I’d like to invite four players to begin a play-by-post game of Hoard of the Dragon Queen, hopefully progressing to Rise of Tiamat.
If you’re interested, please post below:
Character name:
Race and Class: (No homebrew)
Alignment: (restricted to good alignments only)
Backstory: (around 150-200 words):
Relationship with one other character: (around 100 words. What does this mean? After a few other people have posted, pick someone else’s character and imagine that your character and theirs have some kind of shared history. How do they know each other? What have they done together? Write a little about how your character met theirs, and how they get along. Hint – I am looking for players and characters who can get along well with each other!)
A couple more points:
It’s important that players are are respectful of each other’s contributions. This includes no rules lawyering on the game thread. If you want to discuss anything I or another player have done, you must do so in a one-to-one DM thread with me. Also, no PvP.
Please don’t apply if you’ve played Hoard of the Dragon Queen or Rise of Tiamat before, or read the game module in detail. If you’ve only played a little, perhaps in a game that didn’t get to the end, then please do apply, and tell me (by DM, not here) what point you reached.
I hope to maintain a brisk pace for the game. You should be ready to make two posts a day as a minimum, and often more than that. Posts should be a mix of action and role-playing, with a good dose of character interaction. Please bear in mind that even at 2-4 posts a day, play-by-post games are slow. It will probably take a year or more to complete this campaign (the title says 2019-20 for a reason!), so don’t join if you can’t commit. I'm happy to take on new players who are ready to learn.
You should own any races, backgrounds or other features that you intend to use for your character on DnDBeyond.
It will be point buy or standard array for stats.
I'm a fairly inexperienced DM, and have been through a few campaigns here as player and DM, and played on a couple of online Discord games. I'm not hugely knowledgeable, and don't pretend to be. I played D&D a little when I was a kid many years ago, but got back into it last year through watching Critical Role.
I hope to close applications on Monday evening (GMT+1) and start the game on Tuesday.
Flattery is my preferred trick for getting what I want. I lie about almost everything, even when there’s no good reason to.
Ideals
Independence. I am a free spirit—no one tells me what to do. (Chaotic)
Bonds
A powerful person killed someone I love. Some day soon, I’ll have my revenge.
Flaws
I’m convinced that no one could ever fool me the way I fool others.
An orphan of the streets, Arvel quickly learned that his good looks and silver tongue could allow him to get away with almost anything. A low-level conman, he prides himself on never taking anything that wasn't freely given.
A year ago, he was ready to hang it all up and go straight. Because he'd met Luala and wanted to marry her. On the night he planned to propose, Arvel approached Luala sitting on a stone bench in a park. When he touched her shoulder, she fell to the ground. Her throat had been slashed and her dress was dyed deep red with her blood.
Arvel turned to shout for help but he stopped suddenly. A bloody dagger had mysteriously appeared in his hand. Stunned by this, Arvel didn't hear the approach of the watchmen.
Seized, jailed, and set to be put on trial for murder he sat in his cell weeping over his fate and his lost love.
That's when She appeared. The woman appeared Elven, but was more beautiful than any elf Arvel had ever seen before. The offer was simple, Arvel would be given his freedom and a small measure of power to continue his conniving ways and in exchange he would render Her service when She required.
Seeing no other way out, Arvel accepted and became a Warlock in service to the Archfey woman.
The next morning he was released from prison. The guards explained that a common street thug had come forward and confessed to the murder. Arvel took all he had saved and set out for a life of adventure to escape his pain and grow his power.
Alignment: Chaotic Good
While Arvel is more than happy to let Tray vent to him about understanding his powers, Arvel also employs the rogue to occasionally sneak into a warehouse at the docks and place the crest of the "Duke du Champris" on crates known to contain contraband. Arvel then shows up as the Duke's grandnephew "Simillion du Champris" and accepts a small bribe to look the other way.
Backstory: Jalt Rhogar, of Clan Jalt, the clan tasked with the administration and defense of the frontier village of Ruinspoke. Jalt Rhogar is a member of the Platinum Cadre, an order of dragonborn knights, paladins and priests sworn to the service of Bahamut. He has left Ruinspoke on a mission he says was handed down to him from Bahamut to restore honor and good to the lands in his glory. His family, stout believers of Bahamut, think Rhogar a fool. That he has become too fanatical. But to Rhogar, it has always boiled down to good vs evil. Now he finds himself wandering the lands of Faerun, trying to erase the evil blights from the world. Good natured, somewhat naive… immensely faithful.. also hard headed, bullish and doesn’t understand when a situation isn’t necessarily black or white. Last we heard, he was fighting off a tribe of mountain orcs near the Spine of the World who were attacking passing caravans.
Relationship with one other character:To this day, I’m still not sure if Khar wasn’t trying to bribe me when I encountered his caravan. I had been tracking the Red Fangs orc tribe for days through the Rauvin Mountains. And to my surprise an Aarakocra fighting off the orcs with little success. As we dispatched the orcs, I was taken aback by his “offer”. Never in my wildest dreams would I think a person would accept money to protect innocent people. After searching through the caravan, he explained to me that people consider it like an insurance… hiring people to protect their valuables. He did protect that family… an honorable job. I would fight by his side anytime.
Backstory: Born in a small village and left on the doorsteps of the local parish, Elspeth was possibly the only one in the village who didn't know who her parents were - out of some sort of feigned respect to her mother, no one was willing to tell her. She never spent much time with other village kids, not because they were particularly aggressive towards her, but because their parents had strictly prohibited most of them from associating with her. This, of course, made her more of an attractive playmate to the village children, but more often than not, they would openly gawp at her strange features rather play with her like they did with other children, and besides, whenever news got out that she'd been seen around the children, it was always her that the adults went after.
