I remember the day my father didn’t come back from the sea. I never know his fate, everyone has given up hope. My mother, alone, cannot provide enough for the three children she had. So she resorted to stealing food, once she went unnoticed, twice she even brought a bigger basket, It was good for a while until the tenth time she was finally caught, the merchants started to become aware that their stocks has been missing, so they expect theft at all time.
Because she can’t pay back her crime and didn't want her kids to become slaves, she chose to be executed. And so according to custom that men were hanged and women were drowned. They started to dig a pit. I still remember the day my mother died, her last breath, her silent scream, and the suffocating feeling I still felt to this day. From that day I am afraid of being drowned, I am afraid to slowly, painfully dies.
My brothers on the other hand become very diligent and obsessed with money, they swore to never steal and work hard to become rich. We work and work until one day the Flinthook Fishery established.
We are the best fishing company on The city of Fireshear, comprised of a bunch of hardy dwarves who can stand all day all night working at sea. We fish until our boat full and our bellies empty. Every week we would sail our ship and every week I toss a gold coin to the sea and pray to Umberlee so that she spares me from drowning in her domain.
My brothers often mocks me and say that I'm a coward. According to them the sea is not to be feared but the men that roams it are. That is the reason we are always armed with axes, blades and shields aboard our ship.
One unfortunate day a pirate ship closing in on us and they board our ship with scary efficiency. They are the madmen of the seas, The Chained Kraken. They wore chainmail at sea as if challenging the goddess herself to try to drown them. They are fearsome pirates who would stole the crew of a ship instead of its cargo.
When the pirates steps on our ship, we, dwarves of Flinthook Fisheries fought back. We push ourselves against them but their defenses are better, and soon some of us were taken to their ship, including myself.
I remember seeing my brothers and a few remaining crew successfully killed the last pirates that is still on our ship. But instead of jumping to the enemy ship and try to rescue us, they cut the ropes that tied the two ship and set a full sail.
The sky went dark as I was being abandoned by my brothers. I felt anger and sadness, knowing my life would either ended here or ended as a slave in an unknown land. In a desperate confusion and anger I assaulted my captor but was easily put down. They brought me to their captain and he look me in the eye and decided that a rebellious slave like me only brings trouble.
The wind grew so strong when I walk that plank, it seems like any wrong step at any moment could ended my life. The image of my mom drowning haunts me as I stare at the ocean below and pray to Umberlee for the last time...
Flash!
Lightning struck from above and the waves grew uncontrollably, a storm suddenly strikes the ship and everything suddenly fall apart. I saw the pirates breath their last. I saw them screaming, but it was silent. It was suffocating. Only one voice came to me and it is a voice from inside my mind.
"Faithful one, always fear the ocean, and I'll bestow you fury to unleash upon land."
Silence...
I remember waking up on a beach. I was unscathed, not even a small scar left on my body. I felt a force that is not there before, the force of the sea. As I observed the surrounding I saw a man, with a bundle of rope and a mallet, a pirate wearing a chainmail. He seems surprised that I have already woken up and immediately came to me and strikes me with the hammer. Suddenly the force that I felt before, It was surging when I receive the blow, lightning burst out of me and in an instant the pirate was burned inside his chainmail.
I kneel to the sea and thank The ***** Queen for sparing my life. I swear to be always fearful of the seas and to bring her fury on land. Then I stripped the chainmail off the pirate corpse and wore it. I take my shield with me and the mallet.
So left with a newfound power and stranded without a ship far away from my home. Only two thing I have in mind, a strong beer and a bellyful of meat. I started walking east until I finally stop at a town, and it's called Daggerford.
@Furujiru Hello there. To be honest, I haven't given that much thought. Most likely, the characters will be who they are and I'll adjust accordingly. I've read enough to know that no plan survives contact with the players, and I'll likely be repeating those words to myself like some mantra as the campaign begins. Whether the characters are silly, serious, or a mix - I'm sure we'll eventually flesh out an overall tone. On a side note, I won't be choosing players based on the race or class choice of their character.
In response to your second question... there appears to be a good amount of social interaction and exploration. If I've somehow misjudged the adventure (I've read most of it already), that's probably the direction I'd nudge the players. I should note one more thing - in this adventure (this is per the book, not my rules), experience is awarded based on completing quests, not by killing monsters. There are many quests to choose from, and many places to explore. With the exception of the beginning and the end, the adventure is somewhat non-linear.
