This would be my first D&DB PBP foray, used to participate in the old LoL PBP forums a lot back in the day and I miss it. So...
I'd like to run a small party (5 max) homebrew to see how things go. My style tends to be more character/narrative based rather than combat and this adventure won't be big on the Hack 'n Slash (for reasons that will become apparent once things get going). Not to say there wouldn't be more in later games if we continue. Warriors have as much of a role to play as any other class in this particular scenario so there's no need to leave your fighter at home!
THE SETTING:
Part of a continent that has been cut off from civilisation until relatively recently. Located in the high north, the area is cold and inhospitable - also largely unclaimed and unexplored. Having been a mystery for so long, such a landscape naturally calls to those of an adventurous nature. At times, this area has been overrun by all manner of horrors; summoned from other planes. They are long gone now (of course!). Now it is a land of possibility for those seeking a new start, wealth, or a small corner of territory to call their own. There's plenty of work for sell-swords up here as this is a wild frontier in which the rule of law has yet to be asserted.
SOME INFO:
This is a high fantasy setting with playable Human, Dwarf, and Elven characters. There are several human civilisation groups, two main dwarven kingdoms and three sub-groups of elves. Half-races are also possible. There's a full homebrew pantheon for those of a druidic or clerical persuasion.
Style-wise, you're the players so do your thing. We're just playing a game and hopefully supporting each other to enjoy it. Lots of character interaction is good and as much descriptive/atmospheric stuff as you are comfortable with. Just try to keep the OOC content minimal and clearly demarcated.
This is a scenario calibrated to a low-level group just starting out. The super-powers and super-weapons will have to be earned and won along the way! I like high-powered characters (who doesn't?) but they can be difficult to manage when a group of players are new and still forming a dynamic. The fun is in the journey!
I'm on UK time (just FYI - all players welcome) and I work horrid shifts, so there is not a hard and fast time commitment here. If a player is unable to post for a day or two, their character is assumed to be "tagging along" but inactive until their next post. I'd ask for a quick DM if you decide the game is not for you - just so we can adjust the narrative accordingly. I'll be open about my availability too.
This won't be an overly adult-content/themed thread but it is a lawless setting and there is evil in the world. I try to steer clear of triggering content but everyone's RL experiences are unique. DM with any issues and the storyline can always be adapted, no questions asked.
For those that wish to use it, I'll add a campaign on Scabard.com with lots of the homebrew reference material so that we keep the thread focused on the narrative and gameplay. For anyone unfamiliar, that does involve creating a free-to-use account (so worth it!). The essentials will be here however.
WANT TO JOIN?
Initially, let me know the character race, class, and general background/anything relevant you fancy playing. I can then give you some bespoke options to fit the homebrew elements of the world. Players would start at L2 but we can get to that later...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
GM: Adventure in the Mountains GM: After The Breach PC: Elagor Tyreen, in Dragon Heist-Hell of a Summer
Sounds interesting. I would like to play as a human fighter/cleric. He grew up on the mean streets of a city and had to learn to fight at a young age (Urchin Background). He also learned that the best way to win a fight is to cheat (Trickery Domain).
I'd like to play a human conjuring wizard. Her background is that she was a street urchin, till she tried picking the wrong purse. But instead of turning her over to the guards or killing her directly, the wizard whose purse she stole took her in instead. She worked hard as a maid. It was a lot of work, but came with regular meals and a warm dry place to sleep, so it was a good deal for her. She started learning magic and using that to help her with her maid duties. When she became an adult, her master praised her as the best disciple he'd ever had, and sent her out on her own as a wizard. Now she's off to explore the unknown and start her life of adventure!
While she has spells that can be used in combat, she's not focused on combat, but rather on support. She's a magical maid, so her focus would be to keep the party clean and fed. But she is a wizard, so she can fight when fighting is needed.
I'd love to join with Avery, a young human who recently "parted ways" with his bardic college, seeking a more unconventional path to glory. Music was never his forte; instead, he fancies himself a rogue scholar, a wordsmith who wields poetry like a blade, and a man of the arts. His singing voice, while not exceptional, could hold its own, but Avery's journey is driven by a need to make a name for himself, to prove his worth beyond the expectations of his family back in his home village. With a quick mind and a silver tongue, he's ready to embark on a new chapter, one filled with adventure, discovery, and perhaps a bit of larceny.
I'd like to play a human conjuring wizard. Her background is that she was a street urchin, till she tried picking the wrong purse. But instead of turning her over to the guards or killing her directly, the wizard whose purse she stole took her in instead. She worked hard as a maid. It was a lot of work, but came with regular meals and a warm dry place to sleep, so it was a good deal for her. She started learning magic and using that to help her with her maid duties. When she became an adult, her master praised her as the best disciple he'd ever had, and sent her out on her own as a wizard. Now she's off to explore the unknown and start her life of adventure!
