I was just curious if you know how many players you want or if you have a day you planned to invite people and close submissions? Or is it more of a play it by ear thing?
5 players most likely.
I'll let it sit for a few days. Give everyone a chance to see the thread.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rolling for stats:
111313171413
Daewen Pell
Race: Elf (Shadar-kai)
Class(es): Rogue (1) Ranger (2)
Background: Haunted One
Backstory: Born in the Feywild under the blue moon (a bad omen, as it were) to noble elvish parents, Faylen Keabanise was an outcast from the start. For, she was born without a voicebox, unable to utter a single word. Her parents, utterly ashamed of her, cast her off into the Shadowfell plane, never to be seen again. Growing up in the dark horrors of the Shadowfell, she soon came under the watchful eye of the Raven Queen, who gave her the name of Daewen Pell (Sindarin for Hushed Shadow Maiden). Her melancholic visage and aptitude for hiding in shadows were of great use to the Raven Queen, who often sent her on missions to other planes to watch and wait, looking for the tragedies her Queen wished to collect. Being a mute has its advantages among the Shadar-Kai, as she's learned to hear things her fellow missionaries never assumed were worth paying attention to. It's these nuggets of information that the Raven Queen desires the most, and Daewen has reaped the benefits of being an immortal servant for untold centuries. Crossing paths with Orlan nearly 50 years ago, back when Orlan was a wee youngling investigator fresh from the academy, they were lovers but their relationship was cut short on their way to the alter of marrage, when the Raven Queen recalled Daewen back to the Shadowfell. They haven't seen each other since, but the longing apparently remained ever present...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
I’ve never heard it called a spiral campaign, but I’ve used the technique myself a few times. It’s a great collective world building process. I also happen to love snow/ice campaigns
My submission takes some liberties that I’d be more than open to modify. But take a gander:
Azeroth Hrimthar
Class: Arcane Trickster Rogue
Race: Tiefling
Stats: Ability scores: 13177151417
Debt/Favor to Orlan: Azeroth owes Orlan a life debt after the retired investigator saved him from an ambush during a botched smuggling delivery in the harsh Snowsong Valley. Azeroth was left for dead, losing his arm to frostbite in the process. Orlan's timely intervention saved his life and earned Azeroth's loyalty.
Character Traits:
1. Resourceful Smuggler: Azeroth's crafty nature and rogue abilities make him an excellent smuggler, known for his ability to navigate treacherous terrain and outwit authorities.
2. Streetwise and Charismatic: He has a charming demeanor and silver tongue, allowing him to make connections and negotiate deals even in the most dangerous of situations.
3. Determined Survivor: Azeroth's loss of an arm and the harrowing experience he went through have only strengthened his determination to overcome challenges and continue his life of adventure.
4. Mechanical Prodigy: After losing his arm, Azeroth crafted a custom prosthetic arm for himself, which he has infused with intricate clockwork mechanisms. It's both functional and a work of art.
5. Pragmatic Idealist: He understands the necessity of breaking the rules to survive as a smuggler but maintains a strong sense of justice and a belief that every action, even underhanded ones, should serve a greater purpose.
Appearance and Dress:
Azeroth's striking appearance is accentuated by his pure white skin, silver eyes, and the pair of black horns curling back from his forehead. He dresses in layers of dark, well-worn clothing, trimmed with white rabbit and wolf fur. His rogue's tools are discreetly hidden beneath his attire. His prosthetic arm, made of a mix of metal and intricately carved wood, is both functional and artistic.
Unique Hobby/Habit:
Azeroth has a fascination with intricate mechanisms and spends his spare time crafting and tinkering. He's known to create small clockwork trinkets and gadgets that have practical uses in his smuggling endeavors.
Core Beliefs:
Azeroth believes in freedom and self-determination. He sees himself as a guardian of balance in a world of power struggles and believes that sometimes, a little chaos can be a catalyst for positive change.
Friendships, Rivalries, and Romances:
Azeroth maintains a close friendship with Orlan, who not only saved his life but also offers valuable advice and guidance when it comes to investigating mysteries and dangers within the realm. He has a rivalry with a cunning bounty hunter named Kael, who has a knack for tracking him down across the valley. Azeroth's romantic interests are intertwined with Selene, the enigmatic rogue who shares his adventurous spirit.
Unique Personal Goal:
Azeroth's ultimate goal is to amass enough wealth and resources through his smuggling ventures to establish a safe haven for those who live on the fringes of society. He wants to provide a place where they can escape the clutches of oppressive authorities and dangerous criminal organizations.
Azeroth comes from an arctic Norse-inspired culture called Hrimthar (human), which is a product of a land that embraces the chilling touch of winter. His people's way of life revolves around the survival and harmony in the midst of the frozen wilderness.
**Culture:**
The Hrimthar culture thrives in settlements built of sturdy, timber-framed structures covered in insulating hides and fur, designed to withstand the frigid conditions. They are a hardy people, skilled in hunting, fishing, and trading, all of which are essential for their subsistence. The society places great value on storytelling and communal gatherings, where they share heroic tales and ancient legends that highlight the unbreakable bond between their community and the elements.
**Religion:**
The Hrimthar people practice a spiritual belief system centered around the spirits of winter, ice, and the natural world. They honor deities that personify the cold, such as Skadi, the Winter Huntress, who symbolizes endurance and adaptability, and Thrym, the Frost King, who embodies the strength of ice and the depths of winter. Rituals and offerings are made to these deities in an effort to appease them and ensure a harmonious relationship with the elements.
**Tiefling Heritage:**
Azeroth finds himself simultaneously embraced and yet distanced by his people due to his unique Tiefling heritage. His white skin and deep midnight blue hair mark him as a distinct individual, but it's his innate ability to manipulate cold magic that sets him further apart.
