I think we have enough people to start so I’ll work on the intro post. We’ll have some RP to start so you all can introduce your characters to each other and start exploring the setting. Stay tuned!
As the morning sun casts its first golden rays across the land, you find yourselves traveling along the well-trodden roads of the Dalelands, amidst a modest caravan of merchants and travelers. The air is crisp, and the distant hills of Shadowdale roll gently on the horizon. Save for the distant howling of wolves and some week old goblin tracks, the day passes uneventfully.
As evening descends, the caravan comes to a rest at a crossroads. The caravan leader, a grizzled old trader named Harben, decides it's safer to camp for the night. A fire is lit, casting a comforting glow against the encroaching darkness of the wilds. It's a time for rest, but also for camaraderie and tales. Each of you, hailing from different walks of life, find yourselves united by fate's mysterious weave. Adventure, business, or perhaps a desire to outrun the past – whatever your reasons, the road ahead promises both peril and possibility.
(OOC: this is an opportunity for you to introduce your characters to each other, explain why you are here and what your goals are to each other, and interact with the world. The caravan will pick up and start moving again in 24 hours or once you all agree that you’re ready to proceed. I still need access to Cal’s character sheet and Morfydd’s background and default behaviors. Anyone else who would like to join can DM me with character info and questions)
Hmm, looks like I don’t have access to the sheet. I also need your default behavior.
It should be public now, sorry bout that!
Expected behavior: Support/Control spellcaster, with out of combat utility and lots of social utility. Not at all a heavy hitter. Reluctant face, but probably very good at it. Is trying for a character growth/redemption arc. Will be playing like a conman who's grown a conscience, or, maybe always had one buried deep, all along.
All good, gonna make an OOC thread to discuss character build stuff, new characters, and rules questions. Let’s keep it to a minimum in this thread from here on out.
Cal goes around and gets to know everyone. He listens, but in a methodical way. He isn't warm, but pretends to be. And he makes sure everyone he meets feels heard. He repeats their names, asks about their kids, and validates their opinions. He wants to make sure everyone in this caravan knows and trusts him, and makes his rounds to that end. He has a repertoire of trite jokes he peppers into conversation. And he leaves the impresion of either your new best friend, or a salesman, depending on how insightful you happen to be.
As it is his turn to tell a tale around the fire this evening, he regails those around with a tale of a daring knight, and evil witch, and a thief. As he puctuates each major plotpoint with control flames shaping subject of the tale to appear within the fires, adding to the drama. It is clear he is a showman, and that's not the first time he's run this routine.
(Hello Friend! Happy to be joining as Horros the Hobgoblin Forge Cleric) Horros, a young and sturdy hobgoblin walks with a sense of confidence as he departs from a group of fellow crafters after a spirited conversation about tricks of the trade, slings his shield over his shoulder as it's adorned with the symbol of a flaming anvil and hammer as he scans the camp seeking those who might seem interesting. He hears Cal's tale with intrigue as he listens intently. He gives him an assured nod approving of the tale, not saying anything to avoid interrupting the narrator.
Taya helped setting up the campsite, collecting firewood and jump starting a large bonfire in the centre for everyone to cuddle around. She likes to get her hands dirty, to do things and see results. Sometimes she still recollects on her failed studies and wonders if she could have tried harder but would that life suited her better? She doubts it and continues her labor with redoubled efforts, enjoying the company of the people around her, engaging in conversation here and there during her tasks.
To who asks her, she explains that she is a new recruit of a cavaliers merchant group that is in training and was assigned to help protecting the caravan. Anyone who digs deeper, as she is older than the typical fresh recruit, she will explain her failed studies but it is clear to anyone listening that she is disappointed in herself about that part of her life.
Comes evening, Taya, who appears like an half elf but with a mystical air around her always wearing gloves, sits down with her companions and shares stories easily.