While she has spells that can be used in combat, she's not focused on combat, but rather on support. She's a magical maid, so her focus would be to keep the party clean and fed. But she is a wizard, so she can fight when fighting is needed.
This background is great as there is a well laid-down career path for wizards! New wizards who have gained their staff are sent out into the world by their Lore Master. To progress, they must undertake 1. Service to others, 2. Practice the Arcane Arts and 3. Develop their skills around their chosen school or specialism. Once they can demonstrate that they have done these, they may return to a school of wizardry (if they wish) to be admitted to the Second Circle of Wizardry. Mainstream wizards (those who hold renown and influence) follow a path of balanced neutrality but each may choose their own course. The north mountains would be a good choice for a young wizard seeking to progress through adventure.
I'd be playing a variant human clockwork soul sorcerer named Niros. Niros spent the last 4 years working for cruel often drunk dwarf in an alchemical workshop. His precision and dedication to order made him the only one to last longer than few moths in the workshop. His master often went for days long drinking trips to near taverns and paid Niros miserably. But after 4 years of hard work disaster struck, alchemical fire broke out, swallowing the whole building in red and green flames. That night Niros took what he had, said goodbye to the few people he knew and embarked on a jorney to learn about the forces of order and chaos.
I'd be interesting in submitting Gwendallyn Ashenstaff, human (or possibly Aasimar if that works?) cleric of the Light domain (would love to hear about any relevant deities your homebrew world would have)! She would be of the Noble background, but travels under an alias using the alias of Ashenstaff and does not disclose her family name. I would definitely like to provide additional context about her background behind the scenes if you would like to know more! Or we can share here in spoilers, but a lady has got to have a few secrets of her own.
I'd love to join with Avery, a young human who recently "parted ways" with his bardic college, seeking a more unconventional path to glory. Music was never his forte; instead, he fancies himself a rogue scholar, a wordsmith who wields poetry like a blade, and a man of the arts. His singing voice, while not exceptional, could hold its own, but Avery's journey is driven by a need to make a name for himself, to prove his worth beyond the expectations of his family back in his home village. With a quick mind and a silver tongue, he's ready to embark on a new chapter, one filled with adventure, discovery, and perhaps a bit of larceny.
That works fine. An unexplored/undiscovered part of the world will be ripe with opportunity for lore, history, the writing of verse and of course chronicling one's own heroic exploits! The god Morath "The scholar" would most likely be your patron deity. Morath thoroughly approves of those who actively seek out knowledge (though he equally approves of a well-run, orderly library!).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
GM: Adventure in the Mountains GM: After The Breach PC: Elagor Tyreen, in Dragon Heist-Hell of a Summer
I'd be playing a variant human clockwork soul sorcerer named Niros. Niros spent the last 4 years working for cruel often drunk dwarf in an alchemical workshop. His precision and dedication to order made him the only one to last longer than few moths in the workshop. His master often went for days long drinking trips to near taverns and paid Niros miserably. But after 4 years of hard work disaster struck, alchemical fire broke out, swallowing the whole building in red and green flames. That night Niros took what he had, said goodbye to the few people he knew and embarked on a jorney to learn about the forces of order and chaos.
I'll be honest, clockwork soul sorcerer is a new one on me! Must be from a source I'm not familiar with, but I'm sure we can make it work. Specifically, the themes of order and chaos are particularly apt to this setting. It's been a place of evil and chaos for nearly a thousand years; only in the past hundred and fifty has order begun to take hold. Indeed, only for the past 50 years have any ventured out of the first fortified settlement to be built. It is most definitely a place to study and explore!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
GM: Adventure in the Mountains GM: After The Breach PC: Elagor Tyreen, in Dragon Heist-Hell of a Summer
Lorith Stonehands is a dwarven Monk (drunken master). background clan crafter.
Lorith is the 3rd son of a well know dwarven brewer. His family is known for some of the finest ale and spirits in the realm. Lorith is the black sheep of the family, he would rather drink and carouse then work. His parents have sent him out in the world with very little in hopes that the shock of the real world will sober him up and teach him some sense of responsibility.
Rin the Magic Maid is ready to go. Since you mentioned wizards getting their staff, I gave her the staff my father carved, which I have now. So I added a detailed description on her character sheet:
This a gnarled staff of diamond willow, with the knots carved out and interconnected. At the toop of the staff is a carving of a wizards head with a long flowing beard. Below the head is a leather handgrip.
My dad spend a long time making that staff, and decades before he found a staff top he liked (he didn't carve that part).
This would be my first D&DB PBP foray, used to participate in the old LoL PBP forums a lot back in the day and I miss it. So...
