That 7 can round up to an 8, but I'll even let you round it up to a 10 unless you want the low scores
I don't find a lot of use to bumping out all low numbers to ten. Doesn't help flavor the character in an interesting way, just as it doesn't improve their viability. You'd generally want just about 3 high numbers (13+), regardless of what the other 3 are.
That 7 can round up to an 8, but I'll even let you round it up to a 10 unless you want the low scores
I don't find a lot of use to bumping out all low numbers to ten. Doesn't help flavor the character in an interesting way, just as it doesn't improve their viability. You'd generally want just about 3 high numbers (13+), regardless of what the other 3 are.
That's not a problem at all, as long as you're satisfied.
As far as choice of season goes, we've got one vote for winter. Anyone else wanna throw one in the ring, or shall we just go with that?
Also feel free to make connections with one another through your backstories - have you guys always been an established adventuring party or are you all just friends that are adventurers? Maybe you're only friends with some of the group's members and not all of them. You should also decide whether you are from Waterdeep or out of town. I can help facilitate if need be.
Or if you'd rather just dive in as perfect strangers and see what happens, I'm all for that as well.
I don't have a strong opinion about season, though it seems like winter could work well into my backstory. A lizard in winter might get desperate, so that would work out I think.
Here's my basic backstory concept to use as a starting point. Kassar has lived in the sewers under Waterdeep his entire life, eking out a meager existence and only venturing into the streets in the dead of night. He uses the cover of night to scrounge food, but his favorite activity is to sit on the docks on a clear night and lose himself in the starry sky. He's likely been discriminated against due to his race, but has encountered the handful of wealthy Orcs, Goblins, and Lizardfolk which seem to have the respect of the citizenry. This motivates him to improve his station to a point where he can freely walk the city without question.
I think Kassar would likely have a loose connection to the underbelly of Waterdeep, perhaps acting as a guide through the sewers for smugglers and other criminals.
Topaz used to be part of a crew of miners, but eventually he found his way to prominence through accidentally discovering a rare pocket of gems during his work (these gems hold a bit of psionic energy, which fuels the soulknife subclass once he reaches lv 3). He dug them up and snuck them out of the mine without the notice of his boss, and eventually started selling them to collectors. He still mines, as it's what he's used to, but he's made enough to live comfortably.
The money from this allows him a bit more free time, which he often spends enjoying himself in taverns within the city. It wouldn't be too out of the ordinary for him to meet any other adventurers drinking or carousing during these times.
Possible Connections:
- He could've met Kassar while trying to find a buyer for his lucky artifact finds, and likely would be kindred spirits as he wouldn't find his lizard-qualities to be at all bad.
I seldom see a reason in my circumstances that'd lead me to choose one season or the other, and since half of the group already agreed on winter, I'll gladly let it be the case.
Backstory:
Cami was born in Neverwinter. From early on, she was considered prodigious in multiple areas of knowledge, science, and crafting. Her parents, feeling so proud of their prestigious teenage daughter, decided to take her to Waterdeep where scholars were aplenty, thinking, surely, they'd find a way for her to learn magic and become an excellent wizard. It didn't work out. Her skills and the ones required to use magic were just not compatible. Over a few years, her apprenticeship gave insight into some arcane knowledge and skill, but it was not enough to justify continuing it, so she left. With her family already not being rich, to begin with, the cost of traveling to Waterdeep and finding this apprenticeship had put them all in trouble.
So, Cami used the knowledge she already had to build tools, materials, and weapons that'd help her explore the life of an adventurer in hopes to both learn more and bring back whatever money she can to ensure her family's well and fine.
Possible Connections:
- Cami is, besides an artificer, also a smith, meaning she'd need iron, steel, and other metals from some source. Perhaps Topaz was that source, or he was involved with it, to allow the two's meeting. From there, one could pull the other into an adventure if they had a reason to.
I don't a preference for the seasons. I wanted to suggest rolling a d4 for it but if someone has a reason for it to be winter, that's perfectly fine.