@coffeenoise I tried to find you on discord but I couldn’t so i figured I’d just ask here, I was wondering if it would be fine with you if I had scimitars for my equipment instead of short swords?
Race: Half Elf Class: Rogue Example of writing (Previous character)
Eira Nygard was abandoned as a child, left in the woods to die alone. Just as her life was to be cut short by the fangs of a wolf, she was saved by an odd duo - a gnome named Jolin Helmila and goliath named Vohnil Bov. The two were vagabonds, wandering the lands with no particular goal, simply living for the sake of surviving. But when they found her, they found a purpose in their lives and decided to settle down and take her in, to raise her as their own and to give her a home. They did everything in their power to keep her safe, but despite their efforts, Eira often found herself in dangerous situations, usually on purpose. She had an adventurous spirit and loved to explore and the duo's over protection only amplified her curiosity of the world outside of their little home in the woods.
Over the years, the duo found it harder and harder to stop her from running off and so, rather than trying to snuff out her passion, they decided to teach her how to survive in the wilds so that when she did inevitably find herself in the face of danger, she would be able to protect herself.
When she came of age, and to no ones surprise, Eira decided to leave home and to pursue a life of adventure. Heading off to the nearest place of civilisation, she hopes to become an adventurer, completing various quests and missions and gathering stories for her to write about in the letters she sends home.
Hey guys , i'm hoping to join as a Elf Divine soul sorcerer, currently playing in my second campaign which meets every two weeks , been playing since this Jan but dived into dnd head first, it'd be a first to play through post but willing to learn and hope i can join you guys.
Writing Example: (previous character)
Oorts face shifted into place, His eyes hair and mouth all slid into place easily but the ears seemed off to him, normally his changes we easy and smooth but not this time, he liked it though , it gave him distinction. He'd take a trip down to the merchants guild and inform Rolo of his new appearance. He'd gained a friendship and trust with the guild leader over the years, choosing a new face often came with difficulties finding work but he'd come to an arrangement in a previous life that Rolo would receive regular annual payments and his daughter Ada would always be well looked after, her schooling and birthdays were normally bank rolled through whatever business his Guise was running. Last year while he had been a skilled gem cutter and jewellery dealer she got a necklace that was fit for a princess, Eva had nearly exploded with excitement when her farther had given it to her, It was far beyond what he could afford but its true value would never be in the stones alone. The enchantments hidden within would protect her from most minor illnesses and a rare pattern in the weave of the silver meant she'd charm almost anyone who saw her wearing it. That life was far behind him now , he'd suffered from his success reading minds came with it's own issues when you couldn't block them out, changing faces always helped block them out for a while but being surrounded by greedy minds had driven poor Alonzo to tears, that's why he'd chosen to change his face, take up another name , start a fresh with a new business, a tavern where the thoughts of men are drowned by alcohol and the only want is for a never ending tankard of mead. Oort came into himself, the rest of his features finally setting, the face required concentration, get that wrong and people get scared quickly the rest was simple work, the elvish body was lighter and taller than his previous body, it gave him a spring in his step that he'd not had in a long time, the clothes were stretched he'd have to fix that, a small bag of gold sat on the table, all that he could take from his previous life, It would be enough to arrange the details of his new life and get his new business up and running. Oort clicked his fingers and the lights in the room grew dim, He stepped out from his rented room out into the streets, Alonzo was dead and forgotten , Oort was alive and well with a positive attitude and a life to live.
Sorry about the editing its dragged straight from the DNDB notes page which has messed with paragraphs only i think.
I go by Evenstar_Gaming on discord and this sounds really interesting! I'd like to play either a high elf ranger or an aarakokra fighter.
Sample writing from previous character background below:
Everything in my life seemed so normal. I knew my place in the society, was being prepared to become Queen of my secluded City. My parents were generous to travelers, granting them shelter at the boarders of our city, senior members of our household dispatched to ensure their needs were catered for. I went myself a few times, representing my parents. Most were grateful for our hospitality, honoured that senior members of the royal family would take the time to welcome them. No one saw the danger until it was too late. By the time we knew we had been betrayed, the blades were already at the throats of my family. I knew the leader of the betrayers, had formed a friendship with him. Although Lucan Lathalas was only a half-elf, he appeared to be more elf than human and I found myself warming to him more than I expected. It was fortunate I was out hunting when he invaded my home, slaying my parents and our loyal household, or I would also be dead. But they were waiting for me. I had enough time when I returned to gather a few possessions before he was at my door, screaming through the door that I would wed him or die. I cannot marry the murderer of my family. So I fled. I know to this day he rules in my place, abusing my people as his own slaves. But I swear I will destroy him and regain my home one day.