**Outsider Status:**
While not subject to outright hostility, Azeroth's Tiefling heritage and his cold manipulation abilities cause him to be a mysterious enigma among his people. The Hrimthar, deeply connected to their natural surroundings, struggle to comprehend his magical talents, which seem at odds with their reverence for ice spirits. Some view his abilities with awe, others with unease, but most are uncertain how to interpret his role in their tightly woven community.
**Misunderstood Gift:**
His ability to control cold magic, despite its affinity with their environment, is seen as an unpredictable and unnatural force. The Hrimthar people, who have developed a profound symbiotic relationship with the cold and ice, cannot easily fathom how Azeroth's powers fit into their worldview. This lack of understanding places Azeroth in a unique position; revered for his lineage and contributions, yet alienated due to the unfamiliar nature of his gifts.
**Personal Struggle:**
Azeroth grapples with his status as an outsider within the culture that raised him. He seeks to uncover his place in a community where even his close friends and family view him with a mix of curiosity and concern. His journey of self-discovery is not only about embracing his unique abilities but also about finding ways to bridge the gap between his Tiefling heritage and the expectations of his people.
Azeroth's story becomes a tale of resilience and acceptance, not just for himself, but for those who struggle to comprehend his existence. His interactions and the choices he makes help shape a new understanding of the harmony that can exist between seemingly contrasting forces, all within the cold embrace of the Hrimthar culture.
Backstory
If it weren't for Orlan, I would have lost more than my arm. I would have lost my life that fateful night in the Snowsong Valley. The ambush left me broken, wounded, and left for dead in the freezing snow. I had always been an outsider among the Hrimthar people, marked by my white skin and deep blue hair, a stark contrast to their rugged appearances. But it was my innate ability to manipulate cold magic that truly set me apart.
I grew up hearing whispers, both of awe and apprehension, about my powers. Some saw them as an affront to our connection with the ice spirits, others as a testament to the balance between warmth and cold in our land. As I honed my skills, I realized that the only way to prove my worth and carve a place for myself was to utilize my talents to their fullest extent.
So, I became the best smuggler in the Snowsong Valley. Navigating the treacherous terrain, I relied on my magic to weave through snowstorms and evade authorities. I was both admired and shunned for my abilities, but I thrived on the freedom and control my role provided. Yet, even the best can be caught off guard.
One such instance almost cost me my life. If it weren't for Orlan, I would be a memory buried beneath the snow. His timely intervention saved me from a band of ruthless mercenaries, and his unexpected kindness led to a debt I could never repay. My prosthetic arm, an intricate fusion of clockwork and magic, bears testament to my debt to him.
Despite my success, I remained haunted by the feeling of being an outsider, never truly understood by my people. When Orlan approached me with tales of a dark cult and a thousand-year-old vengeance, something stirred within me. The prospect of being part of a mission that could unravel mysteries and bridge gaps drew me in.
Perhaps it was the excitement of the unknown or the potential to finally find a purpose beyond being a smuggler. Or maybe it was the chance to stand on equal footing with Orlan, to prove myself worthy of his trust. Whatever the reason, I saw an opportunity to align my skills with a noble cause, and if fate smiled upon me, to mend the divide between my Tiefling heritage and the traditions of the Hrimthar.
So, with Orlan's mission as my compass, I ventured forth into the depths of the Snowsong Valley, a land where ice and shadows hid secrets that could reshape the fate of our realm.
I think I'll submit an old character of mine. The campaign she was in unfortunately fizzled out, but I'd love the opportunity to get to play her again! :)
Name: Sylnora Vülinn Race: Half-Elf Class: Paladin\Sorcerer Background: Far Traveler Sylnora hails from a enclave of moon-elves that reside within a secluded area of the Adisan Empire. As subjects of the empire they are reclusive, paying taxes in whatever form the nobles deem necessary, but otherwise keeping their interactions with the rest of the nation to a minimum. There are exceptions of course, and her birth was the consequence of such an exception, when her mother left the conclave for a period of years to get a taste of adventure. By the time she was born, her mother had returned to the conclave, raising her entirely within the elven culture. Growing up she was found to have an affinity for both spell and blade, and was trained for such.
Though she never faced outright hostility or rejection due to her dual heritage, she always felt a pressure to prove her worth to the enclave, sometimes taking on tasks far beyond her ability. When her mother received a mysterious message asking for help from an old acquaintance by the name of Orlan, Syl took it upon herself to take up the call in her stead. It took some time, but in secret she prepared her belongings for the journey and left a note before sneaking her way out, hitting the open road in earnest for the Snowsong Valley.
Backstory: Victor looked at the message from Orlan with growing excitement. Something was amiss in the Snowsong. Of course he would go, he was in Orlan’s debt. You could say Orlan gave him his second act in life and made him the man he was today. He patted a heavy bound book by his side. He was a simple researcher, professor and collector of antiquities when Orlan helped him recover some artifacts and writings stolen from the university archives. When they recovered the items, Victor also discovered the book among the thieves' spoils. The book opened up his mind to infinite possibilities and mysteries of the world and universes beyond it and held secrets of unknown power. He was still learning to make sense of it all, but was sure that it told of a secret, long-lost civilization that pre-dated any known histories. Excited to study the secrets of this civilization, he received support for several expeditions across the Adison Empire and the Snowsong Valley. All of which ended in abject failure. Ridiculed by his fellow academics, he lost his teaching position in the academy and was widely discredited as a charlatan and fraud for continuing to put forth his theories. But he would show them, he would find the proof he needed someday. But first, he would go help Orlan. Vic was familiar with the valley from his previous expeditions and was sure that was why the old investigator sent for him, and if this also put him back on the trail of his studies, so much the better. He hurried to go pack.