As the caravan rolls to a halt Haj slips away into the gloom and walks in a large circle, noting the lay of the land, the open paths and shadowed areas, just in case. This has become a routine that happens at every stop since he first joined the caravan.
When he gets back he joins the others around the fire, but slightly distanced and with his back to the fire. He listens to the tales being told, and exchanges a few words with the others. They seem to be a mixed group, friendly enough but not fully trusted yet. The entertainer Cal, sits next to him and asks a question: "Why do you turn your back to the fire?" "Because somebody has to watch the darkness" Haj replies, "for it is full of shadows and fear". "But for those brave enough to approach, it is a place of wonder too."
I'd love to be considered to join if there is still an open spot.
Character name: Galdric Vaxpurr
Race: Shadar-Kai
Class: Paladin
Background: As a Paladin of The Raven Queen, Galdric has always known that his calling wasn’t in his home, The Shadowfell, but out in the Prime Material Plane. The Matron of Ravens has decreed that Galdric’s purpose is to hunt and destroy undead, whose existence is the greatest sacrilege. Once arriving on the Material Plane, Galdric made for the nation of Thay, which is infamous for its use of the undead as soldiers and slaves. The Rashamen mercenary group Fyodor’s Fist was more than welcome to have a warrior of Galdric’s caliber to aid in their battle against Thay. That is until it became apparent that Galdric’s hatred of the undead took priority over protecting or helping his fellow warriors. More than a few warriors died due to his negligence at which time he was expelled from the Fist. Now he’s looking for a new group to aid in his struggle.
I enjoy making characters so I have at least 2 of every class and a variety of races so if for whatever reason this character doesn't fit well with what you have in mind, let me know what sort of character the party needs and I promise I'll have one!
Morfydd takes over, where Cal leaves off, weaving the witch’s story into his own, a timeless tale of betrayal and redemption. The plot revolves around an ancient duskwood scepter, now lost to the ages, which is still sought by those who would seek such things.
The delivery is more of a recitation, with viol accompaniment in place of the previous theatrics. It is not quite a song, but the lyric tenor of the half elf’s voice carries it in a compelling fashion. In some ways, the performance might be considered less captivating than the first, as though the artist might be inspired to play with or without an audience gathered.
As darkness closes in, Morfydd strikes bow to string once more, producing a sound lower and richer, than that of a smaller violin. The nocturne continues, more background music than show, for some time. A lone wolf’s howl pierces the night, far enough in the distance to not be of immediate concern.
Joining the others at the fire, he chimes in, “Ah, but the light is also full of fear and shadows. I delve into the dark places of this world, but do not look to them, without purpose. I shall appreciate the light and warmth of this fire, and the company gathered about it.”
Horros chimes into the bard’s words, “ build a big enough fire , and the darkness dances around it, but doesn’t encroach. Keep the people around the flames and they’re protected within reason. A good weapon can take care of the rest hehe.”
He sits calmly staring into the flames, “the name’s Horros for those who care to know it. Smith of Moradin and basher of skulls when the time calls for it.”
Harben the caravan master, with a gruff and weathered voice, speaks up after a brief silence. His tone is tinged with a cynicism born from years of hard travel and witnessing the follies of the world and laden his breath stinks of cheap grog.
"You lot with your tales of gallant knights and dark witches," he starts, his voice rough like gravel, "you're missing the bigger picture, the real story that's unfolding right under our noses." He spits into the fire, watching the embers hiss and flare up.
"These kingdoms, Cormyr and the rest, they're like children squabbling over a shiny toy, too caught up in their petty disputes to see the real danger brewing." He gestures broadly with a calloused hand, encompassing the darkening world beyond the campfire's light. "Out there, in the vast desert of Anauroch, things are stirring. Things far older and more fearsome than any lord or king."
His eyes narrow, reflecting a life of seeing too much yet never enough. "Lights moving in the night, strange figures, tales whispered in fear and quickly forgotten. But I don't forget. I've heard the stories, seen the fear in the eyes of those who've wandered too close to that cursed place."
