I'm working on a character concept for the stats I rolled, but if there's any more information that you'd like to give us, DM, about your homebrew world for building a backstory, I would be very grateful! I'd love to know more about the Bowen Empire, how it came to be, what jurisdiction the Emperor has over our little northern outpost (or how much of that is only in name due to the remoteness of the border), what other factions might be in play, what kind of churches or religions are sanctioned or popular and which ones aren't, how is magic viewed in the world, is it rare, is it common, etc...
Here is a quick and dirty run down
The Bowen Empire, as a name, is one of the oldest standing empires, though modern day Bowen Empire is disconnected from the original empire. The original Bowen Empire was created by the merging of nomadic clans, who fled north to the extreme colds from demons and devils in the 1st Era. Modern day Bowen Empire was formed in the 3rd Era after rediscovery of Noubourg City. Noubourg City is a 2nd Era city that was destroyed in the 3rd Era along with the rest of the Wesekilia. Ultimately rebuilt in the 4th Era. The Crown has power on paper over The Last Hearth. However, due to the distance from Noubourg City, it's actually ruled by the Warden of the North, who resides in a small hamlet two days south. The Warden holds all the power in the outpost, and the Crown has little to no interest, unless truly threatening word makes it way. The Bowen Empire is the northern most power on Aelira, The Last Hearth is stationed roughly halfway from the border to the northern frozen ocean. Roughly half the empire is an unexplored tundra wasteland that forms large glacial ice cliffs along the northern coast. Due to being situated technically in the middle of The Bowen Empire, no other kingdoms will have a presence in this adventure. Magic users are fairly uncommon with the majority of them only being capable of casting simple cantrips, though magic is generally accepted in the civilized kingdoms. I don't have real rules on yes/no deities, churches, religions. I tend to play them pretty loose. I do allow all forgotten realms deities to be worshiped by players and I also have a 22 deity pantheon of my own that will be made available to players who get picked.
Torn from his family during a brutal border skirmish, young Jared was raised by a secretive guild of city-dwelling scavengers known as the "Whisper Nets." His early life was a grueling apprenticeship in urban survival—learning to pick locks before he could read and to navigate the complex social shadows of the capital. Though he became an adept spy and thief, proficient in disguises and deception, Jared never forgot the loss of his home, and now he uses the clandestine skills taught by the Whisper Nets to bring justice to those who can't defend themselves.
Having just finished finding some kidnapped children (they were actually only lost) he is taking it easy in warmth and comfort with a cool cup of tea and a biscuit.
edit - changed species and subclass because I couldn't resist.
I'm working on a character concept for the stats I rolled, but if there's any more information that you'd like to give us, DM, about your homebrew world for building a backstory, I would be very grateful! I'd love to know more about the Bowen Empire, how it came to be, what jurisdiction the Emperor has over our little northern outpost (or how much of that is only in name due to the remoteness of the border), what other factions might be in play, what kind of churches or religions are sanctioned or popular and which ones aren't, how is magic viewed in the world, is it rare, is it common, etc...
Here is a quick and dirty run down
The Bowen Empire, as a name, is one of the oldest standing empires, though modern day Bowen Empire is disconnected from the original empire. The original Bowen Empire was created by the merging of nomadic clans, who fled north to the extreme colds from demons and devils in the 1st Era. Modern day Bowen Empire was formed in the 3rd Era after rediscovery of Noubourg City. Noubourg City is a 2nd Era city that was destroyed in the 3rd Era along with the rest of the Wesekilia. Ultimately rebuilt in the 4th Era. The Crown has power on paper over The Last Hearth. However, due to the distance from Noubourg City, it's actually ruled by the Warden of the North, who resides in a small hamlet two days south. The Warden holds all the power in the outpost, and the Crown has little to no interest, unless truly threatening word makes it way. The Bowen Empire is the northern most power on Aelira, The Last Hearth is stationed roughly halfway from the border to the northern frozen ocean. Roughly half the empire is an unexplored tundra wasteland that forms large glacial ice cliffs along the northern coast. Due to being situated technically in the middle of The Bowen Empire, no other kingdoms will have a presence in this adventure. Magic users are fairly uncommon with the majority of them only being capable of casting simple cantrips, though magic is generally accepted in the civilized kingdoms. I don't have real rules on yes/no deities, churches, religions. I tend to play them pretty loose. I do allow all forgotten realms deities to be worshiped by players and I also have a 22 deity pantheon of my own that will be made available to players who get picked.