Character Name | Krizira Holdi Race | Wood Half-Elf Class | Fighter (Arcane Archer) Background | Faction Agent Backstory | Krizira doesn't really remember much of her family, other than a few vague, hazy images. All she knows is that some sudden incident destroyed her family and Orlan was the one that managed to get her to safety. He found her a home with the elves that lived in relative seclusion in the higher reaches of the Valley. While they were a family of sorts, none ever seemed to hint that she was an actual relative. Over time she learned to navigate the wilds as they did and became proficient at sword and bow.
It turns out the group that had taken Krizira in was a part of an organization called the Enchanted Blossom. Upon coming of age, she joined the group herself, mostly being eyes and ears for the group, usually out in the wilderness. She has been known to visit a few small towns here and there as needed. But her restless nature meant those stays were generally brief. Over the years she kept in touch with Orlan. Thus, when Orlan called her to do a favor, she didn't hesitate to respond.
(I basically invented a Faction to belong to, so hopefully that was okay. I'm open to adjusting as needed to fit the setting.)
Character Name | Hattori Hanzo - Race | Human - Class | Fighter (Samurai): Hattori Hanzo's Character Sheet - D&D Beyond (dndbeyond.com) - Background | Knight of the Order - Backstory | Born the son of Hattori Hanzō Yasunaga, a minor samurai in the service of the Matsudaiara, then Tokugawa Clan. He would earn the nickname Demon Hanzo because of the fearless tactics he displayed in his operations. At the age of 16, his first battle was a nighttime attack during the siege of Udo Castle. He now serves on the personal guard of the Tokugawa.
What does he owe Orlan: A favor-Hanzo had been dispatched by his lord to track down a stolen heirloom vase that was worth a considerable amount, as well as a family connection. As Hanzo was not well versed in the region and the people, he heard of Oraln the investigator to help him track down the vase. Orlan had learned it was being auctioned off at a thief's den in a small town. Hanzo and Orlan were able to infiltrate the sale and were able to retrieve the vase without drawing attention to either of them. When Hanzo had the vase, as an honorable Samurai, hoe he could repay Orlan. Orlan, the modest man that he was, simply stated "there will be a time when I have a great need. When that arises, I will send you a message." Hanzo received that message, and now travels to meet with Orlan.
- Character Name | Ezra - Race | Variant Human - Class | Monk (Open Hand) - Background | Hermit - Backstory | Ezra had spent his young life time learning to hone his mind and body. He was attacked in his hermitage by some bandits and Orlan helped drive them off and bring them to justice. Ezra vowed to assist Orlan if he ever needed it. Ezra is an older human, semi-retired himself, after rejoining the world. He lost his wife to illness not too long ago and their kids have left the home. Upon hearing Orlan's call Ezra realized it was time to finally act on the world to make a difference, and set out to do just that.
Sounds like a super committed, story-rich campaign. Would love to be a part of it!
Ability scores:141311141114
- Character Name | Verel Frostflower (Character Sheet: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/106370985) - Race | Wood Elf - Class | Monk - Background | Hermit - Backstory | (specifically, why do you owe Orlan a favor or debt?)
I was born among the Elurra, a tribe of Wood Elves that haunt the primordial forests covering Icemist Peak, the highest point in the mountains surrounding Snowsong Valley.
Following a failed attempt to challenge our Estro (Chief) for leadership, my father was banished. We were driven from our home into the frozen wilderness, where we were ambushed by allies of the Estro’s son, hoping to finish the job. I was the only member of my family to survive.
By some grace, I found shelter in an abandoned dwarven mine filled with ample supplies and a large library. I dove into the texts, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of my place in the world. To keep myself sane I trained my body and mind over the years, spending long periods of time in deep meditation. I developed my own relationship with the natural flow of the universe, which the books called the “Ki”…
In my isolated studies, the borders between true insight and self-generated delusion were… porous. While I developed a keen empathy for all living things, my misdirected trauma led me to the conviction that some great evil threatened the world… An evil that only I can destroy.
I begged the universe to deliver the means to fulfil lmy place in the universe. So it was that the investigator Orlan found me, years before his retirement, while investigating the fate of the lost dwarven mine. He offered to bring me back to his home and help teach me how to reintegrate into common society. For years I made an effort, but the overwhelming bustle of mortal society was too much for me to handle.
I returned to the wilderness along the river lands to resume my meditation for another few decades… until Orlan tracked me down, asking for a favor.
Name: Emil Snowsworn Race: Variant Human Class: Artificer/Alchemist Background: Hermit Backstory: Emil came from an aristocratic family known for there feats of engineering. It was not a loving home, but a demanding one where excellence is expected. As the third child she was often overshadowed by her siblings Maten and Kaya. Emil buried her self in her studies and concoctions. While searching for new ingredients she came to the aid of a injured man who turns out to be a noble. Soon she was lavished with attention and gifts. There was even talk of a possible marriage match when she came of age. Unbeknownst to Emil, her siblings was plotting her downfall and sent an assassin. On one of her errands Emil would have died if Orlan did not step in to help her escape. Even when faced with such a threat, Emil could not bring herself to retaliate or to oust them from their home. She decided to leave her home and set up a new life for herself. Soon she parted ways with Orlan profusely thanking him and promising him she would repay him one day. Since then she works at a small apothecary in a small reclusive town far from any city, until she received a letter from Orlan. Emil dropped everything and soon set out to join Orlan's investigative expedition.
