Welcome to "The Shadows & The Forgotten Forge", an adapted adventure from the premade campaing "The Forgotten Forge", designed as an introduction to the world of Eberron e centered in Sharn, the City of Towers! This first post will serve as a roadmap guiding our adventurers (and our viewers) to better navigate through the campaign.
To open a communication channel and a respectful discussion to setup expectations, establish boundaries, and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the game, which is key to setup a safe and enjoyable environment for all those involved.
DM and main mindset
I´m a Dnd player for many years, recently exploring Eberron with more details and DMing a presential party. I enjoy dynamic combats but also love the creativity and good moments of stories and investigations roleplay. Thus, players are free to choose the approach that make than happy! Our main aim is having fun!
Hard Limits
Aiming to prevent uncomfortable situations and ensure everyone's emotional well-being. Nonnegotiable.
Graphic Sex/Sexual Content (no restriction for romance or flirt)
Taboo Topics (such as sexual assault, racism, or other potentially triggering subjects)
Violence toward children
Harassment
Excess of Vulgarity (offensive and explicit sexual content)
Other possible boundaries (using our common sense):
PvP (Player versus Player): Main mindset is maintaining a cooperative atmosphere, however we could be open to characters´ fight and harm each other under certain circumstances and RP context.
Party Betrayal: same sense of PvP
Some expectations are obvious, but doesn't hurt to remember
DM and players should respect each other and their expected roles
DM will drive the campaign following the basic rules and guidelines defined in this session, taking decisions when there are lacks of further details or orientations, and presenting addional rules, if needed
Players should be committed with the good progress of the adventure and shall to communicate the DM if are facing any difficulty for this as soon as can.
Players who intentionally behave against the rules could be dismissed from the party by the group decision.
Expected rhythm
Interactions will be expected at least twice or three time a week.
DM usually will be connected daily in the end of the day (UTC +1) interacting when appropriated.
If a character does not interact after a week and this is interrupting the development of the campaign, the DM may decide to take on the character for a period no longer than two weeks
Players absent without justification for more than three weeks will automatically be dismissed from the party.
1. Narrate your character's actions with plain black text.
2. Have your character speak, "like this". The speech text should be emboldened and in a color of your choosing (be sure to choose a readble color)
3. "I can state my inner monologue like this", Charlie thinks to himself. Similar to your speech text, but italicized instead of emboldened.
4. [OOC] Tag out of character text like this, however, avoid using it too much. I did open a server is Discord in this link "discord chanel to OOC chat" Fell free to use it.
5. You can link spells, actions, and skills with a tooltip by putting the name in-between "tags". [ spell]Magic Missile[ /spell] turns into Magic Missile when the spaces are taken out of the brackets. [ action]Disengage[ /action] turns into Disengage. [ skill]Stealth[ /skill] turns into Stealth
6. Thinking ahead and posting rolls you think you might need to make ahead of time can be useful, although sometimes they may not be used. ie. Charlie moves in to examine the statue's area more closely. Investigation20
7. Below this is an example of a standard combat turn. You need to include a detailed description of your actions along with your rolls. If I impose advantage or disadvantage after the fact, or you want to expend a bardic inspiration die etc... Just edit the post from your turn, and add the new roll at the bottom of the post. All of this is done using the dice roller, which is the small dice icon in the toolbar.
Charlie runs across the courtyard, towards the goblin (goblin 2) closest to the well, making a heavy two handed swing with his battle-axe! Attack Attack: 24 Damage: 14
8. You can also use a spoiler to add extra rolls you think you might need, or other messages. Do this by highlighting the text you want to be in the spoiler, then clicking the exclamation point icon in the toolbar.
9. Separating by paragraphs at conversation breaks or at logical action breaks is a good idea. Strive to not post “one-liners.” Simply post ‘Joe the Paladin whacks the goblin´ is not very exciting.’ To try to weave in some narrative, for example: ‘Joe the Paladin ducks under the goblin’s hammer, easily sidestepping the crude swipe. His ornate mace slams against the goblin’s head, delivering a powerful smite in the name of Thor.’ Is a step in the right direction.
10. Put your character's name in your signature line, with your character's text color denoted there. You have to go to the "Account menu", then click the "Profile" tab to change your signature. VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
How to play: tooltips & guidelines
How do the tooltips/links to spells etc work?
D&D Beyond offers the ability to link certain aspects on the forum in mouse-over triggered tooltips, such as magic items, monsters or combat actions - examples being Adult Black Dragon and dash. To create tooltips in this way as these, use the appropriate [tag][/tag] around the desired subject.
Example: [ magicitem]sunblade[/ magicitem] (Without spaces within the [ ] brackets.)
Use the following within the [ ][/ ] bracket system:
The Traveler The Traveler, titled "The Sovereign of Chaos and Change" and in some lands known as the Giver of Gifts, is a chaotic neutral or unaligned deity of the Dark Six. The Traveler presides over the portfolios of chaos, deception, evolution, invention, and transformation; or influences the areas of change, cunning, deception, and innovation; or oversees the provinces of change and chaos.[8] It has an aspect as a god of artifice and artificers. Followers of the god are known as Travelers.