Vyrax is a Tiefling Bard. He was born in Waterdeep and has lived there ever since. Often featured in taverns and inns where he can earn a few coins by playing, he should be at least somewhat known around those places, for better or worse. He might be a good player, and his rhyming skills aren't awful, but he's known better for being unreliable. His tongue has its way with words, but his hand always finds its ways into people's pockets. His ability to enhance his words and music with magic seems inherent. He didn't study under anyone, but rather just found about it himself. He tries to keep it hidden, most of the time, as he can't be sure how people will react knowing that he can weave magic into his words. After all, he does enjoy playing his instruments at taverns.
Okay, this is kinda generic, but that's the basis of it. Possible connections would be... well, if anyone ever entered a tavern in Waterdeep, he might have been playing there. Also, if you consent, I wouldn't rule out trying to steal from any of you as part of our backstory. Perhaps trying to steal a gem from Topaz or a craft from Cami? After you catch him on the act, you find out he's a fun fella, as long as you keep an eye on your stuff. (Just saying, I won't steal from the party during play, probably. I'm not going to be that sort of annoying.)
Winter works for me as well. I think the last time I attempted this campaign it was either Summer or Spring.
Due to basically having enough time to get up and make my lunch for the day before going to wo I'll have to give more of the backstory through out the day.
For now the basic reason he is in Waterdeep is that he was part of a trade caravan that came up through the Underdark tunnels beneath the city. For the most part he served as a bodyguard/Face of the group since unlike most of his somewhat suspicious kin he is a talker. Well that or he served as somewhat of a translator due to knowing common better or some such.
Ianric is a Goliath, though now is rather unique among goliaths being that he has solid black eyes with no sclera and skin with a light purple hue to it and vestigial tentacles coming from just above his elbows. To anyone who has been around a tavern or group that had hired him as a merc, Ianric tells the tale that he was captured by mind flayers and experimented on. But his might was too great, and when another group attacked where he was being held he burst free of his restraints and choked his captor to death before escaping with his newfound biological additions.
I just picked winter cause y'all will learn in character shortly into the game that Ianric was banished from his clan, so Winter to me makes sense for the tribe to have moved on and him be looking for a more steady place to stay/work beyond his usual haunts. If anyone else has a better thing then by all means. And Firecat I think it'd be funny if perhaps you had been on the way to pickpocket Ianric, and kinda stopped to stare at the tentacle from his elbow maybe? And Ianric being the proud and boisterous boyo that he is simply took it as another opportunity to tell of his grand tale, completely oblivious to the attempted theft xD. Otherwise I imagine anyone involved with mercenary work/guard duty type things would have at least heard of 'that pink (and/or) purple Goliath'.
Sounds good to me. Also gives me a reason to follow you. Maybe the Goliath is lying, but just in case, follow him and see if his stories aren't all deceptions. Perhaps one day Vyrax will be the bard who will sing of the legendary Pink Goliath and his deeds.
That 7 can round up to an 8, but I'll even let you round it up to a 10 unless you want the low scores.
That 7 can round up to an 8, but I'll even let you round it up to a 10 unless you want the low scores
This adventure starts you guys out in the Yawning Portal Tavern. We'll also need to pick a season: Spring, summer, fall, or winter.
Let's see what the dice have in store...Ability scores: 13 9 14 13 14 17
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
Oh, and take starting equipment, everyone. Plus a trinket if you desire.
I'm just going to go get oth point buy or standard array for stats....
Oh and if we need a healer I can play a cleric. I have been one before but not for that long of a period.
I'll be playing a sorta tanky fighter. Focusing more on grappling and keeping things in place for allies. My vote for the season is Winter.
It’s up to you my friend, pick whatever you like.
I don't find a lot of use to bumping out all low numbers to ten. Doesn't help flavor the character in an interesting way, just as it doesn't improve their viability. You'd generally want just about 3 high numbers (13+), regardless of what the other 3 are.
Artificer, Bard, and Druid all got them healing spells. So, I'll echo the DM's thoughts that it's up to you.
