Ominifis Hereward “Omin” Dran: CEO of Aquisitions Incorporated, has his sights set on the land of Etharis. A far off land that is seemingly overrun with eldritch horrors and undead murderous beasts. Although he has never been there himself, He is sure that this new market is the perfect location to setup a new franchise. Etharis is the kind of place where there is coin to be made by those who are brave (or stupid) enough to challenge the terrible nightmares that reside there. A rotting lair full of unspeakable madness lies around every corner... and with no competition to stand in his way, Omin plans to act fast and cement Acquisitions Incorporated as the premier adventuring solution in the land!
After long last, each of you has been given the opportunity to join the Acquisitions Incorporated family! Whatever your reasons, you have decided that you want to live your life acquiring the things that you want most... whether it be coin, treasure, friends, life altering injuries, or crippling madness... You will have opportunities experience them all! And maybe even doing some good in the process. No matter your race or background, you and your colleagues have one thing in common... a desire for both adventure and coin.
So prepare yourself for the journey ahead! You set depart for Etharis soon! You haven't been told much about this strange continent... but one thing you do know is that it is harsh and unforgiving. Although it is important to be strong to survive in Etharis, it is important to use your head as well. Magic items are rare and difficult to acquire, so you may need to rely on crafting your own gear from the corpses of the creatures you slay in order to survive. Skilled laborers that can utilize the resources you collect are important and can be hard to find in this strange land. Building relationships with the locals can result in good information that may help you to overcome some of the treacherous beasts that make Etharis their home.
Game play mechanics and character considerations!
So this is going to be a combination of the Acquisitions INC and Lairs of Etharis source books. It will be up to your party to establish your own Acquisitions INC franchise within Etharis, facing off against unspeakable horrors with the goal of building your franchise and maximizing profits. Doing good for the sake of doing good is fine and all, but in true Acquisitions INC fashion... "Never do something you are good at for free". Magic items within Etharis are hard to come by and Divine magic is nearly non-existent after the death of the gods. A skilled herbalist could make some nice coin selling potions in their down time out of the HQ in-between missions... or perhaps A cleric capable of curing diseases and curses could demand whatever price they want as lines of plagued villagers offer you their life savings in the hope of being cured. Clever individuals will be able to salvage incredibly useful materials from the corpses of the creatures you slay... providing opportunities to craft magical items to sell or use in your adventures.
Upon arriving to Etharis, you will work to improve your dilapidated HQ into a beacon of hope for the surrounding area. The more you expand and more renown you gain, the move challenges you will face. The people of Etharis are untrusting and suspicious of magic and outsiders. With the gods of Etharis dead, Most divine magic is only wielded by the strongest seraphs and demons left behind in the world without a master to control them... And they may not take kindly to a cleric of Lathander healing the sick and converting the population to serve this strange and unknown god.
I plan to have the players take on the roles and responsibilities of the franchise such as decisionist, documancer, hordesperson, cartographer, etc. I can provide information on thise positions and the bonuses / magical items that come with those roles as needed. If you are familiar with the "C team" or the Acquisitions Inc games on YouTube, then you probably know how they work already.
What I am looking for!
Please apply to my game below if you are interested in joining. I am in the EST time zone and am looking for players that will post multiple times a day and like to RP. We are writing a story together so to speak... And so I expect you all to put in as much effort into posting meaningful RP between your characters and the NPCs as I put in interacting with you. Below is how I would like you to apply. I hope to make my choices within a few days. It will be important to have a well rounded group that consists of both good fighting and crafting skills. Thanks!
Starting at level 1, use point buy or standard array please. This campaign could easily to from levels 1 - 20 assuming the players stick with the game! Any alignments are going to be considered, but there will be no PVP between players so I expect you all to get along.
Name:
Race:
Class:
Alignment:
desired position within the franchise (Decisionost, documancer, hordesperson, etc):
Biggest fear:
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc:
Backstory (doesn't have to be super long for now):
Writing example (Just a few sentences as an example of the type of post quality I can expect):
Biggest fear: Losing control over the mysterious entity bound to his pact and succumbing to its dark influence.
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc: Lucian grew up in the shadow of the supernatural, inheriting a cursed family heirloom. Seeking to understand and master the eldritch power within, he formed a pact with a sentient weapon. Intrigued by tales of Etharis and the opportunity to further unlock the potential of his pact, Lucian joined Acquisitions Inc. to gain knowledge, power, and the means to break his family's curse.
Backstory: Lucian's family was cursed by a dark entity, and for generations, they struggled to contain the supernatural force within their ancestral blade. As he grew older, Lucian discovered a way to communicate with the entity, forming a pact that transformed him into a Hexblade Warlock. The sentient weapon became both his ally and his burden.
With the tales of Etharis reaching his ears, Lucian saw an opportunity to delve deeper into the mysteries of the eldritch. Acquisitions Inc. presented a means to both understand and control the dark power coursing through him. He sought to break his family's curse and use his newfound abilities to protect others from the malevolent forces that lurked in the shadows.
Writing example:
In the moonlit chamber, Lucian's silhouette cut through the shadows, casting an eerie reflection on the cold stone floor. The dim light danced across the intricate patterns of his dark leather armor, revealing the silvery glow emanating from the cursed blade at his side. The air within the chamber seemed to thicken as whispers, both haunting and seductive, echoed in Lucian's mind—a symphony of secrets exchanged between him and the enigmatic entity bound to his pact.
His hand gripped the hilt of the family heirloom, a weapon that pulsed with a pale, ethereal radiance. The blade seemed almost hungry, as if yearning for release. Lucian's stormy gray eyes reflected both determination and a trace of vulnerability as he contemplated the burden he carried—a legacy of curses and the eldritch power that coursed through his veins.
As Lucian embraced his role within Acquisitions Inc., the weight of his family's history pressed upon him. Yet, in the face of the daunting path ahead, he was resolute. The allure of Etharis, a land steeped in both peril and promise, beckoned to him. It wasn't just the potential for personal gain that motivated Lucian, but a genuine commitment to leveraging his eldritch powers for the greater good.