Aric, Human Wizard. I would rather Necromancy but understand that Evocation fits in better..
"You would not believe me anyway so let us just call it a lie from the start. A story from the bottom of these tankards.
"The Heir The Spare The Soldier The Scholar
"That’s how the rhyme goes. And that is what we had. Until me.
"I was born nine years after the others. There was talk behind hands and looks from corners of eyes, of course. But it was ignored. I was a surprise, but I was not unwelcomed.
"Then I arrived, dark where the others were fair. Now the talk, and looks, had to be considered. My father never had reason to doubt my mother’s faithfulness. But enemies will have their fun. So the mage was sent for and there was hurried discussion.
"And when I was presented to the people, I was as fair as my siblings standing nearby. They were told I was fragile and it was accepted. If I was shown only when the ceremony absolutely demanded it while the older children were seen more often, it was understood. And if they forgot about me between times, so much the better.
"Not that I was so brushed aside by my family. That I wish made clear. I see the look in your eye, you think this the bigger lie in my lie. But it is true. I was loved no less. The older ones understood the need for the deception. They knew the care taken with me was my burden and not a boon. I was a full member of the family.
"It need not be said that the glamour was the first spell I learned. Oh, we all do magic in one way or another, my family. Not spoken of much, of course. And I am the only one on my path.
"No, I will not show my other face to you. You do not believe me, remember.
"But I will answer your question and say why I left them. No, you did not ask that, you do not have to. That look from before, remember? Here, let me pour you some more.
"No, I left because even a frail, last-born can be considered a prize by some families. And I was nearing the age that the ‘chance meetings’ would begin.
"So we made the announcement that I was leaving. Off in search of better health, to better serve the family line, as it were. Made a festival of it, everyone saw me off. Few expected the figure they saw to return. But they had the four they needed, so I was expendable and there was little real concern.
"And now I make my way, far from my home.
"I see the look that is in your eye now. Another one, playing at a title to impress. To give a story instead of coin. Because, you say to yourself, why share such a dangerous tale, when there must be those who would pay for it? And you would be right.
"Were you to live long enough to tell it.
"Ah, the surprise. Yes, my companions are most noble and would never lower themselves to this. That is why they have me.
This is my first application to a PbP style game, however I am an experienced table top player with 3.5e. I'm relatively new to 5e, but I have been ravenously consuming all the source material I can get my hands on. So far I've read the DMG, PHB, MM, XGE and CoS cover to cover.
I'm available to post most anytime, as I usually have a lot of downtime at work. On evenings and weekends I may be slow to post, but not unavailable. I'm in central standard time zone (GMT -6) if that helps.
I would love to play Talinus Stormbeard, battlerager (barbarian), brewer, and skull splitter.
Clan Stormbeard calls the the peaks and valleys of the Vilhoun Reach home. From birth all Stormbeards are taught two things: brewing and fighting. They make ale, drink ale, and bust heads when drunk on ale. Talinus is no exception to the rule.
It is tradition for all Stormbeard children to leave the Clanhold upon reaching adulthood and seek fortune and adventure. Most return, using their experience and treasures gathered to defend the Clanhold, some find service to the larger Clans, a few find the adventurous life suits them better. No matter the path they choose Clan Stormbeard holds all its sons and daughters in high regard so long as they conduct themselves with honor, and keep the Dwarf Gods. Talinus has reached this time of proving. He has left the Clanhold to seek his fortune.
Talinus is gruff, as Dwarves are want to be, but with enough booze he can be the life of the party. This will almost certainly end in a brawl, as Stormbeards consider fisticuffs to be the best drinking game. Talinus tends to more accepting of the monstrous races, but the xenophobia present in Dwarven society can show through from time to time. That being said, once a friend has proven themselves trustworthy they will find no truer ally than Talinus Stormbeard.
Talinus is average height for a Dwarf with thick arms, chest and belly. Wiry black hair is pulled back into a long braid at the back of his head. His beard is split into three braids that cascade over his generous belly and are held together with copper and gold rings, each bearing the mark of an upright, flaming broadsword. Talinus' armor consists of a breast plate worn over leathers and hides. He favors a war hammer and shield.