The priest assigned to their local village was young and prone towards compassion. He tried to be understanding of the young tiefling, but more often than not he would refer to her existence as a blight upon nature. When she was a child, she would feel terribly guilty about the fact, but as she grew older and realised that none of this was her fault, or even theirs. She learned to act indifferently towards their fear of her. It was nothing personal, after all.
Since she could hardly talk with others of her age or learn a trade - there was no one who'd be willing to teach her - She spent most of her time learning the church canon, the various doctrines, the rituals. There were precious few other texts possessed by the church, after all. And, besides, to the surprise of most, she was a true believer. It was a farming village, so the majority, which included Elspeth, for once, worshipped Chauntea in her capacity as goddess of agriculture. She valued the land, even though she doubted that she would be involved with any part agriculture in her lifetime.
It became more and more obvious as she grew older that she was never going to be much more than a burden to the village. She had no trade to fall back on, and besides, no one trusted her enough to let her work in any serious capacity, but they were obligated to feed and clothe her. For her part, Elspeth was aware that she would probably be turned out of the parish when she turned eighteen, and then she would have nowhere to go.
When she as fifteen, she went out to pick berries with th other village children who had cordially invited her along and had not expected her to agree. She was a slow walker, however, and they managed to lose her in the thick woods outside of the village. She didn't realise until it was nearly noon, and by then she was completely lost, with little practical knowledge that might lead her out of the woods. She attempted to retrace her steps, but quite soon, found herself turned around again.
She was found by the druid that governed that part of the woods, who gave her food and water and lead her back to the village. Unsurprisingly enough, no one had noticed her disappearance. She tried asking the priest who the druid was, but he simply told her it was not for her to know.
From then on, she would frequently disappear into the woods to meet again with the druid. eventually, she picked up enough local gossip to understand that while the druid was respected, they were not a popular member of the village. Nevertheless, she visited them again and again, determined to learn everything there is about the woods. Soon enough, she could easily navigate the woods that had so confounded her on her first trip, and she would frequently bring back large baskets of various berries and herbs, which the villagers were always willing to buy, despite their general distaste for the tiefling. Gradually, they began to accept her and her talents. It was everything she'd wanted as a child, but now that she knew there was something better, she had no intention of staying.
When she was eighteen, she packed everything she owned and left to live in the woods with the local druid, and studied with them full time for two years, when the druid admitted there was little more they could teach her and pronouced her a fully fledged druid. She thanked her teacher, and moved on. From then on, she travelled through lands mostly untouched by humans never staying at one place for long.
Relationship with one other character:
Dynamene: Being from a homogenous society in the middle of nowhere, Elspeth was initially reluctant to approach any major civilisations. As such, when she approached the gates of Waterdeep with the intention of purchasing necessary supplies, she was nervous and completely unaware of what she should be expecting. The sheer variety of races mingling together was not what she expected, but it was comforting to know that there was less chance of her being singled out. Ironically, Elspeth tends to be instinctively wary of non-human races due to her lack of awareness of what exists in the world beyond the boundaries of her old village and woodlands, she judges people based on their merit instead of superstitions. As such, when she first met the Genasi in the boundaries of Waterdeep, her natural wariness quickly gave away to a sense of fellowship. Elspeth sympathised with Dynamene, seeing parts of her own experiences echoed in her story. While she knew very little personally about the subjects Dynamene wanted to study, Elspeth was able to gain access to the church archives in order to retrieve whatever information there was.
Race and Class: Water Genasi Ranger (Horizon Walker)
Alignment: Neutral Good
Backstory: Dynamene grew up with her father and her siblings in an underwater community of Tritons. She had no reason to know that she was not one also, until she and her sister were old enough to join the trade and scouting parties that would visit the fishing villages along the coast. Even then, at first they assumed it must be some strangeness of the land, or magic, or divine blessing. But Dyna began to withdraw, certain that something was different with her, determined to discover what it was. Rumors spread at the school, gossip became a little more malicious, but while her siblings would fight back, she withdrew more, focusing on her training, learning the possibilities that lay beyond in the Plane of Water.
While assigned to another of the scouting parties that guarded the perimeter of their community, a group of creatures from the Plane of Water attacked the main village, destroying a large part of it and leaving many dead, taking others as slaves. One of the marids in the raiding party that she fought against called her a genasi, and it was then that she began to suspect the truth. As she began to learn more, doubt set in about who might have known, and never told her. She loves her father, and he's been nothing but good -- though busy working to provide for all of them -- but now she had a secret, and she didn't know who to share it with. She set out on her own to see if she could find more on her own.
Not wanting her sister or anyone else to follow her, she decided to make her way across land first. She kept away from the villages they had traded with, and when she set upon a new one inland, with a vague explanation of a quest to find more information about certain magical creatures, she was introduced to the concept of libraries -- something hard to maintain underwater. No longer without a destination, she made her way to Waterdeep and managed to learn enough to put her heart at rest, no longer concerned with wild thoughts of being a danger to others, or some unknown creature coming to claim her -- no demon's curse, no warlock pact. But there are still unanswered questions at home, and Dyna is happy to put off answering them, for now.
Relationship with one other character: Dyna would probably bond with Elspeth over the struggle that comes with a nebulous family past. There are no tieflings under the waves, so Dyna would probably not have met any tieflings before she made it to Waterdeep, and possibly not until she met Elspeth. But it's possible that in searching for information about children of mixed planar lineage, she would have read on tieflings as well, or seen them in passing, and she would be determined to see Elspeth the same way that she's determined to see herself, with her alignment not forcibly tied to the alignment of a parent or ancestor. But given that her isolation is mostly of her own choosing, and that distrust towards her has been minimal, with a loving family, there are probably still areas where the two of them don't see eye to eye, or don't react the same way.
