfere with the locals, but I will have a look around and see if your instincts are onto something. How does that sound?” Otto brightens at this news and says “Thankyou, thankyou uncle I knew that I could always count on you. I hope that I’m wrong about this, but I still have friends in Darkshelf and I would never forgive myself if I haven’t tried to do something.”
I’m still a bit new to PBP, 5e and D&DBeyound. Therefore please let me know of any mistakes as they are unintentional. I have used some of the starting gold to purchase some padded armour, which I think is consistent with his Dwarven feats and background. I’m happy to change any of the details to fit into the narrative as required.
Character Name: Grrzark
Character Race and Class: Level 1 Goblin Barbarian
Character Portrait:
Character Personality: Proud, Twitchy, Hungry, Curious, Easily Distracted, Touches everything he can (and tastes, if possible)
Character Background: Outlander
Character Backstory:
Grrzark grew up in clan. Start small. Get knocked about. Grow bigger. Knock smaller gobs about. Grrzark not get too big, but fight very good. Hurt jerk who also chief's son. And Grrzark's stomach is very big. Eat two whole oinkers. Clan impressed. Say "Grrzark, you powerful gobbo. Go find woman. Make new clan." Grrzark need lady goblin, copper, and lunch. Not in that order.
Writing sample:
Grrzark come to Darkshelf because money there. Grrzark need copper to start new clan. Grrzark good hunter. Maybe Grrzark hunt food for village? Maybe kind villager help Grrzark meet lady goblin? Grrzark also like food maybe.
Link to Character Sheet: ddb.ac/characters/94134751/ZcNhyl
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Character Name: Sylvio Scarpaldi
Character Race and Class: Rogue (swashbuckler)
Character Portait:
Character Personality:
Sylvio prizes his reputation above all. Charismatic, greedy, power hungry, vindictive, aggressive, sneaky, and above all, deceitful.
Character Backstory:
Sylvio works as a locksmith’s apprentice in Baldur’s gate. He is working hard to learn the craft of crafting and disarming safes and lockboxes for the lords and ladies of the city. He is always looking to advance his position and reputation whether that be by hard work, intimidation, deceit, or theft.
He has an intense hatred of the rich and noble classes who he sees as stepping on the backs of the poor in order to build their riches. However, he must present the face of the friendly and congenial person to them in order to earn their trust. He uses his position to scout the homes and businesses of the upper class so that he can rob them later.
There’s a lot more that I would like to keep between the DM and myself if possible. I have a concept for the character that I would like to discus without the other players knowing. It may or may not work with your game/setting but it could make for a fun story and lots of RP moments if it works out.
A writing sample of how your character came to be in Darkshelf:
“Sylvio was-a sent to Darkshelf at-a the behest of-a his guildmaster. There was-a rumors that-a the quarries here might have-a the ores for creating stronger safes.”
A link to your Character Sheet (whether that be here at D&D Beyond or another site you prefer for sheets)
(in progress)
Noob
Character Name: Zarlow Eston
Character Race and Class: Wood Elf, Ranger
Character Portrait: https://ibb.co/2KfK971
Character Personality: He doesn't make friends quickly but when he does he is loyal to them. He is a frugal person and will take a chance to earn coin (honestly) if the opportunity presents itself.
Backstory:
Zarlow grew up hunting and gathering with his clan in Faerun. He he learned his skills of the bow and how to survive with resources little. As he gained his skills his parents sent him away to learn about the world outside of the woodlands and forest they called their home. His mother giving him a copper ring as a symbol of independence. Zarlow left his home and returned many years later only to find his family and clan virtually non- existent. Speaking to what survivors were left he comes to find his family destroyed because of a plague of disease that had cursed this land leaving everyone in extreme hardship. Having nothing left but a copper ring and a promise to honor his family name he leaves the Faerun to find his own adventures.
Writing Sample:
(A farmer stops and points towards the town. Zarlow gives him a nod and a handshake. He starts walking towards Darkshelf.)
Zarlow, A tall elf with blond hair and copper skin makes his way through the streets of Darkshelf. He stops a man pushing a cart full of chickens. "Can you tell me where to find the nearest tavern or pub?" The man points down the street and continues on his way.