Sharn, the largest city on the continent of Khorvaire and one of the defining locations of the nation of Breland, with population of around 200,000, looms atop an inhospitable outcropping of rock near the mouth of the Dagger River.
The "City of Towers" is built on a pool of lava, literally, and rises high into the cloud-filled sky (within magic influence), growing upward within the limited space available on a plateau. The bounderies:
on the west and south by the Dagger River and its eastern tributary, the Hilt.
to the north and east, steep cliffs
The structure of Sharn is divided into three different ways: the plateau/quarter, the wards, and the districts.
The Plateau (sometimes also called quarters): In an unknown moment, thousand and thousand years ago, deep chasms formed by volcanic action had cut a huge plateau into five distinct parts. When Sharn was built as it is, those areas become to be the five regions as the primary division of the city:
Dura / on the west
Tavick's Landing / on the east
northedge / to the north
the Central Plateau / in the center
Menthis Plateau / in the center
The Plateaus: main division of Sharn
The second division, the wards, is based on how high up in the towers on is. The central part of the city has three levels: Lower, Middle, and Upper City. Bellow these levels, The Depths and The Cogs (and the Lava Pools, which is not properly considered part of the city). Above, The Skyway. Additionally, there is the Cliffside district built into the sides of the cliff near the Dagger River.
Resuming, from the top:
skyway
Upper City
middle city
Lower City
The Detphs
The Cogs
Lava Pools See the map Sharn - a vertical city
From there, each plateau-ward combination is broken up into districts that contain zones of similar purposes. Citizens of Sharn will often use the ward-plateau name when referring to any general area (such as Upper Dura or Middle Central), or the district name when referring to a specific place (like Mithral Tower).
Rylia Lionrage: A human with a passion for both wizardry and music. Despite her studies in becoming a wizard, her true love lies in playing the viol. She's a skilled musician who has performed in taverns, trying to make a living through her music.
Green-eyed Bryn: A changeling rogue with a unique ability to assume different forms. He frequents taverns, often performing and enjoying a drink. Bryn has come to Sharn to use his shapeshifting skills to earn money. He knows Rylia and they maintain a friendly acquaintance.
Brother Coltinar Varoon: Coltinar is dedicated to helping reintegrate warforged into society. He has lived in a monastery and is compassionate toward those affected by the aftermath of the Last War. His goal is to support warforged, who were created for battle and then discarded, to find their place in the world again.
Paladin: A warforged paladin who has found purpose in the Church of the Silverflame. He is passionate about combating evil and corruption and has recently graduated as a warrior. Eager to begin his quest, he's determined to make a positive impact.
Arr Rage (R4G3): Arr is a warforged barbarian who appears lost at times. Rescued after being discarded due to malfunction, they arrived in Sharn seeking to start anew. Brother Coltinar and Paladin have been among the people who helped them rebuild their life.
Braxiel: Braxiel is an elf with a strong interest in history and magic. He taught history for two centuries before his mentor encouraged him to venture out and learn more about the current state of Eberron. Starting in the City of Towers, Braxiel seeks to understand the power of magic and combine it with his scholarly knowledge.
The secular world of Eberron has just come out of a 100-year war on the continent of Korvaire, which resulted in the fragmentation of the Galifar Empire between the five distinct nations of Aundair, Breland, Cyre, Karrnath, and Thrane under the signature of the Treaty of Thronehold . The war involved all nations and changed the geopolitics of Korvaire. Now, in 998 YK, two years after the end of the war, tensions between the nations are still running high. Some people still predicts that a new war will happen again, It's just not known when. it´s a matter of time.
During the war there were several techno-arcane advances, such as the creation of the Warforged, that now are exercising their peaceful nature and trying to integrate into society, many of them in Sharn, the largest city in Khorvaire.
Sharn is considered the jewel of the nation of Breland. It was built under ruins of the goblinoid empire dating back thousands of years before humans emerged in Khorvaire, from a goblinoid city. As a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis that towers majestically over the River Hilt and is known for its gigantic towers, which stretch skyward, the city is a melting pot of cultures and races, with inhabitants ranging from humans and elves to dwarves, gnomes and half-orcs to changelings and Kalashtar, besides the warforged.
The architecture is a true spectacle, with tall, intricate towers, elevated bridges that connect buildings, and streets that wind through the buildings. In the heart of the city lies the Central Quarter, home to some of Sharn's tallest and most prestigious towers. It is here that the powerful rulers of Breland reside, as well as the rich and famous of the city. However, the city also has its darkest and most dangerous neighbourhoods, such as the Lower Quarter, which is known to be home to gangs, smugglers, and criminals.
