Welcome to my recruitment thread for Dragon of Icespire Peak. This is the "starter" adventure included with the new Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit. I'm looking to recruit 3-5 Players, experienced or inexperienced. I'm an inexperienced DM - patience and understanding will be required. Please have a superb grasp of the English language. Grammar and punctuation are important. Kindly do not apply if you are unable to make one post per day - weekends and emergencies are, of course, the exception. During weekdays, I will make as many posts as possible throughout the day. I won't be very active on the weekend. Although this adventure doesn't appear to include mature themes, do not apply if you are under the age of 18.
During the campaign, all out-of-character discussion will occur on my private Discord server. The adventure will take place here on the play-by-post forums. Characters will be created and maintained by the D&D Beyond Character Builder. I don't expect (or want) you to invest your time creating an entire character for the purpose this application. If you're interested in joining, simply reply to this thread with the race and class you'd prefer to play, as well as an example of your writing. An example could be the history of your proposed character, or another character you've created previously. You don't need to share any personal details about yourself, but feel free to include that if it's something you're comfortable with.
I will happily answer any questions via Discord @CoffeeNoise#8588.
Applications will be accepted until 11:55 p.m. EDT Sunday, August 25th.
I go by Lex on Discord, but here is my character idea with a writing sample from a previous character.
Race: Halfling Class: Monk (leaning towards Way of the Kensei)
Writing Sample (previous character):
Tulio Azimuth, typically referred to as Lio, was born in the port city of Luskan. Son to a seafaring Captain and her Elven life-partner, Lio's love for the open ocean came as naturally as his love for his parents. Raised on the deck of his mother's merchant ship, The Alu'Dala, he found his muse in the crashing of waves and the sea shanties, while he found a deep fascination in the tales, myths, and legends of what lurked beneath the surface of the waves.
Lio was raised to respect the sea and sky, to the point of following the ritualistic tendencies of the crew. Though lure of the open ocean that stretched far beyond the distant horizon where the sea and sky touched called to Lio, his mother's crew worked nearly exclusively to traversing the Sword Coast from Luskan down to Waterdeep, and occasionally over to the Northlander Isles.
Now, life on the sea came with the fair share of dangers that weren't the legends and the myths. Pirates tended to be the worst and most frequent, but they were the ones that spurred the kindling flame within Lio. He found the flame within himself, that eventually shifted - much like the ocean - into a violent storm. His seething anger expanded out from his body in bolts of lighting. His aptitude in wielding larger swords and the anger that lurked just below the skin were enough for Lio to gain respect in the crew, even at his young age.
Lio found companionship with his mother's crew, but became especially fond of the ship's cook. An eccentric halfling, Barna-Bee, with an eye patch and crooked smile that Lio gravitated because of B.B.'s epic tales of the world on the ground. When B.B. grew too old to work in the kitchen aboard the Alu'Dala, the halfling wished to settle himself within the walls of Waterdeep. The kinship established between the young half-elf and the elderly halfling sealed Lio's wishes as he spoke about joining B.B. in Waterdeep to see after him. Lio has been tending to the Halfling - who insist for him to get out more - and has started work in the Dock Ward helping load and unload cargo for coin.
I would be interested in playing a Dwarf Life Cleric.
I am not good at writing back stories so, i have not came up with one yet. His Deity would either be Moradin or Thor. Also, i don't plan to have him "speak" in an accent. No offence to those that do, i find it hard to read at times.
One more thing, I am new to 5e and play by post if you don't mind someone learning as they go i would appreciate the opportunity to play in your campaign. I do promise to be a regular poster and a "team player"
Backstory: Thorin had been at Moradin's Temple in Neverwinter since childhood eventually becoming an Acolyte focusing his talents on Medicine and Healing. Recently during evening prayers a voice in his mind told him he needed to leave the Temple and experience the world while exalting the name of Moradin. After receiving permission to leave Thorin packed his few belongings and made his way to the outside world and became a traveling man.
Trevor awoke to the clanging of hammers on anvils. No, that was just his head. He knew he was late and had a lot to do today. He pulled on some relatively clean clothes and ran down to the docks, making sure of his passage that evening. “A trip across the sea!” He thought.
Heading down to the harbor that night, Trevor wasn’t taking any chance. Full chain mall, twin swords at his back, Only a fool would hassle him. Unfortunately for Trevor, 4 goblin cutpurses attacked him from the shadows. Acting quickly, Trevor slashed with his blades, wounding two goblins seriously and making his abilities plain. Seeing his best move was to run, Trevor did so, leading a merry chase to the boat, upon which the goblins gave up.
Safe aboard the vessel Trevor laughed. He’d see far worse beyond the sea if the tales were true.
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Liarin: Against the Cult of the Reptile God Adewild: Shadows and Light 2 Brother Thaddeus: Rime of the Frostmaiden.
Is Dragon of Icespire Peak standard D&D/Forgotten Realms setting, in regards to backgrounds and lore we can use? Point buy or rolling for ability scores?
As for character: Race: Aasimar (variant from DMG), Half-Elf or Tiefling Class: Sorcerer (Draconic bloodline) or Warlock (Fiend Patron) (I only have the basic D&D Beyond set to work with) I am open to revisions if certain races don't work within the setting
I've got a degree in English as well as literature/film/theatre so I know my way around a sentence. As for some earlier writings:
Tyrgram the Butterfly Knight (a previous character) Tyrgram in one word would be unassuming. A countryside kid with light skin and auburn hair, Tyrgram's height of 5 feet 8 combined with a lack of clearly defined muscle makes him come across rather slender, even more so when his frame is tucked away under a suit of scale mail. His face is one of youthful optimism and joy, though it's a face one would expect more to see on a farmer's boy than someone hauling around armour and shield. Tyrgram's only remarkable facial feature is that his bluish green eyes occasionally have a golden gleam to them, a result of his warlock pact. Tyrgram himself seems to be unaware of this.
His scale mail is predominantly hues of green and brown but on some places you can see the remnants of an image Tyrgram tried to paint on it, an idea he ultimately abandoned as scale mail does not provide a most solid of surfaces. From his belt on either hip hangs a dagger and in his left hand Tygram holds a shield upon which he has painstakingly painted a butterfly in the same shape and colours as the crystalized one that hangs around his neck.
Speech from previous character: The warlord stepped out from beyond his troops into the open. Upon seeing Sigurd, he drew his blackened thumb across his neck and spat on the ground, the universal gesture of "I'm going to kill you." Sigurd took a deep breath. 'My father once told me: you can win a hundred fights but you can only lose once. So if you know you're going to lose, at least make sure it will be you the songs will be sung about.' He tightened his grip on his greatsword. 'I cannot win. I know that. In the end, there is only one of me and hundreds of you.' He drew a line in the sand with his weapon. 'I am prepared to lose. But the real question you should be asking yourself: are you prepared to become a mere footnote in the pages of history I will write in your blood today?' Sigurd held his blade in front of him, pointing at and taunting the warlord. 'Let's find out.'