Name:Adrymarchios Race: Tiefling (Winged) Class: Warlock (Hexblade) Background: Spy Backstory: Many years ago the young investigator Orlan had come across an insidious threat to the Adisian Empire posed by a secretive cult devoted to the demon lord Fraz-Urb'luu. In his desperation to unveil this cult that had already infiltrated many layers of the Adisian power structure, Orlan turned to what he considered the lesser evil, striking a bargain with the archdevil Adramalech who sent a lesser servant to strike a blow against the forces of chaos in the eternal blood war, now using the Adisian Empire as battlefield. The servant, Adrymarchios, at first resented being sent away from Nessus to serve a mere mortal, but as he used his infernal powers to aid Orlan in exposing the insidious demonic cult, he grew fond of the freedom he had gained far away from the chains of hell. As his mission came to a conclusion Adrymarchios made a bargain with Orlan. The investigator convinced Adramalech to let his servant stay to keep an eye on the realms, making sure to thwart any schemes of chaos and corruption, making sure strict law would rule the empire. So it was decided that Adrymarchios would be allowed to stay on, posing as a mere tiefling, assuming he could continously prove his worth to his master. Eventually Adrymarchios parted ways with the investigator Orlan and travelled the empire, enjoying himself to the fullest while making a living as an investigator of the occult, exposing chaos and corruption wherever he found it, exacting just and lawful punishment when needed. Recently Orlan has called upon his service again and Adrymarchios finds himself journeying north to the secluded Snowsong Valley to finally repay his debt to the now retired investigator.
Name: Xarian Harkes (<-- link to dndbeyond character sheet) Race: Custom Lineage (Tasha's) - mixed race, with a one goliath and one elven grandparent Class: Fighter (1) / Wizard (2) (Subclass: War Magic) Background: Soldier Backstory: See (first) spoiler below.
Another lost cause, this one. Or so Xarian had thought.
For some reason, he had stood up to the bully this time. The big man. Gerrard Borresquieu, the son of the captain and looking every bit the part, had been laying into another sparring yard victim with his greatsword. This time, the sacrificial lamb had been Timothy, the chandler's son. One of Xarian's few friends. How the big man had laughed when Timothy, bruised and bleeding beyond reason for a friendly bout among guardsmen, had lain face-down in the mud, unable to rise. Xarian Harkes found himself standing up.
Why, he could not say, exactly. Xarian's father had been a passing half-goliath adventurer from the mountains and his half-elven mother... his mother had been the kind of person that passing visitors paid a visit to often. Locals too, from the snickering at the Inn. Why Orlan had pulled him out of the dirt as a boy and paid to enroll him in scholarly pursuits or training at arms, Xarian would never know.
By all rights, he should have kept poring through his tattered book with its symbols and sigils, attempting use a pair of lodestones to mend his torn breeches. Arcane mumbling... halting and uncertain. Xarian did have a maul to match Borresquieu's greatsword, aye, and nearly the stature and strength as well. But less experience, training or bloodlust. And far less status of birth. Even if he won against Gerrard somehow, it would come out as a loss after the abuse he would take in the weeks to follow. Then again, he was probably not going to win.
But up he stood against all good reason, striding out into the yard as Gerrard's blocky face broadened into its customary grin, stupid and cruel. Next victim up. Xarian helped Timothy stand and hobble away, then turned to face the big man, remembering his technique, remembering his footwork.
It was not going to be enough. Not against someone of Borresquieu's skill and ferocity. As maul clashed with greatsword and onlookers shouted, Xarian retreated a step, then three more, parrying and countering for all he was worth. Even scoring a glancing blow that turned the big man's face red with surprise and anger as Xarian's owl, Ash flapped her wings in Gerrard's face and the captain's son was briefly pushed back.
Almost.. almost... Xarian gestured frantically and booming blue energy began to sheathe his opponent, but fizzled before it could coalesce. Ducking the big man's counterattack, he fell back hastily and set his stance again, gritting his teeth.
Everyone knew it could not last. Gerrard Borresquieu had a mountain's weight of training, cruelty and far superior parentage. The comfort and confidence of someone who knew his place in life as sure as the autumn snows in the Snowsong Valley. As the first flakes began to fall, the big man feinted right, then slipped past Xarian's parry, which came a split second too late this time. Gerrard's flat-arced swing was not a sparring blow, but one to break ribs. Maybe crush a lung or kidney. Kill, even.
Borresquieu grinned once again in anticipation. And then roared suddenly in surprise. A strange, blue arcane shield turned the blade aside as Xarian desperately splayed his fingers in a warding gesture, off balance and falling backward, hardly understanding what he was doing.
Disgusted, Gerrard spat hard. "WHY DON'T YOU BLOODY GO BACK TO THAT POINTY HAT, BOOK-FONDLING MAGICIAN'S ACADEMY OR GO HIDE UNDER OLD ORLAN'S ROBES YOU POX-RIDDEN HALF-BREED SON OF AN ACTUAL WHORE! THE SPARRING YARD IS NO BLOODY PLACE FOR MAGIC!"
And so Xarian had. Gone back to see Orlan, that is. Once he was able to move again after the beating that Borresquieu had proceeded to lay on him.
He just hadn't expected what Orlan would ask of him next.
5 players most likely.
I'll let it sit for a few days. Give everyone a chance to see the thread.