Tray was a petty thief, an urchin living in the streets till the day he stole a jewel belonging to a celestial being He was caught in a way, cause the jewel was cursed by the celestial and turned to dust and buried inside him. In horror he went and hid in a pipe that led to the sewer falling asleep. He awoke to a giant rat that was out hunting for food and it looked like it found something good to eat. power surged though him as did the words and as the rat tried to dig into him a magical barrier slew the beast. He only stole to survive but now
Tray was looking for someone whom might know what he experience. his new powers Arvel was his name they met in a small town in a tavern and got to talking Tray told him of his experience the powers manifesting in him
Of course that was why he was in the Tavern, drinking seamed to numb the questions in his mind.
While Arvel is more than happy to let Tray vent to him about understanding his powers, Arvel also employs the rogue to occasionally sneak into a warehouse at the docks and place the crest of the "Duke du Champris" on crates known to contain contraband. Arvel then shows up as the Duke's grandnephew "Simillion du Champris" and accepts a small bribe to look the other way.
When their alone "Arvel? Who is this Duke Du Champris? I know a confidence game when I see one, that's why I'm happy to help. But what does this have to do with my powers?"
"You know, we can only do this so many times before they're on to us." Tray shakes his head hands Arvel the papers and turns to walk to the nearest pub as he goes he says "I'm taking a break for now. I'm sure some thugs will be waiting for me if I don't"
Backstory: My tribe perched themselves on a rocky outcrop overlooking a river valley tunneling and carving homes into the side of the cliffs exploiting the valley below that was fertile and full of game. Our tribe of 20 people requires little but nearby orcs and giants threaten our village. When I was around the age of 3 I began to explore and wander far from our village using my black feathers to help conceal me from others. Once, I got lost for a week in a cave after being badly wounded by an angry bear. I was rescued by my uncle Tak who instilled me with a healthy respect for nature and the dangers it holds. He taught me how to hunt and pay attention to my surroundings using my strength and abilities to my benefit. Over last three years we've been acting as guides for travelers through the mountain range between towns. A year ago I returned to the the same cave and found the bear that had mauled me. Once again I was injured but this time I managed to kill the beast. I fashioned a necklace from its teeth that I wear to this day.
Relationship with other character: I was escorting a group of traveling salesmen and a family of elves when our caravan was attacked by a roving band of orcs. While I and some of the others attempted to fend off the attack a boisterous dragonborn came charging into the fray and helped defend the caravan. He introduced himself as Jalt Rhogar a member of the Platinum Cadre sworn to Bahamut. I thanked him and asked if he wanted to continue the escort with us and in exchange I'd cut him in on my guide fee. I think he took this as a sign of shady behavior because his expression changed and asked if I was attempting to bribe a member of the platinum cadre. Before I could answer he began searching through the caravan looking for "contraband" items and texts. Once everything was explained he cooled off... thank goodness.
Backstory: Ezekial the Thrice-Cursed was born under an ill sign. Wings that don't support his body, horns that never grew past nubs and a pale grey skin that made him stand out from his dark-skinned fellows - Zeke started life with three strikes against him. Early on, it was clear that not only was he marked by these strange physical traits - he was also destined to be larger and stronger than most Tieflings. His size made him the obvious choice when the temple came seeking a novitiate to walk the path of the Guardian - a ritual position called upon to defend their people in this world and beyond. Not long after he started down this path, doom befell his people, the temple and all those he knew. A doom so dire, Ezekial has not spoken of it since. Now he finds himself cut adrift in the world, looking for a purpose, a people and maybe a chance at redemption...
Relationship with other character: Zeke had hired on as a caravan guard - working for little more than the food they offered and a place by the fire each evening. His caravan was beset by viscous Mountain Orcs and he quickly found himself hopelessly outnumbered as the other guards were slaughtered in the initial onslaught. Zeke threw himself at the Orcs - desperate to buy the family of traders he was guarding enough time to slip away from the horde. Just as it looked like he'd take his last breath on this godforsaken mountainside, a sword burst through the Orc in front of him driven by a fully armored Dragonborn. Jalt Rhogar's appearance and martial prowess turned the tide of the battle. Once the Orcs had been driven off, Jalt helped Zeke bring the caravan through the pass and into the village below. Quiet and reserved by nature, Zeke found a kindred spirit in Jalt - an intense warrior driven by a need to drive back those who would prey on the weak.
Backstory: Rae was born into a nomadic tribe of changelings, who would travel through various forest, mountain ranges, and other terrain to stay out of sight. From an early age, Rae had been introduced early on to the idea that outsiders were not be be trusted, and that it was best to avoid any interaction if possible. However, one day whilst tagging along for a hunting party to learn the ropes of being a hunter-gatherer, the small group had countered another group near a river, a group of roughly 10 people, a mix of humans, and those of elvish heritage. The group seemed to be taking a moment of rest, and being that this had been the first time Rae had ever seen an outsider of the tribe in person, she was overwhelmingly curios of the group. She then proceeded to walk forward, taking up the persona her mother had showed her for this kind of situation. One of the more experienced hunters in the riverside party heard the snapping of branches coming from the trees in front of them, he had then proceeded to raise his bow with an arrow at the ready towards the direction of the noise, the rest of the camp also seemed to tense up after this display. Things only calmed down as the group saw an elvish girl with brown hair and amber eyes emerge from the forest, followed by a few more people of a similar diversity to their own group. The two parties talked (Much less conversation from the changelings) about the various campsites they had found, as well as evidence of a potential goblin tribe in the area, and even a sighting of knolls, before parting ways and returning to the respective camps. That night however, Rae's tribe said that they would leave in the night, as the of outsiders had been made aware of their presence, and they wanted to hide their true nature. Unfortunately, during their nighttime travels, they ran into another group seeming to go through the forest, only these were a mix of goblins, knolls, and even a handful of ogres, with what seemed like loot and prisoners from an attack, and they seemed to be an unusually large group, rivaling their tribe in numbers nearly. Naturally, a fight had broken out, and Rae had been forced to flee with other non combatants of the tribe, however they were quickly tailed by a small pack of knolls. Rae and a few others ran back to the main battle in order to draw their attention, however, once they got there, it seemed the tribe of outsiders had also reengaged in the battle, causing the tribes to catch each other in a confused crossfire. Hours later, Rae found herself wandering behind a human boy, the two were later found by a half-elf woman, together the three looked for other survivors, but it seemed all others were either captured or had left the locale. Being without any form of guidance, the woman allowed Rae to stay with them, later on teaching her even more about the forest, as well as how to take care of herself. By the time she was 16, the trio had halted their travels, and decided to stay in a simple farming village, and while she had been content living there in the village, and hunting on occasion, she soon felt the itch of adventure. After saying her goodbyes, she left off on her own for the first time, searching for a place where she could belong.
