Nestled along the River Uddson is the small city of Rimet Falls. This is where your adventure begins.
The door to the Barking Bird opens, and in walks a short man in a simple, but elegant robe. He tacks a piece of paper to the wall and leaves the tavern, without a word or a glance.
As the door closes, glasses clatter, silverware clinks, and talking all but ends, as the other patron's stand and approach the poster, curious, hungry...
Hello Everyone!
I have a one shot I've run for friends and would like to run it here as a PBP. We ran through it in one session, so it shouldn't be too long. (We can all guess how long it will take when we start!).
The focus is combat/exploration and then role playing, but I welcome as much role playing as the party wants, as that is where PBP can shine, IMO.
Rules:
Level: 1
Rules: 2014 rules, any official material is fine, including Tasha's tweaks. (Note I do not own any books on DNDbeyond myself)
Rolls: Standard Array or Point Buy (No rolling)
No Homebrew
I will roll initiatives as it keeps PBP moving faster. (Fine changing this when we get started if preferred)
Expectations:
Post once per day
Able to commit for the entire (short) adventure.
Beginners are very welcome.
I'm not opposed to running two groups if there is enough interest.
Application:
Character link (make sure its public)
Name
Species/Race
Class
Backstory: Can be as simple or as complex as you want it. As long as you're in the Barking Bird when the notice appears.
Portia grew up in a small hamlet far to the East. Unlike most of her community, she wasn't content with staying in one place, living a simple contented life. One day, curious to know what lay beyond the local area she volunteered to travel with one of the trader caravans that occasionally passed through. Enthralled by what she had seen on the way, she left the caravan and continued to travel. She's sitting in the Barking Bird, wondering where to go next when a figure pins up a notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------
As you look around you notice that in the corner sits a halfling. Just an ordinary halfling you think as you continue to scan the crowd, but then your mind registers that something is different, and you turn your attention back to her. As you look a little more closely you realise that her attire looks normal, but at the same time looks unusual. The same with her features, she manages to look like just another halfling whilst also not looking like any other halfling you know. Noticing your attention she makes a point of rolling her eyes before she speaks. “Yes, I’m a halfling” she says in a very unusual accent. “and yes, I look different; and yes I sound different; and yes I’m not from around here.”
“But don’t let it bother you” she laughs “I don’t”
She gives a little wave and smiles “I’m Portia, nice to meet you.”
Dragen is a local guide and a "Groom" (person who takes care of the horses) at the Barking Bird. He keeps to himself so not much more is known about him.
Portia hails from one of the halfling enclaves in Damara and has been travelling for several years. When asked for anything more specific she tends to go quiet or change the subject.
Backstory is just a starting point for now, I'll expand it later.
Hi! Can you make Portia's character sheet public please? thanks!
Grommok earned the nickname "Two-Thought" because his mind always holds exactly two ideas at once—one about whatever's happening around him and one about something completely unrelated. This means he can be fearsome in battle while also wondering why birds don’t get tired from flying. He grew up in a small frontier village where his human mother taught him that solving problems with fists wasn’t always the best approach. He took that to heart… sort of. Now, before smashing something, Grommok tries to think of a clever solution. Unfortunately, his "clever solutions" often involve things like trying to out-stare a basilisk or convincing a locked door to open by reasoning with it. Though not the sharpest axe in the armory, Grommok has a good heart and an oddly philosophical side. He once spent an entire night contemplating why bread isn’t considered meat, only to forget his conclusion by morning. He fights fiercely for his friends, but he’s just as likely to stop mid-battle to ask a deep (but dumb) question like, "If I bite a ghost, do I eat soul?" Despite his lack of intellect, Grommok's strength and loyalty have carried him far. Now, he wanders the world in search of adventure, wisdom (however much he can hold at once), and answers to life’s biggest mysteries—like why people keep laughing when he proudly explains his latest "smart plan." Most recently, he has wondered into a lively tavern called the "Barking Bird".