Rolling for stats:
11 13 13 17 14 13
Daewen Pell
Race: Elf (Shadar-kai)
Class(es): Rogue (1) Ranger (2)
Background: Haunted One
Backstory: Born in the Feywild under the blue moon (a bad omen, as it were) to noble elvish parents, Faylen Keabanise was an outcast from the start. For, she was born without a voicebox, unable to utter a single word. Her parents, utterly ashamed of her, cast her off into the Shadowfell plane, never to be seen again. Growing up in the dark horrors of the Shadowfell, she soon came under the watchful eye of the Raven Queen, who gave her the name of Daewen Pell (Sindarin for Hushed Shadow Maiden). Her melancholic visage and aptitude for hiding in shadows were of great use to the Raven Queen, who often sent her on missions to other planes to watch and wait, looking for the tragedies her Queen wished to collect. Being a mute has its advantages among the Shadar-Kai, as she's learned to hear things her fellow missionaries never assumed were worth paying attention to. It's these nuggets of information that the Raven Queen desires the most, and Daewen has reaped the benefits of being an immortal servant for untold centuries. Crossing paths with Orlan nearly 50 years ago, back when Orlan was a wee youngling investigator fresh from the academy, they were lovers but their relationship was cut short on their way to the alter of marrage, when the Raven Queen recalled Daewen back to the Shadowfell. They haven't seen each other since, but the longing apparently remained ever present...
Link to character sheet: Here
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
I’ve never heard it called a spiral campaign, but I’ve used the technique myself a few times. It’s a great collective world building process. I also happen to love snow/ice campaigns
My submission takes some liberties that I’d be more than open to modify. But take a gander:
Azeroth Hrimthar
Class: Arcane Trickster Rogue
Race: Tiefling
Stats: Ability scores: 13 17 7 15 14 17
Debt/Favor to Orlan: Azeroth owes Orlan a life debt after the retired investigator saved him from an ambush during a botched smuggling delivery in the harsh Snowsong Valley. Azeroth was left for dead, losing his arm to frostbite in the process. Orlan's timely intervention saved his life and earned Azeroth's loyalty.
Character Traits:
1. Resourceful Smuggler: Azeroth's crafty nature and rogue abilities make him an excellent smuggler, known for his ability to navigate treacherous terrain and outwit authorities.
2. Streetwise and Charismatic: He has a charming demeanor and silver tongue, allowing him to make connections and negotiate deals even in the most dangerous of situations.
3. Determined Survivor: Azeroth's loss of an arm and the harrowing experience he went through have only strengthened his determination to overcome challenges and continue his life of adventure.
4. Mechanical Prodigy: After losing his arm, Azeroth crafted a custom prosthetic arm for himself, which he has infused with intricate clockwork mechanisms. It's both functional and a work of art.
5. Pragmatic Idealist: He understands the necessity of breaking the rules to survive as a smuggler but maintains a strong sense of justice and a belief that every action, even underhanded ones, should serve a greater purpose.
Appearance and Dress:
Azeroth's striking appearance is accentuated by his pure white skin, silver eyes, and the pair of black horns curling back from his forehead. He dresses in layers of dark, well-worn clothing, trimmed with white rabbit and wolf fur. His rogue's tools are discreetly hidden beneath his attire. His prosthetic arm, made of a mix of metal and intricately carved wood, is both functional and artistic.
Unique Hobby/Habit:
Azeroth has a fascination with intricate mechanisms and spends his spare time crafting and tinkering. He's known to create small clockwork trinkets and gadgets that have practical uses in his smuggling endeavors.
Core Beliefs:
Azeroth believes in freedom and self-determination. He sees himself as a guardian of balance in a world of power struggles and believes that sometimes, a little chaos can be a catalyst for positive change.
Friendships, Rivalries, and Romances:
Azeroth maintains a close friendship with Orlan, who not only saved his life but also offers valuable advice and guidance when it comes to investigating mysteries and dangers within the realm. He has a rivalry with a cunning bounty hunter named Kael, who has a knack for tracking him down across the valley. Azeroth's romantic interests are intertwined with Selene, the enigmatic rogue who shares his adventurous spirit.
Unique Personal Goal:
Azeroth's ultimate goal is to amass enough wealth and resources through his smuggling ventures to establish a safe haven for those who live on the fringes of society. He wants to provide a place where they can escape the clutches of oppressive authorities and dangerous criminal organizations.
Azeroth comes from an arctic Norse-inspired culture called Hrimthar (human), which is a product of a land that embraces the chilling touch of winter. His people's way of life revolves around the survival and harmony in the midst of the frozen wilderness.
**Culture:**
The Hrimthar culture thrives in settlements built of sturdy, timber-framed structures covered in insulating hides and fur, designed to withstand the frigid conditions. They are a hardy people, skilled in hunting, fishing, and trading, all of which are essential for their subsistence. The society places great value on storytelling and communal gatherings, where they share heroic tales and ancient legends that highlight the unbreakable bond between their community and the elements.
**Religion:**
The Hrimthar people practice a spiritual belief system centered around the spirits of winter, ice, and the natural world. They honor deities that personify the cold, such as Skadi, the Winter Huntress, who symbolizes endurance and adaptability, and Thrym, the Frost King, who embodies the strength of ice and the depths of winter. Rituals and offerings are made to these deities in an effort to appease them and ensure a harmonious relationship with the elements.
**Tiefling Heritage:**
Azeroth finds himself simultaneously embraced and yet distanced by his people due to his unique Tiefling heritage. His white skin and deep midnight blue hair mark him as a distinct individual, but it's his innate ability to manipulate cold magic that sets him further apart.
**Outsider Status:**
While not subject to outright hostility, Azeroth's Tiefling heritage and his cold manipulation abilities cause him to be a mysterious enigma among his people. The Hrimthar, deeply connected to their natural surroundings, struggle to comprehend his magical talents, which seem at odds with their reverence for ice spirits. Some view his abilities with awe, others with unease, but most are uncertain how to interpret his role in their tightly woven community.