Relations to others players: Would likely be able to make friends with either Dynamene, Elspeth, or any other visually unique races, being that she is perpetually a "fish out of water", causing her to find easy alliance with majority of those with a less common appearance.
While Arvel is more than happy to let Tray vent to him about understanding his powers, Arvel also employs the rogue to occasionally sneak into a warehouse at the docks and place the crest of the "Duke du Champris" on crates known to contain contraband. Arvel then shows up as the Duke's grandnephew "Simillion du Champris" and accepts a small bribe to look the other way.
When their alone "Arvel? Who is this Duke Du Champris? I know a confidence game when I see one, thats why I'm happy to help. But what does this have to do with my powers?"
The fires brighten the nights sky crashing in waves from building to building threatening to swallow all in its path drowning out the tranquil darkness. Was the warning fire lite in time...did they make it out...they must of made it out. Oban moved swiftly through the village staying low to the ground as possible ever wary of the plumes of black smoke seeking to drown and drag him down to further fuel the fires spread. Darting through the streets of his childhood, through the ashes of his home town now sundering in chaos and bedlam before him, his only thoughts on his destination. Bolting down the last alleyway Oban stood before his home the fires now pouring over the rest of the city had already abandon this area, it's terrible feast long finished. The blow the sight delt him was nearly unbearable, but homes can be reforged just as forest regrow from the flame so to could they. Deciding to salvage what he could Oban stepped carefully through the crumbling threshold and all thoughts of renewal faded. There huddled inside the hearth they laid wrapped in each others arms. The anguished screams seem to be coming from somewhere far away and it took a long time for him to realize the cries were his own.
10 year later- Oban travels the outskirts of new towns and villages preferring to keep his distance from large cities unless the pull of a rumored exoctic ale makes its way to his ear. Light hearted but wary of others he is the epitome of a teddy bear when it comes to innocents in need of assistance.
Relationship with one other character: Oban not being your stereotypical human i would hope would get along well with Elspeth, Rae and Dyna.
Breena grew up on the outskirts of Nyth among other gnomes. Though they were close to the city, they went mostly unnoticed in the forests. They easily hid their burrowed homes from hunters or explorers and, for the most part, kept to themselves. While most forest gnomes have an affinity to the small woodland creatures they consider neighbors, Breena (nicknamed Badger) was particularly good at dealing with them and often preferred their company. Most gnomes preferred to be able to sit still, catalog, curate, and organize but Badger was always too restless for that. It's what led the community to push her into being one of the few who'd travel into town and work with the larger folk when needed. It was fascinating, though she found people to be somewhat rude and they didn't always appreciate her illusions or the little animals that tended to follow her, but it was different and entertaining and fun. She particularly enjoyed taverns for the lively company, lovely ale, and music. For a while. Soon enough even that wasn't really satisfying her wanderlust. The others of her gnomish community offered her books when she asked what was beyond Nyth, but that was, well, boring. She didn't want to catalog places, she wanted to experience them. She might be small but the world is big and she means to see as much of it as she can.
Personality Traits
I feel far more comfortable around animals than people. I’m driven by a wanderlust that led me away from home.
Ideals
Nature. The natural world is more important than all the constructs of civilization.
Bonds
An injury to the unspoiled wilderness of my home is an injury to me.
Flaws
I am too enamored of ale, wine, and other intoxicants.
Relationship with one other character: While in Nyth, Badger befriended Theo -- the daughter of a noble family eager to prove herself and escape from the shadow of her siblings. They would drink together when Badger was in town and discuss the things they wanted to do or see. Nyth had little opportunities for Theo that her siblings hadn't already claimed and so she was setting out to find adventure elsewhere. Badger decided to join; though she's not technically sure she was invited, she's certain Theo is pleased to have her along.
Race and Class: Mark of Passage Human, Fighter (with intent to follow the Samurai path)
Alignment: Lawful Good
Backstory:
As the sixth child of nine born to Count Luguvalium and his wife - the younger of only two girls - Theodora strives to make her mark on the world. In all the years since her ancestor Lugus 'the Guardian of Thesk' was granted land and a title her family has gone from strength to strength in wealth and standing. Yet they've failed to produce another individual quite so distinguished and heroic. A failing that Theodora took it on herself to rectify at an early age.