Hi, I'm extremely new (this is my first time in any PBP or DND games) but excited if I get to participate! I'm willing to learn so please tell me... anything really lol
Born into a noble heritage with rule not so noble, Gelidus's heart could've forever stayed cold if it weren't for Lili-ith. That girl taught them kindness and introduced them to a God that they came to worship. Their friendship, though long-lasting, was shattered when Gelidus’s kin discovered it. It was also on that day that they felt the blessings of the God they believed in, granting them the courage to escape the life of rulership. A new beginning awaited as they approached the end of their road, a tavern in the distance...
Li Zhao 丽赵’s beginnings were written in the shadows of the Eastern Wastes—a barren, lawless stretch where only the cunning survived. Abandoned as a child, he was taken in by a covert network of thieves and assassins who taught him the delicate art of vanishing into darkness and reappearing where least expected. His aptitude earned him a reputation; in whispers, his name became synonymous with both mystery and betrayal.
As he grew, the line between loyalty and self-preservation blurred. Under the tutelage of a master whose lessons were as cruel as they were clever, Li Zhao learned that trust was a luxury and every alliance hid the seed of treachery. A bitter betrayal by the very man who raised him left deep scars, forcing him to sever ties with his past and wander through a tapestry of cities where every shadow held danger and every whisper promised opportunity.
Eventually, his restless journey brought him to Rimet Falls—a modest city nestled along the River Uddson, where the cadence of life slowed just enough for those seeking a fresh start. In the low light of the Barking Bird tavern, as murmurs died away and eyes fixed on a solitary notice, Li Zhao sensed fate stirring. The cryptic call read:
"The church of Orea Needs Guards! Four days of work, 40 gold pieces. Interested guardians, be at the church tomorrow, one hour after sun up!"
For a man who’d danced with danger all his life, this was more than a mere job offer—it was a crossroads. Guard duty might seem mundane, but for Li Zhao, every task was an opportunity to forge a new identity. Perhaps within the Church of Orea lay secrets capable of redeeming his tarnished past, or at the very least, a chance to outwit those who hunted him.
Without hesitation, the rogue’s mind raced with possibilities. Rimet Falls, with its unassuming streets and hidden intrigues, might just be the stage where Li Zhao finally reclaims a semblance of honor from the life he’d once known only as survival.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
My top 3 answers: "You can try to do that." "No, that does not mean I like pans." "Yes, I am pansexual."
Starting equipment or rolling for gold are both fine by me.
Since its a one level, one shot, how you set your experience won't matter. If we end up moving to another adventure after this, we'll milestone up to level 2.
Right now, I see five-character sheets in the thread, which would be one group. If we get 3+ more, I can run two groups. I would want 4 per group minimum.
Tool. A weird name, even for a kenku. It was given to them by their master - a small crime lord. Tool's incredibly memory and mimicry was used extensively by the crime lord, making them a very effective tool. They were brought along to memorize meetings, placed discretely among gossiping nobles to gather info, etc. That was until Tool heard something they shouldn't have.
Tool accidentally heard their master's vile plan. A plan that'll take the lives of countless innocent lives for his own selfish wants. They had to tell someone. So, they did. Tool told the local city watch all they heard of their master's plan. Thankfully, the plan was thwarted, but their master escaped justice.
So, they fled the city, knowing their master will hunt them down for revenge.
Now, Tool's arrived at the Barking Bird tavern. Ready to start their new life away from the clutches of their old master.
Backstory: Cremine grew up on the streets of Rimet Falls as an orphan, his mother tried her best to make money but prices went up and her pay went down. Eventually she had to find a different city to live in and when the day came that they would leave, Cremine was left behind by accident. Forced to grow up without a mother or a father (His father was murdered by a higher-class noble who believed him to be a criminal.), he began to train in the arts of theft. He was on a mission to steal from a noble at the Barking Bird tavern when he saw the notice…
Two Simple Deliveries
Nestled along the River Uddson is the small city of Rimet Falls. This is where your adventure begins.
The door to the Barking Bird opens, and in walks a short man in a simple, but elegant robe. He tacks a piece of paper to the wall and leaves the tavern, without a word or a glance.