(She/Her)
Velmine - Tiefling, Rogue (9), Swashbuckler - Dead in Thay
Riris Swiftwhistle - Halfling, Bard (4), College of Swords - Lost Mines of Phandelver
Rellahne Vanderboren - Half-Elf, Wizard (4), School of Abjuration - The Shackled City
Ann Hidrizo - Human, Fighter (2) - Amphail Adventures
Sha - Firbolg, Cleric (3), Twilight Domain - Hunt for the Wish Dragon
Of course, it’s your call, just wanted to let you know the option was there if you wanted it.
All right then svirfneblin Hexblade it is!
Turns out, I ended up having to make the same character because all my other ideas didn't blend well with what I wanted to RP.
The build will still be different. I'm not making my character an Artillerist again, just as I said I'd not do.
(She/Her)
Velmine - Tiefling, Rogue (9), Swashbuckler - Dead in Thay
Riris Swiftwhistle - Halfling, Bard (4), College of Swords - Lost Mines of Phandelver
Rellahne Vanderboren - Half-Elf, Wizard (4), School of Abjuration - The Shackled City
Ann Hidrizo - Human, Fighter (2) - Amphail Adventures
Sha - Firbolg, Cleric (3), Twilight Domain - Hunt for the Wish Dragon
That's not a problem at all, as long as you're satisfied.
As far as choice of season goes, we've got one vote for winter. Anyone else wanna throw one in the ring, or shall we just go with that?
Also feel free to make connections with one another through your backstories - have you guys always been an established adventuring party or are you all just friends that are adventurers? Maybe you're only friends with some of the group's members and not all of them. You should also decide whether you are from Waterdeep or out of town. I can help facilitate if need be.
Or if you'd rather just dive in as perfect strangers and see what happens, I'm all for that as well.
I don't have a strong opinion about season, though it seems like winter could work well into my backstory. A lizard in winter might get desperate, so that would work out I think.
Here's my basic backstory concept to use as a starting point. Kassar has lived in the sewers under Waterdeep his entire life, eking out a meager existence and only venturing into the streets in the dead of night. He uses the cover of night to scrounge food, but his favorite activity is to sit on the docks on a clear night and lose himself in the starry sky. He's likely been discriminated against due to his race, but has encountered the handful of wealthy Orcs, Goblins, and Lizardfolk which seem to have the respect of the citizenry. This motivates him to improve his station to a point where he can freely walk the city without question.
I think Kassar would likely have a loose connection to the underbelly of Waterdeep, perhaps acting as a guide through the sewers for smugglers and other criminals.
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
Winter's fine with me.
Backstory:
Topaz used to be part of a crew of miners, but eventually he found his way to prominence through accidentally discovering a rare pocket of gems during his work (these gems hold a bit of psionic energy, which fuels the soulknife subclass once he reaches lv 3). He dug them up and snuck them out of the mine without the notice of his boss, and eventually started selling them to collectors. He still mines, as it's what he's used to, but he's made enough to live comfortably.
The money from this allows him a bit more free time, which he often spends enjoying himself in taverns within the city. It wouldn't be too out of the ordinary for him to meet any other adventurers drinking or carousing during these times.
Possible Connections:
- He could've met Kassar while trying to find a buyer for his lucky artifact finds, and likely would be kindred spirits as he wouldn't find his lizard-qualities to be at all bad.
I seldom see a reason in my circumstances that'd lead me to choose one season or the other, and since half of the group already agreed on winter, I'll gladly let it be the case.
Backstory:
Cami was born in Neverwinter. From early on, she was considered prodigious in multiple areas of knowledge, science, and crafting. Her parents, feeling so proud of their prestigious teenage daughter, decided to take her to Waterdeep where scholars were aplenty, thinking, surely, they'd find a way for her to learn magic and become an excellent wizard. It didn't work out. Her skills and the ones required to use magic were just not compatible. Over a few years, her apprenticeship gave insight into some arcane knowledge and skill, but it was not enough to justify continuing it, so she left. With her family already not being rich, to begin with, the cost of traveling to Waterdeep and finding this apprenticeship had put them all in trouble.