He looks to Morfydd. “To delve the depths of Anauroch is to seek your own death. I’ve seen countless adventurers, full of purpose, set out into those deserts. None have returned.”
“You, ranger," he says, nodding towards Haj, "you know the lands of Anauroch better than most. Tell me, have you not felt the stirring of something ancient, something forgotten, out there in the vast desert?"
His gaze then shifts to Aridove. "And you, with your herbs and your connection to the earth," he continues, eyeing the bundles of plants. "The land speaks, doesn't it? Whispers of changes, of disturbances deep beneath the sands.”
He leans forward, the fire casting deep shadows on his weathered, drunken face. "Mark my words, the real threat isn't from some throne or crown. It's lurking out there, in the heart of the desert, waiting. And while these fools chase their gold and glory, that threat is growing, biding its time."
Looking to Horros, Taya, and the rest of the caravan guards, he mutters “Gods help us, sword and flame may be our only allies soon.”
Harben sits back and takes a swig of grog, his piece said. The fire seems dimmer now, its warmth less comforting against the chill of his ominous warning.
Galdric finds a cozy spot in the vicinity of the fire, but a bit further back. He rests against a nearby tree with the hood of his cloak pulled over his head. As he rests, he listens to the others introducing themselves. He takes special note of the one called Haj and nods approvingly to himself at the comments concerning darkness and shadow
"They say a fire is a chaotic thing. Something with a life of its own. That it is unpredictable. Will it bring warmth?" using control flames again the fire seems to grow brighter as he speaks.
"Does it just provide light?"Then the fire swirls and images of monsters move through it."Or will the very fire you build at your hearth become dangerous, even deadly?" The flames flicker and seem to creep, tentrils stretching as though it threatens to spread. "Can it even be contained?"It shrinks down, dimming, dying, the light half of what it was before.
"Does it truly represent a cycle of life, brief and ephemeral?"The flames dance again, now with brilliantly twisting colors, before returning to a normal, uncontrolled fire, as Cal drops his hand back to his side.
He pauses, looking into the flames, just watching. "No. There is nothing chaotic about the flames. Only those who can control them, and those who cannot."He has a grim expression, grappling with something internal.
"I'm Cal" he says finally,"Peddler of cheap tricks."
“Magister Morfydd Belloq, though I am more explorer than scholar, of late. Student of history, and the arcane, discoverer of cheap trinkets. Please, call me Bell.”
Indeed, his archaeological findings have been frustratingly insignificant, as yet. Perhaps the desert might change his fortune? He would surely require assistance for such a venture, and protection.
“The deserts of Anauroch, you say? Indeed, I have not delved too deeply beneath the surface, in those accursed lands. With the right company of adventurers, however, I would certainly be interested in exploring the region further…”
“Perhaps a misconception but I think he just warned us to stay clear of the depth of the desert,” Taya chimes in. “Bigger than the crowns? That sounds like something we should receive well prepared in the safety of a fort, rather than meeting it out in the open and totally unexpected.”
Hearing Taya’s comments Horros chimes in with a grin. “You’re not wrong, but a daring task could lead to great rewards. As for preparations, it’s part of my job to make sure we’re ready. Arms and armor specifically. If you want… I Can even see if I can take care of that sword of yours or armor if you prefer some additional protection.” (If you accept he’ll use his blessing of the forge to add a +1 to your weapon or armor for the next day. He can do this every night.)
Galdric is listening to all this with no comment, but he does take note of Horros's offer, thinking perhaps he might benefit from such a service at some point, looking down at his jet black armor
"What do you suppose lurks out there, Harben? If you had to hazard a guess? A malevolent evil? A force of nature? How does it rival the power of empires?"Cal looks to the caravan master, aiming to hear more from him.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I got quotes!
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Perfect! Thanks for the post!
I think we have enough people to start so I’ll work on the intro post. We’ll have some RP to start so you all can introduce your characters to each other and start exploring the setting. Stay tuned!