Sharn is a place of opportunities, adventures and dangers. From colourful festivals to dangerous dungeons, the city has something for all kinds of challenges. And here is where a bunch of adventurers, coming from different lives, cross the way of each other and a new journey begins.
So, Shadows, welcome to Sharn, the City of Towers and let´s roll the dice!
The characters met in a tavern in Upper City after watching a performance by Rylia and Bryn. As they walked together on a rainy night, they stumbled upon the body of Professor Bonel, who had been murdered. While examining the body, they were attacked by a warforged. After an intense confrontation, they managed to subdue it and were approached by Sharn's city guard, led by Lieutenant Dolom.
After the skirmish, they received a warning from a hooded figure to go to the Broken Anvil Tavern, where they met Lady Elaydren, a member of House Cannith. She hired them to recover a historically significant and ancestral artifact, a schema of a seven-pointed star-shaped adamantine plate. This artifact had been stolen by a servant of the Lord of Blades, a warforged leader opposed to society.
Lady Elaydren promised assistance in upgrading the characters' equipment and resolving legal issues for Arr, the warforged in the group. Elaydren also revealed that the attack on the group was related to Professor Bonel's diary, which they now possessed. She explained that the diary contains information about the location of an ancient Cannith forge.
The group visited the House Sivis Enclave to address Arr's document issue and also made some discoveries about his origin and a catastrophic event known as the "Day of Mourning." They also assisted Rust, a warforged shop owner, in dealing with poisoned giant rats.
Meanwhile, Rylia received a complimentary tattoo that seemed to be linked to House Phiarlan, an entertainment house with illusion and disguise abilities. Bryn had dreams that revealed more about his changeling origin and his connection to "The Traveler," a deity.
The group attended a show at the tavern and had a friendly encounter with performers from House Phiarlan. They received a proposal from Ruven Phiarlan for Bryn to join House Phiarlan. At the end of their last rest, some of the characters had visions and insights about their personal stories and connections.
Now, the group is preparing to travel to the Cannith Forgehold in Ashblack, with the mission of recovering the artifact and facing the challenges that may arise in their path. Their journey continues, with many questions about their past and the future of Eberron yet to be answered.
The night is almost over after a busy festival day on the streets of Upper City.
There are no longer so many people on the streets, but a few still enjoy watching the last remaining artists doing their performances and hoping to, luckily, receive some last coins tonight.
From a small square where there is a gazebo adorned with flowers and colourful flags all around, comes the pleasant sound of a violin.
On the other side, on the balcony of a small tavern which seems to be preparing to close, a male figure is sitting, having a drink. He seems like a tall human, but looks like a bit different, has a serene and tranquil expression with large and deep-set eyes, and a diagonal mark designed in the skin of his face. He is accompanied by two warforged with whom he chats animatedly. They are looking toward the sidewalk on the other side, where, close to the gazebo and lulled by the sound coming from the violin, a figure gives performances playing different characters and mimicking different known Sharn personalities, and discuss if it could be a trick of illusionism or other kind of magic.
To the northest of the square, sitting on a bench farther away from the noises of the city, but at a point where his hearing still reaches, in the background, the melody coming from the violin, an Elf seems focused on reading the last pages of his book.
///--- Time to bright! The floor is yours! Take some time to introduce your character. Who are they? What do they look like? At this point, you can also explore why they are here, and other characteristics or feelings. Or you can do this along the campaign, depending on how you intent to develop you character and its backstory ---///
The impressionist normally only works the crowds during the musician's breaks so as not to distract attention away from her. He impersonates the public figures of Sharn, sometimes making fun of them, sometimes making grand soliloquies about leadership and the Last War. But as the evening comes to an end and the crowds thin out, he decides to 'supplement' her routine. Those who watch his performance are amazed at his quick changes of appearance - which he does behind a portable screen to hide how he accomplishes the changes. Perhaps they are exceptional masks - or maybe quick makeup? But most likely it's some kind of illusion magic. Either way, his green eyes are always apparent to the very observant.
Paladin is clearly one of the former Juggernaut units, with a frame that reaches 7 feet of shining steel and arcane engineering. He sits in his chair next to new friends having been celebrating his recent graduation to active duty for the Silver Flame.
In fact, his forehead has a white, phosphorescent flame emblazoned overtop of where his identifying rune once was. He has been proudly displaying it, and voiced his eagerness to prove his value in the church's fight against evil.
Tonight, he sits with his pack, an ordinary, slightly worn shield and a Dwarvish warhammer resting over a rucksack. His feet are resting up on a chair across from him, and the lights of his eyes move across his plain faceplate to rest on the entertainer, as he rambles to his friends.
"It has to be magic. I don't think such a thing is possible without it. That's amazing how quickly it changes. I could watch all night."
