I’m recruiting 4-6 players for a homebrewed campaign. I am aiming for the story to carry characters from 1st to 10th level or so. I am designing this adventure to work with any alignment but I prefer to try it with good-aligned characters first. Here are the parameters of the campaign:
Post every day
The number 1 thing I have seen to ensure success of a long-running PbP campaign is consistency. That’s what I’m striving for and I hope the same in my players.
I am looking for players will post every day M-F and at least once on the weekend.
I will post for a character that hasn’t checked in after 24 hours.
If something comes up let me know. I can slow the game or change an encounter to accommodate.
Posting preferences
Each character adopts a color for combat maps and to pick names out of posts easily.
I will hide posts for individuals or split parties and I trust you won’t read them if they aren’t intended for you.
Characters
Characters can be any race or class, including UA.
Point buy to create characters
Everyone will start at level 1.
Feats are fine, where available.
Start with gold and not equipment.
Two restrictions:
1.) Everyone will start the adventure at a circus, preferably as a performer or worker for the circus but I am open to patrons, urchins, vendors, or other ideas you might have. Some examples: a Minotaur strongman fighter or barbarian, an acrobat rogue, an animal trainer ranger or druid, or a magician of varying magic-casting classes. Obviously a bard is an easy fit here as well, but they could be the barker or just a performer. You pitch me the idea for why they are at the circus. I’d conceiving of the party as a motley crew of rejects at the start, but I’m happy to be surprised by your ideas here.
2.) Characters start only with equipment relevant to their work at the circus, purchased with their starting gold. If you have some special requests, run them past me. I do intend for characters to gear up very quickly in the adventure to make up for the lack of starting equipment. Thus, during character creation, take gold instead of starting equipment.
The Homebrew World
Most of what you need to know of the world will be provided as we go.
What you do know: The country you are in is called Arcion, ruled by King Haddian, who is kind, beloved, and a powerful mage. Also, the gods are the standard gods found in Faerun but can include non-standard ones if that is what you need for your character.
The world will have an occasional greco-roman feel to it, hopefully not a heavy-handed one.
DM style
This is my first homebrew campaign, but I have been running a Dragon Heist PbP campaign, so I am comfortable with DMing here now. That said, a laid-back approach is preferred as I am still learning. I have a rough story in mind but I’m not going to railroad the group through it. Again, I’ll happily be surprised by what comes and tailor the adventure to the group I accept.
I prefer to roll initiative for the party, since it keeps things moving along and I also do not stick to rigid initiative order. For example, the heroes might all go first in any order followed by the opponents (or vice-versa).
I'll be using Milestone advancement. Counting XP is fine but I like to keep things streamlined and Milestone is definitely streamlined.
To submit your character provide the following:
Character Name:
Race:
Alignment:
Class:
Your reason for being at the circus:
Backstory (an actual backstory, as in, more than just "Folk Hero"):
He is a Beasthide shifter, and after being cast out for being born as a Half-Ox, he wears a hooded cloth to cover up. At the circus, he follows with his cart (I don’t count it as encumbrance, since he drives it) and sells his ‘wares’. The Magical Cure All (holy water), the never ending cup (a bottle with a hole in the end), pipes of Bird Calling (birdpipes), and Fiend repellent (incense)! He stores most of it in a barrel in his cart, as it also makes him look more official.
Class: Blood Hunter
Race: Shifter (beasthide)
Name: Oxison
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Reason for being at the circus: To make money, he sells false wares and has to provide 75% to the circus. They are the only ones not treating him as a freak, but are always bothering him to be an actor. He always refuses.
Backstory: As a kid, Oxison was cast out of his village, for being able to turn into a half-ox. He wandered far and wide on his own, and eventually stumbled upon the circus. They pestered him to become an actor, but he refused. He sold false wares there, and eventually grew up to sell a lot and make enough money to buy his own cart, labeled ‘Oxison’s Own and Only Shop!’ . He still is scared to go into public on this day, and always wears his hooded cloth. He feels as though magic was used to curse him this way, and therefore doesn’t understand nor wants to understand Magic.
(if you feel backstory is lacking, I can add on to it.)
Your reason for being at the circus: Though having picked up a thing or two about performing in her time with the circus, Lorahzt's main contributions are as a guard and builder. She has been working on an act as a knife juggler, but the head showman said it was... inadequate, to put it mildly.
Backstory: Lorahzt was born as a serf under a family of minor drow nobility, and spent most of her years in servitude to them. One day, however, she ended up being sold as a gladiator for assaulting the noble's son... who was himself beating her younger sister. Untrained and barely armed, it wasn't long before a barely breathing Lorahzt was tossed into a mine-shaft to die. She awoke in the company of deep gnomes, who'd taken pity on her and tended to her wounds. Determined to find a way to repay the gnomes' kindness (in spite of their protests) and tired of the Underdark that had chewed her up and spat her out, Lorahzt struck out into the surface to find her fortune and hone what talents she'd discovered as a gladiator. Some time later, she ended up signing on with the circus, both because they kept many odd people around (and thus did not mind a drow) and because the traveling circus proved an excellent way to see the world and possibly find wealth or treasure with which to repay her debt.
Link to DDB Character Sheet: ddb.ac/characters/9552077/5U7Fu4
Your Reason For Being At the Circus: Taken in by owner two years ago after finding him. Is now a performer/oddity. Either does look at the kobold, he's weird and dangerous don't get too close. Or performs hyping the crowd up between acts with bits of drumming and magic.