(Zarlow walks a half block more and enters the tavern takes a seat on a stoll at the bar, the barkeep walks over.)
“What can I get you?”. “I’ll have an ale” (pushing some coins across the table) While waiting for his drink he looks around, the bar is poorly lit and smells of dust and grime from the night before. “Here’s your drink. What brings you to town?” (Asked the barkeep). “I’m here looking for work or hire if the job fits my eye. Do you know where there might be postings in town for people looking for help?” (The Barkeep reply’s) “Check the town square, it’s down the street about a block, people looking for help usually post signs there.” “Thank you.” (Zarlow gives a nod, grabs his longbow and leaves the tavern entering the busy street.)
Character Sheet:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/94151246
Hopefully this works.
If the image doesn't work, try this.
Gilbert was once a young librarian, but Time, as it is wont to do, changed that. Working at a secluded and prestigious library called the Watching Raven where many scholars congregated to debate the ifs and whats and other such things about sciences both magical and physical, Gilbert was not the wisest nor smartest in his circles. Instead, his specialty was bounding up tall bookcases to get to where the oldest (and therefore most coveted) books were stored.
His was a difficult yet rewarding job, but eventually something changed. The other librarians and researchers began to whisper anxiously. Apparently, a great sage was to return to the Raven for the first time in over a decade, bringing dire news. When he arrived, however, he was not alone. As the sage gathered all present into a lecture hall to announce his news, an expertly-aimed tipped arrow pierced his chest, and he died before taking another breath. Fires started everywhere, and a volley of arrows from a league of trained attackers littered the large room in fresh corpses. If not for his quick thinking and speed, Gilbert would have perished along with the many others, but instead he managed to narrowly escape the room. Although he did want to survive, he wanted more than anything to preserve what he could of the library before it became naught but ash. He rapidly bounded up to the oldest (and therefore most coveted) book that he knew of in the library; the ornate spellbook that he carries today, filled to the brim with arcane lore (in runes and glyphs that nobody has been able to read for a millennia, so honestly not that useful).
After that, he slinked out of the library, unnoticed by the assassins. Although he did not see any others leave, there is a chance that some of his colleagues did survive, as a number were arcane practitioners of notable prowess with their own means of movement. After leaving the Raven, Gilbert knew he had a purpose. He wanted to enact vengeance on those who killed his colleagues and burned his home, and he wanted to learn the secret that they had seemingly done so to protect. He began to study the spellbook he had taken, managing to slowly pick up a few bits and pieces of arcane knowledge as he engaged with the tome. He also studied the blade in his off time, learning how to augment his physical attacks with wizardry.
Clip, clop, clip, clop. Cathunk. Clip clip clip. Clop clop clop.
The horribly unrhythmic sounds of the horses were distracting Gilbert from his studying. He decided he would take a break from his usual practice of looking at his spellbook until his eyes bled, and instead try socializing with the others in the caravan; A half elf and a couple of humans, who were currently in the process of absent-mindedly towering over Gilbert. He found that towering was quite a habit with many he came in contact with.
"Excuse me, but... where are we going?" The others in the caravan stopped towering for a second so that they could redirect all their combined energy into staring holes into Gilbert. After the most pregnant silence Gilbert had ever experienced, which he estimated was roughly a month overdue, there was a response. "Darkshelf," said the half elf, "Darkshelf Quarry."
"Ah, I see. And, uhm, is there coin to be earned there for a practicing magician?" The half elf replied, "Maybe. Depends on if you've got any of those explode-and-kill-things spells." One of the humans piped in, "Those spells are no joke. I once saw somebody disintegrated with just a word. I wou-" The other human, seemingly the man's sister, interjected a "shut up" with iciness that might as well have disintegrated him. Gilbert decided against asking more questions, having gathered that this group wouldn't know or care about the happenings in the library world, and quickly the group returned to studying and towering and such. He flipped to the "Explode-and-Kill-Things Spells" chapter of his book and began to decipher what he could. If he wanted to have any chance of avenging the Raven, he needed coin and he needed practice. And, based on what he knew of magic, he probably needed quite a few shiny rocks.