While the violinist has been playing various tunes throughout the evening, the tune she now plays is more of a tone poem. The different tempos and melodies all give vague impressions of different characters. There are the melancholy strains of the young traveler, lost and frightened. The relentless beats of a villainous swordsman chasing after. And the mysterious melody of an unknown being lurking about the shadows. Throughout the song, the man who had been doing impressions now and then throughout the night, repeatedly shifts to new costumes as he plays out each different part. The music finally ends in a triumphant flourish of music - almost sounding like more instruments are playing than just the one - as the mysterious being is revealed to be a splendid fairy prince that rescues the traveler and leaves the swordsman empty handed.
At the end, the woman takes a bow. She is distinctly recognizable because of her bright blue hair which fades to deeper purple at the ends. She wears a slightly revealing blouse of pale blue and darker billowy pants. There is a broad smile on her face, as she clearly enjoyed the performance. "Thank you everyone!" she calls out from the small gazebo. "I really hope you enjoyed the music this evening. And please give a hand to Bryn as well!" With this last she motions towards the quick-change artist that had been performing along with her piece. "We are always looking for a good venue to play. Just ask around for Rylia!" She gives the audience a quick wink then steps down from the stage.
In contrast to Paladin, the other Warforged on the balcony looks rather worn down, rusty, and crudely patched at several locations. They must be old. They might even be one of the earlier models before they went into large scale production, but they wouldn't know. They remember precious little before they came back to life in that junkyard not too long ago. And if it hadn't be for their new friend, they'd still be stealing bits and scraps to maintain the last bit of dignity that was left in them. Or that had rekindled when they woke from the discarded and forgotten?
Sitting there on the balcony was a newfound luxury that they still weren't comfortable with, so much was obvious. They tried perpetually to find a good position, but never really got there. Now, the only thing that they had enjoyed out here had come to an end and they hoped they can finally call it a day. They get up and join in the applause for the performers, realising that they should have been standing all along, while replying to Paladin, "I think you're right but you shouldn't underestimate what one can accomplish with a quick hand, too." They reach into their pouch and pull out two gold coins, then lob one to each performer, shouting, "Thank you! Just what the night needed! You're an inspiration!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Bryn takes a slight bow at the recognition from Rylia, then points back to the amazing musician and motions for the people left to increase their applause for her. When the crowd fades away, he goes behind the partition once more and emerges as his usual self - a male human or perhaps half-breed. He wears fine clothes, although close inspection reveals them to be threadbare and cleverly stitched in places to conceal tears and holes. He collects the partition and straps a rapier and dagger to his belt before heading over to the bard.
"Great show tonight, Rylia. That last number went better than we rehearsed...you really catch the feelings of the characters in your music. I was listening to the crowd again today...most of their talk consists of ordinary things and concerns, but they were all enthralled by you. I will keep my ears open for any tales, rumors, or stories for your songs..."(OOC: DM, did Bryn hear anything of interest tonight? =) Perception: 10)
The table where the three friends are is the only one still occupied in the tavern. A friendly young dwarf waitress approaches, asking if they want to do any more orders, and letting them know that they'll close in a few more minutes. She tries to be attentive to the three customers equally, more out of sympathy than waiting for a response from the Warforged, as she knew that warforged never needed to drink or eat anything.
Rylia gives Bryn a wide smile at his words. "Were they really enthralled?" she echoes with excitement in her voice. Quickly she finishes stowing her viol and collects her things. "Well, I heard more than one person comment about how amazing your costume changes were." She leans in closer, whispering playfully to him. "You have to tell me how you do it one of these days! There's got to be magic involved right?"
She cocks her head over in the direction the nearby tavern, causing her bangs to fall over her green eyes for a moment. "Think we have time to snag one drink?" She brushes the hair back as she awaits Bryn's response.
Bryn takes a slight bow at the recognition from Rylia, then points back to the amazing musician and motions for the people left to increase their applause for her. When the crowd fades away, he goes behind the partition once more and emerges as his usual self - a male human or perhaps half-breed. He wears fine clothes, although close inspection reveals them to be threadbare and cleverly stitched in places to conceal tears and holes. He collects the partition and straps a rapier and dagger to his belt before heading over to the bard.
"Great show tonight, Rylia. That last number went better than we rehearsed...you really catch the feelings of the characters in your music. I was listening to the crowd again today...most of their talk consists of ordinary things and concerns, but they were all enthralled by you. I will keep my ears open for any tales, rumors, or stories for your songs..."(OOC: DM, did Bryn hear anything of interest tonight? =) Perception: 9)
A couple of humans and a halfling, the last listeners by the gazebo, start to walk away while making complimentary comments about the performances. The moonlights that illuminated the sharn´s night are being covered by clouds. You can no longer see Vult, the small and one of the most distant moons of Eberron, with its gray glow. While gathering his presentation material and counting the earned coins, Bryn realizes that the weather is changing, but thinks that the rain should wait until they are in a sheltered place.
Twelve moons orbit Eberron, each of which gives names to the calendar months. Vult is the furthest from them and, according to some legends, retains the forces that are hidden within the stars. When Vult is full, as it is now, it is the month of Vult, the month of shadows.