Backstory: Arix is very different than most kobolds. He was not born in this plane. He instead came from a plane full of undead, darkness, and shadows. Born there his entire clan lives there and serves a giant shadow dragon, Froapa, who they believe is a direct descendant of Tiamat. All the kobolds born there are expected to be meek and serve Froapa. Sticking to the status quo and serving the dragon with whatever they want the kobolds have survived and are hoping to get within the graces of Tiamat. However, Arix was very different. When Arix was just an egg it was unnaturally cold and did not move as much as the other eggs. When he was born that unnatural coldness seemed to stay. Not only that but it seemed like the shadows of the plane seemed to embrace Arix. It seemed to protect and embrace the odd kobold who seemed to ask too many questions about why they were here and was constantly told to shut up and to not anger Froapa. Arix bitterly did as he was told, not liking to be ordered around. Growing up Arix was put to work, like most kobolds, at a young age. He spent a lot of time doing the tasks that nobody else wanted to because it put him far away from Froapa. His main job was to be on watch. There he had a lot of alone time since almost nothing happened. However, one day, when Arix was about 8, something did happen as a zombie attempted to attack Arix. That stress awakened something within the kobold as he used the power of the shadows to channel and cast magic. Magic that helped him stave off and eventually kill the zombie. This was an amazing feat because only those who are gifted by Froapa are able to cast magic, at least thats what all the kobolds believed, and the only kobold that could do so was Rorn the head of the kobolds. Not knowing what to do Arix decided to go to the head of the clan Rorn and confront them about this. That, turned out to be a bad idea, as Rorn was angered as soon as he saw that Arix could also do magic. Rorn immediatly had Arix captured and thrown into a pit where he would die. Arix hated this, he hated being captuered and confined. This hatred amplified his magic and allowed him to manipulate the shadows around him to escape the pit. Freed Arix ran until he found a strange portal. Not knowing where else to go he jumped through and found himself on this plane. Once on this plane Arix was immediatly confused and cautious. It was so bright with, what he later learned was the sun, the thing in the sky hurting his eyes. Wondering he found that people here hated him. Well....all except one person. The owner of a circus found Arix and was able to convince the kobold to join the circus. Arix joined the circus and soon found that he, for the most part, enjoyed this life. He was taught some things on this plane including the Common and Orc language as well as how to play the drums. He was also encouraged and learned how to control him magic a little better. Arix does a couple of things for the circus: sometime he is an oddity for some people to just look at and interact with, not always the best, and other times he uses his druming ability and magic to gather crowds and get them hyped up for the main performances. When its a good town Arix is able to ask questions and get answers. When its a bad town he pretends like he doesn't understand common and just does his job. Now ten years old Arix is grateful to the circus for helping him find a home here and surronding him with other weird people that don't mind him. He shows his affection to the circus owner in weird ways (licking them, giving them dead things ,and enjoying head pats) that is normal where he is from. He is willing to do anything for the circus and is glad that he got away from his clan and is hopeful that they never return into his life.
Gold Roll: 10 (Sorry about so many edits was trying to get this to work)
Character Name: Tyr Silver a.k.a Tyllynn King
Race: Tabaxi
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Class: Rogue
Your reason for being at the circus: What better place to hide from a man that I pissed off, than by stowing away with the circus as a side act. What is my act you ask? Well the first is simple telling fortunes and the second is card tricks - I will also gladly take money from anyone who wants to play Find the Queen.
Backstory (an actual backstory, as in, more than just "Folk Hero"): At a young age the boy was orphaned in the city and had to learn to get by. Luckily for him Mr. Sam came along to teach him how to move about society and earn a 'dis'honest living. From picking pockets to running a hastily set up game of 'Find the Queen' there was nothing that Tyr couldn't do with his hands and words, at least that was what he thought. As he got older Mr. Sam began to involve him in more 'lucrative' heists that involved him pretending to be someone he wasn't. He learned to blend in at any level of society and how to pick locks - unfortunately for him the second job he did lead him to be hunted by the police. You see Mr. Sam had wanted a very important necklace from a very important someone and set Tyr and three other boys on the mission. Something went wrong during the job and the boys ended up caught, Tyr's heart raced at the idea of losing his freedom. He was offered a deal - give up the man who put them up to this or go to prison for a long time. Not thinking he caved and sold out Mr. Sam in front of the other boys. When Mr. Sam found out about this he promised to make the tabaxi pay - this is what forced Tyr to create a new identity and flee to the circus, using the skills that he learned to blend in and stay out of the spot light.
Yourreasonforbeingatthecircus: Kash stumbled into the circus after a few years of hiding and surviving. He started singing and playing one if his intstruments to get money for food. Older and more versed he steps into the spot light to try to draw out the people who killed his family And his love. He enjoys the fame and is still trying to find his the flute. He sings and plays on stages and taverns. You can even see him playing his pab flute down the street with people following him.
Backstory : Kash lived in a nomadic community. His family taught him about the path of light and the Quori spirit. Kash’s Quori spirit was a kalashatar performer by the name Dosh Dolashiri. It has influenced him from childhood. When he is not performing he prefers conversing telepathicly to conserve his voice and talk privately. His first love , Tash, gave him a flute. The vendor advertised it as Belonging to Dosh Dolashiri and said that it was imbued with his magic. His family was killed while he was 16. His older sibling, Khal , hid him under a stack of mats when the creatures started ravenging their camp. He escaped and later came back to find survivors. He was the only one left. He saw Tash dying on the ground and held her she was reaching for the flute but it couldn’t be found. He later learned that it was the Dreaming Dark that is trying to eliminate all kalashtar and someone took the flute in the middle of it all. He was in hiding but he needed some money so he stopped at a small tavern to play a set. After resting he was told about a circus by a very drunk customer.
Race: Human/Yuan-Ti Pureblood (She is adopted, raised by humans, & doesn't realize she's not human.)