The setting for Dragon of Icespire Peak is the Forgotten Realms. I'm leaning slightly towards Point Buy but I haven't made a firm decision yet. I enjoy the randomness of rolling for scores, but I know it's not for everyone. I may just remove myself from that decision and leave it up to the party to decide as a group.
For character I'm thinking of doing a Human Rogue(Going towards assassin)
I already have a backstory for said character so I will use that.
Cassandra was born in Luskan growing up as a daughter of an innkeeper. She helped bus tables and take orders the inn was a bit further into the city so they didn't see as many rough customers usually merchants and some dockers. Unfortunately it seems her family was in debt to some less than friendly people. One night she woke up to smoke and screaming she opened her door to see flames in the hallway going to her window she opened it and dropped down, luckily it was only around 10 feet up and she was able to hang down on a ledge to make it less. As she went around to the front she saw a piece of paper with a symbol that looked like a snake with wings. She would always remember that symbol, some guards arrived after the flames were already dying. According to them her parents didn't make it out. Having no money and no home she tried to work for room and some wages at another inn but it seems people thought she would bring only trouble so she ended up on the streets. As hours turned into days she started to feel the pains of hunger gnawing at her. She tried to steal from a food cart in the street but she had never done anything like that and got sent away with a warning and slap on the wrist. She thought about turning to the red district and felt tears welling up as she laid her head into her arms and started balling. A few moments passed before she felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see a man whose face was covered. When he spoke it sounded harsh but his words were kind "Are you okay, little one?" He held out his hand helping her up. He offered a place to stay saying something about outcasts sticking together. When they got to his home he took off his cloak and turned to her, "my name is Konor Ssinn, if you are willing I would like to take you as a live-in apprentice" she quickly agreed not knowing what his trade was but she knew she needed food and a home. She would clean the house while he was away on "business" but he told her to never go in his office as he had it organized in his own way. She tried once but it was locked, he started to teach her things when he was home. How to use a knife and sword, how to fight someone larger than her. It was when he taught how to pickpocket and pick locks that she started to ask why she needed to know this, he told her that if she learns well enough she can come with him on business. That was enough to make her work harder, she worked on a chest he told her to practice on. The next time he went out though she tried to pick the lock on his office door but there seemed to be some kind of barrier between her and the door. When he got back he brought a measuring tape and a pen and ink. He asked her to hold up her arms as he measured her he wrote down number and letters in a language she'd never seen before he said it was the language of his people and if she wanted he could teach her it. She agreed and he added that to her growing curriculum. One day he nodded and told her be was going to go to the market and wanted her to come with him. She was happy but a little confused as he had never asked her to go with him before. As they were walking on the main road he turned down an alley waving for her to follow after weaving around the alleyways they ended up at a shop with two crossed daggers going inside he nodded to the person at the desk and they went into the back. She looked around seeing lots of weapons and some vials filled with strange liquid and the prices! 1000 gold, 15,000 gold who had that kind of money? Hearing the door open she turned around to see the man carrying a parcel she watched as Konor set down a small stack of coins. He told her to pick out a short-sword and a few daggers. She nodded and found a good sword it looked plain but Konor said that all those ornaments just added weight. She also found a small belt of daggers. She brought it to him and he nodded and told her to wait outside for him. She left the items on the counter and went outside she heard some arguing inside before quiet then he came out and did a quick bow to the door and told her to never buy at full price and that he would teach her to haggle, another thing to add to the list. When they got back he opened the parcel and revealed to her a set of leather armor dyed a dark green. He asked her to try it on saying it should fit well, she went into another room and started to put it on it took her longer than expects put she got it on nonetheless. She went out showing it to Konor after looking it over he nodded and told her she should be ready to start going with him on business. From there her daily life changed as she started to learn where he got his money from, the first mission she went on was to steal some documents he had her stay outside and stand watch. The next mission she went with him on he asked her to come inside with him and gave her a mask to wear whenever she is taking part in missions. The mission she helped in was simple she just had to get in and still some papers then leave. Of course it never stayed simple for long, before the last mission she did with him Konor pulled her aside and told that this time she would be taking someones life. Not directly she would simply be putting on the rim of their glass but nonetheless it was taking someones life. He told her that she would have to do it eventually and it was something she would get used to. She didn't believe him at the time but how true that is now, the mission went off without a hitch she got in poisoned the glass got out. When she got back she had made up her mind after night fell she packed up everything she had and left. The house, the city, everything she even chose a new name for herself Liliana Ashfall.
Two main ideas I'm bouncing around in my head are a Half-Orc Bard or an Air Genasi Monk, but if something else ends up being needed in the party, that's no big. I'm also a newbie D&D beyond like... Baldur's Gate 2 or Neverwinter Nights.
As for writing, let me reach into the posting oven and pull out something I prepared earlier...
She blinked a couple times, mouth working as her expression slowly shifted from one of stunned surprise to confusion - some of it genuine. She looked down at the necklace, a small blue gem - actually likely just colored glass - wrapped in gold wire. "What?" She asked, letting a little strained shock filter in to her tone. "This necklace? STOLEN?" Of course Quickshiv had stolen it, that wasn't even in question - the damned kobold nicked everything he could to give to his new 'pack' to curry favor. She looked back down at the jewelry, then with a gloved hand lifted the pendant off her dinged and beaten breastplate, as though to call attention to the armor - or more likely the priestly robes she wore beneath it. Her expression shifted to something between disgust and having just a moment ago been slapped in the face. She closed her leather-clad fingers around the necklace, clutching it to her chest as her voice went indignant. "That's impossible. Absurd, even. I'll have you know my dear friend gave this to me, and-"
She released the necklace and held up her hand, cutting herself off. She took on a bit more serene air. "But the law is the law, yes? If it was stolen, there must be consequences. Yes?" She waved at the guard dismissively before the woman could respond. "Of course there must. The guilty must be punished and the innocent given succor and comfort." Her accent thickened slightly, turning into a lyrical brogue even as she raised her voice so that any passing townsfolk could hear. "And you. You, my dear girl, being a fine, upstanding constable, are the instrument of that law. Of course you wouldn't be randomly accosting a priestess of Lugh." She spread her arms, subtly turning to show the long hands that served as the symbol of the god of arts, trade, and travel that were emblazoned on her armor. "No, you must have an ironclad reasoning, rock solid evidence."
She clapped her hands together, smiling beatifically. "So then, my child. Let us go to the Magistrate, I'm sure they will be tickled pink to have such a fine sleuth in this finer town - you might even be getting a promotion!" Behind that smile, he mind raced, trying to remember is Quickshiv had ever mentioned travelling through here before, hoping this was just an amateurish shakedown... And wishing that bloody Deva that called itself her 'guide' had sent her a vision of THIS instead of that damned groaning chasm thing it had been sending her dreams of.
Wordcaster stood in the in the simple stone ring and slowly circled with his opponent. For the Goliath, Wordcaster is big, but Earthbreak, his opponent is huge. The stone crunched under their feet as they circled and Wordcaster couldn't help but think back over the years. He had often been on the outskirts, ridiculed for reading, mocked for practicing magic but tolerated because his mother was the most skilled healer in the herd. Once she died, he was tolerated no longer.