"A drink? Yes please! Let's get inside before the rains come..."Bryn responds, purposefully dodging the comment about how he changes his appearance. The costume changes were actually the tricky part - since he could only change his physical shape and appearance. But he had picked up some tricks of the trade from an actors' guild about wearing different costumes as layers and reversable items. He had acquired a decent disguise kit over the months.
Once inside Bryn hails the dwarf waitress and asks for two of their usual drinks. For Bryn, he preferred the dark and creamy oatmeal stout ale with a hint of chocolate and raspberries that was a specialty of this establishment. On several nights it served as his evening meal when the tips were light...
Braxiel is so lost in his book on the goblinoid kingdoms of old, that he does not notice the music stop playing. The man is in fine clothes and he is tall, thin, and has long black breaded hair with little gold beads lightly dispersed. He stands and stretches out his tired bones. Braxiel begins to pack away his book into a side satchel and walks towards the tavern hoping to snag himself a local ale.
When he steps in, he will go straight to the bar, "Barkeep, what is good for an old university teacher who is celebrating a promotion?"
Welcome
Welcome to "The Shadows & The Forgotten Forge", an adapted adventure from the premade campaing "The Forgotten Forge", designed as an introduction to the world of Eberron e centered in Sharn, the City of Towers!
This first post will serve as a roadmap guiding our adventurers (and our viewers) to better navigate through the campaign.
Table of Content
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
Session Zero
The purpose
To open a communication channel and a respectful discussion to setup expectations, establish boundaries, and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the game, which is key to setup a safe and enjoyable environment for all those involved.
DM and main mindset
I´m a Dnd player for many years, recently exploring Eberron with more details and DMing a presential party.
I enjoy dynamic combats but also love the creativity and good moments of stories and investigations roleplay.
Thus, players are free to choose the approach that make than happy!
Our main aim is having fun!
Hard Limits
Aiming to prevent uncomfortable situations and ensure everyone's emotional well-being. Nonnegotiable.
Other possible boundaries (using our common sense):
Some expectations are obvious, but doesn't hurt to remember
Expected rhythm
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
Aligning and evolving your character
Standard decisions
Additional issues
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
Campaign Formatting Guide
**good ideas steeled from other treads**
1. Narrate your character's actions with plain black text.
2. Have your character speak, "like this". The speech text should be emboldened and in a color of your choosing (be sure to choose a readble color)
3. "I can state my inner monologue like this", Charlie thinks to himself. Similar to your speech text, but italicized instead of emboldened.
4. [OOC] Tag out of character text like this, however, avoid using it too much. I did open a server is Discord in this link "discord chanel to OOC chat" Fell free to use it.
5. You can link spells, actions, and skills with a tooltip by putting the name in-between "tags".
[ spell]Magic Missile[ /spell] turns into Magic Missile when the spaces are taken out of the brackets.
[ action]Disengage[ /action] turns into Disengage.
[ skill]Stealth[ /skill] turns into Stealth
6. Thinking ahead and posting rolls you think you might need to make ahead of time can be useful, although sometimes they may not be used.
ie. Charlie moves in to examine the statue's area more closely. Investigation 20
7. Below this is an example of a standard combat turn. You need to include a detailed description of your actions along with your rolls. If I impose advantage or disadvantage after the fact, or you want to expend a bardic inspiration die etc... Just edit the post from your turn, and add the new roll at the bottom of the post. All of this is done using the dice roller, which is the small dice icon in the toolbar.
Charlie runs across the courtyard, towards the goblin (goblin 2) closest to the well, making a heavy two handed swing with his battle-axe!
Attack
Attack: 24
Damage: 14
8. You can also use a spoiler to add extra rolls you think you might need, or other messages. Do this by highlighting the text you want to be in the spoiler, then clicking the exclamation point icon in the toolbar.
9. Separating by paragraphs at conversation breaks or at logical action breaks is a good idea. Strive to not post “one-liners.” Simply post ‘Joe the Paladin whacks the goblin´ is not very exciting.’ To try to weave in some narrative, for example: ‘Joe the Paladin ducks under the goblin’s hammer, easily sidestepping the crude swipe. His ornate mace slams against the goblin’s head, delivering a powerful smite in the name of Thor.’ Is a step in the right direction.
10. Put your character's name in your signature line, with your character's text color denoted there. You have to go to the "Account menu", then click the "Profile" tab to change your signature.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
How to play: tooltips & guidelines
D&D Beyond offers the ability to link certain aspects on the forum in mouse-over triggered tooltips, such as magic items, monsters or combat actions - examples being Adult Black Dragon and dash. To create tooltips in this way as these, use the appropriate [tag][/tag] around the desired subject.