With every step into the unknown, Lucian sought not only to unlock the hidden potential of his pact but to shatter the chains of the curse that had plagued his bloodline for generations. The promise of arcane knowledge whispered through the corridors of his mind, and he saw Acquisitions Inc. as both a means to navigate the treacherous journey and a vehicle for wielding his eldritch abilities in service of a noble cause. The moonlit chamber became a crucible, and Lucian, bathed in the pale glow of his cursed blade, steeled himself for the trials that awaited him in the strange and eldritch landscapes of Etharis.
Desired position within the franchise: perhaps documancer or loremonger
Biggest fear: Vesna experiences moments of sudden fear, but her deepest fear revolves around abandonment and being left alone.
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc: Intrigued by a visitor's mention of Acquisitions Incorporated's venture into Etharis, Vesna saw this as an opportunity to confront her fears, contribute her knowledge gained from years of reading and researching, and prove herself worthy. She also hopes her accomplishments might make her family regret casting her away, although she is ashamed of this selfish motive and she would probably not admit it to anybody.
Backstory (doesn't have to be super long for now): Vesna, the youngest and only daughter among seven children, was sheltered and often teased by her older brothers for her timid nature. Sent away to the Church of Selûne* at a young age due to her parents' exhaustion in raising children, Vesna was taught to be humble and self-reliant, to use common sense and practicality and to find her own path trough life, but most importantly to provide reassurance and healing to those who needed it. Despite missing her family, her inquisitive and easy-going nature made the transition somewhat easier, and she found solace in books and the company of her fellow clerics, gradually overcoming many of her childhood fears.
Writing example (Just a few sentences as an example of the type of post quality I can expect):
The High Priestess's expression remained unreadable for several long moments. Vesna shifted uncomfortably under the scrutinizing gaze and swallowed hard. There was no way they would allow her to leave the church and venture so far away. What was she even thinking to make such a request? Still, a persistent feeling nagged at the young cleric: she had to go, if only she could find the words to convince the other woman.
"Fine," the High Priestess eventually sighed in dejection. "I can see that, for some reason, this is of great importance to you. And perhaps, it might do some good to spread the word of our goddess beyond here..."
Vesna's amber eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Oh, thank you!" she exclaimed, jumping out of her chair, suddenly eager to start packing.
"Of course, you would need to donate some of your new proceeds to the church. We do lose your abilities, after all, and it is only fair to compensate..."
"Of course! I will. Thank you, thank you!" Vesna chirped excitedly. She wasn't going for the riches anyway.
This is appealing, and I do have the freedom to post often. I submit to you Ink, the slightly idealistic and impulsive gnome rogue:
Name: Inkarius "Ink" Fogfen
Race: Rock gnome
Class: Rogue (Scout)
Alignment: Chaotic good
Desired position: Cartographer
Biggest fear: Existentially, Ink's biggest fear is living a life of little consequence, one that is devoid of novelties, risks, adventures, and accomplishments. "When old age comes upon me, resigning me to my rocking chair and a cup of tea, I want to have a head full of amazing memories, a heart full of gratitude for a life well-lived, and a few stuffed treasure chests," Ink has often mused. On a slightly less rational level, Ink's biggest fear is any creature with tentacles.
Reason for working for Acquistions, Inc: First and foremeost, involvement with such an organization will undoubtedly put Ink in a position to live a life worth writing about. Secondly, Ink sees this as a means to secure enough gold to address a serious financial burden that he has foisted upon his family (see backstory below).
Backstory: One problematic facet of Ink's idealistic approach to life is his nearly unquenchable love for betting on games of chance. He goes nowhere without a set of dice and playing cards, and he rarely passes on the opportunity to wager a few coins. One disastrous evening filled with too much drink and too many unlucky rolls of the dice left Ink with an insurmountable debt--a debt that has unfortunately put Ink's father and uncles (who operate a successful shop that can build, restore, and fix anything mechanical) in dire financial straits.
Writing example: Ink takes a long draw on his pipe as he waits for the glassy-eyed half-orc to play his next card. The gnome does his best to appear indifferent, as if the result of the game were already determined, making the half-orc's decision irrelevant. The look of indifference on Ink's face, however, is hiding the fact that he is bluffing and aware that the odds are not in his favor. The half-orc, with a bit of trepidation, sets his card down. Ink glances at the card as he exhales the tobacco smoke, which rises into the air like a lazy ghost. How I do love this game, he thought to himself, restraining the urge to flash a wry smile.
desired position within the franchise (Decisionost, documancer, hordesperson, etc): Obviator, Occultant, or Loremonger
Biggest fear: Being trapped in a small room with no windows and no lights and being used as a test subject to study the runes engraved in his body, even if it meant removing them from his body by any means.
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc: It's by accident he learned about Acquisitions Inc. while on the run that made him make a firm decision to take the matter into his own hands, even if it meant turning himself into the monster he is trying to run away from. Learning all he can and the runes he was born with, turning himself into something that would make others think twice about messing with him. If it means he has to sell himself into the Acquisitons Inc. then he will do it in a heartbeat. Backstory (doesn't have to be super long for now): At the beginning, Joron was a happy child. Nothing out of the ordinary, but suddenly, one day. Tattoos started to appear on his body the next morning, causing panic to everyone, including himself. Learning that he was a unique case among Sorcerer and, to make it worse, some of his family had intentions that were by no means good for him. His parents force him to learn all he needs before telling him to run, for they can't protect him with how weak they are. This led to years of being on the runs as many started learning about the Runechild.
Writing example (Just a few sentences as an example of the type of post quality I can expect): Joron creeps up behind someone, using Minor Illusion to make the target slowly hear more of their own breath louder than should be possible. Preventing them from hearing Joron's footsteps as he sneaks up on them and covers their eyes with one hand, with the hand holding a dagger to stab inside their mouth to muffle their scream as much as possible while dragging them away to be dealt with. "Shush." Joron whispers into the person's ear. "It will be all over."
Class: Barbarian (Totem) - mayyyybe dip into fighter but maybe not
Alignment:Neutral with shades of good and selfish…
desired position within the franchise (Decisionost, documancer, hordesperson, etc): Decisionist - Kitaer doesn’t promise to make good decisions, but he will make decisions and follow through to the end!