The Caravan After Dark
As the morning sun casts its first golden rays across the land, you find yourselves traveling along the well-trodden roads of the Dalelands, amidst a modest caravan of merchants and travelers. The air is crisp, and the distant hills of Shadowdale roll gently on the horizon. Save for the distant howling of wolves and some week old goblin tracks, the day passes uneventfully.
As evening descends, the caravan comes to a rest at a crossroads. The caravan leader, a grizzled old trader named Harben, decides it's safer to camp for the night. A fire is lit, casting a comforting glow against the encroaching darkness of the wilds. It's a time for rest, but also for camaraderie and tales. Each of you, hailing from different walks of life, find yourselves united by fate's mysterious weave. Adventure, business, or perhaps a desire to outrun the past – whatever your reasons, the road ahead promises both peril and possibility.
(OOC: this is an opportunity for you to introduce your characters to each other, explain why you are here and what your goals are to each other, and interact with the world. The caravan will pick up and start moving again in 24 hours or once you all agree that you’re ready to proceed. I still need access to Cal’s character sheet and Morfydd’s background and default behaviors. Anyone else who would like to join can DM me with character info and questions)
It should be public now, sorry bout that!
Expected behavior: Support/Control spellcaster, with out of combat utility and lots of social utility. Not at all a heavy hitter. Reluctant face, but probably very good at it. Is trying for a character growth/redemption arc. Will be playing like a conman who's grown a conscience, or, maybe always had one buried deep, all along.
I got quotes!
All good, gonna make an OOC thread to discuss character build stuff, new characters, and rules questions. Let’s keep it to a minimum in this thread from here on out.
Cal goes around and gets to know everyone. He listens, but in a methodical way. He isn't warm, but pretends to be. And he makes sure everyone he meets feels heard. He repeats their names, asks about their kids, and validates their opinions. He wants to make sure everyone in this caravan knows and trusts him, and makes his rounds to that end. He has a repertoire of trite jokes he peppers into conversation. And he leaves the impresion of either your new best friend, or a salesman, depending on how insightful you happen to be.
As it is his turn to tell a tale around the fire this evening, he regails those around with a tale of a daring knight, and evil witch, and a thief. As he puctuates each major plotpoint with control flames shaping subject of the tale to appear within the fires, adding to the drama. It is clear he is a showman, and that's not the first time he's run this routine.
I got quotes!
(Hello Friend! Happy to be joining as Horros the Hobgoblin Forge Cleric) Horros, a young and sturdy hobgoblin walks with a sense of confidence as he departs from a group of fellow crafters after a spirited conversation about tricks of the trade, slings his shield over his shoulder as it's adorned with the symbol of a flaming anvil and hammer as he scans the camp seeking those who might seem interesting. He hears Cal's tale with intrigue as he listens intently. He gives him an assured nod approving of the tale, not saying anything to avoid interrupting the narrator.
Taya helped setting up the campsite, collecting firewood and jump starting a large bonfire in the centre for everyone to cuddle around. She likes to get her hands dirty, to do things and see results. Sometimes she still recollects on her failed studies and wonders if she could have tried harder but would that life suited her better? She doubts it and continues her labor with redoubled efforts, enjoying the company of the people around her, engaging in conversation here and there during her tasks.
To who asks her, she explains that she is a new recruit of a cavaliers merchant group that is in training and was assigned to help protecting the caravan. Anyone who digs deeper, as she is older than the typical fresh recruit, she will explain her failed studies but it is clear to anyone listening that she is disappointed in herself about that part of her life.
Comes evening, Taya, who appears like an half elf but with a mystical air around her always wearing gloves, sits down with her companions and shares stories easily.
|| 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 ||
As the caravan rolls to a halt Haj slips away into the gloom and walks in a large circle, noting the lay of the land, the open paths and shadowed areas, just in case. This has become a routine that happens at every stop since he first joined the caravan.