"Mommy's not here to save you, you're books can't save you. Now you get to eat my fists." said Earthbreaker. The Goliath then spit, and rushed Wordcaster. He brought up his ax and took a massive horizontal chop at Wordcaster, who stumbled back a few feet barely dodging the blow. Earthbreaker followed up with his foot kicking forward. It hit Wordcaster square in the chest and knocked him from his feet. "You should have been fighting and not reading, building strength not casting spells!," Earthbreaker taunted with a sadistic grin. Earthbreaker slowed his pace. He wanted to toy with his prey, torture him, teach him a lesson.
Wordcaster slowly raised to a knee and looked up at his intimidating peer. He couldn't hardly believe they were born of the same year, he was so much bigger... Sighing, he reached his hand up and ran it long his forehead collecting the sweat from it. He lowered his hand and as the few droplets began to run down his fingers he willed them into the form he wanted, a frozen knife. Whipping his hand out in front of him he sent the frosty object hurtling forward where it struck Earthbreaker in the thigh and a moment later, it exploded. Shards of ice flew out in every direction and with as big and as slow Earthbreaker was, there was no chance he could dodge it. As the shards pierced his skin further, he dropped down to a knee him self, thick red blood pouring out from his thigh.
Wordcaster slowly stood, and moved closer to his downed opponent. He looked him straight in the eyes and says, "Yes I read and yes I cast spells and right now... I CAST FIST!" As the last words are shouted, Wordcaster strikes down with his clenched fist right to the side of Earthbreakers head. There was a soft crunching sound made as his fist impacted and then a soft thud as Earthbreakers body slumped to the ground. Wordcaster gazed down at the unconscious Goliath for a moment longer and then made his way of the the ring. The others just stared in disbelief as he left. Once clear of the of the of the ring he quickened his pace and brought his right hand up to his chest, clenching it tightly, thinking to himself how much that hurt.
In her early years growing up in The High Forest, in the memories experienced during her trances, Y’lovisa Liodan had calling to seek out knowledge of other cultures. She enjoyed learning about the rituals of other races. However, she preferred to study them from afar, as not to disturb or interfere with their affairs. Luckily, the forest provided for many subjects for her to study: aarakocra, gnomes and centaurs to name a few. One of the last memories she had prior to her First Reflection, was to seek out and study the drow culture. These new memories bid her to take a more active roll in her studies though – find the weaknesses of the drow, and bring “light” to their ways.
Such path took Y’lovisa outside of The High Forest in her early adolescent years. However, not being one prepared for any sort of life of adventure, she found herself having to join up with other bands that were heading in a direction where drow where known to roam. On only the second of such journeys, her group found themselves ambushed by her quarry along the SIlverymoon Pass. With many of those in her party already having already met their fate, one of the drow turned its attention to the defenseless anthropologist. The drow drew back its scimitar preparing to strike as she meekly waved her weapon to fend off the attack.
When she awoke seemingly hours later, all around her in a small radius was burnt to a cinder, including the band of attackers. Her hands were radiating with a warmth she never had experienced. The elf did not go unscathed though. A fresh scar running down her right side to her navel is still sensitive to the touch. As she picks herself from the burnt ground, still in a daze, a whisper comes to her. “You will be my light against these foul creatures… You will come to know me.”
Unknown to her, she is a descendant to Araleth Letheranil, one of the elven deities in the Seldarine. He is known for his relentless pursuit of the drow, in an eternal war against the dark races.
Thinking Barbarian or Fighter. Maybe a Wizard. Lots of options.
Lizardfolk is tempting but so is Aasimar or Firbolg. But after writing the thing bellow that might change.
As for writing. Let's see.
The harbor was quiet as a small boat entered the harbor, the three passengers on board trying to keep to their own devices. One in particular was a young human woman clad in a simple dress and long, emerald green cloak. Strings of her dark brown hair hung from her hood across her narrow face, her blue eyes seeming so distant from that place, the bags under her eyes signaling her lack of sleep. She looked toward the approaching harbor and pulled her hood tighter as they came to port, a single guard lazily watching them as they arrived. The town of Evenport wasn't well known for much but was often the first stop for those foolish enough to be traveling to lost Aberaith, the Fallen Kingdom. She waited until everyone else to depart from the boat before stepping off, trying not to draw any more attention to herself than she had to. The guard watched her closely as she approached, but soon lost interest in her and went back to eating his dinner of stale bread and warm wine. The woman continued on her way, staying as small and inconspicuous as she could until she reached a small, out of the way tavern called the Falcon's Folly, though she didn't walk inside the establishment itself. Instead she walked into an alley leading behind it where she waited quietly in the dark for what seemed like ages. Soon a figure came out the back of the tavern, a rugged looking fellow in casual clothing with an apron across hin lap. He approached her, not seeming surprised by her presence there, and spoke with a hushed tone.
"You're the one than? I was expecting...well, I wasn't expecting...ah, forget it. You have the money?"
The woman nodded and produced a bag of coin from under her cloak, handing it to the man. He weighed it in his hand and wanted to smile, but didn't, instead reaching into his cloak to hand her a small amulet. The trinket was silver in color and depicted a sword blade extending out of a withering flower. The woman's eyes became somewhat saddened by the image but she none the less placed it within a pouch on her belt before turning to walk away. The man did the same but hesitated, turning back to the woman and speaking with a more average volume.
"I don't know who you are...but that place...no good can come of it."
She stopped and simply stood there for a moment before turning with a smile that was somehow was somehow beautiful and yet heart breaking, like the sight of a lily amidst a gravestones.
"I know...but that is why I must go. To make it right."
I'd be interested in playing a elven divination wizard although I could realistically play any race/class that's needed. This particular character is one I played very briefly in a face to face game that ended up having to take over because our DM decided he would rather be a player, so I never really got to flesh the character out beyond the info to follow.
Nuté is a young elven wizard who is a bit eccentric. He is very eager to go explore and learn new things, perhaps even a bit over eager. His peers consider him to be very naive and childish, he is overly optimistic, wears a wizard's robes and hat that are far to big for him, and by an elf's standards he is very young. Needles to say he isnt taken very seriously by most people. He is also very passionate about dragons and dragon like creatures such as kobolds, drakes, actual dragons etc. He is not opposed to killing such creatures if needed but he is fascinated with them and would prefer not to kill but to study instead. Ultimately he is a gentle and kind hearted soul who just wants to learn more about the world.
Beyond that I never really fleshed out his backstory but I would go back and work on it if I get picked and do end up playing that character. If the above isnt enough of a sample for my writing then I could post a prior characters back story as the example, but I'll have to do that a bit later if needed.
I’ve got a Triton horizon walker ranger named Cados.
As for a background: Cados grew up in a moderately sized community outside of a major settlement where he had an apprenticeship under his father at the hunters guild as was tradition, in his time studying under and working alongside the guild’s hunters Cados became proficient in tracking, camouflage, concealment, and trapping. As his skill and experience grow so had his confidence he craved challenge and would take any opportunity he could to find it with little regard for those around him until one day the price was paid for his brashness.
Honestly I wouldn’t say I’m a great writer but my grammar and punctuation are fine.
Escanor is a holy knight coming from a long line of Paladins of Tyr. He is a holy warrior out to protect the innocent of the land and crush the evil plaguing the forgotten realms. His father and grandfather have booth been grand masters and leaders of their order and there is great expectations placed on him to follow in their steps and be the next great leader. Because of this he bears a heavy weight on his shoulders to prove himself and make his family proud. The desire to succeed is all consuming at times and he refuses to back down even against overwhelming odds out of fear of failure.
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Rockcrusher lvl 2 Goliath Barbarian Horde of the Dragon Queen
Taggart lvl 6 Air Genasi Blood Hunter Tomb of Annihilation
Shadow lvl 3 variant feral tiefling rogue Shackled City
Name: Kiera Marr of House Belabranta Age: 24 Race: Human (Variant) Class: Monk (Kensei) Alignment: Lawful Neutral
History of Kiera Marr, Scion of House Belabranta
Kiera Marr is a young scion of one of the oldest noble houses, Belabranta, well known for its service to Waterdeep of the centuries as griffon breeders, trainers, and riders. Many of the members of the house have served in the griffon cavalry that are a familiar sight in the skies over Waterdeep. Kiera however, has spent much of her youth brawling in local taverns and spending what pittance she gets as a stipend from the House as a descendant of Kerryn Belabranta, who spent a considerable portion of his adulthood estranged from the family.
The rift that separated the House was "healed" when it was revealed that Lord Huld Belabranta had been slain by a succubus, but his brain consumed by a greater doppelganger and his place as patriarch assumed by the shapeshifter. The death of the doppelganger left the house devoid of a line of succession since Lord Huld had born no children before his death. Magistrates from Waterdeep were sent to Luskan after it was determined that the descendants of Kerryn would be given ownership of the land and holdings left behind by Lord Huld.
Kiera's father, Viktor Marr, son of Kaelen Belabranta (grandmother) and Taryn Marr (grandfather), has assumed leadership of the house and taken the Belabranta name as his own. Kiera has remained defiant and favors the name of her grandfather, preferring to avoid recognition as a Belabranta. She has instead become driven to master the martial arts and prove her own worth to the City Guard in an effort to join the Griffon Cavalry, succeeding on her own merits rather than simply being born of a famous lineage.
What's the intent you're going for in regards to tone? I know myself to inject a fair amount of comedy and lightheartedness into my roleplay but if the overal narrative and/or group is going for grit or seriousness, that obviously would stick out.
And is there something you can already tell us about the campaign/adventure as it relates to the three pillars of D&D: combat, social interaction and exploration?
Because I'm drafting up some character ideas but I'd like to avoid showing up with a comedy relief character with proficiency in all charisma skills when Dragon of Icespire Peak is all about fighting dragons on top of frosty mountains (for example)
Aasimar / Warlock (though very willing to explore other options!)
Everywhere he looked was shadows, but these shadows seem different, they had substance. The aroma of death and decay permeated the air, yet it was almost a pleasant smell. In the distance was a faint light, he ran toward it. As he drew closer it became a mask, a mask made of porcelain. The image filled him with fear and longing, some how it was familiar and terrible. He was drawn towards it, even thought he wanted to turn away. Closer he ran, until a soft, feminine voice filled his head "Your will is strong, but the time has come my child". Then a light, or the absence of light, flashed with in the eyes of the mask. And he awoke. This is always the part he awoke. This same dream (or was it a nightmare?) haunted Gideon night after night. It was becoming increasingly hard to study, were these dreams a message? A warning?
"Good morning master Gideon", said Gerald the family steward as he came in to the large bedroom and threw open the curtains. Sunlight poured in to the room, a blinding contrast to the shadow of his dream, a dream that was becoming increasingly hard to wake from. "Your father gets back today young master, you don't want to keep him waiting once he arrives. You must attend your lessons today, first your fencing lessons", at the mention of his fencing lessons Gideon was suddenly awake, lingering images from his dream being banished from thoughts. He had always fancied his fencing instructor, Yessica, her skill with a blade barely outmatched by her wit and beauty. With her long, flowing dark tresses and disarming smile, the image of her made is blood rush. "Then after fencing you will meet with Professor Cornelius for your studies", that was a mood killer. Professor Cornelius was the most boring Elf Gideon had ever met. "Quick, quick, get dressed young master, the son of a Lord of Waterdeep must never be late!"
Hearing footsteps outside her door Mai shielded the light from the small candle with her hand. She knew it was risk to steal the ancient text from the library, but she also knew the masters were holding back. Their are things they weren't teaching her! Shifting in her hard cot Mai could feel the soreness in her every muscle. As the sound of the foot steps become more distant she continued reading, diving deeper in to the ancient writings. Then the candle flickered and a subtle breeze blew through the small room. Or did it? Was that just her tired mind playing a trick or the fatigue from the hours of intense training. Mai had never been this physically and mentally exhausted in her young life. In the distance the sound of bells echoed through the halls. 6 bells, already time for morning meal and meditations, and she was late again! ...
I'm no writer but I can string a comprehendible sentence together if that's what you're after... :P
Nortoris is a member of the Bladesingers, although still in training. He has been dispatched by the order to cut his teeth as a warrior in the big, bad world and must find others who he can watch and learn from to improve his sword-play. Having mastered his basic arcane ability as a High-Elf, Nortoris is already a capable spellcaster and eager to push his own limits to see what he's capable of.
I'm not exactly Voltaire but then he wrote in french, maybe that's a good thing?
Suisatal is - contrary to what her character sheet might imply - not a pureblood, not in the true sense of the word. She can trace her yuan-ti lineage back about 4 years to when one of Brother Cronen's "cures" got out of hand and she did not get out of the way. Prior to that she'd been a fairly baseline human scholar, not unlike any in the Priory of the Unblinking Eye near Urbek on Tharsult, mostly labeling and preserving samples for some of the more accomplished brothers and sisters, and tending to the field agents who brought the speci- actually here's the thing, she used to feel very uncomfortable calling them "specimens" - these were patients, these people needed help, and yes they might have an interesting curse or some gross but unrecorded disease but that didn't make them any less people. Except now that she was one of them - a specimen I mean - she found herself caring a little less about them. Really, they'd be dead without the Eye, they should be grateful to have a roof over their head and food to put in, well, hopefully their mouths or beaks but whatever kind of food-hole they'd been left with. So less empathetic. Less squeamish too, and that began paying off quite quickly - there were always jobs the humans didn't want to do (The other humans, I mean) and places they wouldn't go and "cures" they didn't want to be in the same township as. Ha! Warmbloods... I mean fellow humans.
In the time since the incident, she's grown restless - unable to fit in with her fellows, a mutual discomfort. Instead she's pursued more outside interests (literally - she now officially gathers field samples - or rather seeks those with ailments that deserve The Eye's unwavering attention - for the Priory, though she's been ranging north for quite a while and has very little to show for it. And so she finds herself in this tavern....
Sorry, didn't realise you wanted writing samples. This isn't D&D, it's a sci fi (Traveller). We've been in jump for a week having left a tiny under-developed backwater outpost, a dysfunctional crew of humans, horsepeople and a weird psychic dragon chap who are locked in a constant battle over who's the captain; Everyone's bored and irritable, my character (Evan) was struggling with... Ah it's complicated but it was very important to him to reinforce his heterosexuality, to himself if no one else. Also he'd bought a lot of duty free chocolate. And there's a giant space spider in the corner of the room, which is not important but does get referenced. Scene ! :
In the corner of the canteen a couple argues. A few minutes ago they had been going ape**** over a cup of coffee. Evan approaches. "Sir, greetings from the far flung reaches of space! Milady, you are by far the most beautiful creature I've seen all week, although truth be told your competition is that giant tarantula and a horseman who lives in my ships basement.
Still, it pains me to see an exquisite rose such as yourself planted in such fetid fertilizer as this drab, soul-sucking nothing of a planet, even though I know that it's that very fecund banality that makes you blossom so - and I'm not for one second suggesting you're the kind of woman who'd exchange eternal virtue for the fleeting, sensuous pleasure of a bar of chocolate but yet here we are, no prospect of other diversion on the featureless horizon, nothing but that cupboard, and..."
he begins to open a kitkat
"...they do go so well with a coffee."
He snaps a section off the bar (it's not a chunky one), the sharp crack loud and palpable like when you've been shoveling snow for ages and then stand up straight for the first time in an hour and a half and your back and knees decide to choose that moment to remind you that you're not 20 anymore. He offers her the section and raises an eyebrow.
Greetings Mortals.
Welcome to my recruitment thread for Dragon of Icespire Peak. This is the "starter" adventure included with the new Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit. I'm looking to recruit 3-5 Players, experienced or inexperienced. I'm an inexperienced DM - patience and understanding will be required. Please have a superb grasp of the English language. Grammar and punctuation are important. Kindly do not apply if you are unable to make one post per day - weekends and emergencies are, of course, the exception. During weekdays, I will make as many posts as possible throughout the day. I won't be very active on the weekend. Although this adventure doesn't appear to include mature themes, do not apply if you are under the age of 18.
During the campaign, all out-of-character discussion will occur on my private Discord server. The adventure will take place here on the play-by-post forums. Characters will be created and maintained by the D&D Beyond Character Builder. I don't expect (or want) you to invest your time creating an entire character for the purpose this application. If you're interested in joining, simply reply to this thread with the race and class you'd prefer to play, as well as an example of your writing. An example could be the history of your proposed character, or another character you've created previously. You don't need to share any personal details about yourself, but feel free to include that if it's something you're comfortable with.
I will happily answer any questions via Discord @CoffeeNoise#8588.
Applications will be accepted until 11:55 p.m. EDT Sunday, August 25th.
I go by Lex on Discord, but here is my character idea with a writing sample from a previous character.
Race: Halfling
Class: Monk (leaning towards Way of the Kensei)
Writing Sample (previous character):
I would be interested in playing a Dwarf Life Cleric.
I am not good at writing back stories so, i have not came up with one yet. His Deity would either be Moradin or Thor. Also, i don't plan to have him "speak" in an accent. No offence to those that do, i find it hard to read at times.
One more thing, I am new to 5e and play by post if you don't mind someone learning as they go i would appreciate the opportunity to play in your campaign. I do promise to be a regular poster and a "team player"
Backstory: Thorin had been at Moradin's Temple in Neverwinter since childhood eventually becoming an Acolyte focusing his talents on Medicine and Healing. Recently during evening prayers a voice in his mind told him he needed to leave the Temple and experience the world while exalting the name of Moradin. After receiving permission to leave Thorin packed his few belongings and made his way to the outside world and became a traveling man.
Trevor Alwethshire, Human Fighter.
Trevor awoke to the clanging of hammers on anvils. No, that was just his head. He knew he was late and had a lot to do today. He pulled on some relatively clean clothes and ran down to the docks, making sure of his passage that evening. “A trip across the sea!” He thought.
Heading down to the harbor that night, Trevor wasn’t taking any chance. Full chain mall, twin swords at his back, Only a fool would hassle him. Unfortunately for Trevor, 4 goblin cutpurses attacked him from the shadows. Acting quickly, Trevor slashed with his blades, wounding two goblins seriously and making his abilities plain. Seeing his best move was to run, Trevor did so, leading a merry chase to the boat, upon which the goblins gave up.
Safe aboard the vessel Trevor laughed. He’d see far worse beyond the sea if the tales were true.
Liarin: Against the Cult of the Reptile God
Adewild: Shadows and Light 2
Brother Thaddeus: Rime of the Frostmaiden.
Is Dragon of Icespire Peak standard D&D/Forgotten Realms setting, in regards to backgrounds and lore we can use?
Point buy or rolling for ability scores?
As for character:
Race: Aasimar (variant from DMG), Half-Elf or Tiefling
Class: Sorcerer (Draconic bloodline) or Warlock (Fiend Patron)
(I only have the basic D&D Beyond set to work with)
I am open to revisions if certain races don't work within the setting
I've got a degree in English as well as literature/film/theatre so I know my way around a sentence. As for some earlier writings:
Tyrgram the Butterfly Knight (a previous character)
Tyrgram in one word would be unassuming. A countryside kid with light skin and auburn hair, Tyrgram's height of 5 feet 8 combined with a lack of clearly defined muscle makes him come across rather slender, even more so when his frame is tucked away under a suit of scale mail.
His face is one of youthful optimism and joy, though it's a face one would expect more to see on a farmer's boy than someone hauling around armour and shield.
Tyrgram's only remarkable facial feature is that his bluish green eyes occasionally have a golden gleam to them, a result of his warlock pact. Tyrgram himself seems to be unaware of this.
His scale mail is predominantly hues of green and brown but on some places you can see the remnants of an image Tyrgram tried to paint on it, an idea he ultimately abandoned as scale mail does not provide a most solid of surfaces.
From his belt on either hip hangs a dagger and in his left hand Tygram holds a shield upon which he has painstakingly painted a butterfly in the same shape and colours as the crystalized one that hangs around his neck.
Speech from previous character:
The warlord stepped out from beyond his troops into the open. Upon seeing Sigurd, he drew his blackened thumb across his neck and spat on the ground, the universal gesture of "I'm going to kill you." Sigurd took a deep breath. 'My father once told me: you can win a hundred fights but you can only lose once. So if you know you're going to lose, at least make sure it will be you the songs will be sung about.'
He tightened his grip on his greatsword. 'I cannot win. I know that. In the end, there is only one of me and hundreds of you.'
He drew a line in the sand with his weapon. 'I am prepared to lose. But the real question you should be asking yourself: are you prepared to become a mere footnote in the pages of history I will write in your blood today?'
Sigurd held his blade in front of him, pointing at and taunting the warlord. 'Let's find out.'
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
The setting for Dragon of Icespire Peak is the Forgotten Realms. I'm leaning slightly towards Point Buy but I haven't made a firm decision yet. I enjoy the randomness of rolling for scores, but I know it's not for everyone. I may just remove myself from that decision and leave it up to the party to decide as a group.
I'm up to play with you all.
For character I'm thinking of doing a Human Rogue(Going towards assassin)
I already have a backstory for said character so I will use that.
Cassandra was born in Luskan growing up as a daughter of an innkeeper. She helped bus tables and take orders the inn was a bit further into the city so they didn't see as many rough customers usually merchants and some dockers. Unfortunately it seems her family was in debt to some less than friendly people. One night she woke up to smoke and screaming she opened her door to see flames in the hallway going to her window she opened it and dropped down, luckily it was only around 10 feet up and she was able to hang down on a ledge to make it less. As she went around to the front she saw a piece of paper with a symbol that looked like a snake with wings. She would always remember that symbol, some guards arrived after the flames were already dying. According to them her parents didn't make it out. Having no money and no home she tried to work for room and some wages at another inn but it seems people thought she would bring only trouble so she ended up on the streets. As hours turned into days she started to feel the pains of hunger gnawing at her. She tried to steal from a food cart in the street but she had never done anything like that and got sent away with a warning and slap on the wrist. She thought about turning to the red district and felt tears welling up as she laid her head into her arms and started balling. A few moments passed before she felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see a man whose face was covered. When he spoke it sounded harsh but his words were kind "Are you okay, little one?" He held out his hand helping her up. He offered a place to stay saying something about outcasts sticking together. When they got to his home he took off his cloak and turned to her, "my name is Konor Ssinn, if you are willing I would like to take you as a live-in apprentice" she quickly agreed not knowing what his trade was but she knew she needed food and a home. She would clean the house while he was away on "business" but he told her to never go in his office as he had it organized in his own way. She tried once but it was locked, he started to teach her things when he was home. How to use a knife and sword, how to fight someone larger than her. It was when he taught how to pickpocket and pick locks that she started to ask why she needed to know this, he told her that if she learns well enough she can come with him on business. That was enough to make her work harder, she worked on a chest he told her to practice on. The next time he went out though she tried to pick the lock on his office door but there seemed to be some kind of barrier between her and the door. When he got back he brought a measuring tape and a pen and ink. He asked her to hold up her arms as he measured her he wrote down number and letters in a language she'd never seen before he said it was the language of his people and if she wanted he could teach her it. She agreed and he added that to her growing curriculum. One day he nodded and told her be was going to go to the market and wanted her to come with him. She was happy but a little confused as he had never asked her to go with him before. As they were walking on the main road he turned down an alley waving for her to follow after weaving around the alleyways they ended up at a shop with two crossed daggers going inside he nodded to the person at the desk and they went into the back. She looked around seeing lots of weapons and some vials filled with strange liquid and the prices! 1000 gold, 15,000 gold who had that kind of money? Hearing the door open she turned around to see the man carrying a parcel she watched as Konor set down a small stack of coins. He told her to pick out a short-sword and a few daggers. She nodded and found a good sword it looked plain but Konor said that all those ornaments just added weight. She also found a small belt of daggers. She brought it to him and he nodded and told her to wait outside for him. She left the items on the counter and went outside she heard some arguing inside before quiet then he came out and did a quick bow to the door and told her to never buy at full price and that he would teach her to haggle, another thing to add to the list. When they got back he opened the parcel and revealed to her a set of leather armor dyed a dark green. He asked her to try it on saying it should fit well, she went into another room and started to put it on it took her longer than expects put she got it on nonetheless. She went out showing it to Konor after looking it over he nodded and told her she should be ready to start going with him on business. From there her daily life changed as she started to learn where he got his money from, the first mission she went on was to steal some documents he had her stay outside and stand watch. The next mission she went with him on he asked her to come inside with him and gave her a mask to wear whenever she is taking part in missions. The mission she helped in was simple she just had to get in and still some papers then leave. Of course it never stayed simple for long, before the last mission she did with him Konor pulled her aside and told that this time she would be taking someones life. Not directly she would simply be putting on the rim of their glass but nonetheless it was taking someones life. He told her that she would have to do it eventually and it was something she would get used to. She didn't believe him at the time but how true that is now, the mission went off without a hitch she got in poisoned the glass got out. When she got back she had made up her mind after night fell she packed up everything she had and left. The house, the city, everything she even chose a new name for herself Liliana Ashfall.
Two main ideas I'm bouncing around in my head are a Half-Orc Bard or an Air Genasi Monk, but if something else ends up being needed in the party, that's no big. I'm also a newbie D&D beyond like... Baldur's Gate 2 or Neverwinter Nights.
As for writing, let me reach into the posting oven and pull out something I prepared earlier...
I'll go for the muscle mage, Goliath Wizard.
Wordcaster stood in the in the simple stone ring and slowly circled with his opponent. For the Goliath, Wordcaster is big, but Earthbreak, his opponent is huge. The stone crunched under their feet as they circled and Wordcaster couldn't help but think back over the years. He had often been on the outskirts, ridiculed for reading, mocked for practicing magic but tolerated because his mother was the most skilled healer in the herd. Once she died, he was tolerated no longer.
"Mommy's not here to save you, you're books can't save you. Now you get to eat my fists." said Earthbreaker. The Goliath then spit, and rushed Wordcaster. He brought up his ax and took a massive horizontal chop at Wordcaster, who stumbled back a few feet barely dodging the blow. Earthbreaker followed up with his foot kicking forward. It hit Wordcaster square in the chest and knocked him from his feet. "You should have been fighting and not reading, building strength not casting spells!," Earthbreaker taunted with a sadistic grin. Earthbreaker slowed his pace. He wanted to toy with his prey, torture him, teach him a lesson.
Wordcaster slowly raised to a knee and looked up at his intimidating peer. He couldn't hardly believe they were born of the same year, he was so much bigger... Sighing, he reached his hand up and ran it long his forehead collecting the sweat from it. He lowered his hand and as the few droplets began to run down his fingers he willed them into the form he wanted, a frozen knife. Whipping his hand out in front of him he sent the frosty object hurtling forward where it struck Earthbreaker in the thigh and a moment later, it exploded. Shards of ice flew out in every direction and with as big and as slow Earthbreaker was, there was no chance he could dodge it. As the shards pierced his skin further, he dropped down to a knee him self, thick red blood pouring out from his thigh.
Wordcaster slowly stood, and moved closer to his downed opponent. He looked him straight in the eyes and says, "Yes I read and yes I cast spells and right now... I CAST FIST!" As the last words are shouted, Wordcaster strikes down with his clenched fist right to the side of Earthbreakers head. There was a soft crunching sound made as his fist impacted and then a soft thud as Earthbreakers body slumped to the ground. Wordcaster gazed down at the unconscious Goliath for a moment longer and then made his way of the the ring. The others just stared in disbelief as he left. Once clear of the of the of the ring he quickened his pace and brought his right hand up to his chest, clenching it tightly, thinking to himself how much that hurt.