Ability scores are placeholders and subject to change in case they get rolled later on
The young man ran frantically across the room, only pausing occasionally to examine this or that before either tossing it in a corner or onto the bed. On said bed there was a backpack with the lid open that looked dangerously close to toppling over and spilling its overstuffed content. Next to the backpack laid a pile of shiny, sharp things: two daggers across a gilded sickle, and a small chest containing anything that was deemed too precious or fragile to be jammed into the backpack.
The young man made his way across the organised chaos of the room to the single closet in the corner. From it he pulled the only thing that wasn't either on the bed or the floor, closed the door and looked at the large mirror attached to the closet door. In his hand he was holding a piece of leather armour. It looked a bit old, or rather dusty, but the flames painted at the base, that seemed to flicker in the sunlight, looked as bright as ever as were the cartoonishly drawn bat wings on the back.
He sighed and threw it on. At least it looked good on him: the dark brown of the leather flowed naturally against his red, coppery skin. The flickering flames gave it a somewhat sinister touch that was unfortunately undone by the bat wings on the back. Combined with his onyx coloured horns, he could pass as a devil, albeit a rather unconvincing one: more like a kid playing dress-up as a devil. 'Mom's going to love this.' He thought as he closed the backpack, secured the chest to it and made his way up the stairs.
In the kitchen opstairs was a woman cooking. She looked like a devil who had heard of what a mother is and tried to dress the same without any context. She wore a mismatched assemble of black boots with a yellow sundress, topped with a lilac scarf, underneath which two leathery wings and a spear-tipped tail peeked out. Covering it all up was a white apron with "kiss the cook" in handdrawn, cutesy lettering on it. It all clashed quite harshly with the copper hue of her skin. 'I hope you're hungry, hon.' She piqued up when she heard the scraping of a chair being pulled up. 'I'm making pancakes.' She hummed and threw some more butter into a hot pan before turning around with a platter filled with puffy, sugary delights. 'Here you... oh! You're wearing it!' The woman nearly squeed.
'Thanks, mama.' The young man took a pancake. 'Yeah, I though I might as well try it on.' 'You look so handsome.' The woman beamed. 'Now eat up. It's "Bring Your Offspring to Work Day" and I can't wait to-' 'I'm leaving.' 'After breakfast, dear. It is the most important meal of the day.' 'No.' The young man scratched the back of his head. 'I mean, I want to leave leave.' The woman cocked her head. 'What do you mean?' 'I don't think I'm all that cut out for the family business. I know you love torturing souls but I don't think it's my thing. I want to go... see the world, I guess. Explore a bit. Take a sabbatical. Go backpacking through Faêrun like you did. See the world before I decide what to do with my life.' 'Oh Gallias.' The woman sighed. 'Are you just going to leave your poor, old mother all alone by herself?'
Gallias chuckled. He knew exactly how to deal with this. 'Oh mama, you hardly look a year over 350.' His mother smiled. 'You sweet talker.' Her smiled dropped. 'Are you certain about this?' 'Yeah.' Gallias said after a bite of pancake. 'I already packed everything I need.' 'Not everything.'
The woman strode over to Gallias and laid her hand of his chest. A warm light formed under her hand and when she removed it, a small crystall on a chain hung around Gallias' neck. It housed a small, flickering flame identical to the ones drawn on his armour. 'There.' The woman said. 'Now you have everything.'
'Thanks, mama.' Gallias smiled. 'Have you packed enough clothing?' 'Yes, mama.' 'You know your incantations?' 'Yes, mama.' 'Are you going to charm a cute girl?' 'Ye-' Gallias blushed. 'Mom!' His mother chuckled and pulled him into a hug. 'You're right: an unblemished soul is much sweeter.' 'MOM!'
She let him go. 'So where you going to go first?' 'Nowhere in particular. I think I'm just going to walk into one direction until I come upon a village or town and see how it goes from there.' Gallias looked at his empty plate. 'We both best be going.'
He grabbed his belongings and walked to the door. 'Are you going to keep in touch with your old mother?' The woman asked. 'Every time I can.' 'If you need anything, you only have to ask.' 'I know.' 'And no hanky panky without-' 'Leaving now! Bye mom! Love you!' 'Bye sweety. Love you too.'
Gallias hoisted his backpack onto his shoulders and walked out the door into the great unknown, eager to see what it might bring.
Posting once a day shouldn't be a problem. I'm from the GMT+2 timezone if that's relevant.
Thank you to everyone that applied. As per my original post, I'll continue to accept applications until tonight at 11:55PM (EDT). It will likely take me a day or so to make my decision. Expect either a post on this thread or direct message by mid-week if you've been asked to join.