Biggest fear:It used to be nectarines but now it’s Goblins.Hoards and hoards of Goblins filling the horizon in every direction…
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc: Public reason: Fortune, Fame and the excuse to kill things! Non-Public reason: Well see, he killed the wrong goblin in a bar fight and now his family is hounding him.Non stop.And damn did that goblin have a lot of family!It seems the more he kills the more come out of the bile-forsaken woodwork at the most inopportune times!Maybe, just maybe, he’ll be free of them in this Etharis place…. Maybe.
Backstory (doesn't have to be super long for now):Kitaer does not have one of those gloomy backstories, nor one particularly filled with heroics.Really, Kitaer is a pretty average minotaur who does minotaur things.Perhaps a few more drunken brawls than the average minotaur but let’s be fair, bar brawls are pretty common for minotaurs so it would be more uncommon if he was a pacifist or some carp like that!So yeah… totally average and normal, for a minotaur. Until that goblin incident….That godsforsaken, mouthy, foul little goblin who just didn’t know when to shut up!Anyway, as has been said, Kitaer has been plagued by goblins ever since.It’s not that they’re a threat, even when they attack en masse….But it’s just the constant annoyance of them coming seemingly non-stop!Anal warts is less annoying than the damnable goblins!!!
Writing example (Just a few sentences as an example of the type of post quality I can expect):
Kitaer groans and pulls the questionable blanket up over his head.Who knew how clean The Glistening Weasel kept their bedding but still it was better than surrendering to the piercing rays of sunlight slipping in through the closed blinds and threatening to awaken him.He shouldn’t have bothered, Rawlf was soon stomping his foot on the floor outside the door and yelling at him to get out or he’d have to pay for another day’s stay.
Fricking Rawlf!His place is so damn flimsy he’d rather stomp on the floor than knock on the flimsy door and possibly put his hand through the thing!“Alright, alrighty!!Stop with the pounding, already!!” Kitaer calls out, his shouts pounding in his head and reminding him of just how much he drank the night before.“Go and get coffee ready.LOTS of COFFEE!!”
Kitaer isn’t sure Rawlf is actually going to make coffee but at least he has stopped pounding.The man has some compassion at least.Either that or he’s smart enough to want to stay on the good side of the minotaur with the great big axe.Or…. Or he just has other guests to rouse and harass. More stomping coming and thumping through his brainsack and making it ache in all the regret of last night suggests that yes, there are others to rouse.
“Crap,” Kitaer succinctly says in summation of, well, life.With a grunt and a groan he throws off the blanket and squeezes his eyes shut in defense against the sun.Sitting up and throwing his hooves onto the floor he’s resigned to starting the day anew…. “Fricken Rawlf…”
“COFFEE!” Kitaer shouts out again, blindly but loudly, and wonders if he actually has coin enough to pay for it…
Name:Lord Daryos Dezlentyr Race: Human (Inspiring Leader) Class: Sorcerer (Divine Soul) Background: Noble Alignment: Lawful Neutral Position: Decisionist or Secretarian Fear: To fail in the eyes of his father Backstory: Born into the prominent noble house of Dezlentyr in Waterdeep as the third child of Lord Arlos Dezlentyr, young Daryos had a sheltered upbringing within his family's Sea Ward estate in the City of Wonders. In his teens young Daryos showed a natural magical talent that he has yet only gained some basic tutelage with since his family, and his father in particular has always expected his weakling son to focus his ambitions on taking care of administrating the family's extensive overseas trade and exploration back from the safe halls of their estates. As it turned out, young Daryos was not content with this lot in life and has had contacts with Ominifis Hereward Dran, the CEO of Aquisitions Incorporated, to journey to the far off land of Etharis and establish a new franchise there. While foremost a businessman, Daryos through the expected adventuring seeks to build his own name out of the shadow of his father.
Writing example: The young noble looked out to the ocean as he stood on the family estate terrace by the sea, feeling the salty wind in his white hair, watching the ships arrive and depart for distant shores. Soon he would be on one of them, he had only to break it to his father. Daryos shook his head at the thought and started to walk along the terrace. His father would never understand, might try to prevent him from leaving even, but Daryos knew he had to do this, it would be the only way to truly have his father's full appreciation one day and he knew he would be smothered into a painful death of his spirit if he didn't leave Waterdeep soon.
Biggest Fear: Devolving back to a slobbering goblin that cannot even string together coherent sentences.
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Incorporated: To garner hard power Stasyn needs a fortune and operating a franchise of one of the most successful businesses seems the shortest path to that goal.
Backstory: Stasyn is proud of his race, but not of their origins. The fact that he was created from goblin flesh repulses him. He has done his best to distance himself from his lineage. He chose to live in a city and away from the underground burrows his kin seem to prefer. He carefully enunciates his words as to not be confused with his kin. Learning to read and write open doors for him in the world of academia and he started as a scribe but yearned for more power.
A passing wizard of some renown needed a scribe, and everyone knew golden boy Amden would be picked as the senior scribe always favored him. Right then and there it clicked for Stasyn that if he wanted to be chosen, he had to make it happen even if that meant Amden met with an accident. Wait that would be too messy. No, formally disgraced would be a better fate for Amden. Stasyn offered to deliver a finished treatise to a repugnant noble, and on the way Stasyn altered the document by changing a few words that would surely cause the noble to erupt into a delicious rage. Stasyn did not have to wait long before Amden was not only kicked to the curb, but also banned. Stasyn was then chosen as the alternate and years later he devoured the wizard's knowledge. Now that he had magic at his fingertips, he needed coin as that is what truly shaped the world. He left the life of a scribe and carefully approached an Acquisition Incorpoated recruiter. After he learned of their vices and hinting how it would be better to be on Stasyn's good side. Though that may be hard to find.
Writing Example: Stasyn stands at 4ft tall and even though he is shorter than most folk he walks with authority. This day he enters the black smithy's workshop with a writ of compliance from Barrister Hawken. Of course, the document is a fabricated lie, but not everyone is literate. He dismissively wipes off the snow from his blue patterned coat. "Aven this is your last day, by the order of his royal majesty through barrister Hawken you are here by placed under my authority. In simpler terms you work for me. Any projects I ask of you means you will comply. If the quality does not match what I know you can produce, then you and your family will be evicted from this workshop and your home on the 2nd story. Now think what that would mean being out on the streets in the dead of winter."