**Misunderstood Gift:**
His ability to control cold magic, despite its affinity with their environment, is seen as an unpredictable and unnatural force. The Hrimthar people, who have developed a profound symbiotic relationship with the cold and ice, cannot easily fathom how Azeroth's powers fit into their worldview. This lack of understanding places Azeroth in a unique position; revered for his lineage and contributions, yet alienated due to the unfamiliar nature of his gifts.
**Personal Struggle:**
Azeroth grapples with his status as an outsider within the culture that raised him. He seeks to uncover his place in a community where even his close friends and family view him with a mix of curiosity and concern. His journey of self-discovery is not only about embracing his unique abilities but also about finding ways to bridge the gap between his Tiefling heritage and the expectations of his people.
Azeroth's story becomes a tale of resilience and acceptance, not just for himself, but for those who struggle to comprehend his existence. His interactions and the choices he makes help shape a new understanding of the harmony that can exist between seemingly contrasting forces, all within the cold embrace of the Hrimthar culture.
Backstory
If it weren't for Orlan, I would have lost more than my arm. I would have lost my life that fateful night in the Snowsong Valley. The ambush left me broken, wounded, and left for dead in the freezing snow. I had always been an outsider among the Hrimthar people, marked by my white skin and deep blue hair, a stark contrast to their rugged appearances. But it was my innate ability to manipulate cold magic that truly set me apart.
I grew up hearing whispers, both of awe and apprehension, about my powers. Some saw them as an affront to our connection with the ice spirits, others as a testament to the balance between warmth and cold in our land. As I honed my skills, I realized that the only way to prove my worth and carve a place for myself was to utilize my talents to their fullest extent.
So, I became the best smuggler in the Snowsong Valley. Navigating the treacherous terrain, I relied on my magic to weave through snowstorms and evade authorities. I was both admired and shunned for my abilities, but I thrived on the freedom and control my role provided. Yet, even the best can be caught off guard.
One such instance almost cost me my life. If it weren't for Orlan, I would be a memory buried beneath the snow. His timely intervention saved me from a band of ruthless mercenaries, and his unexpected kindness led to a debt I could never repay. My prosthetic arm, an intricate fusion of clockwork and magic, bears testament to my debt to him.
Despite my success, I remained haunted by the feeling of being an outsider, never truly understood by my people. When Orlan approached me with tales of a dark cult and a thousand-year-old vengeance, something stirred within me. The prospect of being part of a mission that could unravel mysteries and bridge gaps drew me in.
Perhaps it was the excitement of the unknown or the potential to finally find a purpose beyond being a smuggler. Or maybe it was the chance to stand on equal footing with Orlan, to prove myself worthy of his trust. Whatever the reason, I saw an opportunity to align my skills with a noble cause, and if fate smiled upon me, to mend the divide between my Tiefling heritage and the traditions of the Hrimthar.
So, with Orlan's mission as my compass, I ventured forth into the depths of the Snowsong Valley, a land where ice and shadows hid secrets that could reshape the fate of our realm.
Writer • Podcaster • Professional Gamemaster
playing Jin Wei, human (Kara-tur) way of the Four Elements Monk in the Princes of the Apocalypse
Ability scores: 7 13 15 16 15 16.
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Ability scores: 15 15 14 9 14 10
I think I'll submit an old character of mine. The campaign she was in unfortunately fizzled out, but I'd love the opportunity to get to play her again! :)
Name: Sylnora Vülinn
Race: Half-Elf
Class: Paladin\Sorcerer
Background: Far Traveler
Sylnora hails from a enclave of moon-elves that reside within a secluded area of the Adisan Empire. As subjects of the empire they are reclusive, paying taxes in whatever form the nobles deem necessary, but otherwise keeping their interactions with the rest of the nation to a minimum. There are exceptions of course, and her birth was the consequence of such an exception, when her mother left the conclave for a period of years to get a taste of adventure. By the time she was born, her mother had returned to the conclave, raising her entirely within the elven culture. Growing up she was found to have an affinity for both spell and blade, and was trained for such.
Though she never faced outright hostility or rejection due to her dual heritage, she always felt a pressure to prove her worth to the enclave, sometimes taking on tasks far beyond her ability. When her mother received a mysterious message asking for help from an old acquaintance by the name of Orlan, Syl took it upon herself to take up the call in her stead. It took some time, but in secret she prepared her belongings for the journey and left a note before sneaking her way out, hitting the open road in earnest for the Snowsong Valley.
Character Name: Victor Berrios
Race: Variant Human (Observant Feat)
Class: Warlock (Great Old One) (Pact of the Tome)
Background: Sage
Backstory: Victor looked at the message from Orlan with growing excitement. Something was amiss in the Snowsong. Of course he would go, he was in Orlan’s debt. You could say Orlan gave him his second act in life and made him the man he was today. He patted a heavy bound book by his side. He was a simple researcher, professor and collector of antiquities when Orlan helped him recover some artifacts and writings stolen from the university archives. When they recovered the items, Victor also discovered the book among the thieves' spoils. The book opened up his mind to infinite possibilities and mysteries of the world and universes beyond it and held secrets of unknown power. He was still learning to make sense of it all, but was sure that it told of a secret, long-lost civilization that pre-dated any known histories. Excited to study the secrets of this civilization, he received support for several expeditions across the Adison Empire and the Snowsong Valley. All of which ended in abject failure. Ridiculed by his fellow academics, he lost his teaching position in the academy and was widely discredited as a charlatan and fraud for continuing to put forth his theories. But he would show them, he would find the proof he needed someday. But first, he would go help Orlan. Vic was familiar with the valley from his previous expeditions and was sure that was why the old investigator sent for him, and if this also put him back on the trail of his studies, so much the better. He hurried to go pack.