Clip, clop, clip, clop. Clap. Cla-clunk, clip clop clip clop.
A couple questions as well:
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny.
Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
There is a very specific reason why Eberron isn't in the included list of allowed materials. To that end, I will say a hearty "No" to the feat.
Jesus saves. Everyone else takes damage.
Fair enough and thanks for getting back to me. Then, I will use the alternative.
|| Tryncaryn - Halfling Monk/Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak || Berry - Fairy Barbarian - Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver || Taya - Mysterious Fighter - Echoes of Empire || Myrla Stardust - Wood Elf Rogue - After the Fall ||
For the familiar question...I've already banned the spell outright in other games, and I'm close to doing so here. However, I wanted to at least give people the option of getting it at some point, and that point is in-game. When we get there we can revisit these potential changes.
As far as multiple characters: No. If you submit more than one character, how do I know which one you really want to play? How do I know that you aren't going to just get bored with the second one?
Jesus saves. Everyone else takes damage.
I have updated the first post of this thread to indicate you need to include your character Background in your post as I cannot see them in the D&D Beyond sheets. I cannot validate character sheets without seeing this.
Jesus saves. Everyone else takes damage.
Sorry, forgot to mention that Grrzark is a Volo's goblin, not a multiverse goblin.
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Character Name: Paavu "Brightsmile" Goldmead, Clan Goldmead
Character Race and Class: Custom (Tasha's; +2 INT), Feat: Resilient - Constitution; Class - Monk (most likely Way of the Drunken Master)
Character Background: Guild Artisan
Character Portrait: see Spoiler
Character Personality (no more than a paragraph please): Paavu is a fun-loving, hardworking woman (half-dwarf, half-goliath) who prefers contests of drink to contests of strength and has found a true passion in the brewing of honeyed-meads and dark ales for her family, friends and clan. She has garnered a name for herself (Brightsmile) in being incomparably cheery to most of the other stern-faced brewers in the clan, and has found that many of her younger cousins would rather spend time in her company than in that of their other immediate relatives.
Character Backstory (no more than 4 paragraphs please): Paavu is a proud daughter of her father, Fargrim Goldmead (dwarf), and mother, Nalla "Steadyhand" Akannathi (goliath), and member (through her mother's union to her father) of Clan Goldmead. She has become a capable brewer in her own right (and a passable metalworker) and regularly assists in making deliveries with her fellow clan members.
Much of her inspiration has been derived from the festivals her clan has attended and participated in, and though her brews are good enough for her family, they've never quite been enough for the judges at the other competitions (though Fargrim and Nalla would decry them, saying they were rigged in favor of the hosting clan). Nevertheless, she's placed well at cosmopolitan events and made contacts and gained a few friendships because of this.
One of her personal heroes (apart from her parents and a kindly uncle) is the fabled warrior-brewer, Brewer Li. A human monk, he seemed to Paavu more like an always red-faced clown, eager to make her and others nearby laugh, but also capable of allowing all manner of unkind jests and insults to wash off of himself like a splash of water. She once witnessed him surrounded in a festival square by all manner of adult males who were well into their cups and intent on challenging this lone individual to a contest of force, but—as though in a haze of drink herself—she watched in awe as he single-handedly twisted and turned, leapt and dived and sent each one of the men crashing into tents, into festival-goers, into middenheaps and worse. This served to elevate this fool of a man into somewhat of a hero (and, if she's honest, her first crush).
Since that particular day, Paavu has spent a good deal of her earnings and extra time in acquiring scrolls, books and parchments with techniques on hand-to-hand fighting, dodging, and related fitness activities that would allow her to become even an ounce as fine as Brewer Li. Yes, she still enjoys her drink, but there's a personal dedication to physical self-betterment that has arisen in Paavu as a result of having witnessed Brewer Li's feats of daring that day.
A writing sample of how your character came to be in Darkshelf: It was for a delivery, nothing more. It wasn't uncommon for a Goldmead caravan to hit the road for weeks, making deliveries and stopping at festivals and guild gatherings along the way, and Darkshelf was just a stop on the path for Paavu and the Goldmead Clan.