Her childhood was mostly spent in the shadow of her second eldest brother, Bastian, as he squired for their Uncle a well-renowned Knight. when her brother was Knighted as well, Theodora begged him to let her squire for him and she managed two years masquerading as a boy and accompanying her brother before she was discovered and sent back to her disappointed Mother. While her siblings learned trades, worked their land, or proved themselves with military careers... Theodora continued to fight to find people to train her. Since her fourteenth year she has frequented the local taverns and responded to quests in hopes of being chosen. But given everyone knew who she was it never fell in her favour. Even putting her name down simply as Theo only worked until she turned up.
In the aftermath of her twenty first birthday she decided she'd had enough. She was going to set things straight and take adventure for herself. The further she travelled, after all, the less likely her family would get in the way.
Relationship with one other character: Eager to set out travelling but nervous about doing so on her own, Theo travels with Badger, a companion and friend she got to know in Nyth while she struggled to join quests.They have travelled quite a distance and done the odd jobs together but they are yet to find that bigger and better adventure that they are sure will define their lives. Or, at least, that's how Theo views it and she's pretty sure Badger is on the same journey as her. Regardless, they have a lot of fun.
Love these characters, and thanks for considering this application! I've played D&D in high school and college, then took a bit of a break. Couple years ago I found a very intermittent in-person game and wanted more, so PbP has been a godsend. I'm in a few other games (you can see I post a lot, and love to RP), but two of them recently folded. I'm hopeful this one, if you choose my character, will be something regular and engaging that I'm very happy to commit to for the long haul. It sucks to have someone join a campaign and then just disappear or bail or not really get the things that make PbP really take flight. Let's go! Here's Soar.
Backstory: Soar's a paladin of Kelemvor, the god of the dead. His paladins are known as doomguides. Soar entered the temple as an acolyte after a family tragedy (don't worry she's not another orphan), out of a sense of devotion and responsibility. The temple's a pretty solemn, drab, and dour place, but Soar (not her real name, but a nickname given to her by her fellow acolytes) is different. She just... always looks on the brighter side of life. She's unbelievably optimistic. No matter what kind of grounding, what kind of break-you-down-to-build-you-back-up training regimen, how much reality of death and mortality with which she was forced to wrestle... she always answers with a smile and arguing that things are really not that bad. Really friendly. She's like a female version of Korg in cadence and unflappability. After getting a lot of training at the temple, she was encouraged to go out and see the world, adventure, fight evil, just ANYTHING please get out and give the other doomguides a rest. She's done her best to find worthy tasks, and has taken on several small quests. People are usually put off by a paladin of the god of death, but often her irrepressibly sunny disposition helps win them over. When she returns to the temple to tell her fellow doomguides about them, she doesn't get much in the way of feedback. She's ready to find something to do that will really impress them.
Relationship with one other character: Soar and Arvel are cousins, but knew each other only in their first few years on Faerun. Disaster struck, leaving Arvel an orphan, and Soar's family broken and scattered to the winds. He took to the streets of Waterdeep, and soon after she decided to give herself to Kelemvor and join the temple to become a doomguide. Less than 20 years later, she was running an errand for the temple, and walked right smack into him. Dusting herself off, she made eye contact and blurted out, "Cousin!? Could it be you?" He tried to introduce himself with some fancy name but she was having none of it, it was Cousin Arvel. He did his best to shake off this vestige of his past, and she's perfectly content to be patient and give him the time he needs. They've run into each other a few more times since, and she always greets him with a hopeful smile.
"You know, we can only do this so many times before they're on to us."
Tray shakes his head hands Arvel the papers and turns to walk to the nearest pub as he goes he says "I'm taking a break for now. I'm sure some thugs will be waiting for me if I don't"
I am interested in this! I will toss up a character as soon as I can... TBC!
Character name: Drax
Race and Class: Kobold Sorcerer
Alignment: Lawful Good
Backstory: Drax was hatched from an egg with a slightly more metallic brass sheen than those of his many siblings. Smaller and weaker than your average kobold, Drax was left with little more than scraps to eat and was often shunned from the rest of his clan. One day when foraging for food nearby the kobolds lair, Drax encountered a small child crying in a bush. The child was no more than three years old but stood taller than the kobold. Immediately upon seeing the dull brown metallic scales of the kobold shine in the sunlight beaming through the trees, the small child stopped crying. Drax knew what would happen if anyone else from his clan encountered the child and took it upon himself to help him. The small kobold took the hand of the young boy and escorted him to his frantically searching parents camping nearby. The parents were both thankful and horrified at the sight of their baby walking with the kobold. Seeing the father run towards him with his sword drawn, Drax immediatly fell to the ground and begged for his life. Seeing that no harm had come to his son, and realizing that this small kobold had helped save his life... the man gave food and clothing to Drax and even offered to allow him to travel with them as part of their merchant caravan. Eventually Drax would end up as one of the family, and although older than the young boy he saved.. would always be the smaller younger brother and smallest child to the family of merchants. As the years went by, the powers within the kobold would begin to show themselves... much to the excitement and fear of his adoptive family. Eventually Drax left his family to try to set off on his own, after accidentally setting fire to a merchant cart.... hoping to learn how to better control his powers and to figure out the source of his abilities....
Relationship with one other character: Drax found himself drawn to anyone that enjoyed conversation and was strong enough to protect him. Drax first met Khar when the Aarakocra was hired to help provide security for his families caravan. Although his parents discouraged it, Drax couldn't help but pester Khar with constant questions, often making it hard for him to keep an eye out for threats... asking about where he came from and his likes and dislikes... It was durning one of these conversations where Drax was distracting Khar where their merchant caravan came under attack. Out of nowhere a heroic dragonborn came to aid the caravan. Upon seeing the dragonborn, his mouth would drop.... This was the first time Drax had ever seen a dragonborn... and the closest thing to an ACTUAL dragon he had ever laid eyes upon. At that moment... Drax decided he would try his hardest to become just like Jalt.
I’d like to invite four players to begin a play-by-post game of Hoard of the Dragon Queen, hopefully progressing to Rise of Tiamat.
If you’re interested, please post below:
A couple more points:
I'm a fairly inexperienced DM, and have been through a few campaigns here as player and DM, and played on a couple of online Discord games. I'm not hugely knowledgeable, and don't pretend to be. I played D&D a little when I was a kid many years ago, but got back into it last year through watching Critical Role.
I hope to close applications on Monday evening (GMT+1) and start the game on Tuesday.
Name: Arvel (a.k.a Simillion du Champris)
Class: Warlock (Archfey)
Race: Half-Elf
Background: Charlatan
Description/Backstory:
An orphan of the streets, Arvel quickly learned that his good looks and silver tongue could allow him to get away with almost anything. A low-level conman, he prides himself on never taking anything that wasn't freely given.
A year ago, he was ready to hang it all up and go straight. Because he'd met Luala and wanted to marry her. On the night he planned to propose, Arvel approached Luala sitting on a stone bench in a park. When he touched her shoulder, she fell to the ground. Her throat had been slashed and her dress was dyed deep red with her blood.
Arvel turned to shout for help but he stopped suddenly. A bloody dagger had mysteriously appeared in his hand. Stunned by this, Arvel didn't hear the approach of the watchmen.
Seized, jailed, and set to be put on trial for murder he sat in his cell weeping over his fate and his lost love.
That's when She appeared. The woman appeared Elven, but was more beautiful than any elf Arvel had ever seen before. The offer was simple, Arvel would be given his freedom and a small measure of power to continue his conniving ways and in exchange he would render Her service when She required.
Seeing no other way out, Arvel accepted and became a Warlock in service to the Archfey woman.
The next morning he was released from prison. The guards explained that a common street thug had come forward and confessed to the murder. Arvel took all he had saved and set out for a life of adventure to escape his pain and grow his power.
Alignment: Chaotic Good
While Arvel is more than happy to let Tray vent to him about understanding his powers, Arvel also employs the rogue to occasionally sneak into a warehouse at the docks and place the crest of the "Duke du Champris" on crates known to contain contraband. Arvel then shows up as the Duke's grandnephew "Simillion du Champris" and accepts a small bribe to look the other way.
DCI: 3319125026
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
Name: Elspeth Steep
Race: Tiefling
Class: Druid
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Backstory: Born in a small village and left on the doorsteps of the local parish, Elspeth was possibly the only one in the village who didn't know who her parents were - out of some sort of feigned respect to her mother, no one was willing to tell her. She never spent much time with other village kids, not because they were particularly aggressive towards her, but because their parents had strictly prohibited most of them from associating with her. This, of course, made her more of an attractive playmate to the village children, but more often than not, they would openly gawp at her strange features rather play with her like they did with other children, and besides, whenever news got out that she'd been seen around the children, it was always her that the adults went after.
The priest assigned to their local village was young and prone towards compassion. He tried to be understanding of the young tiefling, but more often than not he would refer to her existence as a blight upon nature. When she was a child, she would feel terribly guilty about the fact, but as she grew older and realised that none of this was her fault, or even theirs. She learned to act indifferently towards their fear of her. It was nothing personal, after all.
Since she could hardly talk with others of her age or learn a trade - there was no one who'd be willing to teach her - She spent most of her time learning the church canon, the various doctrines, the rituals. There were precious few other texts possessed by the church, after all. And, besides, to the surprise of most, she was a true believer. It was a farming village, so the majority, which included Elspeth, for once, worshipped Chauntea in her capacity as goddess of agriculture. She valued the land, even though she doubted that she would be involved with any part agriculture in her lifetime.
It became more and more obvious as she grew older that she was never going to be much more than a burden to the village. She had no trade to fall back on, and besides, no one trusted her enough to let her work in any serious capacity, but they were obligated to feed and clothe her. For her part, Elspeth was aware that she would probably be turned out of the parish when she turned eighteen, and then she would have nowhere to go.
When she as fifteen, she went out to pick berries with th other village children who had cordially invited her along and had not expected her to agree. She was a slow walker, however, and they managed to lose her in the thick woods outside of the village. She didn't realise until it was nearly noon, and by then she was completely lost, with little practical knowledge that might lead her out of the woods. She attempted to retrace her steps, but quite soon, found herself turned around again.
She was found by the druid that governed that part of the woods, who gave her food and water and lead her back to the village. Unsurprisingly enough, no one had noticed her disappearance. She tried asking the priest who the druid was, but he simply told her it was not for her to know.
From then on, she would frequently disappear into the woods to meet again with the druid. eventually, she picked up enough local gossip to understand that while the druid was respected, they were not a popular member of the village. Nevertheless, she visited them again and again, determined to learn everything there is about the woods. Soon enough, she could easily navigate the woods that had so confounded her on her first trip, and she would frequently bring back large baskets of various berries and herbs, which the villagers were always willing to buy, despite their general distaste for the tiefling. Gradually, they began to accept her and her talents. It was everything she'd wanted as a child, but now that she knew there was something better, she had no intention of staying.
When she was eighteen, she packed everything she owned and left to live in the woods with the local druid, and studied with them full time for two years, when the druid admitted there was little more they could teach her and pronouced her a fully fledged druid. She thanked her teacher, and moved on. From then on, she travelled through lands mostly untouched by humans never staying at one place for long.
Relationship with one other character:
Dynamene: Being from a homogenous society in the middle of nowhere, Elspeth was initially reluctant to approach any major civilisations. As such, when she approached the gates of Waterdeep with the intention of purchasing necessary supplies, she was nervous and completely unaware of what she should be expecting. The sheer variety of races mingling together was not what she expected, but it was comforting to know that there was less chance of her being singled out. Ironically, Elspeth tends to be instinctively wary of non-human races due to her lack of awareness of what exists in the world beyond the boundaries of her old village and woodlands, she judges people based on their merit instead of superstitions. As such, when she first met the Genasi in the boundaries of Waterdeep, her natural wariness quickly gave away to a sense of fellowship. Elspeth sympathised with Dynamene, seeing parts of her own experiences echoed in her story. While she knew very little personally about the subjects Dynamene wanted to study, Elspeth was able to gain access to the church archives in order to retrieve whatever information there was.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
Tray was a petty thief, an urchin living in the streets till the day he stole a jewel belonging to a celestial being He was caught in a way, cause the jewel was cursed by the celestial and turned to dust and buried inside him. In horror he went and hid in a pipe that led to the sewer falling asleep. He awoke to a giant rat that was out hunting for food and it looked like it found something good to eat. power surged though him as did the words and as the rat tried to dig into him a magical barrier slew the beast. He only stole to survive but now
Relationship with one other character:
Name: Arvel (a.k.a Simillion du Champris)
Class: Warlock (Archfey)
Race: Half-Elf
Background: Charlatan
We role played it in the below threads for you
Tray was looking for someone whom might know what he experience. his new powers Arvel was his name they met in a small town in a tavern and got to talking Tray told him of his experience the powers manifesting in him
Of course that was why he was in the Tavern, drinking seamed to numb the questions in his mind.
While Arvel is more than happy to let Tray vent to him about understanding his powers, Arvel also employs the rogue to occasionally sneak into a warehouse at the docks and place the crest of the "Duke du Champris" on crates known to contain contraband. Arvel then shows up as the Duke's grandnephew "Simillion du Champris" and accepts a small bribe to look the other way.
When their alone "Arvel? Who is this Duke Du Champris? I know a confidence game when I see one, that's why I'm happy to help. But what does this have to do with my powers?"
"You know, we can only do this so many times before they're on to us." Tray shakes his head hands Arvel the papers and turns to walk to the nearest pub as he goes he says "I'm taking a break for now. I'm sure some thugs will be waiting for me if I don't"
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Reminder for myself. Work together or fail apart. Talk with each other when necessary. Describe how, where, if, your character moved.
The sign on the trail ahead reads "DONT FEED THE DRAGON!" "Working Together" Follow this link please
Once the Orcs had been driven off, Jalt helped Zeke bring the caravan through the pass and into the village below. Quiet and reserved by nature, Zeke found a kindred spirit in Jalt - an intense warrior driven by a need to drive back those who would prey on the weak.
Arvel, in his guise of "Simillion (sih-mee-on) Du Champris" is a Waterdeep resident and would make a good guide to any who come to the city
DCI: 3319125026
Name: Rae
Race and Class: Changeling Ranger
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Backstory: Rae was born into a nomadic tribe of changelings, who would travel through various forest, mountain ranges, and other terrain to stay out of sight. From an early age, Rae had been introduced early on to the idea that outsiders were not be be trusted, and that it was best to avoid any interaction if possible. However, one day whilst tagging along for a hunting party to learn the ropes of being a hunter-gatherer, the small group had countered another group near a river, a group of roughly 10 people, a mix of humans, and those of elvish heritage. The group seemed to be taking a moment of rest, and being that this had been the first time Rae had ever seen an outsider of the tribe in person, she was overwhelmingly curios of the group. She then proceeded to walk forward, taking up the persona her mother had showed her for this kind of situation. One of the more experienced hunters in the riverside party heard the snapping of branches coming from the trees in front of them, he had then proceeded to raise his bow with an arrow at the ready towards the direction of the noise, the rest of the camp also seemed to tense up after this display. Things only calmed down as the group saw an elvish girl with brown hair and amber eyes emerge from the forest, followed by a few more people of a similar diversity to their own group. The two parties talked (Much less conversation from the changelings) about the various campsites they had found, as well as evidence of a potential goblin tribe in the area, and even a sighting of knolls, before parting ways and returning to the respective camps. That night however, Rae's tribe said that they would leave in the night, as the of outsiders had been made aware of their presence, and they wanted to hide their true nature. Unfortunately, during their nighttime travels, they ran into another group seeming to go through the forest, only these were a mix of goblins, knolls, and even a handful of ogres, with what seemed like loot and prisoners from an attack, and they seemed to be an unusually large group, rivaling their tribe in numbers nearly. Naturally, a fight had broken out, and Rae had been forced to flee with other non combatants of the tribe, however they were quickly tailed by a small pack of knolls. Rae and a few others ran back to the main battle in order to draw their attention, however, once they got there, it seemed the tribe of outsiders had also reengaged in the battle, causing the tribes to catch each other in a confused crossfire. Hours later, Rae found herself wandering behind a human boy, the two were later found by a half-elf woman, together the three looked for other survivors, but it seemed all others were either captured or had left the locale. Being without any form of guidance, the woman allowed Rae to stay with them, later on teaching her even more about the forest, as well as how to take care of herself. By the time she was 16, the trio had halted their travels, and decided to stay in a simple farming village, and while she had been content living there in the village, and hunting on occasion, she soon felt the itch of adventure. After saying her goodbyes, she left off on her own for the first time, searching for a place where she could belong.
Relations to others players: Would likely be able to make friends with either Dynamene, Elspeth, or any other visually unique races, being that she is perpetually a "fish out of water", causing her to find easy alliance with majority of those with a less common appearance.
When their alone "Arvel? Who is this Duke Du Champris? I know a confidence game when I see one, thats why I'm happy to help. But what does this have to do with my powers?"
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Reminder for myself. Work together or fail apart. Talk with each other when necessary. Describe how, where, if, your character moved.