Portia Thornleaf
Lightfoot Halfling
Rogue
Portia grew up in a small hamlet far to the East. Unlike most of her community, she wasn't content with staying in one place, living a simple contented life. One day, curious to know what lay beyond the local area she volunteered to travel with one of the trader caravans that occasionally passed through. Enthralled by what she had seen on the way, she left the caravan and continued to travel. She's sitting in the Barking Bird, wondering where to go next when a figure pins up a notice.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
As you look around you notice that in the corner sits a halfling. Just an ordinary halfling you think as you continue to scan the crowd, but then your mind registers that something is different, and you turn your attention back to her.
As you look a little more closely you realise that her attire looks normal, but at the same time looks unusual. The same with her features, she manages to look like just another halfling whilst also not looking like any other halfling you know.
Noticing your attention she makes a point of rolling her eyes before she speaks.
“Yes, I’m a halfling” she says in a very unusual accent.
“and yes, I look different;
and yes I sound different;
and yes I’m not from around here.”
“But don’t let it bother you” she laughs “I don’t”
She gives a little wave and smiles “I’m Portia, nice to meet you.”
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Kyreth 'Guile' Rolthar - Tiefling Monk
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/143916570/iPtEWr
Dragen Bristletoes
Halfling (2024 rules)
Ranger
Dragen is a local guide and a "Groom" (person who takes care of the horses) at the Barking Bird. He keeps to himself so not much more is known about him.
Hi! Can you make Portia's character sheet public please? thanks!
Hi! I'm interested! Just so you know, I am still working improved role-playing.
Here's my character : Grommok "Two-Thought"
Half - Orc
Barbarian
Backstory
Grommok earned the nickname "Two-Thought" because his mind always holds exactly two ideas at once—one about whatever's happening around him and one about something completely unrelated. This means he can be fearsome in battle while also wondering why birds don’t get tired from flying. He grew up in a small frontier village where his human mother taught him that solving problems with fists wasn’t always the best approach. He took that to heart… sort of. Now, before smashing something, Grommok tries to think of a clever solution. Unfortunately, his "clever solutions" often involve things like trying to out-stare a basilisk or convincing a locked door to open by reasoning with it. Though not the sharpest axe in the armory, Grommok has a good heart and an oddly philosophical side. He once spent an entire night contemplating why bread isn’t considered meat, only to forget his conclusion by morning. He fights fiercely for his friends, but he’s just as likely to stop mid-battle to ask a deep (but dumb) question like, "If I bite a ghost, do I eat soul?" Despite his lack of intellect, Grommok's strength and loyalty have carried him far. Now, he wanders the world in search of adventure, wisdom (however much he can hold at once), and answers to life’s biggest mysteries—like why people keep laughing when he proudly explains his latest "smart plan." Most recently, he has wondered into a lively tavern called the "Barking Bird".
"I cast Fireball."
"Are you sure you want to do that?"
"I cast Fireball."
"It's a 15 by 15 room."
"I said I cast Fireball."
It should be viewable now. I thought I'd set it public, but obviously not. Sorry 🤭
Story updated.
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Kyreth 'Guile' Rolthar - Tiefling Monk
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
hey i would like to join, when does it start? my character is a human fighter by the way.
I'll close recruitment on Sunday, so we'll start Sunday or Monday!
Hi, I'm extremely new (this is my first time in any PBP or DND games) but excited if I get to participate! I'm willing to learn so please tell me... anything really lol
Gelidus
Tiefling
Cleric
Born into a noble heritage with rule not so noble, Gelidus's heart could've forever stayed cold if it weren't for Lili-ith. That girl taught them kindness and introduced them to a God that they came to worship. Their friendship, though long-lasting, was shattered when Gelidus’s kin discovered it. It was also on that day that they felt the blessings of the God they believed in, granting them the courage to escape the life of rulership. A new beginning awaited as they approached the end of their road, a tavern in the distance...
Edit: quick painting of Gelidus :)
I'll set it to Milestones rn but what XP are we using?
rolling for gold ((5))?