High Elf, Divine Soul Sorcerer - Y'lovia Liodon
Writing Sample/Character Background
In her early years growing up in The High Forest, in the memories experienced during her trances, Y’lovisa Liodan had calling to seek out knowledge of other cultures. She enjoyed learning about the rituals of other races. However, she preferred to study them from afar, as not to disturb or interfere with their affairs. Luckily, the forest provided for many subjects for her to study: aarakocra, gnomes and centaurs to name a few. One of the last memories she had prior to her First Reflection, was to seek out and study the drow culture. These new memories bid her to take a more active roll in her studies though – find the weaknesses of the drow, and bring “light” to their ways.
Such path took Y’lovisa outside of The High Forest in her early adolescent years. However, not being one prepared for any sort of life of adventure, she found herself having to join up with other bands that were heading in a direction where drow where known to roam. On only the second of such journeys, her group found themselves ambushed by her quarry along the SIlverymoon Pass. With many of those in her party already having already met their fate, one of the drow turned its attention to the defenseless anthropologist. The drow drew back its scimitar preparing to strike as she meekly waved her weapon to fend off the attack.
When she awoke seemingly hours later, all around her in a small radius was burnt to a cinder, including the band of attackers. Her hands were radiating with a warmth she never had experienced. The elf did not go unscathed though. A fresh scar running down her right side to her navel is still sensitive to the touch. As she picks herself from the burnt ground, still in a daze, a whisper comes to her. “You will be my light against these foul creatures… You will come to know me.”
Unknown to her, she is a descendant to Araleth Letheranil, one of the elven deities in the Seldarine. He is known for his relentless pursuit of the drow, in an eternal war against the dark races.
Okay. let's see what I can come up with.
Thinking Barbarian or Fighter. Maybe a Wizard. Lots of options.
Lizardfolk is tempting but so is Aasimar or Firbolg. But after writing the thing bellow that might change.
As for writing. Let's see.
The harbor was quiet as a small boat entered the harbor, the three passengers on board trying to keep to their own devices. One in particular was a young human woman clad in a simple dress and long, emerald green cloak. Strings of her dark brown hair hung from her hood across her narrow face, her blue eyes seeming so distant from that place, the bags under her eyes signaling her lack of sleep. She looked toward the approaching harbor and pulled her hood tighter as they came to port, a single guard lazily watching them as they arrived. The town of Evenport wasn't well known for much but was often the first stop for those foolish enough to be traveling to lost Aberaith, the Fallen Kingdom. She waited until everyone else to depart from the boat before stepping off, trying not to draw any more attention to herself than she had to. The guard watched her closely as she approached, but soon lost interest in her and went back to eating his dinner of stale bread and warm wine. The woman continued on her way, staying as small and inconspicuous as she could until she reached a small, out of the way tavern called the Falcon's Folly, though she didn't walk inside the establishment itself. Instead she walked into an alley leading behind it where she waited quietly in the dark for what seemed like ages. Soon a figure came out the back of the tavern, a rugged looking fellow in casual clothing with an apron across hin lap. He approached her, not seeming surprised by her presence there, and spoke with a hushed tone.
"You're the one than? I was expecting...well, I wasn't expecting...ah, forget it. You have the money?"
The woman nodded and produced a bag of coin from under her cloak, handing it to the man. He weighed it in his hand and wanted to smile, but didn't, instead reaching into his cloak to hand her a small amulet. The trinket was silver in color and depicted a sword blade extending out of a withering flower. The woman's eyes became somewhat saddened by the image but she none the less placed it within a pouch on her belt before turning to walk away. The man did the same but hesitated, turning back to the woman and speaking with a more average volume.
"I don't know who you are...but that place...no good can come of it."
She stopped and simply stood there for a moment before turning with a smile that was somehow was somehow beautiful and yet heart breaking, like the sight of a lily amidst a gravestones.
"I know...but that is why I must go. To make it right."
I'd be interested in playing a elven divination wizard although I could realistically play any race/class that's needed. This particular character is one I played very briefly in a face to face game that ended up having to take over because our DM decided he would rather be a player, so I never really got to flesh the character out beyond the info to follow.
Nuté is a young elven wizard who is a bit eccentric. He is very eager to go explore and learn new things, perhaps even a bit over eager. His peers consider him to be very naive and childish, he is overly optimistic, wears a wizard's robes and hat that are far to big for him, and by an elf's standards he is very young. Needles to say he isnt taken very seriously by most people. He is also very passionate about dragons and dragon like creatures such as kobolds, drakes, actual dragons etc. He is not opposed to killing such creatures if needed but he is fascinated with them and would prefer not to kill but to study instead. Ultimately he is a gentle and kind hearted soul who just wants to learn more about the world.
Beyond that I never really fleshed out his backstory but I would go back and work on it if I get picked and do end up playing that character. If the above isnt enough of a sample for my writing then I could post a prior characters back story as the example, but I'll have to do that a bit later if needed.
I’ve got a Triton horizon walker ranger named Cados.
As for a background: Cados grew up in a moderately sized community outside of a major settlement where he had an apprenticeship under his father at the hunters guild as was tradition, in his time studying under and working alongside the guild’s hunters Cados became proficient in tracking, camouflage, concealment, and trapping. As his skill and experience grow so had his confidence he craved challenge and would take any opportunity he could to find it with little regard for those around him until one day the price was paid for his brashness.
Honestly I wouldn’t say I’m a great writer but my grammar and punctuation are fine.
Escanor human variant Oath of Devotion Paladin.
Escanor is a holy knight coming from a long line of Paladins of Tyr. He is a holy warrior out to protect the innocent of the land and crush the evil plaguing the forgotten realms. His father and grandfather have booth been grand masters and leaders of their order and there is great expectations placed on him to follow in their steps and be the next great leader. Because of this he bears a heavy weight on his shoulders to prove himself and make his family proud. The desire to succeed is all consuming at times and he refuses to back down even against overwhelming odds out of fear of failure.
Rockcrusher lvl 2 Goliath Barbarian Horde of the Dragon Queen
Taggart lvl 6 Air Genasi Blood Hunter Tomb of Annihilation
Shadow lvl 3 variant feral tiefling rogue Shackled City
here is my thoughts of a character
https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/Grimm_the_Ravenhaired/characters/12636643
Name: Kiera Marr of House Belabranta
Age: 24
Race: Human (Variant)
Class: Monk (Kensei)
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
History of Kiera Marr, Scion of House Belabranta
Kiera Marr is a young scion of one of the oldest noble houses, Belabranta, well known for its service to Waterdeep of the centuries as griffon breeders, trainers, and riders. Many of the members of the house have served in the griffon cavalry that are a familiar sight in the skies over Waterdeep. Kiera however, has spent much of her youth brawling in local taverns and spending what pittance she gets as a stipend from the House as a descendant of Kerryn Belabranta, who spent a considerable portion of his adulthood estranged from the family.
The rift that separated the House was "healed" when it was revealed that Lord Huld Belabranta had been slain by a succubus, but his brain consumed by a greater doppelganger and his place as patriarch assumed by the shapeshifter. The death of the doppelganger left the house devoid of a line of succession since Lord Huld had born no children before his death. Magistrates from Waterdeep were sent to Luskan after it was determined that the descendants of Kerryn would be given ownership of the land and holdings left behind by Lord Huld.