When he gets back he joins the others around the fire, but slightly distanced and with his back to the fire. He listens to the tales being told, and exchanges a few words with the others. They seem to be a mixed group, friendly enough but not fully trusted yet. The entertainer Cal, sits next to him and asks a question:
"Why do you turn your back to the fire?"
"Because somebody has to watch the darkness" Haj replies, "for it is full of shadows and fear".
"But for those brave enough to approach, it is a place of wonder too."
Cunning Green-moss - Tiefling Barbarian Haj i Rae - Human Gloom Stalker Olan Fargrove - Elf Swashbuckler
Qal Joharge - Human Monk Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Thief
I'd love to be considered to join if there is still an open spot.
Character name: Galdric Vaxpurr
Race: Shadar-Kai
Class: Paladin
Background: As a Paladin of The Raven Queen, Galdric has always known that his calling wasn’t in his home, The Shadowfell, but out in the Prime Material Plane. The Matron of Ravens has decreed that Galdric’s purpose is to hunt and destroy undead, whose existence is the greatest sacrilege. Once arriving on the Material Plane, Galdric made for the nation of Thay, which is infamous for its use of the undead as soldiers and slaves. The Rashamen mercenary group Fyodor’s Fist was more than welcome to have a warrior of Galdric’s caliber to aid in their battle against Thay. That is until it became apparent that Galdric’s hatred of the undead took priority over protecting or helping his fellow warriors. More than a few warriors died due to his negligence at which time he was expelled from the Fist. Now he’s looking for a new group to aid in his struggle.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/98064310
I enjoy making characters so I have at least 2 of every class and a variety of races so if for whatever reason this character doesn't fit well with what you have in mind, let me know what sort of character the party needs and I promise I'll have one!
Morfydd takes over, where Cal leaves off, weaving the witch’s story into his own, a timeless tale of betrayal and redemption. The plot revolves around an ancient duskwood scepter, now lost to the ages, which is still sought by those who would seek such things.
The delivery is more of a recitation, with viol accompaniment in place of the previous theatrics. It is not quite a song, but the lyric tenor of the half elf’s voice carries it in a compelling fashion. In some ways, the performance might be considered less captivating than the first, as though the artist might be inspired to play with or without an audience gathered.
As darkness closes in, Morfydd strikes bow to string once more, producing a sound lower and richer, than that of a smaller violin. The nocturne continues, more background music than show, for some time. A lone wolf’s howl pierces the night, far enough in the distance to not be of immediate concern.
Joining the others at the fire, he chimes in, “Ah, but the light is also full of fear and shadows. I delve into the dark places of this world, but do not look to them, without purpose. I shall appreciate the light and warmth of this fire, and the company gathered about it.”
Horros chimes into the bard’s words, “ build a big enough fire , and the darkness dances around it, but doesn’t encroach. Keep the people around the flames and they’re protected within reason. A good weapon can take care of the rest hehe.”
He sits calmly staring into the flames, “the name’s Horros for those who care to know it. Smith of Moradin and basher of skulls when the time calls for it.”
Harben the caravan master, with a gruff and weathered voice, speaks up after a brief silence. His tone is tinged with a cynicism born from years of hard travel and witnessing the follies of the world and laden his breath stinks of cheap grog.
"You lot with your tales of gallant knights and dark witches," he starts, his voice rough like gravel, "you're missing the bigger picture, the real story that's unfolding right under our noses." He spits into the fire, watching the embers hiss and flare up.
"These kingdoms, Cormyr and the rest, they're like children squabbling over a shiny toy, too caught up in their petty disputes to see the real danger brewing." He gestures broadly with a calloused hand, encompassing the darkening world beyond the campfire's light. "Out there, in the vast desert of Anauroch, things are stirring. Things far older and more fearsome than any lord or king."