She'd been at the local drinking establishments and chatting with the staff and regulars over a tall pint and heard the various rumors. It seemed like the locals were worried... frightened, even, and that was when she had the vision. Well, daydream, more likely. It wasn't as though she hadn't pictured herself fighting off groups of drunken sods before—she'd bested a number of her cousins in informal wrestling and grappling matches, and the people here weren't indicating that it was a big concern that might involve an army. Surely this would be a good opportunity to test out her personal capabilities, right?
Paavu gathered a few supplies (do-gooders came prepared, right?), let her parents know she was going to stay in Darkshelf for a few days and promised she'd catch up with the caravan at their next stop.
A link to your Character Sheet (whether that be here at D&D Beyond or another site you prefer for sheets): Paavu "Brightsmile" Goldmead, Clan Goldmead
FYI for anyone paying attention to the recruitment thread!
I have done reviews on all of the characters to this point, and I have sent PM's to those of you who need to clean stuff up. If you are unsure as to whether or not your character passes muster, by all means ask! I'm not perfect, and I'm sure I have forgotten and/or will forget something!
Jesus saves. Everyone else takes damage.
Name: Stoney Tark
Race and Class: Rock Gnome artificer (armorer very likely, slight chance of wizard multi-class)
Background: guild artisan / merchant
Portrait/Personality/Backstory/Arrival at Darkshelf:
Personality: Arrogant, but recently humbled and haunted. Confident, even though he is afraid of making mistakes. Makes jokes and condescending comments, even though he knows it will get him in trouble. He was originally chaotic neutral, now neutral with some good leanings. He doesn't have to be reminded as often that it isn't always about him and his ego.
Backstory: Unlike more peaceful gnomes, Tark designs and builds weapons. He was part of a guild of arms merchants, and he took pride in his work. That changed when a criminal gang attacked their factory, taking all the goods and enslaving the workers to make more weapons for the bandits. Tark was stunned to see that the attackers were armed with weapons that his guild made, including some of his work. After weeks of being beaten and forced to make more weapons, he eventually made enough tools in secret to escape their compound. He stumbled into the wilds, lost and disorientated.
Tark was eventually found unconscious, clutching driftwood while floating down a river, by good-natured village farmers. He spent several weeks recovering in their village, getting back his health and crafting items to repay their kindness. He still obsesses about his work, but now he is aware of the harm his creations can do. While he appreciates the serenity in the village, he leaves them to regain fame and fortune in the cities. And perhaps, when he is stronger, get a measure of revenge on the evil-doers who upended his life.
How your character came to be in Darkshelf: It should be simple to get to the gnomish clans of the Flinty Hill, and find more lucrative work. So why does every day find Tark further and further away? Maybe he could have asked for better directions, but any fool can read a map. And when he got a ride with that merchant wagon, and they said they had a surefire shortcut through the Gnatmarsh, who knew it would turn out disastrously?
Tark has been able to find enough work, village to village, to keep his belly full. But his purse is much lighter than he would like. His random path leads him to Darkshelf. Probably too small for a well paying job, but a mining community probably could use someone handy with both a smith's hammer and a jeweler's loupe. And its location on the coast might improve the luck on his journey. Hopefully he can find a (safe) boat, either west to the riches of Greyhawk or to the east closer to the Flinty Hills.
And if he comes across Sea of Gearnat pirates, who may have been involved with the scum who trashed his former livelihood?
Maybe there will be an opportunity to work off some personal grievances.
Link to Sheet: https://ddb.ac/characters/94513695/sargn3
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
I have added 2 channels to the Discord server:
At the current time, everyone can read the channels, but posting is turned off. Once the game starts, I will have a channel specific to OOC chatter that the group will be able to post in.
Jesus saves. Everyone else takes damage.
Hello, I am a new player.
You seem like a systematic DM and I hope I can tune in. My character description is listed below.
Character Name
Oskar Dankil
Character Race and Class (with potential Subclass, if you are already thinking that far ahead)
Hill Dwarf / Cleric (Life Domain)
Character Background
Acolyte
Character Portrait
Character Personality (no more than a paragraph please)
I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace. I am tolerant of other faiths and respect the worship of other gods.