Race: Half-Elf (Moon) Class: Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) Backstory snippet:
Sarteras was born and raised in the Elven settlement of Evereska. His father, Rehlen Tinuviel, is a half-elf ranger who earned the trust of the community with a lifetime of service in protecting the borders of Evereska. His mother, Shanaera Datoris, is a moon elf wizard in the service of mage guild of Evereska. Together, the happy couple raised their son to value the heritage of the moon elves and to protect and respect the world they lived in. Once Rehlen felt Sarteras was old enough to handle it, he would take him out into the wilds to learn of nature and survival. As Sarteras matured further, his father would involve him in small ambushes on foul predators of the wilds to teach him the art of combat.
Later, while back at home spending time with his mother, she would teach Sarteras about magic and how it worked. Shanaera would spend extra time teaching the young elf about how best to defend against magic wielding opponents, as she could see the warrior side of him dominating his outlook and wanted to ensure he had the tools to survive against these potentially dangerous foes.
For his part, Sarteras appreciated both of his parent's teachings. He saw value in both, though he ultimately would live his own life. Perhaps it was time to strike out and find his own place in life?
A simple narrative showing my play writing style:
"Woah, that looks deep. I wonder what kind of magic is in that stone?", Hoyle asks as he looks around for a loose stone. He then looks pleadingly at Talon and asks, "Can you cast that light spell on this stone?" If he obliges him, Hoyle will toss the stone over the edge and watch as it descends to determine the depth and contents of the pit.
Hey, I would like to apply as
Race: Dragonborn (brass)
Class: Bard(aiming valor)
Writing sample: (previous character)
@Furujiru Hello there. To be honest, I haven't given that much thought. Most likely, the characters will be who they are and I'll adjust accordingly. I've read enough to know that no plan survives contact with the players, and I'll likely be repeating those words to myself like some mantra as the campaign begins. Whether the characters are silly, serious, or a mix - I'm sure we'll eventually flesh out an overall tone. On a side note, I won't be choosing players based on the race or class choice of their character.
In response to your second question... there appears to be a good amount of social interaction and exploration. If I've somehow misjudged the adventure (I've read most of it already), that's probably the direction I'd nudge the players. I should note one more thing - in this adventure (this is per the book, not my rules), experience is awarded based on completing quests, not by killing monsters. There are many quests to choose from, and many places to explore. With the exception of the beginning and the end, the adventure is somewhat non-linear.
Are you still looking for players?
@legos application is open until the 25th
@coffeenoise I tried to find you on discord but I couldn’t so i figured I’d just ask here, I was wondering if it would be fine with you if I had scimitars for my equipment instead of short swords?
Race: Half Elf
Class: Rogue
Example of writing (Previous character)
Eira Nygard was abandoned as a child, left in the woods to die alone. Just as her life was to be cut short by the fangs of a wolf, she was saved by an odd duo - a gnome named Jolin Helmila and goliath named Vohnil Bov. The two were vagabonds, wandering the lands with no particular goal, simply living for the sake of surviving. But when they found her, they found a purpose in their lives and decided to settle down and take her in, to raise her as their own and to give her a home. They did everything in their power to keep her safe, but despite their efforts, Eira often found herself in dangerous situations, usually on purpose. She had an adventurous spirit and loved to explore and the duo's over protection only amplified her curiosity of the world outside of their little home in the woods.
Over the years, the duo found it harder and harder to stop her from running off and so, rather than trying to snuff out her passion, they decided to teach her how to survive in the wilds so that when she did inevitably find herself in the face of danger, she would be able to protect herself.
When she came of age, and to no ones surprise, Eira decided to leave home and to pursue a life of adventure. Heading off to the nearest place of civilisation, she hopes to become an adventurer, completing various quests and missions and gathering stories for her to write about in the letters she sends home.
Hey guys , i'm hoping to join as a Elf Divine soul sorcerer, currently playing in my second campaign which meets every two weeks , been playing since this Jan but dived into dnd head first, it'd be a first to play through post but willing to learn and hope i can join you guys.