Character Name | Krizira Holdi
Race | Wood Half-Elf
Class | Fighter (Arcane Archer)
Background | Faction Agent
Backstory | Krizira doesn't really remember much of her family, other than a few vague, hazy images. All she knows is that some sudden incident destroyed her family and Orlan was the one that managed to get her to safety. He found her a home with the elves that lived in relative seclusion in the higher reaches of the Valley. While they were a family of sorts, none ever seemed to hint that she was an actual relative. Over time she learned to navigate the wilds as they did and became proficient at sword and bow.
It turns out the group that had taken Krizira in was a part of an organization called the Enchanted Blossom. Upon coming of age, she joined the group herself, mostly being eyes and ears for the group, usually out in the wilderness. She has been known to visit a few small towns here and there as needed. But her restless nature meant those stays were generally brief. Over the years she kept in touch with Orlan. Thus, when Orlan called her to do a favor, she didn't hesitate to respond.
(I basically invented a Faction to belong to, so hopefully that was okay. I'm open to adjusting as needed to fit the setting.)
Character Sheet: Krizira Holdi
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Sounds like a super committed, story-rich campaign. Would love to be a part of it!
Ability scores: 13 12 15 13 15 14
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Character Name | Hattori Hanzo
- Race | Human
- Class | Fighter (Samurai): Hattori Hanzo's Character Sheet - D&D Beyond (dndbeyond.com)
- Background | Knight of the Order
- Backstory | Born the son of Hattori Hanzō Yasunaga, a minor samurai in the service of the Matsudaiara, then Tokugawa Clan. He would earn the nickname Demon Hanzo because of the fearless tactics he displayed in his operations. At the age of 16, his first battle was a nighttime attack during the siege of Udo Castle. He now serves on the personal guard of the Tokugawa.
What does he owe Orlan: A favor-Hanzo had been dispatched by his lord to track down a stolen heirloom vase that was worth a considerable amount, as well as a family connection. As Hanzo was not well versed in the region and the people, he heard of Oraln the investigator to help him track down the vase. Orlan had learned it was being auctioned off at a thief's den in a small town. Hanzo and Orlan were able to infiltrate the sale and were able to retrieve the vase without drawing attention to either of them. When Hanzo had the vase, as an honorable Samurai, hoe he could repay Orlan. Orlan, the modest man that he was, simply stated "there will be a time when I have a great need. When that arises, I will send you a message." Hanzo received that message, and now travels to meet with Orlan.
Ability scores: 12 15 16 16 14 18
Ability Scores: 11 15 14 15 12 14
Ability scores: 16 15 16 17 18 14
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
- Character Name | Ezra
- Race | Variant Human
- Class | Monk (Open Hand)
- Background | Hermit
- Backstory | Ezra had spent his young life time learning to hone his mind and body. He was attacked in his hermitage by some bandits and Orlan helped drive them off and bring them to justice. Ezra vowed to assist Orlan if he ever needed it. Ezra is an older human, semi-retired himself, after rejoining the world. He lost his wife to illness not too long ago and their kids have left the home. Upon hearing Orlan's call Ezra realized it was time to finally act on the world to make a difference, and set out to do just that.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/106385782/lrNXFZ
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Ability scores: 14 12 7 12 15 13
- Character Name | Verel Frostflower (Character Sheet: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/106370985)
- Race | Wood Elf
- Class | Monk
- Background | Hermit
- Backstory | (specifically, why do you owe Orlan a favor or debt?)
I was born among the Elurra, a tribe of Wood Elves that haunt the primordial forests covering Icemist Peak, the highest point in the mountains surrounding Snowsong Valley.
Following a failed attempt to challenge our Estro (Chief) for leadership, my father was banished. We were driven from our home into the frozen wilderness, where we were ambushed by allies of the Estro’s son, hoping to finish the job. I was the only member of my family to survive.
By some grace, I found shelter in an abandoned dwarven mine filled with ample supplies and a large library. I dove into the texts, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of my place in the world. To keep myself sane I trained my body and mind over the years, spending long periods of time in deep meditation. I developed my own relationship with the natural flow of the universe, which the books called the “Ki”…
In my isolated studies, the borders between true insight and self-generated delusion were… porous. While I developed a keen empathy for all living things, my misdirected trauma led me to the conviction that some great evil threatened the world… An evil that only I can destroy.
I begged the universe to deliver the means to fulfil lmy place in the universe. So it was that the investigator Orlan found me, years before his retirement, while investigating the fate of the lost dwarven mine. He offered to bring me back to his home and help teach me how to reintegrate into common society. For years I made an effort, but the overwhelming bustle of mortal society was too much for me to handle.
I returned to the wilderness along the river lands to resume my meditation for another few decades… until Orlan tracked me down, asking for a favor.
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Using Point Buy
Name: Emil Snowsworn
Race: Variant Human
Class: Artificer/Alchemist
Background: Hermit
Backstory: Emil came from an aristocratic family known for there feats of engineering. It was not a loving home, but a demanding one where excellence is expected. As the third child she was often overshadowed by her siblings Maten and Kaya. Emil buried her self in her studies and concoctions. While searching for new ingredients she came to the aid of a injured man who turns out to be a noble. Soon she was lavished with attention and gifts. There was even talk of a possible marriage match when she came of age. Unbeknownst to Emil, her siblings was plotting her downfall and sent an assassin. On one of her errands Emil would have died if Orlan did not step in to help her escape. Even when faced with such a threat, Emil could not bring herself to retaliate or to oust them from their home. She decided to leave her home and set up a new life for herself. Soon she parted ways with Orlan profusely thanking him and promising him she would repay him one day. Since then she works at a small apothecary in a small reclusive town far from any city, until she received a letter from Orlan. Emil dropped everything and soon set out to join Orlan's investigative expedition.