Character Backstory (no more than 4 paragraphs please)
Oskar Dankil has been a faithful and simple minded cleric. He spent most of his time in temple, learn and practice god's teachings. To prove himself worthy of god’s favor, he is now traveling, helping who is in need. He indeed helped some folks (cleaning up the town quarter after festival, looking for a lost pet, helping kids with their homework...) Oskar knows well being epic is not the purpose of this journey, but something is just missing. Being a good guy is not enough, this will not earn him the favor of the god. The journey goes on...
How your character came to be in Darkshelf
Along his journey, Oskar came across and helped a wounded young human to find a shelter. The kid was running, trying to hide from slave merchant related to a slave camp in Darkshelf. Oskar took this encounter as an oracle, it got to be a call, a mission given by the god. This is his destiny to save the poor suffering slaves in Darkshelf. However, Oskar is not reckless, this is not a task he can handle alone. He is now approaching Darkshelf and looking for other adventurers with this common goal.
(Please feel free to edit to fit the opening of the campaign)
Character Sheet Link
https://ddb.ac/characters/94487784/SQUZ0h
Note: I have used D&D Beyond to create this, but with access to a number of books so I'm unsure if any are not in the required books. If anything is not supposed to be used, let me know and I will change it.
Ability Scores
Starting Ability Scores (using Standard Array)
STR: 10 | DEX: 15 | CON: 13 | WIS: 12 | CHA: 8
Racial ASI - Half-Elf : "Your Charisma score increases by 2, and two other ability scores of your choice increase by 1." == +2 CHA, +1 CON, + 1 DEX
Tasha Custom Options: changed +2 CHA to +2 INT
Starting Ability Scores (Final):
STR: 10 | DEX: 16 | CON: 14 | INT: 16 | WIS: 12 | CHA: 8
Character Name: Alex Dane
Character Gender/Pronouns: Male, He/Him.
Character Race: Half-Elf [PHB]
Class: Wizard [PHB]
Subclass (Planned): Bladesinging [TCoE]
Character Background: Urchin [PHB]
Character Personality: Shy, a little skittish. Somewhat aloof. Seems to try and have as little presence as possible and often manages this, despite their size. Head is often lowered a little but their eyes are always observing everything around them. They always seem uncomfortable - as if untrusting of everyone around them. When speaking they seem rather socially awkward as though unused to conversation yet will maintain eye contact, in spite of their shyness. If one catches a glimpse of Alex when they are not noticing, they seem to be discreetly eyeing everyone up - as though expecting a fight. Those with a discerning nature may glean from Alex's demeanour and behaviour that he had spent a lot of time having to fight for every scrap he got, in order to survive.
Character Appearance: 6 ft tall. Toned physique hidden behind simple baggy clothing. Dark reddish-brown hair. Eyes are very dark brown, almost black. Naturally tan skin. Simple features except for a slight scar on his left eyebrow. Simple dagger sheathed on his basic belt. Standard backpack with usual travel gear on his back. He wears a ring on the middle-finger of his left hand which is silver with 3 gems: 2 blue gems and a slightly bigger red gem between them. The gems are inexpensive looking. Those of a particular mind or skill may be able to recognise the ring as an Arcane Focus - the only indication that Alex may be a spellcaster of some kind. Of course this is because they cannot see his spellbook in his backpack.
Character Image / Portrait:
Character Token:
Character Voice: Soft-spoken, a bit quiet. Mild tone.
Character Backstory:
Alex's father died at war before Alex was born. He was raised by his single mother until the age of 2 when she died from illness. He was then raised in an orphanage until the age of 8. It was not a nice place - children had to fight for their scraps of food and they were not allowed belongings or toys. The people running the orphanage were neglectful - the orphanage was less about altruism and more about the right to brag about the 'altruism'. They received many donations and very little went to the care of the kids and mostly lined the pockets of whoever ran it. Alex never learned the names of those who owned the orphanage - or even remembers the name of the orphanage itself. It was just a building where he learned how to punch kids he could punch, hide from those he couldn't and stash his food for rationing. He was never very strong, lost more fights than he won, and he got tired of it. He left and lived on the streets learning how to steal from homes and pockets.