His eyes narrow, reflecting a life of seeing too much yet never enough. "Lights moving in the night, strange figures, tales whispered in fear and quickly forgotten. But I don't forget. I've heard the stories, seen the fear in the eyes of those who've wandered too close to that cursed place."
He looks to Morfydd. “To delve the depths of Anauroch is to seek your own death. I’ve seen countless adventurers, full of purpose, set out into those deserts. None have returned.”
“You, ranger," he says, nodding towards Haj, "you know the lands of Anauroch better than most. Tell me, have you not felt the stirring of something ancient, something forgotten, out there in the vast desert?"
His gaze then shifts to Aridove. "And you, with your herbs and your connection to the earth," he continues, eyeing the bundles of plants. "The land speaks, doesn't it? Whispers of changes, of disturbances deep beneath the sands.”
He leans forward, the fire casting deep shadows on his weathered, drunken face. "Mark my words, the real threat isn't from some throne or crown. It's lurking out there, in the heart of the desert, waiting. And while these fools chase their gold and glory, that threat is growing, biding its time."
Looking to Horros, Taya, and the rest of the caravan guards, he mutters “Gods help us, sword and flame may be our only allies soon.”
Harben sits back and takes a swig of grog, his piece said. The fire seems dimmer now, its warmth less comforting against the chill of his ominous warning.
Galdric finds a cozy spot in the vicinity of the fire, but a bit further back. He rests against a nearby tree with the hood of his cloak pulled over his head. As he rests, he listens to the others introducing themselves. He takes special note of the one called Haj and nods approvingly to himself at the comments concerning darkness and shadow
"They say a fire is a chaotic thing. Something with a life of its own. That it is unpredictable. Will it bring warmth?" using control flames again the fire seems to grow brighter as he speaks.
"Does it just provide light?" Then the fire swirls and images of monsters move through it. "Or will the very fire you build at your hearth become dangerous, even deadly?" The flames flicker and seem to creep, tentrils stretching as though it threatens to spread. "Can it even be contained?" It shrinks down, dimming, dying, the light half of what it was before.
"Does it truly represent a cycle of life, brief and ephemeral?" The flames dance again, now with brilliantly twisting colors, before returning to a normal, uncontrolled fire, as Cal drops his hand back to his side.
He pauses, looking into the flames, just watching. "No. There is nothing chaotic about the flames. Only those who can control them, and those who cannot." He has a grim expression, grappling with something internal.
"I'm Cal" he says finally, "Peddler of cheap tricks."
I got quotes!
“Magister Morfydd Belloq, though I am more explorer than scholar, of late. Student of history, and the arcane, discoverer of cheap trinkets. Please, call me Bell.”
Indeed, his archaeological findings have been frustratingly insignificant, as yet. Perhaps the desert might change his fortune? He would surely require assistance for such a venture, and protection.
“The deserts of Anauroch, you say? Indeed, I have not delved too deeply beneath the surface, in those accursed lands. With the right company of adventurers, however, I would certainly be interested in exploring the region further…”
“Perhaps a misconception but I think he just warned us to stay clear of the depth of the desert,” Taya chimes in. “Bigger than the crowns? That sounds like something we should receive well prepared in the safety of a fort, rather than meeting it out in the open and totally unexpected.”
|| 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 ||
Hearing Taya’s comments Horros chimes in with a grin. “You’re not wrong, but a daring task could lead to great rewards. As for preparations, it’s part of my job to make sure we’re ready. Arms and armor specifically. If you want… I Can even see if I can take care of that sword of yours or armor if you prefer some additional protection.” (If you accept he’ll use his blessing of the forge to add a +1 to your weapon or armor for the next day. He can do this every night.)
Galdric is listening to all this with no comment, but he does take note of Horros's offer, thinking perhaps he might benefit from such a service at some point, looking down at his jet black armor
"What do you suppose lurks out there, Harben? If you had to hazard a guess? A malevolent evil? A force of nature? How does it rival the power of empires?" Cal looks to the caravan master, aiming to hear more from him.
I got quotes!