So, Cami used the knowledge she already had to build tools, materials, and weapons that'd help her explore the life of an adventurer in hopes to both learn more and bring back whatever money she can to ensure her family's well and fine.
Possible Connections:
- Cami is, besides an artificer, also a smith, meaning she'd need iron, steel, and other metals from some source. Perhaps Topaz was that source, or he was involved with it, to allow the two's meeting. From there, one could pull the other into an adventure if they had a reason to.
(She/Her)
Velmine - Tiefling, Rogue (9), Swashbuckler - Dead in Thay
Riris Swiftwhistle - Halfling, Bard (4), College of Swords - Lost Mines of Phandelver
Rellahne Vanderboren - Half-Elf, Wizard (4), School of Abjuration - The Shackled City
Ann Hidrizo - Human, Fighter (2) - Amphail Adventures
Sha - Firbolg, Cleric (3), Twilight Domain - Hunt for the Wish Dragon
I don't a preference for the seasons. I wanted to suggest rolling a d4 for it but if someone has a reason for it to be winter, that's perfectly fine.
Vyrax is a Tiefling Bard. He was born in Waterdeep and has lived there ever since. Often featured in taverns and inns where he can earn a few coins by playing, he should be at least somewhat known around those places, for better or worse. He might be a good player, and his rhyming skills aren't awful, but he's known better for being unreliable. His tongue has its way with words, but his hand always finds its ways into people's pockets.
His ability to enhance his words and music with magic seems inherent. He didn't study under anyone, but rather just found about it himself. He tries to keep it hidden, most of the time, as he can't be sure how people will react knowing that he can weave magic into his words. After all, he does enjoy playing his instruments at taverns.
Okay, this is kinda generic, but that's the basis of it. Possible connections would be... well, if anyone ever entered a tavern in Waterdeep, he might have been playing there. Also, if you consent, I wouldn't rule out trying to steal from any of you as part of our backstory. Perhaps trying to steal a gem from Topaz or a craft from Cami? After you catch him on the act, you find out he's a fun fella, as long as you keep an eye on your stuff. (Just saying, I won't steal from the party during play, probably. I'm not going to be that sort of annoying.)
Varielky
Winter works for me as well. I think the last time I attempted this campaign it was either Summer or Spring.
Due to basically having enough time to get up and make my lunch for the day before going to wo I'll have to give more of the backstory through out the day.
For now the basic reason he is in Waterdeep is that he was part of a trade caravan that came up through the Underdark tunnels beneath the city. For the most part he served as a bodyguard/Face of the group since unlike most of his somewhat suspicious kin he is a talker. Well that or he served as somewhat of a translator due to knowing common better or some such.
Ianric is a Goliath, though now is rather unique among goliaths being that he has solid black eyes with no sclera and skin with a light purple hue to it and vestigial tentacles coming from just above his elbows. To anyone who has been around a tavern or group that had hired him as a merc, Ianric tells the tale that he was captured by mind flayers and experimented on. But his might was too great, and when another group attacked where he was being held he burst free of his restraints and choked his captor to death before escaping with his newfound biological additions.
I just picked winter cause y'all will learn in character shortly into the game that Ianric was banished from his clan, so Winter to me makes sense for the tribe to have moved on and him be looking for a more steady place to stay/work beyond his usual haunts. If anyone else has a better thing then by all means. And Firecat I think it'd be funny if perhaps you had been on the way to pickpocket Ianric, and kinda stopped to stare at the tentacle from his elbow maybe? And Ianric being the proud and boisterous boyo that he is simply took it as another opportunity to tell of his grand tale, completely oblivious to the attempted theft xD. Otherwise I imagine anyone involved with mercenary work/guard duty type things would have at least heard of 'that pink (and/or) purple Goliath'.
Sounds good to me. Also gives me a reason to follow you. Maybe the Goliath is lying, but just in case, follow him and see if his stories aren't all deceptions. Perhaps one day Vyrax will be the bard who will sing of the legendary Pink Goliath and his deeds.
Varielky