Kiera's father, Viktor Marr, son of Kaelen Belabranta (grandmother) and Taryn Marr (grandfather), has assumed leadership of the house and taken the Belabranta name as his own. Kiera has remained defiant and favors the name of her grandfather, preferring to avoid recognition as a Belabranta. She has instead become driven to master the martial arts and prove her own worth to the City Guard in an effort to join the Griffon Cavalry, succeeding on her own merits rather than simply being born of a famous lineage.
What's the intent you're going for in regards to tone? I know myself to inject a fair amount of comedy and lightheartedness into my roleplay but if the overal narrative and/or group is going for grit or seriousness, that obviously would stick out.
And is there something you can already tell us about the campaign/adventure as it relates to the three pillars of D&D: combat, social interaction and exploration?
Because I'm drafting up some character ideas but I'd like to avoid showing up with a comedy relief character with proficiency in all charisma skills when Dragon of Icespire Peak is all about fighting dragons on top of frosty mountains (for example)
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Aasimar / Warlock (though very willing to explore other options!)
Everywhere he looked was shadows, but these shadows seem different, they had substance. The aroma of death and decay permeated the air, yet it was almost a pleasant smell. In the distance was a faint light, he ran toward it. As he drew closer it became a mask, a mask made of porcelain. The image filled him with fear and longing, some how it was familiar and terrible. He was drawn towards it, even thought he wanted to turn away. Closer he ran, until a soft, feminine voice filled his head "Your will is strong, but the time has come my child". Then a light, or the absence of light, flashed with in the eyes of the mask. And he awoke. This is always the part he awoke. This same dream (or was it a nightmare?) haunted Gideon night after night. It was becoming increasingly hard to study, were these dreams a message? A warning?
"Good morning master Gideon", said Gerald the family steward as he came in to the large bedroom and threw open the curtains. Sunlight poured in to the room, a blinding contrast to the shadow of his dream, a dream that was becoming increasingly hard to wake from. "Your father gets back today young master, you don't want to keep him waiting once he arrives. You must attend your lessons today, first your fencing lessons", at the mention of his fencing lessons Gideon was suddenly awake, lingering images from his dream being banished from thoughts. He had always fancied his fencing instructor, Yessica, her skill with a blade barely outmatched by her wit and beauty. With her long, flowing dark tresses and disarming smile, the image of her made is blood rush. "Then after fencing you will meet with Professor Cornelius for your studies", that was a mood killer. Professor Cornelius was the most boring Elf Gideon had ever met. "Quick, quick, get dressed young master, the son of a Lord of Waterdeep must never be late!"
Hearing footsteps outside her door Mai shielded the light from the small candle with her hand. She knew it was risk to steal the ancient text from the library, but she also knew the masters were holding back. Their are things they weren't teaching her! Shifting in her hard cot Mai could feel the soreness in her every muscle. As the sound of the foot steps become more distant she continued reading, diving deeper in to the ancient writings. Then the candle flickered and a subtle breeze blew through the small room. Or did it? Was that just her tired mind playing a trick or the fatigue from the hours of intense training. Mai had never been this physically and mentally exhausted in her young life. In the distance the sound of bells echoed through the halls. 6 bells, already time for morning meal and meditations, and she was late again! ...
Hey,
Race - High Elf
Class - Wizard (Aiming for Bladesinger)
I'm no writer but I can string a comprehendible sentence together if that's what you're after... :P
Nortoris is a member of the Bladesingers, although still in training. He has been dispatched by the order to cut his teeth as a warrior in the big, bad world and must find others who he can watch and learn from to improve his sword-play. Having mastered his basic arcane ability as a High-Elf, Nortoris is already a capable spellcaster and eager to push his own limits to see what he's capable of.
Hi
Race : Yuan-ti Pureblood
Class : Ranger
I'm not exactly Voltaire but then he wrote in french, maybe that's a good thing?
Suisatal is - contrary to what her character sheet might imply - not a pureblood, not in the true sense of the word. She can trace her yuan-ti lineage back about 4 years to when one of Brother Cronen's "cures" got out of hand and she did not get out of the way. Prior to that she'd been a fairly baseline human scholar, not unlike any in the Priory of the Unblinking Eye near Urbek on Tharsult, mostly labeling and preserving samples for some of the more accomplished brothers and sisters, and tending to the field agents who brought the speci- actually here's the thing, she used to feel very uncomfortable calling them "specimens" - these were patients, these people needed help, and yes they might have an interesting curse or some gross but unrecorded disease but that didn't make them any less people. Except now that she was one of them - a specimen I mean - she found herself caring a little less about them. Really, they'd be dead without the Eye, they should be grateful to have a roof over their head and food to put in, well, hopefully their mouths or beaks but whatever kind of food-hole they'd been left with. So less empathetic. Less squeamish too, and that began paying off quite quickly - there were always jobs the humans didn't want to do (The other humans, I mean) and places they wouldn't go and "cures" they didn't want to be in the same township as. Ha! Warmbloods... I mean fellow humans.
In the time since the incident, she's grown restless - unable to fit in with her fellows, a mutual discomfort. Instead she's pursued more outside interests (literally - she now officially gathers field samples - or rather seeks those with ailments that deserve The Eye's unwavering attention - for the Priory, though she's been ranging north for quite a while and has very little to show for it. And so she finds herself in this tavern....
https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/Nunberry/characters/15466220
Sorry, didn't realise you wanted writing samples. This isn't D&D, it's a sci fi (Traveller). We've been in jump for a week having left a tiny under-developed backwater outpost, a dysfunctional crew of humans, horsepeople and a weird psychic dragon chap who are locked in a constant battle over who's the captain; Everyone's bored and irritable, my character (Evan) was struggling with... Ah it's complicated but it was very important to him to reinforce his heterosexuality, to himself if no one else. Also he'd bought a lot of duty free chocolate. And there's a giant space spider in the corner of the room, which is not important but does get referenced. Scene ! :
In the corner of the canteen a couple argues. A few minutes ago they had been going ape**** over a cup of coffee. Evan approaches.
"Sir, greetings from the far flung reaches of space! Milady, you are by far the most beautiful creature I've seen all week, although truth be told your competition is that giant tarantula and a horseman who lives in my ships basement.
Still, it pains me to see an exquisite rose such as yourself planted in such fetid fertilizer as this drab, soul-sucking nothing of a planet, even though I know that it's that very fecund banality that makes you blossom so - and I'm not for one second suggesting you're the kind of woman who'd exchange eternal virtue for the fleeting, sensuous pleasure of a bar of chocolate but yet here we are, no prospect of other diversion on the featureless horizon, nothing but that cupboard, and..."
he begins to open a kitkat
"...they do go so well with a coffee."
He snaps a section off the bar (it's not a chunky one), the sharp crack loud and palpable like when you've been shoveling snow for ages and then stand up straight for the first time in an hour and a half and your back and knees decide to choose that moment to remind you that you're not 20 anymore. He offers her the section and raises an eyebrow.
"Finger?"
Strix, Shifter Shadow Monk in Lost Mines of Phandelver ¦ Sihegiall Human Soulknife Rogue in In Search of Molly McGuffin