Ability scores: 16 15 13 16 15 14
Name: Adrymarchios
Race: Tiefling (Winged)
Class: Warlock (Hexblade)
Background: Spy
Backstory: Many years ago the young investigator Orlan had come across an insidious threat to the Adisian Empire posed by a secretive cult devoted to the demon lord Fraz-Urb'luu. In his desperation to unveil this cult that had already infiltrated many layers of the Adisian power structure, Orlan turned to what he considered the lesser evil, striking a bargain with the archdevil Adramalech who sent a lesser servant to strike a blow against the forces of chaos in the eternal blood war, now using the Adisian Empire as battlefield. The servant, Adrymarchios, at first resented being sent away from Nessus to serve a mere mortal, but as he used his infernal powers to aid Orlan in exposing the insidious demonic cult, he grew fond of the freedom he had gained far away from the chains of hell. As his mission came to a conclusion Adrymarchios made a bargain with Orlan. The investigator convinced Adramalech to let his servant stay to keep an eye on the realms, making sure to thwart any schemes of chaos and corruption, making sure strict law would rule the empire. So it was decided that Adrymarchios would be allowed to stay on, posing as a mere tiefling, assuming he could continously prove his worth to his master. Eventually Adrymarchios parted ways with the investigator Orlan and travelled the empire, enjoying himself to the fullest while making a living as an investigator of the occult, exposing chaos and corruption wherever he found it, exacting just and lawful punishment when needed. Recently Orlan has called upon his service again and Adrymarchios finds himself journeying north to the secluded Snowsong Valley to finally repay his debt to the now retired investigator.
Adrymarchios
Ability scores: 14 15 17 14 7 8
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Name: Xarian Harkes (<-- link to dndbeyond character sheet)
Race: Custom Lineage (Tasha's) - mixed race, with a one goliath and one elven grandparent
Class: Fighter (1) / Wizard (2) (Subclass: War Magic)
Background: Soldier
Backstory: See (first) spoiler below.
Another lost cause, this one. Or so Xarian had thought.
For some reason, he had stood up to the bully this time. The big man. Gerrard Borresquieu, the son of the captain and looking every bit the part, had been laying into another sparring yard victim with his greatsword. This time, the sacrificial lamb had been Timothy, the chandler's son. One of Xarian's few friends. How the big man had laughed when Timothy, bruised and bleeding beyond reason for a friendly bout among guardsmen, had lain face-down in the mud, unable to rise. Xarian Harkes found himself standing up.
Why, he could not say, exactly. Xarian's father had been a passing half-goliath adventurer from the mountains and his half-elven mother... his mother had been the kind of person that passing visitors paid a visit to often. Locals too, from the snickering at the Inn. Why Orlan had pulled him out of the dirt as a boy and paid to enroll him in scholarly pursuits or training at arms, Xarian would never know.
By all rights, he should have kept poring through his tattered book with its symbols and sigils, attempting use a pair of lodestones to mend his torn breeches. Arcane mumbling... halting and uncertain. Xarian did have a maul to match Borresquieu's greatsword, aye, and nearly the stature and strength as well. But less experience, training or bloodlust. And far less status of birth. Even if he won against Gerrard somehow, it would come out as a loss after the abuse he would take in the weeks to follow. Then again, he was probably not going to win.
But up he stood against all good reason, striding out into the yard as Gerrard's blocky face broadened into its customary grin, stupid and cruel. Next victim up. Xarian helped Timothy stand and hobble away, then turned to face the big man, remembering his technique, remembering his footwork.
It was not going to be enough. Not against someone of Borresquieu's skill and ferocity. As maul clashed with greatsword and onlookers shouted, Xarian retreated a step, then three more, parrying and countering for all he was worth. Even scoring a glancing blow that turned the big man's face red with surprise and anger as Xarian's owl, Ash flapped her wings in Gerrard's face and the captain's son was briefly pushed back.
Almost.. almost... Xarian gestured frantically and booming blue energy began to sheathe his opponent, but fizzled before it could coalesce. Ducking the big man's counterattack, he fell back hastily and set his stance again, gritting his teeth.
Everyone knew it could not last. Gerrard Borresquieu had a mountain's weight of training, cruelty and far superior parentage. The comfort and confidence of someone who knew his place in life as sure as the autumn snows in the Snowsong Valley. As the first flakes began to fall, the big man feinted right, then slipped past Xarian's parry, which came a split second too late this time. Gerrard's flat-arced swing was not a sparring blow, but one to break ribs. Maybe crush a lung or kidney. Kill, even.
Borresquieu grinned once again in anticipation. And then roared suddenly in surprise. A strange, blue arcane shield turned the blade aside as Xarian desperately splayed his fingers in a warding gesture, off balance and falling backward, hardly understanding what he was doing.
Disgusted, Gerrard spat hard. "WHY DON'T YOU BLOODY GO BACK TO THAT POINTY HAT, BOOK-FONDLING MAGICIAN'S ACADEMY OR GO HIDE UNDER OLD ORLAN'S ROBES YOU POX-RIDDEN HALF-BREED SON OF AN ACTUAL WHORE! THE SPARRING YARD IS NO BLOODY PLACE FOR MAGIC!"
And so Xarian had. Gone back to see Orlan, that is. Once he was able to move again after the beating that Borresquieu had proceeded to lay on him.
He just hadn't expected what Orlan would ask of him next.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk