"The waves, they roll, 'neath fickle sun and sky Through sleet and gale, the waves roll on, the waves roll on The waves they roll, 'neath folk who live and die Through calm and storm, the waves roll on, the waves roll on The waves they roll, 'neath gods and heaven's pride Through time and tears, the waves roll on, the waves roll on, The waves roll on, The waves roll on, 'Ware beast and man, the waves roll on." - Ancient sea shanty sung the breadth of the Bitter Shore.
Beware the Biting Wind and Briny Dangers of the Bitter Shore!
The Bitter Shore abuts the Trackless Sea, and is a 400 mile stretch of broken coastland in Faerun's Far North, running Northwest from Luskan, past the rugged Mining city of Fireshear, and up into the Sea of Moving Ice in the continent's frozen Northern tundras. Dotted with little-known mining, whaling and seal hunter communities, and a thousand secret coves and (mostly) deserted inlets, this region of Faerun is home to the tough and hardy, and tends to attract those who are looking for a fresh start or seeking to escape a troubled past. Blasted by snow and ice more than half the year round, contrasted with a brief summer that is as dry and hot as it is short, The Shore is not a recommended destination for the unprepared or those with a timid disposition.
The Northern Trackless Sea, while undoubtedly less traveled than the Southern routes between nefarious Luskan and welcoming Neverwinter, or between Neverwinter and the Jeweled City of Waterdeep, still hosts a brisk trade in precious gems and metal, as well as highly valued Northern animal furs and ivory, ensuring that merchant and trader vessels are not uncommon to these waters. And of course, where wealth brings honest shipping and valuable cargo, less legitimate interests are also bound to arise. The pirates of the North are a largely unsophisticated and brutal lot, but growing numbers over the last century have also given rise to a higher caste of notorious pirates, a brother and sisterhood of wave-riding thieves and murderers flamboyantly self-titled as the Captains of the Accord. The most notorious and dreaded of these greater pirate captains over the last decade is a much feared buccaneer synonymous with bloodshed and villainy - the near mythical pirate known as Captain Fathom, master of the Kraken. To account for the murder and thievery of the Northern pirates, privateers and other pirate hunters have flocked to the region, seeking fame, fortune or perhaps justice for some darstedly deed perpetrated by the heartless buccaneers of The Shore. The acclaimed Freeflag privateers are a loose alliance of (mostly) law abiding captains sailing out of Fireshear who make their careers hunting the ruthless pirates in this region. The most renowned privateer vessel of them all is the Manticore, a heavily armed and modified brigantine under the sail of one Captain Lyon Redmane.
The inns and taverns along the Fireshear docks, however, only hold berths for seasoned and accomplished sea-dogs. For those seeking to forge a fledgling reputation of note, the smaller communities of the Southern Shore offer plentiful opportunities. And so it is that, in just such a place, a new ship's Captain by the name of Aundrey Farseeker, master of The Shore Shark, has put out a call in the port town of Rumbottom for men and women of skill, courage and loyalty, to crew a newly commissioned ship. The Shark's charter, like that of many vessels in these parts, is to protect honest shipping and anchorage in the waters North of Luskan, and, whenever possible, to bring hard justice to the pirates and other neerdowells who would prey on the local folk and merchant interests along The Shore. The hiring captain's table has been set in port town's largest tavern, the Prancing Pirate, word has spread and the talk along the wharf is that the line of aspiring sailors and brigand hunters is already beginning to grow...
Campaign Details
Beyond the Bitter Shore is a 5e Play-by-Post (PbP) campaign for 6-8 characters of 2nd level (currently), though it is anticipated that characters may reach levels 18+ by the campaign's conclusion. The campaign is set along a vast stretch of rugged shore and much of the story will unfold near, on or below the waves of the adjacent Trackless Sea. These adventures will take place in the established campaign setting of The Forgotten Realm's (specifically the Frozen Far of Faerun) in a partially-homebrewed region known as the Bitter Shore. While official published 5e core rules will be used in this campaign, some Unearthed Arcana (UA) playtest material may be used. The DM may modify any of the rules or other materials to be used in the campaign. This campaign will be delivered in anepic fantasy style, with a distinct seafaring flavour. This game will be heavy on role-playing and exploration of a world and region rich with lore, and character's should have appropriately flavourful and detailed personalities and backgrounds to develop during the campaign. There will be combat and loot aplenty, but the primary focus of this game will be to foster an enjoyable and collaborative story-telling experience.
Characters will be created in consultation with the DM and require final approval prior to gameplay. Standard array, point buy OR ability rolls (upon application, within the recruitment thread, using the default dice roller, no rerolls) to be used for character creation. Only core published materials (i.e. no UA or homebrew) will be used in character creation. Characters should be created with the coastal/oceanic location and seafaring nature of this campaign in mind. As such, preference will be given to characters of associated races and builds, e.g. tritons, sea elves, water (or even air) genasi, bronze dragonborn, AND/OR classes connected to the sea, e.g. druids and rangers with an aquatic focus, clerics of relevant gods (e.g. Umberlee, Istishia) AND/OR a different race/class with an appropriate background and role-playing focus. e.g A fighter (sailor) who grew up on fishing or merchant ships and now wants to defend them from pirates, or a monk (bounty hunter) whose order is opposed to the chaos and lawlessness represented by the reavers in the area and sees the capture or death of the pirate lords as a higher calling.
Characters will be expected to serve as crew on a ship throughout periods of the game, and potential officer roles (not all of these may be available early on in the campaign) include Captain (not available early), 1st mate (not available early), ship's mage, navigator, pilot, bosun (not available early), master of sail and oar, master of arms and surgeon. Players may also serve in the crew in general sailor (non-officer) roles, such as cook, lookout, sail monkey, gunner or deckhand - deckhands are general sailors who may be apprentices or assistants to other crew.
*Players who have previously applied to join the game are welcome to apply again. Preference for Good and Nuetral alignments. Strictly NO chaotic evil characters, with LE or NE unlikely to be accepted but possible depending on character backstory and player motivations.
Other player requirements include:
Players should be available to post regularly, i.e. at least once within a 24 hour period. While real life demands are to be expected, this game is game is picking up again after a hiatus and the players and I are looking to get the ball rolling and keep it rolling at a reasonable pace. To account for unavoidable and substantial delays with player postings and to keep the game flowing, the DM may control the character for a brief period or combat round, but this will only be done occassionally, where necessary and NOT as a substitute for player involvement.
No murderhobos, serial metagamers, rule lawyers or dice doctors. All rolls will be made using the forum's dice roller. Again, the focus in this game is on immersive roleplaying and collaborative storytelling, however, the GM is the arbiter of that story's framework and all GM rulings will be final, though questions for clarification purposes or additional detail are very welcome.
Adult players only. This game will feature graphically descriptive violence, swearing and other adult content as part of an unfolding epic fantasy. This DOES NOT mean that anything goes. Players can expect to be part of a socially engaging and creatively welcoming adult rpg experience without being exposed to any personal unpleasantness. However, if you have any issues with adult content in your rpgs, then this may not be the game for you.
Players will be encouraged to adhere to the formatting and other gameplay requirements, e.g. choosing a character colour for text, using tags, 'bold' for action text, "italics" for speech. [OOC]/[OOG] on the campaign thread is discouraged and should where possible be kept on the recruitment/discussion thread. Discord (or other live chat options) will NOT be used in this game. Combat maps will be uploaded to the campaign thread and updated by the DM as required.
*PbP rules and guidelines can be found below. Anything not covered above or requiring clarification can be discussed with the DM on this recruitment thread or via PM.