Example: [ magicitem]sunblade[/ magicitem] (Without spaces within the [ ] brackets.)
action - an action taken in combat - e.g. dodge, search and ready
condition - a condition afflicted upon a creature - e.g. restrained, poisoned and prone
item - a mundane item - e.g. torch, trident and backpack
magicItem - a magical item - e.g. Bag of Holding, Dust of Disappearance and Demon Armor
monster - a creature you can encounter - e.g. Banshee, Bandit and Unicorn
sense - a type of extra sense, whether magical or natural - e.g. darkvision, tremorsense and truesight
skill - this is used for professions - e.g. Persuasion, Stealth
spell - a magical spell - e.g. Mage Hand, Magic Missile and Abi-Dalzim’s Horrid Wilting
wprop - a property of a weapon - e.g. finesse, versatile and heavy
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
Important info about Eberron
Religion
The Dark Six
The Traveler
The Traveler, titled "The Sovereign of Chaos and Change" and in some lands known as the Giver of Gifts, is a chaotic neutral or unaligned deity of the Dark Six.
The Traveler presides over the portfolios of chaos, deception, evolution, invention, and transformation; or influences the areas of change, cunning, deception, and innovation; or oversees the provinces of change and chaos.[8] It has an aspect as a god of artifice and artificers. Followers of the god are known as Travelers.
.
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
A bit about Sharn
Sharn, the largest city on the continent of Khorvaire and one of the defining locations of the nation of Breland, with population of around 200,000, looms atop an inhospitable outcropping of rock near the mouth of the Dagger River.
The "City of Towers" is built on a pool of lava, literally, and rises high into the cloud-filled sky (within magic influence), growing upward within the limited space available on a plateau. The bounderies:
The structure of Sharn is divided into three different ways: the plateau/quarter, the wards, and the districts.
The Plateau (sometimes also called quarters): In an unknown moment, thousand and thousand years ago, deep chasms formed by volcanic action had cut a huge plateau into five distinct parts. When Sharn was built as it is, those areas become to be the five regions as the primary division of the city:
The Plateaus: main division of Sharn
The second division, the wards, is based on how high up in the towers on is. The central part of the city has three levels: Lower, Middle, and Upper City. Bellow these levels, The Depths and The Cogs (and the Lava Pools, which is not properly considered part of the city). Above, The Skyway.
Additionally, there is the Cliffside district built into the sides of the cliff near the Dagger River.
Resuming, from the top:
See the map Sharn - a vertical city
From there, each plateau-ward combination is broken up into districts that contain zones of similar purposes. Citizens of Sharn will often use the ward-plateau name when referring to any general area (such as Upper Dura or Middle Central), or the district name when referring to a specific place (like Mithral Tower).
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
Our adventures
Rylia Lionrage: A human with a passion for both wizardry and music. Despite her studies in becoming a wizard, her true love lies in playing the viol. She's a skilled musician who has performed in taverns, trying to make a living through her music.
Green-eyed Bryn: A changeling rogue with a unique ability to assume different forms. He frequents taverns, often performing and enjoying a drink. Bryn has come to Sharn to use his shapeshifting skills to earn money. He knows Rylia and they maintain a friendly acquaintance.
Brother Coltinar Varoon: Coltinar is dedicated to helping reintegrate warforged into society. He has lived in a monastery and is compassionate toward those affected by the aftermath of the Last War. His goal is to support warforged, who were created for battle and then discarded, to find their place in the world again.
Paladin: A warforged paladin who has found purpose in the Church of the Silverflame. He is passionate about combating evil and corruption and has recently graduated as a warrior. Eager to begin his quest, he's determined to make a positive impact.
Arr Rage (R4G3): Arr is a warforged barbarian who appears lost at times. Rescued after being discarded due to malfunction, they arrived in Sharn seeking to start anew. Brother Coltinar and Paladin have been among the people who helped them rebuild their life.
Braxiel: Braxiel is an elf with a strong interest in history and magic. He taught history for two centuries before his mentor encouraged him to venture out and learn more about the current state of Eberron. Starting in the City of Towers, Braxiel seeks to understand the power of magic and combine it with his scholarly knowledge.
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
Welcome to The Shadows and the Forgotten Forge
The secular world of Eberron has just come out of a 100-year war on the continent of Korvaire, which resulted in the fragmentation of the Galifar Empire between the five distinct nations of Aundair, Breland, Cyre, Karrnath, and Thrane under the signature of the Treaty of Thronehold . The war involved all nations and changed the geopolitics of Korvaire.
Now, in 998 YK, two years after the end of the war, tensions between the nations are still running high. Some people still predicts that a new war will happen again, It's just not known when. it´s a matter of time.
During the war there were several techno-arcane advances, such as the creation of the Warforged, that now are exercising their peaceful nature and trying to integrate into society, many of them in Sharn, the largest city in Khorvaire.
Sharn is considered the jewel of the nation of Breland. It was built under ruins of the goblinoid empire dating back thousands of years before humans emerged in Khorvaire, from a goblinoid city.