I'd like to run a small party (5 max) homebrew to see how things go. My style tends to be more character/narrative based rather than combat and this adventure won't be big on the Hack 'n Slash (for reasons that will become apparent once things get going). Not to say there wouldn't be more in later games if we continue. Warriors have as much of a role to play as any other class in this particular scenario so there's no need to leave your fighter at home!
THE SETTING:
Part of a continent that has been cut off from civilisation until relatively recently. Located in the high north, the area is cold and inhospitable - also largely unclaimed and unexplored. Having been a mystery for so long, such a landscape naturally calls to those of an adventurous nature. At times, this area has been overrun by all manner of horrors; summoned from other planes. They are long gone now (of course!). Now it is a land of possibility for those seeking a new start, wealth, or a small corner of territory to call their own. There's plenty of work for sell-swords up here as this is a wild frontier in which the rule of law has yet to be asserted.
SOME INFO:
This is a high fantasy setting with playable Human, Dwarf, and Elven characters. There are several human civilisation groups, two main dwarven kingdoms and three sub-groups of elves. Half-races are also possible. There's a full homebrew pantheon for those of a druidic or clerical persuasion.
Style-wise, you're the players so do your thing. We're just playing a game and hopefully supporting each other to enjoy it. Lots of character interaction is good and as much descriptive/atmospheric stuff as you are comfortable with. Just try to keep the OOC content minimal and clearly demarcated.
This is a scenario calibrated to a low-level group just starting out. The super-powers and super-weapons will have to be earned and won along the way! I like high-powered characters (who doesn't?) but they can be difficult to manage when a group of players are new and still forming a dynamic. The fun is in the journey!
I'm on UK time (just FYI - all players welcome) and I work horrid shifts, so there is not a hard and fast time commitment here. If a player is unable to post for a day or two, their character is assumed to be "tagging along" but inactive until their next post. I'd ask for a quick DM if you decide the game is not for you - just so we can adjust the narrative accordingly. I'll be open about my availability too.
This won't be an overly adult-content/themed thread but it is a lawless setting and there is evil in the world. I try to steer clear of triggering content but everyone's RL experiences are unique. DM with any issues and the storyline can always be adapted, no questions asked.
For those that wish to use it, I'll add a campaign on Scabard.com with lots of the homebrew reference material so that we keep the thread focused on the narrative and gameplay. For anyone unfamiliar, that does involve creating a free-to-use account (so worth it!). The essentials will be here however.
WANT TO JOIN?
Initially, let me know the character race, class, and general background/anything relevant you fancy playing. I can then give you some bespoke options to fit the homebrew elements of the world. Players would start at L2 but we can get to that later...
GM: Adventure in the Mountains
GM: After The Breach
PC: Elagor Tyreen, in Dragon Heist-Hell of a Summer
Feel free to check out my Period Fantasy novella: Storm on the Cathe
Sounds interesting! Going to check out Scabard.com first before submitting an application.
The scabard thing is entirely optional, it's just where all my notes are, so I can give players access to the world, background etc if they want it.
GM: Adventure in the Mountains
GM: After The Breach
PC: Elagor Tyreen, in Dragon Heist-Hell of a Summer
Feel free to check out my Period Fantasy novella: Storm on the Cathe
I would love to play, the setting sounds very interesting. Where should I send the application?
Sounds interesting. I would like to play as a human fighter/cleric. He grew up on the mean streets of a city and had to learn to fight at a young age (Urchin Background). He also learned that the best way to win a fight is to cheat (Trickery Domain).
I'd like to play a human conjuring wizard. Her background is that she was a street urchin, till she tried picking the wrong purse. But instead of turning her over to the guards or killing her directly, the wizard whose purse she stole took her in instead. She worked hard as a maid. It was a lot of work, but came with regular meals and a warm dry place to sleep, so it was a good deal for her. She started learning magic and using that to help her with her maid duties. When she became an adult, her master praised her as the best disciple he'd ever had, and sent her out on her own as a wizard. Now she's off to explore the unknown and start her life of adventure!
While she has spells that can be used in combat, she's not focused on combat, but rather on support. She's a magical maid, so her focus would be to keep the party clean and fed. But she is a wizard, so she can fight when fighting is needed.
I'd love to join with Avery, a young human who recently "parted ways" with his bardic college, seeking a more unconventional path to glory. Music was never his forte; instead, he fancies himself a rogue scholar, a wordsmith who wields poetry like a blade, and a man of the arts. His singing voice, while not exceptional, could hold its own, but Avery's journey is driven by a need to make a name for himself, to prove his worth beyond the expectations of his family back in his home village. With a quick mind and a silver tongue, he's ready to embark on a new chapter, one filled with adventure, discovery, and perhaps a bit of larceny.