Interested players should post their character ideas (e.g. name, race, class, background, alignment, preferred crew position and backstory summary) in the thread below: THERE ARE CURRENTLY 3 SPOT LEFT IN THIS GAME.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Interested players should post their character ideas (e.g. name, race, class, background, alignment, preferred crew position and backstory summary) in the thread below:
THERE ARE CURRENTLY 3 SPOTS OPEN IN THIS GAME.
Current characters: - Human bard, sailor background, ships navigator - Air Genasi sorcerer, sailor background, master of sail - Goliath druid, Uthgardt heritage, ships cook - Vedalken artificer, sailor background, ship's mage - Tiefling rogue, pirate background,
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ability scores: 161514111612
My first character concept would be Air Genasi wizard, aspiring gunner. Focused on the study of alchemy and perfecting the art of artillery through magical and non magical means. While not being the standard crazed scientist obsessed with explosions, but can be quite eccentric. Sailor background
(will finish application later in day)
Abraham Brismar
Air Genasi
Wizard - Evocation
positon - Gunner or Mage
Being born on the coast to a mother who found work cleaning the library/place of study and father a sailor himself. He spent most of his childhood being stuck indoors when his mother worked. Spending his time with his nose in the books and head in the clouds. Until his mother fell ill and passed away. He was an orphan for a year, before his father came back from sea. He waited at the docks every day until his return. Gaining a reputation around the docks. Once his father grieved, Abe joined his father in the open ocean sailing away. Spending the latter years of adolescence traveling the world, molding an eclectic opinion of the world. Despite living the life he always dreamed of, he can’t help himself to find a library or bookstore at each port he visits. His mother’s voice in the back of his head to keep to his studies.
I appreciate the consideration, but the more I think about it the more I don’t think I will be able to keep up. Thanks, I’ll take my application out.
Valen Havenstrite: Human fighter, noble background. Master of arms, or apprentice of. The second in line to his parents' estate behind his sister. Having recieved training from their weapons master, and tired of sitting around reading history books, he has snuck off to seek a little of adventure.
Remedy: Warforged war cleric of Tempus, soldier background. Surgeon or master of arms. Former marine/combat medic turned weapons master for the Havenstrites. Has been sent off in search of his masters' runaway son, who was last heard hopping on a boat heading somewhere to the north.
Dauphine is an aquatic half-elf storm sorcerer. With the far traveler background, she has been traveling for many years via multiple means of transportation - she has worked as a general hand on a boat before to pay for her passage, but she’s also familiar with many places along the shore and can use her knowledge and wiles to help get a captain a good deal on whatever he or she needs in port. She’s also comfortable in the rigging, her magic meaning she’s unafraid of a fall.
Some interesting suggestions. I will leave applications open for now and be looking to confirm the remaining two players within a couple of days, for a campagin start within the week.
Please note the 2 major requirements for this game - 1. frequent checking and responding to posts and 2. substantial RP interaction with other PCs, the world and just to generally help bring your character 'to life'.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
My first character concept would be Air Genasi wizard, aspiring gunner. Focused on the study of alchemy and perfecting the art of artillery through magical and non magical means. While not being the standard crazed scientist obsessed with explosions, but can be quite eccentric. Sailor background
(will finish application later in day)
Abraham Brismar
Air Genasi
Wizard - Evocation
positon - Gunner or Mage
Being born on the coast to a mother who found work cleaning the library/place of study and father a sailor himself. He spent most of his childhood being stuck indoors when his mother worked. Spending his time with his nose in the books and head in the clouds. Until his mother fell ill and passed away. He was an orphan for a year, before his father came back from sea. He waited at the docks every day until his return. Gaining a reputation around the docks. Once his father grieved, Abe joined his father in the open ocean sailing away. Spending the latter years of adolescence traveling the world, molding an eclectic opinion of the world. Despite living the life he always dreamed of, he can’t help himself to find a library or bookstore at each port he visits. His mother’s voice in the back of his head to keep to his studies.
Just an FYI (as I told the player who chose the artificer class) that in this game, gunpowder is rare, cannons are very rare and handheld guns are pretty much non-existent. That's not to say that this couldn't change in the future, but in my games those sorts of world-changing developments are not lightly achieved and take a significant investment on the part of the PC.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
That’s fine, it could be a long term goal of his, researching over the years. Or just go full arcane to arm the ship. He could take the place of ship mage too if we tweak his story a bit to fit better. Willing to work to make it fit.
Remedy: Warforged war cleric of Tempu,, soldier background. Surgeon or master of arms. Former marine/combat medic turned weapons master for the Havenstrites. Has been sent off in search of his masters' runaway son, who was last heard hopping on a boat heading somewhere to the north.
Will do standard array or point buy.
Hey Salute Monkey,
I like the warforged cleric of Tempus, soldier - weapons master/medic idea. I could easily work with your proposed backstory as well. Could you please finish the character and send me a link to take a look. Thanks!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Dauphine is an aquatic half-elf storm sorcerer. With the far traveler background, she has been traveling for many years via multiple means of transportation - she has worked as a general hand on a boat before to pay for her passage, but she’s also familiar with many places along the shore and can use her knowledge and wiles to help get a captain a good deal on whatever he or she needs in port. She’s also comfortable in the rigging, her magic meaning she’s unafraid of a fall.
Thanks, Pocketmouse. Sounds like a potential look out/sail monkey or assistant to the Quarter Master.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Most ships in this region (except for fishing or merchant vessels) will have a complement of archers at minimum, and possibly ballistas and mangonels for more heavily armed ships. For both an artificer or another inventive character, there is potential scope to develop these and other offensive/defensive ship capabilities.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
I'd be interested in playing a cabin-tomboy type whose ultimate goal is to captain her own ship. Going to start off with rogue and might multiclass if multiclassing will be allowed.
Kay is a child from a broken urban home. She grew up pulling pranks and stealing to help her family make ends meet. Eventually, things went too far and she had to make a break for it, stowing away aboard the first vessel that was planning to leave harbor. She misses her family and hopes one day to return, but not before she grows a little and maybe finds her fortune. Urchin background.
EDIT: Reading Saute's post, I could easily change some things around to make my character into the runaway noble that they are looking for which might be fun.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Character Name: Vadrek Marin
Human Paladin (eventual oath of the ancients for awesome sailor themed revelry)
Background: Harborfolk
Ability Scores: Ability scores: 1191710117
Alignment: NG
Crew Position: Master of arms or generic crew.
Quick backstory: Vadrek spent his formative years as a dock worker, as such, he knew his way around ships and the people that serve on them. While spending the evening at the local tavern, Vadrek met a group of traveling warriors. After spending the evening with them, he learned they are part of an order of paladins that roams the land destroying the evil that would attempt to quench the flames of joy and laughter. Called to a higher purpose, Vadrek joined the group and trained under them for a number of years.
Eventually, the call of sea and sail drew him back to the docks where he worked on various ships in various positions. He felt that the life of a sailor allowed him to faithfully fulfill his oath. We find Vardek in search of a new ship and crew.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Character Name: A'ro Gale
Air Genasi Sorcerer (Storm Bloodline)
Ability scores: 121514161415
Alignment: N
Crew Position: Generic Crew Member, and Guy who makes sure the sails blow when there is no wind
Quick backstory: A'ro wasn't born to a rich family and because of this he began work at a young age as a powder monkey and deck boy for ships. As he grew older and found his connection to his bloodline growing he found himself able to assist with ships when the wind just couldn't blow. Seeing the benefit of an air genasi on board he began to find that work was easier to get. Thus began his reason in learning to channel magic. Now that he is 20 he dreams of continue sailing and adventure on the open seas.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
It's good to have aspirations and I like that you've already created something of a character arc. What race would your urchin rogue be?
FYI - Happy for players to construct intertwined backstory's, as suggested regarding Saute Monkey's PC.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Thanks to everyone for the applications. I'm closing the application window now and will make a decision ASAP, then notify the successful applicants via PM and post the final outcome here.
Happy adventuring!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land DM Beyond the Bitter Shore DM Echos of a Burning Crown
My immediate thought was to make her human, though honestly I would be happy to play anything. If Saute agrees (hey buddy, seems like we keep running into each other!) I will workshop with them a little and get back to you?
EDIT: Oh, if applications are closing then... I'll declare human for now and await your decision. :O
Beware the Biting Wind and Briny Dangers of the Bitter Shore!
The Bitter Shore abuts the Trackless Sea, and is a 400 mile stretch of broken coastland in Faerun's Far North, running Northwest from Luskan, past the rugged Mining city of Fireshear, and up into the Sea of Moving Ice in the continent's frozen Northern tundras. Dotted with little-known mining, whaling and seal hunter communities, and a thousand secret coves and (mostly) deserted inlets, this region of Faerun is home to the tough and hardy, and tends to attract those who are looking for a fresh start or seeking to escape a troubled past. Blasted by snow and ice more than half the year round, contrasted with a brief summer that is as dry and hot as it is short, The Shore is not a recommended destination for the unprepared or those with a timid disposition.
The Northern Trackless Sea, while undoubtedly less traveled than the Southern routes between nefarious Luskan and welcoming Neverwinter, or between Neverwinter and the Jeweled City of Waterdeep, still hosts a brisk trade in precious gems and metal, as well as highly valued Northern animal furs and ivory, ensuring that merchant and trader vessels are not uncommon to these waters. And of course, where wealth brings honest shipping and valuable cargo, less legitimate interests are also bound to arise. The pirates of the North are a largely unsophisticated and brutal lot, but growing numbers over the last century have also given rise to a higher caste of notorious pirates, a brother and sisterhood of wave-riding thieves and murderers flamboyantly self-titled as the Captains of the Accord. The most notorious and dreaded of these greater pirate captains over the last decade is a much feared buccaneer synonymous with bloodshed and villainy - the near mythical pirate known as Captain Fathom, master of the Kraken. To account for the murder and thievery of the Northern pirates, privateers and other pirate hunters have flocked to the region, seeking fame, fortune or perhaps justice for some darstedly deed perpetrated by the heartless buccaneers of The Shore. The acclaimed Freeflag privateers are a loose alliance of (mostly) law abiding captains sailing out of Fireshear who make their careers hunting the ruthless pirates in this region. The most renowned privateer vessel of them all is the Manticore, a heavily armed and modified brigantine under the sail of one Captain Lyon Redmane.
The inns and taverns along the Fireshear docks, however, only hold berths for seasoned and accomplished sea-dogs. For those seeking to forge a fledgling reputation of note, the smaller communities of the Southern Shore offer plentiful opportunities. And so it is that, in just such a place, a new ship's Captain by the name of Aundrey Farseeker, master of The Shore Shark, has put out a call in the port town of Rumbottom for men and women of skill, courage and loyalty, to crew a newly commissioned ship. The Shark's charter, like that of many vessels in these parts, is to protect honest shipping and anchorage in the waters North of Luskan, and, whenever possible, to bring hard justice to the pirates and other neerdowells who would prey on the local folk and merchant interests along The Shore. The hiring captain's table has been set in port town's largest tavern, the Prancing Pirate, word has spread and the talk along the wharf is that the line of aspiring sailors and brigand hunters is already beginning to grow...
Campaign Details
Beyond the Bitter Shore is a 5e Play-by-Post (PbP) campaign for 6-8 characters of 2nd level (currently), though it is anticipated that characters may reach levels 18+ by the campaign's conclusion. The campaign is set along a vast stretch of rugged shore and much of the story will unfold near, on or below the waves of the adjacent Trackless Sea. These adventures will take place in the established campaign setting of The Forgotten Realm's (specifically the Frozen Far of Faerun) in a partially-homebrewed region known as the Bitter Shore. While official published 5e core rules will be used in this campaign, some Unearthed Arcana (UA) playtest material may be used. The DM may modify any of the rules or other materials to be used in the campaign. This campaign will be delivered in an epic fantasy style, with a distinct seafaring flavour. This game will be heavy on role-playing and exploration of a world and region rich with lore, and character's should have appropriately flavourful and detailed personalities and backgrounds to develop during the campaign. There will be combat and loot aplenty, but the primary focus of this game will be to foster an enjoyable and collaborative story-telling experience.
Characters will be created in consultation with the DM and require final approval prior to gameplay. Standard array, point buy OR ability rolls (upon application, within the recruitment thread, using the default dice roller, no rerolls) to be used for character creation. Only core published materials (i.e. no UA or homebrew) will be used in character creation. Characters should be created with the coastal/oceanic location and seafaring nature of this campaign in mind. As such, preference will be given to characters of associated races and builds, e.g. tritons, sea elves, water (or even air) genasi, bronze dragonborn, AND/OR classes connected to the sea, e.g. druids and rangers with an aquatic focus, clerics of relevant gods (e.g. Umberlee, Istishia) AND/OR a different race/class with an appropriate background and role-playing focus. e.g A fighter (sailor) who grew up on fishing or merchant ships and now wants to defend them from pirates, or a monk (bounty hunter) whose order is opposed to the chaos and lawlessness represented by the reavers in the area and sees the capture or death of the pirate lords as a higher calling.
Characters will be expected to serve as crew on a ship throughout periods of the game, and potential officer roles (not all of these may be available early on in the campaign) include Captain (not available early), 1st mate (not available early), ship's mage, navigator, pilot, bosun (not available early), master of sail and oar, master of arms and surgeon. Players may also serve in the crew in general sailor (non-officer) roles, such as cook, lookout, sail monkey, gunner or deckhand - deckhands are general sailors who may be apprentices or assistants to other crew.
*Players who have previously applied to join the game are welcome to apply again. Preference for Good and Nuetral alignments. Strictly NO chaotic evil characters, with LE or NE unlikely to be accepted but possible depending on character backstory and player motivations.
Other player requirements include:
Players should be available to post regularly, i.e. at least once within a 24 hour period. While real life demands are to be expected, this game is game is picking up again after a hiatus and the players and I are looking to get the ball rolling and keep it rolling at a reasonable pace. To account for unavoidable and substantial delays with player postings and to keep the game flowing, the DM may control the character for a brief period or combat round, but this will only be done occassionally, where necessary and NOT as a substitute for player involvement.
No murderhobos, serial metagamers, rule lawyers or dice doctors. All rolls will be made using the forum's dice roller. Again, the focus in this game is on immersive roleplaying and collaborative storytelling, however, the GM is the arbiter of that story's framework and all GM rulings will be final, though questions for clarification purposes or additional detail are very welcome.
Adult players only. This game will feature graphically descriptive violence, swearing and other adult content as part of an unfolding epic fantasy. This DOES NOT mean that anything goes. Players can expect to be part of a socially engaging and creatively welcoming adult rpg experience without being exposed to any personal unpleasantness. However, if you have any issues with adult content in your rpgs, then this may not be the game for you.
Players will be encouraged to adhere to the formatting and other gameplay requirements, e.g. choosing a character colour for text, using tags, 'bold' for action text, "italics" for speech. [OOC]/[OOG] on the campaign thread is discouraged and should where possible be kept on the recruitment/discussion thread. Discord (or other live chat options) will NOT be used in this game. Combat maps will be uploaded to the campaign thread and updated by the DM as required.
*PbP rules and guidelines can be found below. Anything not covered above or requiring clarification can be discussed with the DM on this recruitment thread or via PM.
Interested players should post their character ideas (e.g. name, race, class, background, alignment, preferred crew position and backstory summary) in the thread below: THERE ARE CURRENTLY 3 SPOT LEFT IN THIS GAME.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/play-by-post/2069-pbp-rules-and-faq-please-read-first
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Interested players should post their character ideas (e.g. name, race, class, background, alignment, preferred crew position and backstory summary) in the thread below:
THERE ARE CURRENTLY 3 SPOTS OPEN IN THIS GAME.
Current characters:
- Human bard, sailor background, ships navigator
- Air Genasi sorcerer, sailor background, master of sail
- Goliath druid, Uthgardt heritage, ships cook
- Vedalken artificer, sailor background, ship's mage
- Tiefling rogue, pirate background,
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Ability scores: 16 15 14 11 16 12My first character concept would be Air Genasi wizard, aspiring gunner. Focused on the study of alchemy and perfecting the art of artillery through magical and non magical means. While not being the standard crazed scientist obsessed with explosions, but can be quite eccentric. Sailor background(will finish application later in day)Abraham BrismarAir GenasiWizard - Evocationpositon - Gunner or MageBeing born on the coast to a mother who found work cleaning the library/place of study and father a sailor himself. He spent most of his childhood being stuck indoors when his mother worked. Spending his time with his nose in the books and head in the clouds. Until his mother fell ill and passed away. He was an orphan for a year, before his father came back from sea. He waited at the docks every day until his return. Gaining a reputation around the docks. Once his father grieved, Abe joined his father in the open ocean sailing away. Spending the latter years of adolescence traveling the world, molding an eclectic opinion of the world. Despite living the life he always dreamed of, he can’t help himself to find a library or bookstore at each port he visits. His mother’s voice in the back of his head to keep to his studies.I appreciate the consideration, but the more I think about it the more I don’t think I will be able to keep up. Thanks, I’ll take my application out.
Valen Havenstrite: Human fighter, noble background. Master of arms, or apprentice of. The second in line to his parents' estate behind his sister. Having recieved training from their weapons master, and tired of sitting around reading history books, he has snuck off to seek a little of adventure.
Remedy: Warforged war cleric of Tempus, soldier background. Surgeon or master of arms. Former marine/combat medic turned weapons master for the Havenstrites. Has been sent off in search of his masters' runaway son, who was last heard hopping on a boat heading somewhere to the north.
Will do standard array or point buy.
Dauphine is an aquatic half-elf storm sorcerer. With the far traveler background, she has been traveling for many years via multiple means of transportation - she has worked as a general hand on a boat before to pay for her passage, but she’s also familiar with many places along the shore and can use her knowledge and wiles to help get a captain a good deal on whatever he or she needs in port. She’s also comfortable in the rigging, her magic meaning she’s unafraid of a fall.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
Hi all,
Some interesting suggestions. I will leave applications open for now and be looking to confirm the remaining two players within a couple of days, for a campagin start within the week.
Please note the 2 major requirements for this game - 1. frequent checking and responding to posts and 2. substantial RP interaction with other PCs, the world and just to generally help bring your character 'to life'.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Just an FYI (as I told the player who chose the artificer class) that in this game, gunpowder is rare, cannons are very rare and handheld guns are pretty much non-existent. That's not to say that this couldn't change in the future, but in my games those sorts of world-changing developments are not lightly achieved and take a significant investment on the part of the PC.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
That’s fine, it could be a long term goal of his, researching over the years. Or just go full arcane to arm the ship. He could take the place of ship mage too if we tweak his story a bit to fit better. Willing to work to make it fit.
Hey Salute Monkey,
I like the warforged cleric of Tempus, soldier - weapons master/medic idea. I could easily work with your proposed backstory as well. Could you please finish the character and send me a link to take a look. Thanks!
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Thanks, Pocketmouse. Sounds like a potential look out/sail monkey or assistant to the Quarter Master.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Most ships in this region (except for fishing or merchant vessels) will have a complement of archers at minimum, and possibly ballistas and mangonels for more heavily armed ships. For both an artificer or another inventive character, there is potential scope to develop these and other offensive/defensive ship capabilities.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
I'd be interested in playing a cabin-tomboy type whose ultimate goal is to captain her own ship. Going to start off with rogue and might multiclass if multiclassing will be allowed.
Kay is a child from a broken urban home. She grew up pulling pranks and stealing to help her family make ends meet. Eventually, things went too far and she had to make a break for it, stowing away aboard the first vessel that was planning to leave harbor. She misses her family and hopes one day to return, but not before she grows a little and maybe finds her fortune. Urchin background.
EDIT: Reading Saute's post, I could easily change some things around to make my character into the runaway noble that they are looking for which might be fun.
Ability scores: 11 14 14 17 15 12
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Possibly interested. Would need a bit to come up with an appropriate character.
Character Name: Vadrek Marin
Human Paladin (eventual oath of the ancients for awesome sailor themed revelry)
Background: Harborfolk
Ability Scores: Ability scores: 11 9 17 10 11 7
Alignment: NG
Crew Position: Master of arms or generic crew.
Quick backstory: Vadrek spent his formative years as a dock worker, as such, he knew his way around ships and the people that serve on them. While spending the evening at the local tavern, Vadrek met a group of traveling warriors. After spending the evening with them, he learned they are part of an order of paladins that roams the land destroying the evil that would attempt to quench the flames of joy and laughter. Called to a higher purpose, Vadrek joined the group and trained under them for a number of years.
Eventually, the call of sea and sail drew him back to the docks where he worked on various ships in various positions. He felt that the life of a sailor allowed him to faithfully fulfill his oath. We find Vardek in search of a new ship and crew.
Character Name: A'ro Gale
Air Genasi Sorcerer (Storm Bloodline)
Ability scores: 12 15 14 16 14 15
Alignment: N
Crew Position: Generic Crew Member, and Guy who makes sure the sails blow when there is no wind
Quick backstory: A'ro wasn't born to a rich family and because of this he began work at a young age as a powder monkey and deck boy for ships. As he grew older and found his connection to his bloodline growing he found himself able to assist with ships when the wind just couldn't blow. Seeing the benefit of an air genasi on board he began to find that work was easier to get. Thus began his reason in learning to channel magic. Now that he is 20 he dreams of continue sailing and adventure on the open seas.
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Dangerous Designs - Kaelen Stoneshard - Minotaur Cleric (War Domain) Lv. 2 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Hey TGondii,
Thanks for the application. Interesting take on a sea-faring Paladin, though I don't think Harborfolk is a core background, is it?
*Edit - sorry, just saw that it's in EE. Has potential. Thanks again.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Hey Hambergler,
Thanks for the application. Not a bad roll and an undoubtedly useful character idea. What is the background of this character?
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Hi Abunny,
It's good to have aspirations and I like that you've already created something of a character arc. What race would your urchin rogue be?
FYI - Happy for players to construct intertwined backstory's, as suggested regarding Saute Monkey's PC.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
Hi all,
Thanks to everyone for the applications. I'm closing the application window now and will make a decision ASAP, then notify the successful applicants via PM and post the final outcome here.
Happy adventuring!
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Vassa Sunstar (half-drow bard) - Waterdeep Dragonheist
DM Ghosts of a Forgotten Land
DM Beyond the Bitter Shore
DM Echos of a Burning Crown
My immediate thought was to make her human, though honestly I would be happy to play anything. If Saute agrees (hey buddy, seems like we keep running into each other!) I will workshop with them a little and get back to you?
EDIT: Oh, if applications are closing then... I'll declare human for now and await your decision. :O
~♡~