Aven a human of at least 50 winters, looks stunned for a moment as he looks at the short bluish green skinned bureaucrat. He hefts his hammer truly considering smashing Stasyn's face in but stays his hand as he hears the muffled cries of his baby girl upstairs. "I will do as you ask, but I am keeping my profits."
Outwardly Stasyn has a look of indifference, but inwardly he is smiling. "Good now this is my first project a metal wand. Have it done by tomorrow." With that Stasyn leaves the smithy and in the chilll air he wears a crooked grin as he makes ready for a journey.
Desired position within the franchise (Decisionost, documancer, hordesperson, etc): Obviator (or maybe hoardsperson)
Biggest fear: Being locked in a cell and forgotten
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc: Geogan is trying to stay a few steps ahead of those he has swindled, and this venture seems to offer the chance to take advantage of a less strict environment
Backstory (doesn't have to be super long for now): Geogan Finnst is not his real name, but then again, who cares what others call you? This dwarf was left, abandoned at the entrance of a mine shaft many years ago. He never discovered what circumstances led to this situation, and cannot recall any details of his childhood. Scavenging and scraping by in the nearby caves and forest, he lived as a hermit for much of his formative years. He always seemed to have an affinity for stones, and remains fascinated by what a little polishing or gem cutting can do to make a rock into something beautiful. Upon reaching civilization, he struggled to survive the more urban ways, but a greedy jeweler happened upon him and saw his natural skills at shaping and cutting stones. He took him in, trained him, and gave him just enough food and resources to keep him from looking for better options. He was also quite the double dealer, and one day his evil ways caught up to him, leaving him dead in the backroom for Geogan to find. The dwarf simply shrugged, packed up his favorite tools and a few choice stones, and moved on to find his own way. These days, he takes on odd jobs to cut stones for others, but sometimes those beautiful stones get replaced with cheaper fakes before being delivered to the customer. And because not all of his customers are idiots, Geogan has found the need to move often.. Perhaps a change of scenery is just what is needed?
Writing example (Just a few sentences as an example of the type of post quality I can expect):
The dwarf sits at the table, intent on the work in front of him, covered in dust and sweat. Only hours before, the jewel in front of him was a dull chunk of rock. Now, it is gleaning in the candlelight, the many polished facets each reflecting the light slightly differently. "This piece is turning out better than expected," he mutters to no one in particular. "Too nice, perhaps, for that gnome that brought it to me. Still, he seems a sharp type, and I may have crossed too many others recently."
Looking over at the poster he had snagged from a tavern earlier that evening, Geogan mused, again to no one who could hear. "Perhaps I should just pack up my stuff, stone included, and go see what this Acquisitions, Inc. has to offer. A fresh start, it says. Danger, intrigue... bah. Notions for the younger crowd. But surviving a new land, finding new ores and opportunities? Now that I can get behind."
As if the decision had already been made long ago, he grabbed is pack of meager belongings and started loading his tools into it. He always kept his gear ready to move, just in case someone from his past got a little too close. And that stone... it somehow found its way into a secret pouch hidden in the bottom of the pack. It too seemed destined to find a new home, perhaps in a far away land.
desired position within the franchise (Decisionost, documancer, hordesperson, etc): Secretarian (but open to others)
Biggest fear: Probably Nesyax's biggest fear is to end up poor and powerless. In her mind it would prove her family was right to disinherit her. She also has a bit of fear of birds - she really does not like them and is uneasy around them.
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc: It sounded like a great way to gain power and wealth! The proposition seemed a bit of a gamble, but Nesyax figured with her wits she could shift the odds in her favor. (Ok, and some of the schemes she'd been involved with to become wealthy hadn't been working too.)
Backstory (doesn't have to be super long for now): Nesyax was born into the noble Sanaldi family. She was a rare example of a pureblood yuan-ti having a child with a human. Her mother, a yuan-ti, had infiltrated the noble society in order to gain influence and knowledge. And her marriage to Nesyax's father had been a great boon to her goals. Both mother and child looked very human, but eventually the secret was found out. The mother was killed as a traitor and after much debate Nesyax disowned and thrown out. (They feared killing her because she was still of the family's blood - even if not welcome.) She now lives with the desire to show that family that disowned her how successful she can be.
Writing example (Just a few sentences as an example of the type of post quality I can expect):
Her performance done, Nesyax slips her longhorn into its case and stashes it backstage. Still dressed in her loose top and billowy pants, she makes her back out in the crowd, weaving her way between the tables. Her eyes are on the group near the back that are now engaged in playing cards. She'd noticed them as she was performing, and she had seemed to capture their attention a little bit. 'And they look wealthy,' she thinks.
She doesn't head straight for their table, but as audience members recognize her and call out to her, she pauses to greet them. Most just praise her performance and she gives them kind thanks. A few want autographs, offer her a drink, or want to solicit something more private. Those she brushes off. In all cases she quickly moves on.
Finally reaching the table of cared players, she greets them. "Hey there fellows! Did you enjoy the show?" She gives them a cheerful smile. She watches them just a moment, then squeezes in to sit with them. "What sort of game are you playing? It looks tough," she says, feigning ignorance of the game.
So I think I am going to try to pick characters either later tonight or sometime tomorrow. If you are interested in applying and have not done so yet, please do so. Thanks!
desired position within the franchise (Decisionost, documancer, hordesperson, etc): Obviator or hoardsperson but happy with whatever
Biggest fear: Causing his party to die like the company he led in a long now forgotten war
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc: He has a hard time getting work as a vet who only knows fighting and death. Acquisition promised new beggings and an honest way to make some coin.
Backstory (doesn't have to be super long for now): Uz was a captain in a war that has now been forgotten. He joined the army thinking that he could make a difference and be a real-life hero, but he found out that there is no such thing in this life. While in war he found that he was fighting beings that wanted to survive just like him but he had a job to do. After making a bad decision that resulted in the death of 5 of his soldiers, he left the front lines. It is now 30 years later and his old life now just feels like a nightmare. He saw a flier of Acquisition Inc. expanding into a foreign land and Uz saw this as his ticket out.