I got quotes!
Just drop your character idea on here. We'll roll up once we know who we've got.
GM: Adventure in the Mountains
GM: After The Breach
PC: Elagor Tyreen, in Dragon Heist-Hell of a Summer
Feel free to check out my Period Fantasy novella: Storm on the Cathe
This background is great as there is a well laid-down career path for wizards! New wizards who have gained their staff are sent out into the world by their Lore Master. To progress, they must undertake 1. Service to others, 2. Practice the Arcane Arts and 3. Develop their skills around their chosen school or specialism. Once they can demonstrate that they have done these, they may return to a school of wizardry (if they wish) to be admitted to the Second Circle of Wizardry. Mainstream wizards (those who hold renown and influence) follow a path of balanced neutrality but each may choose their own course. The north mountains would be a good choice for a young wizard seeking to progress through adventure.
GM: Adventure in the Mountains
GM: After The Breach
PC: Elagor Tyreen, in Dragon Heist-Hell of a Summer
Feel free to check out my Period Fantasy novella: Storm on the Cathe
That sounds like something she will be doing, even without combat :-)
I'd be playing a variant human clockwork soul sorcerer named Niros. Niros spent the last 4 years working for cruel often drunk dwarf in an alchemical workshop. His precision and dedication to order made him the only one to last longer than few moths in the workshop. His master often went for days long drinking trips to near taverns and paid Niros miserably. But after 4 years of hard work disaster struck, alchemical fire broke out, swallowing the whole building in red and green flames. That night Niros took what he had, said goodbye to the few people he knew and embarked on a jorney to learn about the forces of order and chaos.
I'd be interesting in submitting Gwendallyn Ashenstaff, human (or possibly Aasimar if that works?) cleric of the Light domain (would love to hear about any relevant deities your homebrew world would have)! She would be of the Noble background, but travels under an alias using the alias of Ashenstaff and does not disclose her family name. I would definitely like to provide additional context about her background behind the scenes if you would like to know more! Or we can share here in spoilers, but a lady has got to have a few secrets of her own.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
That works fine. An unexplored/undiscovered part of the world will be ripe with opportunity for lore, history, the writing of verse and of course chronicling one's own heroic exploits! The god Morath "The scholar" would most likely be your patron deity. Morath thoroughly approves of those who actively seek out knowledge (though he equally approves of a well-run, orderly library!).
GM: Adventure in the Mountains
GM: After The Breach
PC: Elagor Tyreen, in Dragon Heist-Hell of a Summer
Feel free to check out my Period Fantasy novella: Storm on the Cathe
I'll be honest, clockwork soul sorcerer is a new one on me! Must be from a source I'm not familiar with, but I'm sure we can make it work. Specifically, the themes of order and chaos are particularly apt to this setting. It's been a place of evil and chaos for nearly a thousand years; only in the past hundred and fifty has order begun to take hold. Indeed, only for the past 50 years have any ventured out of the first fortified settlement to be built. It is most definitely a place to study and explore!
GM: Adventure in the Mountains
GM: After The Breach
PC: Elagor Tyreen, in Dragon Heist-Hell of a Summer
Feel free to check out my Period Fantasy novella: Storm on the Cathe
Seems like we have the makings of a good party. I've created a campaign so you can roll up characters when you wish. L2, point build or standard array is fine, with basic starting equipment. https://www.dndbeyond.com/campaigns/join/54475302937097878
Depending how we go, I might close recruitment once the current group has rolled up and we can start.
GM: Adventure in the Mountains
GM: After The Breach
PC: Elagor Tyreen, in Dragon Heist-Hell of a Summer
Feel free to check out my Period Fantasy novella: Storm on the Cathe
Hey! Here is my submission!!
Lorith Stonehands is a dwarven Monk (drunken master). background clan crafter.
Lorith is the 3rd son of a well know dwarven brewer. His family is known for some of the finest ale and spirits in the realm. Lorith is the black sheep of the family, he would rather drink and carouse then work. His parents have sent him out in the world with very little in hopes that the shock of the real world will sober him up and teach him some sense of responsibility.
The campaign link is giving me a Internal Server Error (with a picture of a beholder) and an error code of 500
Try to copy it without the last: -worked for me!
Rin the Magic Maid is ready to go. Since you mentioned wizards getting their staff, I gave her the staff my father carved, which I have now. So I added a detailed description on her character sheet:
This a gnarled staff of diamond willow, with the knots carved out and interconnected. At the toop of the staff is a carving of a wizards head with a long flowing beard. Below the head is a leather handgrip.
My dad spend a long time making that staff, and decades before he found a staff top he liked (he didn't carve that part).
Duh, I should have looked for something obvious in the link like that. Thanks! That works, and Rin is now in the campaign :-)