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/144007797
Li Zhao
V. Human
Rogue
Li Zhao 丽赵’s beginnings were written in the shadows of the Eastern Wastes—a barren, lawless stretch where only the cunning survived. Abandoned as a child, he was taken in by a covert network of thieves and assassins who taught him the delicate art of vanishing into darkness and reappearing where least expected. His aptitude earned him a reputation; in whispers, his name became synonymous with both mystery and betrayal.
As he grew, the line between loyalty and self-preservation blurred. Under the tutelage of a master whose lessons were as cruel as they were clever, Li Zhao learned that trust was a luxury and every alliance hid the seed of treachery. A bitter betrayal by the very man who raised him left deep scars, forcing him to sever ties with his past and wander through a tapestry of cities where every shadow held danger and every whisper promised opportunity.
Eventually, his restless journey brought him to Rimet Falls—a modest city nestled along the River Uddson, where the cadence of life slowed just enough for those seeking a fresh start. In the low light of the Barking Bird tavern, as murmurs died away and eyes fixed on a solitary notice, Li Zhao sensed fate stirring. The cryptic call read:
"The church of Orea Needs Guards! Four days of work, 40 gold pieces. Interested guardians, be at the church tomorrow, one hour after sun up!"
For a man who’d danced with danger all his life, this was more than a mere job offer—it was a crossroads. Guard duty might seem mundane, but for Li Zhao, every task was an opportunity to forge a new identity. Perhaps within the Church of Orea lay secrets capable of redeeming his tarnished past, or at the very least, a chance to outwit those who hunted him.
Without hesitation, the rogue’s mind raced with possibilities. Rimet Falls, with its unassuming streets and hidden intrigues, might just be the stage where Li Zhao finally reclaims a semblance of honor from the life he’d once known only as survival.
My top 3 answers: "You can try to do that." "No, that does not mean I like pans." "Yes, I am pansexual."
Rubik's PR: 18.05 Ao5: 21.49 Ao12: 24.35 Ao100: 27.97
Starting equipment or rolling for gold are both fine by me.
Since its a one level, one shot, how you set your experience won't matter. If we end up moving to another adventure after this, we'll milestone up to level 2.
Are you thinking to run two groups or one at this point?
"I cast Fireball."
"Are you sure you want to do that?"
"I cast Fireball."
"It's a 15 by 15 room."
"I said I cast Fireball."
Right now, I see five-character sheets in the thread, which would be one group. If we get 3+ more, I can run two groups. I would want 4 per group minimum.
NP! thanks, loads fine!
Character Sheet / https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1G7FTfp4vMz9x4JVLUVc1NnxfDzbn6G521EUpFI36Muk/edit?usp=sharing
Tool, the Kenku Wizard
Tool. A weird name, even for a kenku. It was given to them by their master - a small crime lord. Tool's incredibly memory and mimicry was used extensively by the crime lord, making them a very effective tool. They were brought along to memorize meetings, placed discretely among gossiping nobles to gather info, etc. That was until Tool heard something they shouldn't have.
Tool accidentally heard their master's vile plan. A plan that'll take the lives of countless innocent lives for his own selfish wants. They had to tell someone. So, they did. Tool told the local city watch all they heard of their master's plan. Thankfully, the plan was thwarted, but their master escaped justice.
So, they fled the city, knowing their master will hunt them down for revenge.
Now, Tool's arrived at the Barking Bird tavern. Ready to start their new life away from the clutches of their old master.
Tool, the Kenku Wizard
I love your painting!
Tool, the Kenku Wizard
thank you!! :D
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/144013472
Cremine the Tiefling Rogue
Backstory: Cremine grew up on the streets of Rimet Falls as an orphan, his mother tried her best to make money but prices went up and her pay went down. Eventually she had to find a different city to live in and when the day came that they would leave, Cremine was left behind by accident. Forced to grow up without a mother or a father (His father was murdered by a higher-class noble who believed him to be a criminal.), he began to train in the arts of theft. He was on a mission to steal from a noble at the Barking Bird tavern when he saw the notice…
Sorry. I have no idea how to post images.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Are 2024 rules allowed or just 2014? I can work with either but I'm a very new player.. as in the last week