Writing Example: (previous character)
Oorts face shifted into place, His eyes hair and mouth all slid into place easily but the ears seemed off to him, normally his changes we easy and smooth but not this time, he liked it though , it gave him distinction. He'd take a trip down to the merchants guild and inform Rolo of his new appearance. He'd gained a friendship and trust with the guild leader over the years, choosing a new face often came with difficulties finding work but he'd come to an arrangement in a previous life that Rolo would receive regular annual payments and his daughter Ada would always be well looked after, her schooling and birthdays were normally bank rolled through whatever business his Guise was running. Last year while he had been a skilled gem cutter and jewellery dealer she got a necklace that was fit for a princess, Eva had nearly exploded with excitement when her farther had given it to her, It was far beyond what he could afford but its true value would never be in the stones alone. The enchantments hidden within would protect her from most minor illnesses and a rare pattern in the weave of the silver meant she'd charm almost anyone who saw her wearing it. That life was far behind him now , he'd suffered from his success reading minds came with it's own issues when you couldn't block them out, changing faces always helped block them out for a while but being surrounded by greedy minds had driven poor Alonzo to tears, that's why he'd chosen to change his face, take up another name , start a fresh with a new business, a tavern where the thoughts of men are drowned by alcohol and the only want is for a never ending tankard of mead. Oort came into himself, the rest of his features finally setting, the face required concentration, get that wrong and people get scared quickly the rest was simple work, the elvish body was lighter and taller than his previous body, it gave him a spring in his step that he'd not had in a long time, the clothes were stretched he'd have to fix that, a small bag of gold sat on the table, all that he could take from his previous life, It would be enough to arrange the details of his new life and get his new business up and running. Oort clicked his fingers and the lights in the room grew dim, He stepped out from his rented room out into the streets, Alonzo was dead and forgotten , Oort was alive and well with a positive attitude and a life to live.
Sorry about the editing its dragged straight from the DNDB notes page which has messed with paragraphs only i think.
I go by Evenstar_Gaming on discord and this sounds really interesting! I'd like to play either a high elf ranger or an aarakokra fighter.
Sample writing from previous character background below:
Everything in my life seemed so normal. I knew my place in the society, was being prepared to become Queen of my secluded City. My parents were generous to travelers, granting them shelter at the boarders of our city, senior members of our household dispatched to ensure their needs were catered for. I went myself a few times, representing my parents. Most were grateful for our hospitality, honoured that senior members of the royal family would take the time to welcome them. No one saw the danger until it was too late. By the time we knew we had been betrayed, the blades were already at the throats of my family. I knew the leader of the betrayers, had formed a friendship with him. Although Lucan Lathalas was only a half-elf, he appeared to be more elf than human and I found myself warming to him more than I expected. It was fortunate I was out hunting when he invaded my home, slaying my parents and our loyal household, or I would also be dead. But they were waiting for me. I had enough time when I returned to gather a few possessions before he was at my door, screaming through the door that I would wed him or die. I cannot marry the murderer of my family. So I fled. I know to this day he rules in my place, abusing my people as his own slaves. But I swear I will destroy him and regain my home one day.
Aric, Human Wizard. I would rather Necromancy but understand that Evocation fits in better..
"You would not believe me anyway so let us just call it a lie from the start. A story from the bottom of these tankards.
"The Heir
The Spare
The Soldier
The Scholar
"That’s how the rhyme goes. And that is what we had. Until me.
"I was born nine years after the others. There was talk behind hands and looks from corners of eyes, of course. But it was ignored. I was a surprise, but I was not unwelcomed.
"Then I arrived, dark where the others were fair. Now the talk, and looks, had to be considered. My father never had reason to doubt my mother’s faithfulness. But enemies will have their fun. So the mage was sent for and there was hurried discussion.
"And when I was presented to the people, I was as fair as my siblings standing nearby. They were told I was fragile and it was accepted. If I was shown only when the ceremony absolutely demanded it while the older children were seen more often, it was understood. And if they forgot about me between times, so much the better.
"Not that I was so brushed aside by my family. That I wish made clear. I see the look in your eye, you think this the bigger lie in my lie. But it is true. I was loved no less. The older ones understood the need for the deception. They knew the care taken with me was my burden and not a boon. I was a full member of the family.
"It need not be said that the glamour was the first spell I learned. Oh, we all do magic in one way or another, my family. Not spoken of much, of course. And I am the only one on my path.
"No, I will not show my other face to you. You do not believe me, remember.
"But I will answer your question and say why I left them. No, you did not ask that, you do not have to. That look from before, remember? Here, let me pour you some more.
"No, I left because even a frail, last-born can be considered a prize by some families. And I was nearing the age that the ‘chance meetings’ would begin.