I've wanted to play a winter survival game for a long time! And in a homebrew world, even better! Rolling stats so I can start thinking about a character...
Ability scores: 121615171115
Name: Viletta Swiftfall Species: Human Class (Subclass): Rogue Scout Background: Knight of the Order Uncommon Magic Item: Cloak of Protection Backstory:
The small town of Swiftfall in Aelira is home to brave settlements, hardy people on the fringes of the Bowen Empire. Viletta grew up here, with a father who, though the thane of the region, thought himself no better than the common folk, spending himself to protect his townsfolk from wolves, bandits, and other threats. It was said he once slew a white dragon that threatened the town, though he made no epic tale of it, for it was done by poisoned javelins, not by any heroic charge. Nearly alone among the folk of Swiftfall, Father often expressed his loyalty to the Crown, though he often lamented the lack of protection and support from the Empire, and the hardship and misery this isolation brought on his people.
Viletta's mother was a witch of sorts, knowledgeable of a few cantrips, but always desiring more power. She was often absent, and Viletta as a consequence grew up with little feminine touch, helping her father and brothers in building barns and fortifications to protect livestock and homes, hunting for food, and riding patrols. It was a tragic day when Father broke the news that Mother had come to a bad end--meditating alone in her hut in her quest for power, she had become possessed by a demon. It was chilling news in a place that still told tales of the founding of the original Bowen Empire, the mighty heroes that had saved the tribes from the onslaught of demons and devils in the south. While this loss of her mother did not seem to affect Viletta much on the surface, her distrust of magic, and those who sought its power, remained deeply buried in her heart.
Perhaps this historical and supernatural threat made more of an impression on Viletta than the harsh environment and wild threats of the northern border, for when she came of age she traveled south to Noubourg City, intent on joining the Order of the Argent Vigil, one of the oldest knightly orders in the Bowen Empire, founded and re-founded throughout the eras to protect against demonic threats. Though not as strong or educated as many of the knights from the south, Viletta was skilled and hardy from her upbringing in the north, and showed herself highly useful in many a military campaign.
The Argent Vigil's annual task of scouting the entire northern border was a task most often assigned to her, as it closely matched her skillset, and she was far more suited than the southern knights to withstand the environment, but she never went back to Swiftfall, not just because of the pain of the memory of her mother, but because her "defection" to the south and to the Crown was never quite forgiven by the town.
Now, after scouting the western reaches, Viletta has stopped at the Last Hearth to rest and resupply before continuing her patrol.
(Any names or details can of course be changed if they do not fit the lore or setting!)
Name: Willow Species: Wood Elf Class (Subclass): Barbarian (Path of the World Tree) Background: Soldier Uncommon Magic Item: Adamantine Half Plate Backstory:
Willow was raised in the woods of the south. Her tribe was nomadic, hunting elk for meat, trading the furs for goods and services. When her father died, her and her brother got into a heated debate on who should inherit their family heirloom, a set of armor. Her brother claimed it was his as he was the first-born male. She claimed the right due to her martial prowess. As the argument escalated, she blacked out. Her rage had overtaken her and her brother was slain. Overtaken by grief, Willow fled. She was on the road for weeks before hearing of The Last Hearth. The frozen north sounded like a fine place to lose oneself and to learn how to control this hot rage of hers.
Interesting! What posting frequency will you want? Can't commit to daily, but can get on at least a couple times a week.
I knew I forgot something important. I do shoot for at least once a day posting or at least checking in - mainly because there will be a bit of combat in this adventure and pbps lose steam when the group has to wait extended periods of time for combat to progress.
In that case I withdraw my application ... I've regretfully been on both sides of the 'slowing the group down' thing as both DM and player, so I can definitely understand the need to keep things moving. BUt since i really like some of the character portraits OpenArtAI came up with for me, hope you don;t mind if I share a pic of Sanazira musing on what might have been as the interesting folks that she almost signed on to travel with prepare for and discuss their imminent departure for places unknown:
EDiT: your world sounds very interesting though. Are you planning on running other PbP threads set in Aelira that wouldn't be so combat-heavy, so that a couple times a week posting frequency might work better than in this one?
Name: Abishai Stromborne Species: Human Class (Subclass): Warrior (2024) Background: Champion Uncommon Magic Item: Alchemy Jug Backstory
You're a Bowen Empire guard that as been temporarily stationed at The Last Hearth.
Abishai is a guard who was sent to The Last Hearth after being reprimanded one too many times for indulging in excessive mead from the local breweries. His time here has been tough as he learns how to sober up and be a respectable guardsman. He has aspirations to be promoted one day and understands that he needs to prove himself to do so.
Here is a quick and dirty run down
The Bowen Empire, as a name, is one of the oldest standing empires, though modern day Bowen Empire is disconnected from the original empire.
The original Bowen Empire was created by the merging of nomadic clans, who fled north to the extreme colds from demons and devils in the 1st Era.
Modern day Bowen Empire was formed in the 3rd Era after rediscovery of Noubourg City.
Noubourg City is a 2nd Era city that was destroyed in the 3rd Era along with the rest of the Wesekilia. Ultimately rebuilt in the 4th Era.
The Crown has power on paper over The Last Hearth. However, due to the distance from Noubourg City, it's actually ruled by the Warden of the North, who resides in a small hamlet two days south. The Warden holds all the power in the outpost, and the Crown has little to no interest, unless truly threatening word makes it way.
The Bowen Empire is the northern most power on Aelira, The Last Hearth is stationed roughly halfway from the border to the northern frozen ocean. Roughly half the empire is an unexplored tundra wasteland that forms large glacial ice cliffs along the northern coast.
Due to being situated technically in the middle of The Bowen Empire, no other kingdoms will have a presence in this adventure.
Magic users are fairly uncommon with the majority of them only being capable of casting simple cantrips, though magic is generally accepted in the civilized kingdoms.
I don't have real rules on yes/no deities, churches, religions. I tend to play them pretty loose. I do allow all forgotten realms deities to be worshiped by players and I also have a 22 deity pantheon of my own that will be made available to players who get picked.
Placeholder
Ability scores: 11 13 14 12 10 16
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
Name: Jared Jaxson
Species: Thri-Kreen
Class (Subclass): Rogue 4 - Arachnoid Stalker
Background: Guide
Uncommon Magic Item: Ring of Warmth
Backstory
www.dndbeyond.com/characters/155428991/6MOCR2
Torn from his family during a brutal border skirmish, young Jared was raised by a secretive guild of city-dwelling scavengers known as the "Whisper Nets." His early life was a grueling apprenticeship in urban survival—learning to pick locks before he could read and to navigate the complex social shadows of the capital. Though he became an adept spy and thief, proficient in disguises and deception, Jared never forgot the loss of his home, and now he uses the clandestine skills taught by the Whisper Nets to bring justice to those who can't defend themselves.
Having just finished finding some kidnapped children (they were actually only lost) he is taking it easy in warmth and comfort with a cool cup of tea and a biscuit.
edit - changed species and subclass because I couldn't resist.
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
Awesome, thank you! I'll have my entry up soon.