As a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis that towers majestically over the River Hilt and is known for its gigantic towers, which stretch skyward, the city is a melting pot of cultures and races, with inhabitants ranging from humans and elves to dwarves, gnomes and half-orcs to changelings and Kalashtar, besides the warforged.
The architecture is a true spectacle, with tall, intricate towers, elevated bridges that connect buildings, and streets that wind through the buildings.
In the heart of the city lies the Central Quarter, home to some of Sharn's tallest and most prestigious towers. It is here that the powerful rulers of Breland reside, as well as the rich and famous of the city. However, the city also has its darkest and most dangerous neighbourhoods, such as the Lower Quarter, which is known to be home to gangs, smugglers, and criminals.
Sharn is a place of opportunities, adventures and dangers. From colourful festivals to dangerous dungeons, the city has something for all kinds of challenges.
And here is where a bunch of adventurers, coming from different lives, cross the way of each other and a new journey begins.
So, Shadows, welcome to Sharn, the City of Towers and let´s roll the dice!
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
Adventure Summary
Now, the group is preparing to travel to the Cannith Forgehold in Ashblack, with the mission of recovering the artifact and facing the challenges that may arise in their path. Their journey continues, with many questions about their past and the future of Eberron yet to be answered.
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
Let´s roll the dice
///---Friday, Vult 13nd, 998 YK---///
The night is almost over after a busy festival day on the streets of Upper City.
There are no longer so many people on the streets, but a few still enjoy watching the last remaining artists doing their performances and hoping to, luckily, receive some last coins tonight.
From a small square where there is a gazebo adorned with flowers and colourful flags all around, comes the pleasant sound of a violin.
On the other side, on the balcony of a small tavern which seems to be preparing to close, a male figure is sitting, having a drink.
He seems like a tall human, but looks like a bit different, has a serene and tranquil expression with large and deep-set eyes, and a diagonal mark designed in the skin of his face.
He is accompanied by two warforged with whom he chats animatedly.
They are looking toward the sidewalk on the other side, where, close to the gazebo and lulled by the sound coming from the violin, a figure gives performances playing different characters and mimicking different known Sharn personalities, and discuss if it could be a trick of illusionism or other kind of magic.
To the northest of the square, sitting on a bench farther away from the noises of the city, but at a point where his hearing still reaches, in the background, the melody coming from the violin, an Elf seems focused on reading the last pages of his book.
///--- Time to bright! The floor is yours! Take some time to introduce your character. Who are they? What do they look like? At this point, you can also explore why they are here, and other characteristics or feelings. Or you can do this along the campaign, depending on how you intent to develop you character and its backstory ---///
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
The impressionist normally only works the crowds during the musician's breaks so as not to distract attention away from her. He impersonates the public figures of Sharn, sometimes making fun of them, sometimes making grand soliloquies about leadership and the Last War. But as the evening comes to an end and the crowds thin out, he decides to 'supplement' her routine. Those who watch his performance are amazed at his quick changes of appearance - which he does behind a portable screen to hide how he accomplishes the changes. Perhaps they are exceptional masks - or maybe quick makeup? But most likely it's some kind of illusion magic. Either way, his green eyes are always apparent to the very observant.
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Paladin is clearly one of the former Juggernaut units, with a frame that reaches 7 feet of shining steel and arcane engineering. He sits in his chair next to new friends having been celebrating his recent graduation to active duty for the Silver Flame.
In fact, his forehead has a white, phosphorescent flame emblazoned overtop of where his identifying rune once was. He has been proudly displaying it, and voiced his eagerness to prove his value in the church's fight against evil.
Tonight, he sits with his pack, an ordinary, slightly worn shield and a Dwarvish warhammer resting over a rucksack. His feet are resting up on a chair across from him, and the lights of his eyes move across his plain faceplate to rest on the entertainer, as he rambles to his friends.
"It has to be magic. I don't think such a thing is possible without it. That's amazing how quickly it changes. I could watch all night."
Paladin - warforged - orange
While the violinist has been playing various tunes throughout the evening, the tune she now plays is more of a tone poem. The different tempos and melodies all give vague impressions of different characters. There are the melancholy strains of the young traveler, lost and frightened. The relentless beats of a villainous swordsman chasing after. And the mysterious melody of an unknown being lurking about the shadows. Throughout the song, the man who had been doing impressions now and then throughout the night, repeatedly shifts to new costumes as he plays out each different part. The music finally ends in a triumphant flourish of music - almost sounding like more instruments are playing than just the one - as the mysterious being is revealed to be a splendid fairy prince that rescues the traveler and leaves the swordsman empty handed.
At the end, the woman takes a bow. She is distinctly recognizable because of her bright blue hair which fades to deeper purple at the ends. She wears a slightly revealing blouse of pale blue and darker billowy pants. There is a broad smile on her face, as she clearly enjoyed the performance. "Thank you everyone!" she calls out from the small gazebo. "I really hope you enjoyed the music this evening. And please give a hand to Bryn as well!" With this last she motions towards the quick-change artist that had been performing along with her piece. "We are always looking for a good venue to play. Just ask around for Rylia!" She gives the audience a quick wink then steps down from the stage.
Character Portrait:
Rabbit Sebrica | Skarai | Katryl Brightfury | Rylia Lionrage | Roxana Raincrest | Janek Whitmor | Lokilia Vaelphin
In contrast to Paladin, the other Warforged on the balcony looks rather worn down, rusty, and crudely patched at several locations. They must be old. They might even be one of the earlier models before they went into large scale production, but they wouldn't know. They remember precious little before they came back to life in that junkyard not too long ago. And if it hadn't be for their new friend, they'd still be stealing bits and scraps to maintain the last bit of dignity that was left in them. Or that had rekindled when they woke from the discarded and forgotten?
Sitting there on the balcony was a newfound luxury that they still weren't comfortable with, so much was obvious. They tried perpetually to find a good position, but never really got there. Now, the only thing that they had enjoyed out here had come to an end and they hoped they can finally call it a day. They get up and join in the applause for the performers, realising that they should have been standing all along, while replying to Paladin, "I think you're right but you shouldn't underestimate what one can accomplish with a quick hand, too." They reach into their pouch and pull out two gold coins, then lob one to each performer, shouting, "Thank you! Just what the night needed! You're an inspiration!"
|| 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 ||
Bryn takes a slight bow at the recognition from Rylia, then points back to the amazing musician and motions for the people left to increase their applause for her. When the crowd fades away, he goes behind the partition once more and emerges as his usual self - a male human or perhaps half-breed. He wears fine clothes, although close inspection reveals them to be threadbare and cleverly stitched in places to conceal tears and holes. He collects the partition and straps a rapier and dagger to his belt before heading over to the bard.
"Great show tonight, Rylia. That last number went better than we rehearsed...you really catch the feelings of the characters in your music. I was listening to the crowd again today...most of their talk consists of ordinary things and concerns, but they were all enthralled by you. I will keep my ears open for any tales, rumors, or stories for your songs..." (OOC: DM, did Bryn hear anything of interest tonight? =) Perception: 10)
Portrait:
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
The table where the three friends are is the only one still occupied in the tavern.
A friendly young dwarf waitress approaches, asking if they want to do any more orders, and letting them know that they'll close in a few more minutes. She tries to be attentive to the three customers equally, more out of sympathy than waiting for a response from the Warforged, as she knew that warforged never needed to drink or eat anything.
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
Rylia gives Bryn a wide smile at his words. "Were they really enthralled?" she echoes with excitement in her voice. Quickly she finishes stowing her viol and collects her things. "Well, I heard more than one person comment about how amazing your costume changes were." She leans in closer, whispering playfully to him. "You have to tell me how you do it one of these days! There's got to be magic involved right?"
She cocks her head over in the direction the nearby tavern, causing her bangs to fall over her green eyes for a moment. "Think we have time to snag one drink?" She brushes the hair back as she awaits Bryn's response.
Rabbit Sebrica | Skarai | Katryl Brightfury | Rylia Lionrage | Roxana Raincrest | Janek Whitmor | Lokilia Vaelphin
A couple of humans and a halfling, the last listeners by the gazebo, start to walk away while making complimentary comments about the performances.
The moonlights that illuminated the sharn´s night are being covered by clouds. You can no longer see Vult, the small and one of the most distant moons of Eberron, with its gray glow.
While gathering his presentation material and counting the earned coins, Bryn realizes that the weather is changing, but thinks that the rain should wait until they are in a sheltered place.
Twelve moons orbit Eberron, each of which gives names to the calendar months. Vult is the furthest from them and, according to some legends, retains the forces that are hidden within the stars.
When Vult is full, as it is now, it is the month of Vult, the month of shadows.
DM The Shadows & the Forgotten Forge Thaurea Wolf Tholake
"A drink? Yes please! Let's get inside before the rains come..." Bryn responds, purposefully dodging the comment about how he changes his appearance. The costume changes were actually the tricky part - since he could only change his physical shape and appearance. But he had picked up some tricks of the trade from an actors' guild about wearing different costumes as layers and reversable items. He had acquired a decent disguise kit over the months.
Once inside Bryn hails the dwarf waitress and asks for two of their usual drinks. For Bryn, he preferred the dark and creamy oatmeal stout ale with a hint of chocolate and raspberries that was a specialty of this establishment. On several nights it served as his evening meal when the tips were light...
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Braxiel is so lost in his book on the goblinoid kingdoms of old, that he does not notice the music stop playing. The man is in fine clothes and he is tall, thin, and has long black breaded hair with little gold beads lightly dispersed. He stands and stretches out his tired bones. Braxiel begins to pack away his book into a side satchel and walks towards the tavern hoping to snag himself a local ale.
When he steps in, he will go straight to the bar, "Barkeep, what is good for an old university teacher who is celebrating a promotion?"