"So we made the announcement that I was leaving. Off in search of better health, to better serve the family line, as it were. Made a festival of it, everyone saw me off. Few expected the figure they saw to return. But they had the four they needed, so I was expendable and there was little real concern.
"And now I make my way, far from my home.
"I see the look that is in your eye now. Another one, playing at a title to impress. To give a story instead of coin. Because, you say to yourself, why share such a dangerous tale, when there must be those who would pay for it? And you would be right.
"Were you to live long enough to tell it.
"Ah, the surprise. Yes, my companions are most noble and would never lower themselves to this. That is why they have me.
"For things exactly like this.
Good-bye."
This is my first application to a PbP style game, however I am an experienced table top player with 3.5e. I'm relatively new to 5e, but I have been ravenously consuming all the source material I can get my hands on. So far I've read the DMG, PHB, MM, XGE and CoS cover to cover.
I'm available to post most anytime, as I usually have a lot of downtime at work. On evenings and weekends I may be slow to post, but not unavailable. I'm in central standard time zone (GMT -6) if that helps.
I would love to play Talinus Stormbeard, battlerager (barbarian), brewer, and skull splitter.
Clan Stormbeard calls the the peaks and valleys of the Vilhoun Reach home. From birth all Stormbeards are taught two things: brewing and fighting. They make ale, drink ale, and bust heads when drunk on ale. Talinus is no exception to the rule.
It is tradition for all Stormbeard children to leave the Clanhold upon reaching adulthood and seek fortune and adventure. Most return, using their experience and treasures gathered to defend the Clanhold, some find service to the larger Clans, a few find the adventurous life suits them better. No matter the path they choose Clan Stormbeard holds all its sons and daughters in high regard so long as they conduct themselves with honor, and keep the Dwarf Gods. Talinus has reached this time of proving. He has left the Clanhold to seek his fortune.
Talinus is gruff, as Dwarves are want to be, but with enough booze he can be the life of the party. This will almost certainly end in a brawl, as Stormbeards consider fisticuffs to be the best drinking game. Talinus tends to more accepting of the monstrous races, but the xenophobia present in Dwarven society can show through from time to time. That being said, once a friend has proven themselves trustworthy they will find no truer ally than Talinus Stormbeard.
Talinus is average height for a Dwarf with thick arms, chest and belly. Wiry black hair is pulled back into a long braid at the back of his head. His beard is split into three braids that cascade over his generous belly and are held together with copper and gold rings, each bearing the mark of an upright, flaming broadsword. Talinus' armor consists of a breast plate worn over leathers and hides. He favors a war hammer and shield.
Talinus is ready to seek his fortune.
I wrote up a background for a Tiefling Warlock with the Fiend patron
https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/Furujiru/characters/15432581
Ability scores are placeholders and subject to change in case they get rolled later on
The young man ran frantically across the room, only pausing occasionally to examine this or that before either tossing it in a corner or onto the bed. On said bed there was a backpack with the lid open that looked dangerously close to toppling over and spilling its overstuffed content. Next to the backpack laid a pile of shiny, sharp things: two daggers across a gilded sickle, and a small chest containing anything that was deemed too precious or fragile to be jammed into the backpack.
The young man made his way across the organised chaos of the room to the single closet in the corner. From it he pulled the only thing that wasn't either on the bed or the floor, closed the door and looked at the large mirror attached to the closet door. In his hand he was holding a piece of leather armour. It looked a bit old, or rather dusty, but the flames painted at the base, that seemed to flicker in the sunlight, looked as bright as ever as were the cartoonishly drawn bat wings on the back.
He sighed and threw it on. At least it looked good on him: the dark brown of the leather flowed naturally against his red, coppery skin. The flickering flames gave it a somewhat sinister touch that was unfortunately undone by the bat wings on the back. Combined with his onyx coloured horns, he could pass as a devil, albeit a rather unconvincing one: more like a kid playing dress-up as a devil. 'Mom's going to love this.' He thought as he closed the backpack, secured the chest to it and made his way up the stairs.
In the kitchen opstairs was a woman cooking. She looked like a devil who had heard of what a mother is and tried to dress the same without any context. She wore a mismatched assemble of black boots with a yellow sundress, topped with a lilac scarf, underneath which two leathery wings and a spear-tipped tail peeked out. Covering it all up was a white apron with "kiss the cook" in handdrawn, cutesy lettering on it. It all clashed quite harshly with the copper hue of her skin. 'I hope you're hungry, hon.' She piqued up when she heard the scraping of a chair being pulled up. 'I'm making pancakes.' She hummed and threw some more butter into a hot pan before turning around with a platter filled with puffy, sugary delights. 'Here you... oh! You're wearing it!' The woman nearly squeed.