Writing example (Just a few sentences as an example of the type of post quality I can expect): Uz walks out of the pub with a gruff and expressionless face. He looks into his trench coat pocket, "Damn it, out of coin again. Well, at least the barmaid showed some kind of kindness to an old fool like me with that extra pint." He walks down the alleyway when here a voice down the street, "Acqisition is expanding and is looking for brave folks to help the company set up shop in feireng lands! Pays well, and opportunity to make a fresh start!" Uz couldn't believe what he heard, could this finally be the shimmer of hope that will relieve him of the nightmare he has been living these last few decades?
I want to thank you all for your applications! It was a hard choice but I have made my decisions. If you did not get an invite from me than I wish you the best of luck in getting accepted into future campaigns thanks!
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The sales pitch!
Ominifis Hereward “Omin” Dran: CEO of Aquisitions Incorporated, has his sights set on the land of Etharis. A far off land that is seemingly overrun with eldritch horrors and undead murderous beasts. Although he has never been there himself, He is sure that this new market is the perfect location to setup a new franchise. Etharis is the kind of place where there is coin to be made by those who are brave (or stupid) enough to challenge the terrible nightmares that reside there. A rotting lair full of unspeakable madness lies around every corner... and with no competition to stand in his way, Omin plans to act fast and cement Acquisitions Incorporated as the premier adventuring solution in the land!
After long last, each of you has been given the opportunity to join the Acquisitions Incorporated family! Whatever your reasons, you have decided that you want to live your life acquiring the things that you want most... whether it be coin, treasure, friends, life altering injuries, or crippling madness... You will have opportunities experience them all! And maybe even doing some good in the process. No matter your race or background, you and your colleagues have one thing in common... a desire for both adventure and coin.
So prepare yourself for the journey ahead! You set depart for Etharis soon! You haven't been told much about this strange continent... but one thing you do know is that it is harsh and unforgiving. Although it is important to be strong to survive in Etharis, it is important to use your head as well. Magic items are rare and difficult to acquire, so you may need to rely on crafting your own gear from the corpses of the creatures you slay in order to survive. Skilled laborers that can utilize the resources you collect are important and can be hard to find in this strange land. Building relationships with the locals can result in good information that may help you to overcome some of the treacherous beasts that make Etharis their home.
Game play mechanics and character considerations!
So this is going to be a combination of the Acquisitions INC and Lairs of Etharis source books. It will be up to your party to establish your own Acquisitions INC franchise within Etharis, facing off against unspeakable horrors with the goal of building your franchise and maximizing profits. Doing good for the sake of doing good is fine and all, but in true Acquisitions INC fashion... "Never do something you are good at for free". Magic items within Etharis are hard to come by and Divine magic is nearly non-existent after the death of the gods. A skilled herbalist could make some nice coin selling potions in their down time out of the HQ in-between missions... or perhaps A cleric capable of curing diseases and curses could demand whatever price they want as lines of plagued villagers offer you their life savings in the hope of being cured. Clever individuals will be able to salvage incredibly useful materials from the corpses of the creatures you slay... providing opportunities to craft magical items to sell or use in your adventures.
Upon arriving to Etharis, you will work to improve your dilapidated HQ into a beacon of hope for the surrounding area. The more you expand and more renown you gain, the move challenges you will face. The people of Etharis are untrusting and suspicious of magic and outsiders. With the gods of Etharis dead, Most divine magic is only wielded by the strongest seraphs and demons left behind in the world without a master to control them... And they may not take kindly to a cleric of Lathander healing the sick and converting the population to serve this strange and unknown god.
I plan to have the players take on the roles and responsibilities of the franchise such as decisionist, documancer, hordesperson, cartographer, etc. I can provide information on thise positions and the bonuses / magical items that come with those roles as needed. If you are familiar with the "C team" or the Acquisitions Inc games on YouTube, then you probably know how they work already.
What I am looking for!
Please apply to my game below if you are interested in joining. I am in the EST time zone and am looking for players that will post multiple times a day and like to RP. We are writing a story together so to speak... And so I expect you all to put in as much effort into posting meaningful RP between your characters and the NPCs as I put in interacting with you. Below is how I would like you to apply. I hope to make my choices within a few days. It will be important to have a well rounded group that consists of both good fighting and crafting skills. Thanks!
Starting at level 1, use point buy or standard array please. This campaign could easily to from levels 1 - 20 assuming the players stick with the game! Any alignments are going to be considered, but there will be no PVP between players so I expect you all to get along.
Name:
Race:
Class:
Alignment:
desired position within the franchise (Decisionost, documancer, hordesperson, etc):
Biggest fear:
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc:
Backstory (doesn't have to be super long for now):
Writing example (Just a few sentences as an example of the type of post quality I can expect):
Picture of your character? In a spoiler:
Link to your character:
I was just about to ask where you posted interest, and here it is! I'll work on something here shortly - this sounds like a great premise.
Latimer Trumador Human cleric 1 : Lost Mines of Phandelver
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
I am happy you are going through with this! I will post something soon!
Name: Vesna March
Race: Human (Variant)
Class: Cleric (Twilight Domain)*
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Desired position within the franchise: perhaps documancer or loremonger
Biggest fear: Vesna experiences moments of sudden fear, but her deepest fear revolves around abandonment and being left alone.
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc: Intrigued by a visitor's mention of Acquisitions Incorporated's venture into Etharis, Vesna saw this as an opportunity to confront her fears, contribute her knowledge gained from years of reading and researching, and prove herself worthy. She also hopes her accomplishments might make her family regret casting her away, although she is ashamed of this selfish motive and she would probably not admit it to anybody.
Backstory (doesn't have to be super long for now): Vesna, the youngest and only daughter among seven children, was sheltered and often teased by her older brothers for her timid nature. Sent away to the Church of Selûne* at a young age due to her parents' exhaustion in raising children, Vesna was taught to be humble and self-reliant, to use common sense and practicality and to find her own path trough life, but most importantly to provide reassurance and healing to those who needed it. Despite missing her family, her inquisitive and easy-going nature made the transition somewhat easier, and she found solace in books and the company of her fellow clerics, gradually overcoming many of her childhood fears.