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Class: Sorcerer (Draconic: Green)
Reason for being at circus: Performer, Snake Dancer
Backstory: Sabrina was found by a passing merchant and his wife wandering in the wilds outside Dagggerford. The merchant ran a small trade out of his wagon, selling spices & other hard to come by goods. The couple were older & childless. They rejoiced in finding Sabrina. She was only a toddler when they found her. She was raised by the couple & enjoyed her life with them. Her happy life ended when she was 15. The family was part of a caravan that was exposed to a gas released by a small earthquake outside of Arable. Her parents fell victim to the gas as did many others. Sabrina inherited the family business; but not the lifetime of knowledge her parents had of trade routes, contacts, etc. She looked for a solution to her predicament & as fortune had it a small circus was part of the caravan. She joined with them. At first she did some basic work sewing, cooking, & using her wagon as storage or sleeping area for other members. Eventually she worked her interests with serpents into an act as a snake charmer. It was also during this time that her sorcerous powers first manifested. She became more withdrawn in her personal life while she worked through mastering her burgeoning powers. She also became more flamboyant, exotic, & highly provocative in her act, eventually she adopted the stage name, Lillith. She now dances with serpents practically naked & her show is avoided by most women; but highly sought after by male patrons of the circus. Lillith is constantly accompanied by one of her beloved pets either King, a cobra, or Monty, a python. She leaves her other pet to guard her wagon. Her sweet young persona of Sabrina is all but forgotten & she now goes by Lillith both when performing & in her life.
Meet Tock, a kenku rogue, one half of the Tick-Tock clown duo. (whoever Tick is) Tock always stays behind him/her and echoes what they say, sometimes altering it a little as practiced beforehand. When Tick engages the audience and someone says something, Tock repeats it exactly from a different place in the audience, creating apparent confusion for Tick and entertaining the audience who can see him clearly. Once Tick does some juggling, Tock replaces some of the items mid-air with other, weirder items, etc.
Tock doesn't have a lot of memories of his early youth, he was an add-on to a purchase that brought a few lions to the circus. Life has taught him to fend for himself, but also that it's sometimes unfair and the circus life is a harsh life (chaotic neutral). He has stayed with the troupe for he has no pressing reason not to. He can see the world, but also lacks any other skills beyond his training as part of the clown duo. Due to his ability to mimic sounds he actually gets along really well with most of the animals in the circus. He can soothe them with appropriate sounds and there is no expectation of conversation beyond that.
Your reason for being at the circus: Yorapione is on a pilgrimage. Growing up, she was always interested in the surface world. Once she was old enough, she left her undersea home and stepped out on land. She loves the surface world and has done her best to fit in, though many of the customs are still confusing to her (and therefore hard for her to remember). She found, despite the diversity of those living on the surface in Faerun, she is treated as an outsider by most. However, a visit to a traveling circus opened her eyes to how outsiders can be accepted and even admired. Yorapione got a job with the circus and was quickly made an apprentice to the sword dancer. She learned to throw knifes, swallow swords, and juggle blades. She has also become quite the fencer in the process. To aid in her acts, she has studied some basic magic. She loves performing and is an asset to the circus; her looks draw people in, and her skill keeps them coming back. She's been with the circus about a year and a half.
DM:
What no one else knows is that Yorapione is a runaway. She was promised to another triton she did not love or even really know. Shortly before the commitment was to occur (on her 15th birthday), she escaped to the surface world. She is now leery of anyone outside the circus, though her cautiousness is completely hidden when she is performing. She misses her parents, but doesn't intend to reconnect with them because she fears what might result.
Backstory (an actual backstory, as in, more than just "Folk Hero"): See above.
Requested customization: You'll notice on her character sheet that I've done a bit of customization. Since Yora is a sword dancer and not a musician, it didn't make any sense for her to know how to play four instruments (one for far traveler and three for bard), so I have substituted one weapon (trident) and three "acts": knife throwing, sword swallowing and blade juggling. Far traveler also grants her a third language, which I've put in the custom Aquan.
Your reason for being at the circus: Illusionist "Grand Mage Pyrali" - does an illusion and misdirection show to amuse the crowd while sets are changed in the rings.
Backstory:
While technically a noble and technically an heir to both a vast business kingdom and rare magical lineage, Pyrali was never more at home than when tossing back pints and tales with the common folk. She would often use her innate skills in illusion to blend in and listen to the lives, loves, and losses of the people who lived under her families weighty fortune. After a while, she began to feel burdened with the injustices these people suffered for the mere "crime" of being born common.
Tensions in her house rose and her life felt acutely farcical and restrictive as she tried to change the way her family viewed themselves, and their serfs. Eventually, she realized she could not remain there, and fulfill the path set for her before her birth. The urge to flee became unbearable.
She slipped into the village when a circus came through, and fell in love with the drama, mystery, and obvious magic these people - who all seemed to free - showered on the crowd. She knew that they would laugh if she asked to come with them - probably send her back home thinking her useless and silly. So she stowed away in a supply wagon instead. Once found, she used her significant ability to sweet talk strangers to earn her a place mucking and feeding the horses. Eventually, as she watched, pestered, and learned, she was taken under the protection and tutelage of Faeji, the troupes main illusionist.
After some time Faeji fell in love with a maiden fair, and left the troupe- leaving Pyrali in the center stage, three times a night, night after night. She changed her surname to SleightSpark, double entendre that made her giggle to herself every time she heard it in the mouth of a stranger. She could not imagine being able to be happier.
Reason For Being at the Circus: Heals the wounded or sick
Backstory (an actual backstory, as in, more than just "Folk Hero"): In Lucien's homeland Tieflings are rare and often shunned and feared. Constantly feeling out of place he left home with nothing but the clothes on his back in search of a better life. On the road he often had to resort to theft or cons in order to find food or lodging, playing pranks on those that were rude to him for amusement. One day he met a traveler that, told him he was a god and taught him a few tricks. Eventually he found a circus, a place full of oddities and vagrants such as himself. Fascinated by all the strange new cultures and peoples, Lucien decided to stay for a while. Using his tricks to heal wounds and mend broken bones, the circus welcomed Lucien as one of there own. Lucien still enjoys playing his pranks on other members of the circus. The Traveler still visits from time to time, teaching Lucien new tricks and asking to hear about his latest prank.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Character Name: Lilith Race: Half Elf Alignment: Neutral Good Class: Cleric (Life Domain) Your reason for being at the circus: Works as a doctor to help heal performers and staff when they get injured. She joined the circus to travel the world and spread word about her goddess. Backstory (an actual backstory, as in, more than just "Folk Hero"): Lilith was an orphan from birth, though she never felt as though she was. She was found and picked up by a kind villager who nursed her for a short while. Unfortunately, the villager had a child of their own and couldn't afford to take care of another child and so passed her on to another villager. From then on, Lilith didn't have any set guardians, but was taken care of by all the people within her small village. Whenever she needed a home, she could easily find one. Food and water? It was never a problem for her. She grew happy and loved. She tried repaying them for their kindness by performing for them, often singing and dancing at the local tavern for free. All she wanted was to see the smiles on the people's faces. It was the least she could do. One night, she had a dream, a vision sent to her by Lliira, goddess of joy. Seeing the happiness Lilith brought to the people of her village, she blessed her with the ability to help them further. She gladly accepted the power as she was now able to repay the villagers for all they had done for her. Lilith joined the circus when they visited the village one day, dropping by to collect a few supplies. Whilst there, she saw that they had a few injured people and offered to heal them. Seeing her power and charity, the circus saw that she could be useful and offered her a place in the circus. She was hesitant at first, she didn't want to leave her home. The villagers were encouraging, telling her to join them as it would be a great opportunity to travel and experience new things. What made her decide to say yes, however, was Lliira coming to her in her dreams and telling her to spread her light and joy around the world. With that, Lilith packed her bags, joined the circus and has been with them ever since, traveling alongside them and spreading the joy of Lliira where ever she could.
Keep them coming. Campaign kicks off next week! One thing I failed to mention is that I'll be using Milestone level advancement. I don't expect that will change anyone's submission, but just in case!
Your reason for being at the circus: Performer of sleight of hand and "magic tricks"
Backstory (an actual backstory, as in, more than just "Folk Hero"):Despite his noble birth Wakkorotti never believed in the class system that he was born into. As a youth Wakkorotti discovered he was adept at sleight of hand and other "magical tricks". His cavorting and entertaining of the common folk brought shame to his family, despite the fact that this was precisely the sort of thing he wanted his family to proud of him for. Caught between his need for his family's approval of his lifestyle and the shame his lifestyle brought to his family, Wakkorotti ran away to join a circus, he is dead to his family and his family is dead to him
Your reason for being at the circus: Circumstance from bad (or good) luck (as per backstory). Skill with blades allows some showmanship with those as well as skill at high wires/ropes from working on rigging. (using unseen servant to help perform tricks as well)
Backstory (an actual backstory, as in, more than just "Folk Hero"): Pirate:
You were born a slave at sea, in the hold of cargo ship which bought and sold slaves. Life was hard and many slaves died, either from malnutrition or disease. While you were still a young child, the ship was attacked by pirates. A cannonball tore through the ships midsection, blowing the hold door off its hinges and knocking you unconscious. When you awoke the boarding had already begun. A nearby guard which had not been killed by the cannonball was also waking, but with the speed of youth you threw yourself at him. You tore a chunk out of his throat with your teeth before stabbing him repeatedly with his own sword. You look up, you face and body stained with blood, and see a tall, large figure looking over you. "I have not seen such ferocity or an instinct to survive since I myself was a lad. You could join us, a life of freedom, of plenty. If you want." Looking back at what remains of the slaves you nod. His sword is sheathed and he offers a hand. You take it, beginning your pirating life. You are raised by the crew of The Hellstorm, although mostly by the Captain Randal Scar. You're raised to be hard, ruthless, but in your own way, fair. You gain the position of first mate once you come of age, but although you're young, you are heavily respected by the crew. The Hellstorm is a large ship, 2 rows of broadside cannons (2x8 each side) with 4 bow cannons as well as 4 stern cannons. Given its size and ability few ships and even convoys were safe from its guns and crew. However, as with all major pirate ships, the navy was eventually sent after it. An ambush was set, 4 frigates bore down on you in a gulf, guns firing with intent to sink. But the cannonballs bounced off more often than penetrated. The magical hull sending out a wave of fire with each hit taken. Although hits against the hull were mostly deflected, shots at the crew did not have the same benefit. With no time to react, you see a cannonball coming straight at you. Time slows as it gets closer, slower and slower, until it stops. The ball about a foot from you. You find it impossible to move anything but your eyes. You see guns mid shot, your crew mid run to their stations, and a shadow walking towards you seemingly from an impossibly far distance. "This is your time" the voice echoes in your head as the shadow strokes the cannonball "but it need not be. I can use someone of your... ability. This role will give you powers, beyond that which your feeble mind could dream. But, Service must be provided. Failure to do so would result in punishment worse than death." There's a pause as the figure awaits an answer. "The nature of the service? An assignment from time to time, that's all, and beyond that your life is yours." another pause "The crew? Their fate, for good or ill, will play out without my intervention. Do you accept?" Another pause "Good, I will be watching..." And with that darkness engulfs you as the ships and the rest of the world fall away. It might have lasted 100 years or merely a moment, but with a shock the world is around you once more. The first thing you fell is the sea breeze, the second is the falling. You're falling, then wetness as you land in the water. When you reach the surface once more you see you're just off the coast of a shipping town. You swim towards it and begin your new life, with a dark power now sitting in your heart. You're picked up by a travelling circus. With no money or belongings, you'll have to start somewhere, here's as good as any...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Character Name: Vrakpax
Race: Yuan-Ti Pureblood
Alignment: True Neutral
Class: Ranger
Reason for being at the Circus: Using the circus to travel and learn more about the other reasoning races.
Backstory: Originally from a small yuan-ti village (I don't know where that fits into this world, ) Vrakpax was taught to be a guard against the devils that the chieftain had summoned by breaking his warlock pact. She learnt how to track and kill them, and most importantly stop them from disturbing any nearby hamlets of humans or halflings. If any non-yuan-ti were to find the location of the village, their peaceful-ish isolation would be destroyed. After hearing that a nearby village leader had made a pact with the entity destroying her home, she was sent in to assess the situation. After some life there she was intrigued by emotion and how it functions, and studied townsfolk. Her village was destroyed after a few months of being away, and she was stranded in a laNd full of strangers. She decided she'd travel to more towns, and learned about how people either don't know about or hate yuan-ti. She decided that she would need to fit in as a human, so she joined the circus with her talent for card tricks and used it to learn more about people and emotion.
Basically, she wants to find ways to experience and/or learn about emotions (aside from basic instincts) as they intrigue her.
Hey there! Still thinking up a character to apply with, but I had a question regarding one possible idea I had: Since you're allowing UA, would that include the new artificer? If so I'd have to wait a bit before creating a proper sheet since the new version isn't up on DDB yet, but if I did decide to go that route I could put together a temp sheet with a different class and then just adjust it when the DDB version is released.
Thanks!
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Reopened to recruit one replacement. See my latest post: https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/play-by-post/34371-the-long-road-of-the-mage-king?comment=49
Open for 48 hours.
I’m recruiting
4-6 playersfor a homebrewed campaign. I am aiming for the story to carry characters from 1st to 10th level or so. I am designing this adventure to work with any alignment but I prefer to try it with good-aligned characters first. Here are the parameters of the campaign:Post every day
Posting preferences
Characters
Two restrictions:
1.) Everyone will start the adventure at a circus, preferably as a performer or worker for the circus but I am open to patrons, urchins, vendors, or other ideas you might have. Some examples: a Minotaur strongman fighter or barbarian, an acrobat rogue, an animal trainer ranger or druid, or a magician of varying magic-casting classes. Obviously a bard is an easy fit here as well, but they could be the barker or just a performer. You pitch me the idea for why they are at the circus. I’d conceiving of the party as a motley crew of rejects at the start, but I’m happy to be surprised by your ideas here.
2.) Characters start only with equipment relevant to their work at the circus, purchased with their starting gold. If you have some special requests, run them past me. I do intend for characters to gear up very quickly in the adventure to make up for the lack of starting equipment. Thus, during character creation, take gold instead of starting equipment.
The Homebrew World
DM style
This is my first homebrew campaign, but I have been running a Dragon Heist PbP campaign, so I am comfortable with DMing here now. That said, a laid-back approach is preferred as I am still learning. I have a rough story in mind but I’m not going to railroad the group through it. Again, I’ll happily be surprised by what comes and tailor the adventure to the group I accept.
I prefer to roll initiative for the party, since it keeps things moving along and I also do not stick to rigid initiative order. For example, the heroes might all go first in any order followed by the opponents (or vice-versa).
I'll be using Milestone advancement. Counting XP is fine but I like to keep things streamlined and Milestone is definitely streamlined.
To submit your character provide the following:
I’ll close recruitment sometime on March 12th.One second, thinking of something. Will get back to you.
gold roll 11
Extended Signature! Yay! https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/off-topic/adohands-kitchen/3153-extended-signature-thread?page=2#c21
Haven’t used this account in forever. Still a big fan of crawling claws.
I present... if allowed...l Oxison!
He is a Beasthide shifter, and after being cast out for being born as a Half-Ox, he wears a hooded cloth to cover up. At the circus, he follows with his cart (I don’t count it as encumbrance, since he drives it) and sells his ‘wares’. The Magical Cure All (holy water), the never ending cup (a bottle with a hole in the end), pipes of Bird Calling (birdpipes), and Fiend repellent (incense)! He stores most of it in a barrel in his cart, as it also makes him look more official.
Class: Blood Hunter
Race: Shifter (beasthide)
Name: Oxison
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Reason for being at the circus: To make money, he sells false wares and has to provide 75% to the circus. They are the only ones not treating him as a freak, but are always bothering him to be an actor. He always refuses.
Backstory: As a kid, Oxison was cast out of his village, for being able to turn into a half-ox. He wandered far and wide on his own, and eventually stumbled upon the circus. They pestered him to become an actor, but he refused. He sold false wares there, and eventually grew up to sell a lot and make enough money to buy his own cart, labeled ‘Oxison’s Own and Only Shop!’ . He still is scared to go into public on this day, and always wears his hooded cloth. He feels as though magic was used to curse him this way, and therefore doesn’t understand nor wants to understand Magic.
(if you feel backstory is lacking, I can add on to it.)
Extended Signature! Yay! https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/off-topic/adohands-kitchen/3153-extended-signature-thread?page=2#c21
Haven’t used this account in forever. Still a big fan of crawling claws.
Hey, this looks interesting!
Gold roll: 9
Character Name: Lorahzt
Race: Drow
Alignment: True Neutral
Class: Fighter
Your reason for being at the circus: Though having picked up a thing or two about performing in her time with the circus, Lorahzt's main contributions are as a guard and builder. She has been working on an act as a knife juggler, but the head showman said it was... inadequate, to put it mildly.
Backstory: Lorahzt was born as a serf under a family of minor drow nobility, and spent most of her years in servitude to them. One day, however, she ended up being sold as a gladiator for assaulting the noble's son... who was himself beating her younger sister. Untrained and barely armed, it wasn't long before a barely breathing Lorahzt was tossed into a mine-shaft to die. She awoke in the company of deep gnomes, who'd taken pity on her and tended to her wounds. Determined to find a way to repay the gnomes' kindness (in spite of their protests) and tired of the Underdark that had chewed her up and spat her out, Lorahzt struck out into the surface to find her fortune and hone what talents she'd discovered as a gladiator. Some time later, she ended up signing on with the circus, both because they kept many odd people around (and thus did not mind a drow) and because the traveling circus proved an excellent way to see the world and possibly find wealth or treasure with which to repay her debt.
Link to DnD Beyond Character Sheet: https://ddb.ac/characters/9550663/xOF7bm
Gold Roll: 7
Character Name: Arix
Race: Kobold
Alignment: LN
Class: Sorcerer
Link to DDB Character Sheet: ddb.ac/characters/9552077/5U7Fu4
Your Reason For Being At the Circus: Taken in by owner two years ago after finding him. Is now a performer/oddity. Either does look at the kobold, he's weird and dangerous don't get too close. Or performs hyping the crowd up between acts with bits of drumming and magic.
Backstory: Arix is very different than most kobolds. He was not born in this plane. He instead came from a plane full of undead, darkness, and shadows. Born there his entire clan lives there and serves a giant shadow dragon, Froapa, who they believe is a direct descendant of Tiamat. All the kobolds born there are expected to be meek and serve Froapa. Sticking to the status quo and serving the dragon with whatever they want the kobolds have survived and are hoping to get within the graces of Tiamat. However, Arix was very different. When Arix was just an egg it was unnaturally cold and did not move as much as the other eggs. When he was born that unnatural coldness seemed to stay. Not only that but it seemed like the shadows of the plane seemed to embrace Arix. It seemed to protect and embrace the odd kobold who seemed to ask too many questions about why they were here and was constantly told to shut up and to not anger Froapa. Arix bitterly did as he was told, not liking to be ordered around. Growing up Arix was put to work, like most kobolds, at a young age. He spent a lot of time doing the tasks that nobody else wanted to because it put him far away from Froapa. His main job was to be on watch. There he had a lot of alone time since almost nothing happened. However, one day, when Arix was about 8, something did happen as a zombie attempted to attack Arix. That stress awakened something within the kobold as he used the power of the shadows to channel and cast magic. Magic that helped him stave off and eventually kill the zombie. This was an amazing feat because only those who are gifted by Froapa are able to cast magic, at least thats what all the kobolds believed, and the only kobold that could do so was Rorn the head of the kobolds. Not knowing what to do Arix decided to go to the head of the clan Rorn and confront them about this. That, turned out to be a bad idea, as Rorn was angered as soon as he saw that Arix could also do magic. Rorn immediatly had Arix captured and thrown into a pit where he would die. Arix hated this, he hated being captuered and confined. This hatred amplified his magic and allowed him to manipulate the shadows around him to escape the pit. Freed Arix ran until he found a strange portal. Not knowing where else to go he jumped through and found himself on this plane. Once on this plane Arix was immediatly confused and cautious. It was so bright with, what he later learned was the sun, the thing in the sky hurting his eyes. Wondering he found that people here hated him. Well....all except one person. The owner of a circus found Arix and was able to convince the kobold to join the circus. Arix joined the circus and soon found that he, for the most part, enjoyed this life. He was taught some things on this plane including the Common and Orc language as well as how to play the drums. He was also encouraged and learned how to control him magic a little better. Arix does a couple of things for the circus: sometime he is an oddity for some people to just look at and interact with, not always the best, and other times he uses his druming ability and magic to gather crowds and get them hyped up for the main performances. When its a good town Arix is able to ask questions and get answers. When its a bad town he pretends like he doesn't understand common and just does his job. Now ten years old Arix is grateful to the circus for helping him find a home here and surronding him with other weird people that don't mind him. He shows his affection to the circus owner in weird ways (licking them, giving them dead things ,and enjoying head pats) that is normal where he is from. He is willing to do anything for the circus and is glad that he got away from his clan and is hopeful that they never return into his life.
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
Gold Roll : 16
Character Name : Kash Volistar
Race : Kalashtar
Alignment : Lawful Neutral
Class : Bard
Your reason for being at the circus: Kash stumbled into the circus after a few years of hiding and surviving. He started singing and playing one if his intstruments to get money for food. Older and more versed he steps into the spot light to try to draw out the people who killed his family And his love. He enjoys the fame and is still trying to find his the flute. He sings and plays on stages and taverns. You can even see him playing his pab flute down the street with people following him.
Backstory : Kash lived in a nomadic community. His family taught him about the path of light and the Quori spirit. Kash’s Quori spirit was a kalashatar performer by the name Dosh Dolashiri. It has influenced him from childhood. When he is not performing he prefers conversing telepathicly to conserve his voice and talk privately. His first love , Tash, gave him a flute. The vendor advertised it as Belonging to Dosh Dolashiri and said that it was imbued with his magic. His family was killed while he was 16. His older sibling, Khal , hid him under a stack of mats when the creatures started ravenging their camp. He escaped and later came back to find survivors. He was the only one left. He saw Tash dying on the ground and held her she was reaching for the flute but it couldn’t be found. He later learned that it was the Dreaming Dark that is trying to eliminate all kalashtar and someone took the flute in the middle of it all. He was in hiding but he needed some money so he stopped at a small tavern to play a set. After resting he was told about a circus by a very drunk customer.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/fetch/pdf/Bcool_9554593
Character Name: Sabrina Smythe/Lillith
Race: Human/Yuan-Ti Pureblood (She is adopted, raised by humans, & doesn't realize she's not human.)
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Class: Sorcerer (Draconic: Green)
Reason for being at circus: Performer, Snake Dancer
Backstory: Sabrina was found by a passing merchant and his wife wandering in the wilds outside Dagggerford. The merchant ran a small trade out of his wagon, selling spices & other hard to come by goods. The couple were older & childless. They rejoiced in finding Sabrina. She was only a toddler when they found her. She was raised by the couple & enjoyed her life with them. Her happy life ended when she was 15. The family was part of a caravan that was exposed to a gas released by a small earthquake outside of Arable. Her parents fell victim to the gas as did many others. Sabrina inherited the family business; but not the lifetime of knowledge her parents had of trade routes, contacts, etc. She looked for a solution to her predicament & as fortune had it a small circus was part of the caravan. She joined with them. At first she did some basic work sewing, cooking, & using her wagon as storage or sleeping area for other members. Eventually she worked her interests with serpents into an act as a snake charmer. It was also during this time that her sorcerous powers first manifested. She became more withdrawn in her personal life while she worked through mastering her burgeoning powers. She also became more flamboyant, exotic, & highly provocative in her act, eventually she adopted the stage name, Lillith. She now dances with serpents practically naked & her show is avoided by most women; but highly sought after by male patrons of the circus. Lillith is constantly accompanied by one of her beloved pets either King, a cobra, or Monty, a python. She leaves her other pet to guard her wagon. Her sweet young persona of Sabrina is all but forgotten & she now goes by Lillith both when performing & in her life.
Link to DnD Beyond Character Sheet: https://ddb.ac/characters/9556642/Iq3xmx
Wraith, warlock lvl 2 - Eternal War Campaign
Talon, warlock lvl 2 - LMOP
Meet Tock, a kenku rogue, one half of the Tick-Tock clown duo. (whoever Tick is) Tock always stays behind him/her and echoes what they say, sometimes altering it a little as practiced beforehand. When Tick engages the audience and someone says something, Tock repeats it exactly from a different place in the audience, creating apparent confusion for Tick and entertaining the audience who can see him clearly. Once Tick does some juggling, Tock replaces some of the items mid-air with other, weirder items, etc.
Tock doesn't have a lot of memories of his early youth, he was an add-on to a purchase that brought a few lions to the circus. Life has taught him to fend for himself, but also that it's sometimes unfair and the circus life is a harsh life (chaotic neutral). He has stayed with the troupe for he has no pressing reason not to. He can see the world, but also lacks any other skills beyond his training as part of the clown duo. Due to his ability to mimic sounds he actually gets along really well with most of the animals in the circus. He can soothe them with appropriate sounds and there is no expectation of conversation beyond that.
Gold: 10 x 10
Character Name: Yorapione
Race: Triton (female)
Alignment: Neutral Good
Class: Bard (college of swords at level 3)
Your reason for being at the circus: Yorapione is on a pilgrimage. Growing up, she was always interested in the surface world. Once she was old enough, she left her undersea home and stepped out on land. She loves the surface world and has done her best to fit in, though many of the customs are still confusing to her (and therefore hard for her to remember). She found, despite the diversity of those living on the surface in Faerun, she is treated as an outsider by most. However, a visit to a traveling circus opened her eyes to how outsiders can be accepted and even admired. Yorapione got a job with the circus and was quickly made an apprentice to the sword dancer. She learned to throw knifes, swallow swords, and juggle blades. She has also become quite the fencer in the process. To aid in her acts, she has studied some basic magic. She loves performing and is an asset to the circus; her looks draw people in, and her skill keeps them coming back. She's been with the circus about a year and a half.
DM:
What no one else knows is that Yorapione is a runaway. She was promised to another triton she did not love or even really know. Shortly before the commitment was to occur (on her 15th birthday), she escaped to the surface world. She is now leery of anyone outside the circus, though her cautiousness is completely hidden when she is performing. She misses her parents, but doesn't intend to reconnect with them because she fears what might result.
Backstory (an actual backstory, as in, more than just "Folk Hero"): See above.
Link to DnD Beyond Character Sheet: https://ddb.ac/characters/9564923/IFp2WB
Requested customization: You'll notice on her character sheet that I've done a bit of customization. Since Yora is a sword dancer and not a musician, it didn't make any sense for her to know how to play four instruments (one for far traveler and three for bard), so I have substituted one weapon (trident) and three "acts": knife throwing, sword swallowing and blade juggling. Far traveler also grants her a third language, which I've put in the custom Aquan.
Backstory:
While technically a noble and technically an heir to both a vast business kingdom and rare magical lineage, Pyrali was never more at home than when tossing back pints and tales with the common folk. She would often use her innate skills in illusion to blend in and listen to the lives, loves, and losses of the people who lived under her families weighty fortune. After a while, she began to feel burdened with the injustices these people suffered for the mere "crime" of being born common.
Tensions in her house rose and her life felt acutely farcical and restrictive as she tried to change the way her family viewed themselves, and their serfs. Eventually, she realized she could not remain there, and fulfill the path set for her before her birth. The urge to flee became unbearable.
She slipped into the village when a circus came through, and fell in love with the drama, mystery, and obvious magic these people - who all seemed to free - showered on the crowd. She knew that they would laugh if she asked to come with them - probably send her back home thinking her useless and silly. So she stowed away in a supply wagon instead. Once found, she used her significant ability to sweet talk strangers to earn her a place mucking and feeding the horses. Eventually, as she watched, pestered, and learned, she was taken under the protection and tutelage of Faeji, the troupes main illusionist.
After some time Faeji fell in love with a maiden fair, and left the troupe- leaving Pyrali in the center stage, three times a night, night after night. She changed her surname to SleightSpark, double entendre that made her giggle to herself every time she heard it in the mouth of a stranger. She could not imagine being able to be happier.
Link to Character Sheet : https://ddb.ac/characters/9566650/X4tnxs
Winenose, your link to the character sheet is dead. I like the character concept, though.
Fixed
Character Name: Lilith
Race: Half Elf
Alignment: Neutral Good
Class: Cleric (Life Domain)
Your reason for being at the circus: Works as a doctor to help heal performers and staff when they get injured. She joined the circus to travel the world and spread word about her goddess.
Backstory (an actual backstory, as in, more than just "Folk Hero"): Lilith was an orphan from birth, though she never felt as though she was. She was found and picked up by a kind villager who nursed her for a short while. Unfortunately, the villager had a child of their own and couldn't afford to take care of another child and so passed her on to another villager. From then on, Lilith didn't have any set guardians, but was taken care of by all the people within her small village. Whenever she needed a home, she could easily find one. Food and water? It was never a problem for her. She grew happy and loved. She tried repaying them for their kindness by performing for them, often singing and dancing at the local tavern for free. All she wanted was to see the smiles on the people's faces. It was the least she could do. One night, she had a dream, a vision sent to her by Lliira, goddess of joy. Seeing the happiness Lilith brought to the people of her village, she blessed her with the ability to help them further. She gladly accepted the power as she was now able to repay the villagers for all they had done for her.
Lilith joined the circus when they visited the village one day, dropping by to collect a few supplies. Whilst there, she saw that they had a few injured people and offered to heal them. Seeing her power and charity, the circus saw that she could be useful and offered her a place in the circus. She was hesitant at first, she didn't want to leave her home. The villagers were encouraging, telling her to join them as it would be a great opportunity to travel and experience new things. What made her decide to say yes, however, was Lliira coming to her in her dreams and telling her to spread her light and joy around the world. With that, Lilith packed her bags, joined the circus and has been with them ever since, traveling alongside them and spreading the joy of Lliira where ever she could.
Link to DnD Beyond Character Sheet: https://ddb.ac/characters/9627531/D1d22Z
Gold Roll: 17
(edited gold roll cuz I put 1d20 instead if 5d4)
Keep them coming. Campaign kicks off next week! One thing I failed to mention is that I'll be using Milestone level advancement. I don't expect that will change anyone's submission, but just in case!
The Great Wakkorotti#5727
You were born a slave at sea, in the hold of cargo ship which bought and sold slaves. Life was hard and many slaves died, either from malnutrition or disease. While you were still a young child, the ship was attacked by pirates. A cannonball tore through the ships midsection, blowing the hold door off its hinges and knocking you unconscious. When you awoke the boarding had already begun. A nearby guard which had not been killed by the cannonball was also waking, but with the speed of youth you threw yourself at him. You tore a chunk out of his throat with your teeth before stabbing him repeatedly with his own sword. You look up, you face and body stained with blood, and see a tall, large figure looking over you. "I have not seen such ferocity or an instinct to survive since I myself was a lad. You could join us, a life of freedom, of plenty. If you want." Looking back at what remains of the slaves you nod. His sword is sheathed and he offers a hand. You take it, beginning your pirating life. You are raised by the crew of The Hellstorm, although mostly by the Captain Randal Scar. You're raised to be hard, ruthless, but in your own way, fair. You gain the position of first mate once you come of age, but although you're young, you are heavily respected by the crew. The Hellstorm is a large ship, 2 rows of broadside cannons (2x8 each side) with 4 bow cannons as well as 4 stern cannons. Given its size and ability few ships and even convoys were safe from its guns and crew. However, as with all major pirate ships, the navy was eventually sent after it. An ambush was set, 4 frigates bore down on you in a gulf, guns firing with intent to sink. But the cannonballs bounced off more often than penetrated. The magical hull sending out a wave of fire with each hit taken. Although hits against the hull were mostly deflected, shots at the crew did not have the same benefit. With no time to react, you see a cannonball coming straight at you. Time slows as it gets closer, slower and slower, until it stops. The ball about a foot from you. You find it impossible to move anything but your eyes. You see guns mid shot, your crew mid run to their stations, and a shadow walking towards you seemingly from an impossibly far distance. "This is your time" the voice echoes in your head as the shadow strokes the cannonball "but it need not be. I can use someone of your... ability. This role will give you powers, beyond that which your feeble mind could dream. But, Service must be provided. Failure to do so would result in punishment worse than death." There's a pause as the figure awaits an answer. "The nature of the service? An assignment from time to time, that's all, and beyond that your life is yours." another pause "The crew? Their fate, for good or ill, will play out without my intervention. Do you accept?" Another pause "Good, I will be watching..." And with that darkness engulfs you as the ships and the rest of the world fall away. It might have lasted 100 years or merely a moment, but with a shock the world is around you once more. The first thing you fell is the sea breeze, the second is the falling. You're falling, then wetness as you land in the water. When you reach the surface once more you see you're just off the coast of a shipping town. You swim towards it and begin your new life, with a dark power now sitting in your heart. You're picked up by a travelling circus. With no money or belongings, you'll have to start somewhere, here's as good as any...
Link to DnD Beyond Character Sheet: https://ddb.ac/characters/9603872/yLPxrU
120
(dndbeyond is for some reason not letting me add spells to this char, so booming blade, eldritch blast, hex, unseen servant)
Character Name: Vrakpax
Race: Yuan-Ti Pureblood
Alignment: True Neutral
Class: Ranger
Reason for being at the Circus: Using the circus to travel and learn more about the other reasoning races.
Backstory: Originally from a small yuan-ti village (I don't know where that fits into this world, ) Vrakpax was taught to be a guard against the devils that the chieftain had summoned by breaking his warlock pact. She learnt how to track and kill them, and most importantly stop them from disturbing any nearby hamlets of humans or halflings. If any non-yuan-ti were to find the location of the village, their peaceful-ish isolation would be destroyed. After hearing that a nearby village leader had made a pact with the entity destroying her home, she was sent in to assess the situation. After some life there she was intrigued by emotion and how it functions, and studied townsfolk. Her village was destroyed after a few months of being away, and she was stranded in a laNd full of strangers. She decided she'd travel to more towns, and learned about how people either don't know about or hate yuan-ti. She decided that she would need to fit in as a human, so she joined the circus with her talent for card tricks and used it to learn more about people and emotion.
Basically, she wants to find ways to experience and/or learn about emotions (aside from basic instincts) as they intrigue her.
DDB Character Sheet Link: .ddb.ac/characters/4910643/dNEpqk
Oh also my gold roll: 15
I'm the idiot that decides to make Phil Swift in DnD.
Hey there! Still thinking up a character to apply with, but I had a question regarding one possible idea I had: Since you're allowing UA, would that include the new artificer? If so I'd have to wait a bit before creating a proper sheet since the new version isn't up on DDB yet, but if I did decide to go that route I could put together a temp sheet with a different class and then just adjust it when the DDB version is released.
Thanks!