'Thanks, mama.' The young man took a pancake. 'Yeah, I though I might as well try it on.'
'You look so handsome.' The woman beamed. 'Now eat up. It's "Bring Your Offspring to Work Day" and I can't wait to-'
'I'm leaving.'
'After breakfast, dear. It is the most important meal of the day.'
'No.' The young man scratched the back of his head. 'I mean, I want to leave leave.'
The woman cocked her head. 'What do you mean?'
'I don't think I'm all that cut out for the family business. I know you love torturing souls but I don't think it's my thing. I want to go... see the world, I guess. Explore a bit. Take a sabbatical. Go backpacking through Faêrun like you did. See the world before I decide what to do with my life.'
'Oh Gallias.' The woman sighed. 'Are you just going to leave your poor, old mother all alone by herself?'
Gallias chuckled. He knew exactly how to deal with this. 'Oh mama, you hardly look a year over 350.'
His mother smiled. 'You sweet talker.' Her smiled dropped. 'Are you certain about this?'
'Yeah.' Gallias said after a bite of pancake. 'I already packed everything I need.'
'Not everything.'
The woman strode over to Gallias and laid her hand of his chest. A warm light formed under her hand and when she removed it, a small crystall on a chain hung around Gallias' neck. It housed a small, flickering flame identical to the ones drawn on his armour. 'There.' The woman said. 'Now you have everything.'
'Thanks, mama.' Gallias smiled.
'Have you packed enough clothing?'
'Yes, mama.'
'You know your incantations?'
'Yes, mama.'
'Are you going to charm a cute girl?'
'Ye-' Gallias blushed. 'Mom!'
His mother chuckled and pulled him into a hug. 'You're right: an unblemished soul is much sweeter.'
'MOM!'
She let him go. 'So where you going to go first?'
'Nowhere in particular. I think I'm just going to walk into one direction until I come upon a village or town and see how it goes from there.' Gallias looked at his empty plate. 'We both best be going.'
He grabbed his belongings and walked to the door.
'Are you going to keep in touch with your old mother?' The woman asked.
'Every time I can.'
'If you need anything, you only have to ask.'
'I know.'
'And no hanky panky without-'
'Leaving now! Bye mom! Love you!'
'Bye sweety. Love you too.'
Gallias hoisted his backpack onto his shoulders and walked out the door into the great unknown, eager to see what it might bring.
Posting once a day shouldn't be a problem. I'm from the GMT+2 timezone if that's relevant.
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Thank you to everyone that applied. As per my original post, I'll continue to accept applications until tonight at 11:55PM (EDT). It will likely take me a day or so to make my decision. Expect either a post on this thread or direct message by mid-week if you've been asked to join.
Sarteras Tinuviel
Race: Half-Elf (Moon)
Class: Paladin (Oath of the Ancients)
Backstory snippet:
Sarteras was born and raised in the Elven settlement of Evereska. His father, Rehlen Tinuviel, is a half-elf ranger who earned the trust of the community with a lifetime of service in protecting the borders of Evereska. His mother, Shanaera Datoris, is a moon elf wizard in the service of mage guild of Evereska. Together, the happy couple raised their son to value the heritage of the moon elves and to protect and respect the world they lived in. Once Rehlen felt Sarteras was old enough to handle it, he would take him out into the wilds to learn of nature and survival. As Sarteras matured further, his father would involve him in small ambushes on foul predators of the wilds to teach him the art of combat.
Later, while back at home spending time with his mother, she would teach Sarteras about magic and how it worked. Shanaera would spend extra time teaching the young elf about how best to defend against magic wielding opponents, as she could see the warrior side of him dominating his outlook and wanted to ensure he had the tools to survive against these potentially dangerous foes.
For his part, Sarteras appreciated both of his parent's teachings. He saw value in both, though he ultimately would live his own life. Perhaps it was time to strike out and find his own place in life?
A simple narrative showing my play writing style:
"Woah, that looks deep. I wonder what kind of magic is in that stone?", Hoyle asks as he looks around for a loose stone. He then looks pleadingly at Talon and asks, "Can you cast that light spell on this stone?" If he obliges him, Hoyle will toss the stone over the edge and watch as it descends to determine the depth and contents of the pit.