At age 14 he picked the pocket of a drow woman who managed to realise, track him down and taken by the scruff of his neck to her simple abode. She then, gave him food, told him where he could sleep and gave him a choice: learn the blade, learn magic, and return to the world better equipped to survive, or run and probably die to hunger, thirst, a vengeful target or disease. He chose the former and so was adopted by this woman, Ygritte Dane - a wizard. She taught him basic magic and the art of Bladesinging - a way to incorporate magic into a dance-like swordplay. Ygritte had once been like him - an orphan on the street. She was eventually taken in by a human woman and her high-elf bladesinging husband. Thanks to their kindness Ygritte survived and became a better person. She vowed to help those like herself whenever encountered. She adopted Alex, taught him her ways.
Turning 18, Alex was now a man and could fend for himself. He decided to go travel. He learned a fair bit but on returning home 2 years later, to the day, he found Ygritte had been murdered in her home. The city guard were already at scene - informing him the culprits realised she was a wizard and attacked her as she slept. They had already been found and killed by guards in their escape attempt. Alex returned to adventuring but his party needed coin and so turned on their newest member - stripped him of everything including his magical sword, his spellbook, everything. Having lost literally everything in a span of a few months - his adoptive mother, his home, his belongings, his so-called-friends... He fell into depression. Nevertheless, he had a fighting spirit and over the course of 4 years slowly began to find himself again. He managed to steal enough for supplies, a new blank spellbank into which he copied the few spells he could remember, and was once again on his way. He hadn't used his bladesinging in all this time - he was rusty and it brought back memories he could not yet face. The day will come, just not yet.
A writing sample of how your character came to be in Darkshelf:
"You're sure that's where they were headed?" Alex asked the oversized half-orc as he stared at the notes he was just given. The sounds of the tavern's patrons little but a buzz in the back of his mind at this point.
"Aye," the half-orc answered gruffly. He was a rotund balding fellow in a stained cloth shirt and few would give him a second-glance, but this person was more shrewd than most. He was an information broker and a darn good one, too. He took a large swig of ale, gave an odd half-burp half-growl and continued: "Fella met yer description an' the company he 'ired the 'orses from confirmed the destination."
Alex stared at the note in his hand with a quizzical look. "Seriously, Garth, a quarry? They're adventurers, even if split up, why would they seek a quarry?"
"Coz," replied Garth, "ain't no simple quarry. Darkshelf Quarry has secrets. The dwarf in charge seem sus. Those in tha knows be knowin' there's far more to that quarry than one ought to know. Anyhowsits, that alls I gots fer ya. None else matchin' yer descriptions have passed through that could be yer previous buddies." He shrugged and held out a hand. With a sigh Alex handed him the gold, nodded and left without a further word.
This was a long shot. There was no confirmation this was actually one of his old adventuring party. Could just be a normal person with normal business at this quarry. In fact, it very much seemed like it. But this was the last lead. Better than nothing and who knows - even if it was a dead-end then maybe there'll be something of interest at this Darkshelf Quarry?
He checked his coin pouch. Not much left. After travel and supplies he'd have like 10 gold at best remaining. Not good. Also, should he go alone? He much preferred it of course but it could be dangerous. Could be? Oh what was he thinking. It was definitely dangerous. Combine with the decline in his skills in blade, magic and even health this was certainly not ideal. He would need to find a group - others wanting to investigate this quarry. Shouldn't be too difficult, right, if this quarry was as suspicious as it seemed to be? Yes, unfortunately, he definitely needs a group.
Now... Where to begin?
Character Link: https://ddb.ac/characters/94811501/8htxKj
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Name: Ash Silverstone
Race and Class: Mountain Dwarf Wizard (Heading towards Diviner)
Background: City Watch / Investigator
Backstory:
Ash was born into the Silverstone family of renowned smiths located in the Flinty Hills. He inherited his parents physical strength, but none of their skill in the trade. He would become distracted at the forge and spend his time studying the fire rather than the metal. Despite his best efforts, his hands would shake and he could never manage the detailed work. Realising that he needed a new path he joined the Watch and spent over 250 years protecting Schukendale and its allied towns. Never considered a hero, he dedicated himself to the Watch and the everyday tasks that kept the people safe. He found himself well suited to the life of a Watchman, his strength allowing him to break-up fights and his inquisitive mind enjoying the puzzles involved in solving everyday crime. Ash’s life continued in this routine until one day a young wizard, Rulfar, joined the Watch. Ash mentored Rulfar by showing him the ways of the Watch, which taverns to avoid and who to keep an eye on. What Ash didn’t expect was to learn as much from Rulfar as he was teaching him. During the long nights on patrol Rulfar would show Ash his spellbook and the ways of magic. Quite unexpectedly Ash found that he had an aptitude for magic. Now in his twilight years Ash has started on a new path. He wants to see how far he can take his magical powers in the only way he knows how, through focused application. Therefore Ash sets out into the world, to see if there are larger crimes that need solving and bigger mysteries that could push his magical limits. He may not be as strong or as quick as he once was, but it's time to show that he can still be useful and it’s never too late to try something new.
Character Personality:
Ash is still a Watchman at heart. He loves puzzles, hates injustice and will always look to work within the law. Now in his autumn years, he doesn’t have anything to prove or lose. He is happy to support others and offers guidance based on his years of experience. He prefers to end any conflict peacefully if possible, but he knows that diplomacy doesn’t always work. He is decisive when required and won’t hesitate to reach for his trusty staff when needed.
His magic is still new to him, and he is still finding the best way to use his spells in a fight.
He is generally amiable and has spent over 250 years dealing with people of all walks of life, who are often annoyed, drunk or angry at the time.
Example Text:
Ash sits back in his chair in the Watch house, he looks at the younger Dwarf opposite him and says “Well Otto, it's an interesting tale. Lets just go over the details one last time so I can be sure that I have them straight”. Ash looks down at his notebook as he recounts the relevant details “So you are saying that there was an accident in the Darkshelf mine and three of your friends were lost?”. Otto is still obviously shaken by the whole experience and just nods in reply. Ash takes this as confirmation and continues “Obviously a tragedy, but not an unusual one in a mine.” Otto gets a bit defensive at this point and says “But that’s not all Uncle, there is something wrong in that mine, I don’t trust Brazili one bit and there was that issue with the slavers”. Ash can tell that Otto is getting agitated and makes a placating gesture before consulting his notes again. “Ahh yes, this mysterious new manager of the mine. I had heard about his fight and execution of the slavers. A bit blood thirsty in my opinion, but I don’t like to judge what I wasn’t there to see myself. The question is, what do you expect me to do about it? I have always been fond of you Otto, but Darkshelf is a bit out of my jurisdiction to put it mildly and no clear crime has been committed.” Otto calms himself, looks Ash in the eyes and says clearly “I’m not sure uncle, they were my friends that died. You always told me to trust my instincts and I don’t think it was just an accident. I’m not sure what else to do or where else to go, I just wanted to tell someone and I’ve always looked up to you.”
Ash is no more immune to flattery than anyone else and it's nice to feel needed. He considers this and says “Well Otto, I had been meaning to take a trip and stretch myself. Darkshelf seems as good a destination as any and there isn’t anything here that cannot wait. I can’t promise anything and I won’t interfere with the locals, but I will have a look around and see if your instincts are onto something. How does that sound?” Otto brightens at this news and says “Thankyou, thankyou uncle I knew that I could always count on you. I hope that I’m wrong about this, but I still have friends in Darkshelf and I would never forgive myself if I haven’t tried to do something.”
Portrait:
Character Sheet: https://ddb.ac/characters/93535472/yTB2cn
I’m still a bit new to PBP, 5e and D&DBeyound. Therefore please let me know of any mistakes as they are unintentional. I have used some of the starting gold to purchase some padded armour, which I think is consistent with his Dwarven feats and background. I’m happy to change any of the details to fit into the narrative as required.
Gan-Re: Aarakocra Barbarian - The Wild Beyond the Witchlight | DM - Keys of Empire