The sign on the trail ahead reads "DONT FEED THE DRAGON!" "Working Together" Follow this link please
"When their alone "Arvel?"
Sure. Arvel and Tray know each other so Arvel doesn't need to use his cover.
"Who is this Duke Du Champris?"
An imaginary elven nobleman who is the Greatuncle to Arvel's cover identity.
"But what does this have to do with my powers?"
Having powers they don't fully understand is a shared trait that brought them together.
DCI: 3319125026
Tray nods and tags along thinking the ruse only works for so long "So where are we going next?"
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Reminder for myself. Work together or fail apart. Talk with each other when necessary. Describe how, where, if, your character moved.
The sign on the trail ahead reads "DONT FEED THE DRAGON!" "Working Together" Follow this link please
"We wait until tonight. Then you sneak into the warehouse and put these..."
He shows Tray a few paper crests he's forged. They look like the crest that Arvel wears when he's in "Du Champris" mode.
"...on any crate that has a pattern of four Xs carved in the front panel. That's how the smugglers know which crates contain contraband."
DCI: 3319125026
The fires brighten the nights sky crashing in waves from building to building threatening to swallow all in its path drowning out the tranquil darkness. Was the warning fire lite in time...did they make it out...they must of made it out. Oban moved swiftly through the village staying low to the ground as possible ever wary of the plumes of black smoke seeking to drown and drag him down to further fuel the fires spread. Darting through the streets of his childhood, through the ashes of his home town now sundering in chaos and bedlam before him, his only thoughts on his destination. Bolting down the last alleyway Oban stood before his home the fires now pouring over the rest of the city had already abandon this area, it's terrible feast long finished. The blow the sight delt him was nearly unbearable, but homes can be reforged just as forest regrow from the flame so to could they. Deciding to salvage what he could Oban stepped carefully through the crumbling threshold and all thoughts of renewal faded. There huddled inside the hearth they laid wrapped in each others arms. The anguished screams seem to be coming from somewhere far away and it took a long time for him to realize the cries were his own.
10 year later- Oban travels the outskirts of new towns and villages preferring to keep his distance from large cities unless the pull of a rumored exoctic ale makes its way to his ear. Light hearted but wary of others he is the epitome of a teddy bear when it comes to innocents in need of assistance.
Breena grew up on the outskirts of Nyth among other gnomes. Though they were close to the city, they went mostly unnoticed in the forests. They easily hid their burrowed homes from hunters or explorers and, for the most part, kept to themselves. While most forest gnomes have an affinity to the small woodland creatures they consider neighbors, Breena (nicknamed Badger) was particularly good at dealing with them and often preferred their company.
Most gnomes preferred to be able to sit still, catalog, curate, and organize but Badger was always too restless for that. It's what led the community to push her into being one of the few who'd travel into town and work with the larger folk when needed. It was fascinating, though she found people to be somewhat rude and they didn't always appreciate her illusions or the little animals that tended to follow her, but it was different and entertaining and fun. She particularly enjoyed taverns for the lively company, lovely ale, and music.
For a while.
Soon enough even that wasn't really satisfying her wanderlust. The others of her gnomish community offered her books when she asked what was beyond Nyth, but that was, well, boring. She didn't want to catalog places, she wanted to experience them. She might be small but the world is big and she means to see as much of it as she can.
I’m driven by a wanderlust that led me away from home.
Rees Changeling Rogue in Tales From the Yawning Portal: Sunless Citadel
Nikya Centaur Blood Hunter in Death House Halloween Oneshot
As the sixth child of nine born to Count Luguvalium and his wife - the younger of only two girls - Theodora strives to make her mark on the world. In all the years since her ancestor Lugus 'the Guardian of Thesk' was granted land and a title her family has gone from strength to strength in wealth and standing. Yet they've failed to produce another individual quite so distinguished and heroic. A failing that Theodora took it on herself to rectify at an early age.
Her childhood was mostly spent in the shadow of her second eldest brother, Bastian, as he squired for their Uncle a well-renowned Knight. when her brother was Knighted as well, Theodora begged him to let her squire for him and she managed two years masquerading as a boy and accompanying her brother before she was discovered and sent back to her disappointed Mother. While her siblings learned trades, worked their land, or proved themselves with military careers... Theodora continued to fight to find people to train her. Since her fourteenth year she has frequented the local taverns and responded to quests in hopes of being chosen. But given everyone knew who she was it never fell in her favour. Even putting her name down simply as Theo only worked until she turned up.
In the aftermath of her twenty first birthday she decided she'd had enough. She was going to set things straight and take adventure for herself. The further she travelled, after all, the less likely her family would get in the way.
Arxius, Elven Simic Hybrid Ranger in Tales from the Yawning Portal
Love these characters, and thanks for considering this application! I've played D&D in high school and college, then took a bit of a break. Couple years ago I found a very intermittent in-person game and wanted more, so PbP has been a godsend. I'm in a few other games (you can see I post a lot, and love to RP), but two of them recently folded. I'm hopeful this one, if you choose my character, will be something regular and engaging that I'm very happy to commit to for the long haul. It sucks to have someone join a campaign and then just disappear or bail or not really get the things that make PbP really take flight. Let's go! Here's Soar.
"You know, we can only do this so many times before they're on to us."
Tray shakes his head hands Arvel the papers and turns to walk to the nearest pub as he goes he says "I'm taking a break for now. I'm sure some thugs will be waiting for me if I don't"
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Reminder for myself. Work together or fail apart. Talk with each other when necessary. Describe how, where, if, your character moved.
The sign on the trail ahead reads "DONT FEED THE DRAGON!" "Working Together" Follow this link please
I am interested in this! I will toss up a character as soon as I can... TBC!