Writing example (Just a few sentences as an example of the type of post quality I can expect):
The High Priestess's expression remained unreadable for several long moments. Vesna shifted uncomfortably under the scrutinizing gaze and swallowed hard. There was no way they would allow her to leave the church and venture so far away. What was she even thinking to make such a request? Still, a persistent feeling nagged at the young cleric: she had to go, if only she could find the words to convince the other woman.
"Fine," the High Priestess eventually sighed in dejection. "I can see that, for some reason, this is of great importance to you. And perhaps, it might do some good to spread the word of our goddess beyond here..."
Vesna's amber eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Oh, thank you!" she exclaimed, jumping out of her chair, suddenly eager to start packing.
"Of course, you would need to donate some of your new proceeds to the church. We do lose your abilities, after all, and it is only fair to compensate..."
"Of course! I will. Thank you, thank you!" Vesna chirped excitedly. She wasn't going for the riches anyway.
Picture of your character? In a spoiler:
*flexible
Aeran Dormaris - L2 Paladin on his way to Phandelver
Vesna March - L1 Cleric in Etharis
DM The Missing Farmer
This is appealing, and I do have the freedom to post often. I submit to you Ink, the slightly idealistic and impulsive gnome rogue:
Writing example: Ink takes a long draw on his pipe as he waits for the glassy-eyed half-orc to play his next card. The gnome does his best to appear indifferent, as if the result of the game were already determined, making the half-orc's decision irrelevant. The look of indifference on Ink's face, however, is hiding the fact that he is bluffing and aware that the odds are not in his favor. The half-orc, with a bit of trepidation, sets his card down. Ink glances at the card as he exhales the tobacco smoke, which rises into the air like a lazy ghost. How I do love this game, he thought to himself, restraining the urge to flash a wry smile.
Picture of Ink:
Link to character sheet
Name: Joron
Race: Variant Human
Class: Sorcerer (Runechild)
Alignment:
Neutral Evil
desired position within the franchise (Decisionost, documancer, hordesperson, etc): Obviator, Occultant, or Loremonger
Biggest fear: Being trapped in a small room with no windows and no lights and being used as a test subject to study the runes engraved in his body, even if it meant removing them from his body by any means.
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc: It's by accident he learned about Acquisitions Inc. while on the run that made him make a firm decision to take the matter into his own hands, even if it meant turning himself into the monster he is trying to run away from. Learning all he can and the runes he was born with, turning himself into something that would make others think twice about messing with him. If it means he has to sell himself into the Acquisitons Inc. then he will do it in a heartbeat.
Backstory (doesn't have to be super long for now): At the beginning, Joron was a happy child. Nothing out of the ordinary, but suddenly, one day. Tattoos started to appear on his body the next morning, causing panic to everyone, including himself. Learning that he was a unique case among Sorcerer and, to make it worse, some of his family had intentions that were by no means good for him. His parents force him to learn all he needs before telling him to run, for they can't protect him with how weak they are. This led to years of being on the runs as many started learning about the Runechild.
Writing example (Just a few sentences as an example of the type of post quality I can expect): Joron creeps up behind someone, using Minor Illusion to make the target slowly hear more of their own breath louder than should be possible. Preventing them from hearing Joron's footsteps as he sneaks up on them and covers their eyes with one hand, with the hand holding a dagger to stab inside their mouth to muffle their scream as much as possible while dragging them away to be dealt with. "Shush." Joron whispers into the person's ear. "It will be all over."
Picture of your character? In a spoiler:
Link to your character: Joron
Name: Kitaer of Escabor
Race: Minotaur
Class: Barbarian (Totem) - mayyyybe dip into fighter but maybe not
Alignment: Neutral with shades of good and selfish…
desired position within the franchise (Decisionost, documancer, hordesperson, etc): Decisionist - Kitaer doesn’t promise to make good decisions, but he will make decisions and follow through to the end!
Biggest fear: It used to be nectarines but now it’s Goblins. Hoards and hoards of Goblins filling the horizon in every direction…
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc:
Public reason: Fortune, Fame and the excuse to kill things!
Non-Public reason: Well see, he killed the wrong goblin in a bar fight and now his family is hounding him. Non stop. And damn did that goblin have a lot of family! It seems the more he kills the more come out of the bile-forsaken woodwork at the most inopportune times! Maybe, just maybe, he’ll be free of them in this Etharis place…. Maybe.
Backstory (doesn't have to be super long for now): Kitaer does not have one of those gloomy backstories, nor one particularly filled with heroics. Really, Kitaer is a pretty average minotaur who does minotaur things. Perhaps a few more drunken brawls than the average minotaur but let’s be fair, bar brawls are pretty common for minotaurs so it would be more uncommon if he was a pacifist or some carp like that! So yeah… totally average and normal, for a minotaur. Until that goblin incident…. That godsforsaken, mouthy, foul little goblin who just didn’t know when to shut up! Anyway, as has been said, Kitaer has been plagued by goblins ever since. It’s not that they’re a threat, even when they attack en masse…. But it’s just the constant annoyance of them coming seemingly non-stop! Anal warts is less annoying than the damnable goblins!!!
Writing example (Just a few sentences as an example of the type of post quality I can expect):
Kitaer groans and pulls the questionable blanket up over his head. Who knew how clean The Glistening Weasel kept their bedding but still it was better than surrendering to the piercing rays of sunlight slipping in through the closed blinds and threatening to awaken him. He shouldn’t have bothered, Rawlf was soon stomping his foot on the floor outside the door and yelling at him to get out or he’d have to pay for another day’s stay.
Fricking Rawlf! His place is so damn flimsy he’d rather stomp on the floor than knock on the flimsy door and possibly put his hand through the thing! “Alright, alrighty!! Stop with the pounding, already!!” Kitaer calls out, his shouts pounding in his head and reminding him of just how much he drank the night before. “Go and get coffee ready. LOTS of COFFEE!!”
Kitaer isn’t sure Rawlf is actually going to make coffee but at least he has stopped pounding. The man has some compassion at least. Either that or he’s smart enough to want to stay on the good side of the minotaur with the great big axe. Or…. Or he just has other guests to rouse and harass. More stomping coming and thumping through his brainsack and making it ache in all the regret of last night suggests that yes, there are others to rouse.
“Crap,” Kitaer succinctly says in summation of, well, life. With a grunt and a groan he throws off the blanket and squeezes his eyes shut in defense against the sun. Sitting up and throwing his hooves onto the floor he’s resigned to starting the day anew…. “Fricken Rawlf…”
“COFFEE!” Kitaer shouts out again, blindly but loudly, and wonders if he actually has coin enough to pay for it…
Picture of your character? In a spoiler:
Link to your character: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/114277001/n8U3zL
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
Name: Lord Daryos Dezlentyr
Race: Human (Inspiring Leader)
Class: Sorcerer (Divine Soul)
Background: Noble
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Position: Decisionist or Secretarian
Fear: To fail in the eyes of his father
Backstory: Born into the prominent noble house of Dezlentyr in Waterdeep as the third child of Lord Arlos Dezlentyr, young Daryos had a sheltered upbringing within his family's Sea Ward estate in the City of Wonders. In his teens young Daryos showed a natural magical talent that he has yet only gained some basic tutelage with since his family, and his father in particular has always expected his weakling son to focus his ambitions on taking care of administrating the family's extensive overseas trade and exploration back from the safe halls of their estates. As it turned out, young Daryos was not content with this lot in life and has had contacts with Ominifis Hereward Dran, the CEO of Aquisitions Incorporated, to journey to the far off land of Etharis and establish a new franchise there. While foremost a businessman, Daryos through the expected adventuring seeks to build his own name out of the shadow of his father.
Writing example: The young noble looked out to the ocean as he stood on the family estate terrace by the sea, feeling the salty wind in his white hair, watching the ships arrive and depart for distant shores. Soon he would be on one of them, he had only to break it to his father. Daryos shook his head at the thought and started to walk along the terrace. His father would never understand, might try to prevent him from leaving even, but Daryos knew he had to do this, it would be the only way to truly have his father's full appreciation one day and he knew he would be smothered into a painful death of his spirit if he didn't leave Waterdeep soon.
Lord Daryos Dezlentyr
Picture
Name: Stasyn
Race: Verdan
Class: Wizard
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Desired Position: Documancer
Biggest Fear: Devolving back to a slobbering goblin that cannot even string together coherent sentences.
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Incorporated: To garner hard power Stasyn needs a fortune and operating a franchise of one of the most successful businesses seems the shortest path to that goal.
Backstory: Stasyn is proud of his race, but not of their origins. The fact that he was created from goblin flesh repulses him. He has done his best to distance himself from his lineage. He chose to live in a city and away from the underground burrows his kin seem to prefer. He carefully enunciates his words as to not be confused with his kin. Learning to read and write open doors for him in the world of academia and he started as a scribe but yearned for more power.
A passing wizard of some renown needed a scribe, and everyone knew golden boy Amden would be picked as the senior scribe always favored him. Right then and there it clicked for Stasyn that if he wanted to be chosen, he had to make it happen even if that meant Amden met with an accident. Wait that would be too messy. No, formally disgraced would be a better fate for Amden. Stasyn offered to deliver a finished treatise to a repugnant noble, and on the way Stasyn altered the document by changing a few words that would surely cause the noble to erupt into a delicious rage. Stasyn did not have to wait long before Amden was not only kicked to the curb, but also banned. Stasyn was then chosen as the alternate and years later he devoured the wizard's knowledge. Now that he had magic at his fingertips, he needed coin as that is what truly shaped the world. He left the life of a scribe and carefully approached an Acquisition Incorpoated recruiter. After he learned of their vices and hinting how it would be better to be on Stasyn's good side. Though that may be hard to find.
Writing Example: Stasyn stands at 4ft tall and even though he is shorter than most folk he walks with authority. This day he enters the black smithy's workshop with a writ of compliance from Barrister Hawken. Of course, the document is a fabricated lie, but not everyone is literate. He dismissively wipes off the snow from his blue patterned coat. "Aven this is your last day, by the order of his royal majesty through barrister Hawken you are here by placed under my authority. In simpler terms you work for me. Any projects I ask of you means you will comply. If the quality does not match what I know you can produce, then you and your family will be evicted from this workshop and your home on the 2nd story. Now think what that would mean being out on the streets in the dead of winter."
Aven a human of at least 50 winters, looks stunned for a moment as he looks at the short bluish green skinned bureaucrat. He hefts his hammer truly considering smashing Stasyn's face in but stays his hand as he hears the muffled cries of his baby girl upstairs. "I will do as you ask, but I am keeping my profits."
Outwardly Stasyn has a look of indifference, but inwardly he is smiling. "Good now this is my first project a metal wand. Have it done by tomorrow." With that Stasyn leaves the smithy and in the chilll air he wears a crooked grin as he makes ready for a journey.
Picture in Spoiler:
Link to your character: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/114273054/EZeDKA
Name: Geogan Finnst
Race: Hill dwarf
Class: Barbarian
Alignment: Chaotic good
Desired position within the franchise (Decisionost, documancer, hordesperson, etc): Obviator (or maybe hoardsperson)
Biggest fear: Being locked in a cell and forgotten
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc: Geogan is trying to stay a few steps ahead of those he has swindled, and this venture seems to offer the chance to take advantage of a less strict environment
Backstory (doesn't have to be super long for now): Geogan Finnst is not his real name, but then again, who cares what others call you? This dwarf was left, abandoned at the entrance of a mine shaft many years ago. He never discovered what circumstances led to this situation, and cannot recall any details of his childhood. Scavenging and scraping by in the nearby caves and forest, he lived as a hermit for much of his formative years. He always seemed to have an affinity for stones, and remains fascinated by what a little polishing or gem cutting can do to make a rock into something beautiful. Upon reaching civilization, he struggled to survive the more urban ways, but a greedy jeweler happened upon him and saw his natural skills at shaping and cutting stones. He took him in, trained him, and gave him just enough food and resources to keep him from looking for better options. He was also quite the double dealer, and one day his evil ways caught up to him, leaving him dead in the backroom for Geogan to find. The dwarf simply shrugged, packed up his favorite tools and a few choice stones, and moved on to find his own way. These days, he takes on odd jobs to cut stones for others, but sometimes those beautiful stones get replaced with cheaper fakes before being delivered to the customer. And because not all of his customers are idiots, Geogan has found the need to move often.. Perhaps a change of scenery is just what is needed?
Writing example (Just a few sentences as an example of the type of post quality I can expect):
The dwarf sits at the table, intent on the work in front of him, covered in dust and sweat. Only hours before, the jewel in front of him was a dull chunk of rock. Now, it is gleaning in the candlelight, the many polished facets each reflecting the light slightly differently. "This piece is turning out better than expected," he mutters to no one in particular. "Too nice, perhaps, for that gnome that brought it to me. Still, he seems a sharp type, and I may have crossed too many others recently."
Looking over at the poster he had snagged from a tavern earlier that evening, Geogan mused, again to no one who could hear. "Perhaps I should just pack up my stuff, stone included, and go see what this Acquisitions, Inc. has to offer. A fresh start, it says. Danger, intrigue... bah. Notions for the younger crowd. But surviving a new land, finding new ores and opportunities? Now that I can get behind."
As if the decision had already been made long ago, he grabbed is pack of meager belongings and started loading his tools into it. He always kept his gear ready to move, just in case someone from his past got a little too close. And that stone... it somehow found its way into a secret pouch hidden in the bottom of the pack. It too seemed destined to find a new home, perhaps in a far away land.
Picture of your character? In a spoiler:
Link to your character: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/107766410
Latimer Trumador Human cleric 1 : Lost Mines of Phandelver
I might have missed it above. How long will recruitment be open?
Post went up yesterday and in it he says "I hope to make my choices within a few days."
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
That is correct Kaemgen. I won't leave it open for forever but I want to make sure I have a decent pool to choose from.
Name: Nesyax Sanaldi (usually just "Nessy")
Race: Yuan-ti
Class: Bard
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
desired position within the franchise (Decisionost, documancer, hordesperson, etc): Secretarian (but open to others)
Biggest fear: Probably Nesyax's biggest fear is to end up poor and powerless. In her mind it would prove her family was right to disinherit her. She also has a bit of fear of birds - she really does not like them and is uneasy around them.
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc: It sounded like a great way to gain power and wealth! The proposition seemed a bit of a gamble, but Nesyax figured with her wits she could shift the odds in her favor. (Ok, and some of the schemes she'd been involved with to become wealthy hadn't been working too.)
Backstory (doesn't have to be super long for now): Nesyax was born into the noble Sanaldi family. She was a rare example of a pureblood yuan-ti having a child with a human. Her mother, a yuan-ti, had infiltrated the noble society in order to gain influence and knowledge. And her marriage to Nesyax's father had been a great boon to her goals. Both mother and child looked very human, but eventually the secret was found out. The mother was killed as a traitor and after much debate Nesyax disowned and thrown out. (They feared killing her because she was still of the family's blood - even if not welcome.) She now lives with the desire to show that family that disowned her how successful she can be.
Writing example (Just a few sentences as an example of the type of post quality I can expect):
Her performance done, Nesyax slips her longhorn into its case and stashes it backstage. Still dressed in her loose top and billowy pants, she makes her back out in the crowd, weaving her way between the tables. Her eyes are on the group near the back that are now engaged in playing cards. She'd noticed them as she was performing, and she had seemed to capture their attention a little bit. 'And they look wealthy,' she thinks.
She doesn't head straight for their table, but as audience members recognize her and call out to her, she pauses to greet them. Most just praise her performance and she gives them kind thanks. A few want autographs, offer her a drink, or want to solicit something more private. Those she brushes off. In all cases she quickly moves on.
Finally reaching the table of cared players, she greets them. "Hey there fellows! Did you enjoy the show?" She gives them a cheerful smile. She watches them just a moment, then squeezes in to sit with them. "What sort of game are you playing? It looks tough," she says, feigning ignorance of the game.
Picture of your character? In a spoiler:
Link to your character: Nesyax Sanaldi
Rabbit Sebrica | Skarai | Katryl Brightfury | Rylia Lionrage | Roxana Raincrest | Janek Whitmor | Lokilia Vaelphin
So I think I am going to try to pick characters either later tonight or sometime tomorrow. If you are interested in applying and have not done so yet, please do so. Thanks!
Name: Uz Barben
Race: Hobgoblin
Class: Fighter
Alignment: Neutral Good
desired position within the franchise (Decisionost, documancer, hordesperson, etc): Obviator or hoardsperson but happy with whatever
Biggest fear: Causing his party to die like the company he led in a long now forgotten war
Why you chose to work for Acquisitions Inc: He has a hard time getting work as a vet who only knows fighting and death. Acquisition promised new beggings and an honest way to make some coin.
Backstory (doesn't have to be super long for now): Uz was a captain in a war that has now been forgotten. He joined the army thinking that he could make a difference and be a real-life hero, but he found out that there is no such thing in this life. While in war he found that he was fighting beings that wanted to survive just like him but he had a job to do. After making a bad decision that resulted in the death of 5 of his soldiers, he left the front lines. It is now 30 years later and his old life now just feels like a nightmare. He saw a flier of Acquisition Inc. expanding into a foreign land and Uz saw this as his ticket out.
Writing example (Just a few sentences as an example of the type of post quality I can expect): Uz walks out of the pub with a gruff and expressionless face. He looks into his trench coat pocket, "Damn it, out of coin again. Well, at least the barmaid showed some kind of kindness to an old fool like me with that extra pint." He walks down the alleyway when here a voice down the street, "Acqisition is expanding and is looking for brave folks to help the company set up shop in feireng lands! Pays well, and opportunity to make a fresh start!" Uz couldn't believe what he heard, could this finally be the shimmer of hope that will relieve him of the nightmare he has been living these last few decades?
Link to your character: www.dndbeyond.com/characters/114403924/WzFwlM
I want to thank you all for your applications! It was a hard choice but I have made my decisions. If you did not get an invite from me than I wish you the best of luck in getting accepted into future campaigns thanks!