Name: Viletta Swiftfall
Species: Human
Class (Subclass): Rogue Scout
Background: Knight of the Order
Uncommon Magic Item: Cloak of Protection
Backstory:
The small town of Swiftfall in Aelira is home to brave settlements, hardy people on the fringes of the Bowen Empire. Viletta grew up here, with a father who, though the thane of the region, thought himself no better than the common folk, spending himself to protect his townsfolk from wolves, bandits, and other threats. It was said he once slew a white dragon that threatened the town, though he made no epic tale of it, for it was done by poisoned javelins, not by any heroic charge. Nearly alone among the folk of Swiftfall, Father often expressed his loyalty to the Crown, though he often lamented the lack of protection and support from the Empire, and the hardship and misery this isolation brought on his people.
Viletta's mother was a witch of sorts, knowledgeable of a few cantrips, but always desiring more power. She was often absent, and Viletta as a consequence grew up with little feminine touch, helping her father and brothers in building barns and fortifications to protect livestock and homes, hunting for food, and riding patrols. It was a tragic day when Father broke the news that Mother had come to a bad end--meditating alone in her hut in her quest for power, she had become possessed by a demon. It was chilling news in a place that still told tales of the founding of the original Bowen Empire, the mighty heroes that had saved the tribes from the onslaught of demons and devils in the south. While this loss of her mother did not seem to affect Viletta much on the surface, her distrust of magic, and those who sought its power, remained deeply buried in her heart.
Perhaps this historical and supernatural threat made more of an impression on Viletta than the harsh environment and wild threats of the northern border, for when she came of age she traveled south to Noubourg City, intent on joining the Order of the Argent Vigil, one of the oldest knightly orders in the Bowen Empire, founded and re-founded throughout the eras to protect against demonic threats. Though not as strong or educated as many of the knights from the south, Viletta was skilled and hardy from her upbringing in the north, and showed herself highly useful in many a military campaign.
The Argent Vigil's annual task of scouting the entire northern border was a task most often assigned to her, as it closely matched her skillset, and she was far more suited than the southern knights to withstand the environment, but she never went back to Swiftfall, not just because of the pain of the memory of her mother, but because her "defection" to the south and to the Crown was never quite forgiven by the town.
Now, after scouting the western reaches, Viletta has stopped at the Last Hearth to rest and resupply before continuing her patrol.
(Any names or details can of course be changed if they do not fit the lore or setting!)
Name: Willow
Species: Wood Elf
Class (Subclass): Barbarian (Path of the World Tree)
Background: Soldier
Uncommon Magic Item: Adamantine Half Plate
Backstory:
Willow was raised in the woods of the south. Her tribe was nomadic, hunting elk for meat, trading the furs for goods and services. When her father died, her and her brother got into a heated debate on who should inherit their family heirloom, a set of armor. Her brother claimed it was his as he was the first-born male. She claimed the right due to her martial prowess. As the argument escalated, she blacked out. Her rage had overtaken her and her brother was slain. Overtaken by grief, Willow fled. She was on the road for weeks before hearing of The Last Hearth. The frozen north sounded like a fine place to lose oneself and to learn how to control this hot rage of hers.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/155434695
Ability scores: 12 11 16 16 13 18
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Ability scores: 10 16 17 10 16 15
I don't have a signature.
Vonram Brawnflight's Character Sheet - D&D Beyond
Name: Vonram Brawnflight
Species: Dwarf
Class (Subclass): Hunter Ranger
Background: Guide
Uncommon Magic Item: Bracers of Archery
Backstory: Placeholder
I don't have a signature.
Ability scores: 12 8 13 12 13 12
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights. DM for Dragons of Icespire Peak Pbp
In that case I withdraw my application ... I've regretfully been on both sides of the 'slowing the group down' thing as both DM and player, so I can definitely understand the need to keep things moving. BUt since i really like some of the character portraits OpenArtAI came up with for me, hope you don;t mind if I share a pic of Sanazira musing on what might have been as the interesting folks that she almost signed on to travel with prepare for and discuss their imminent departure for places unknown:
EDiT: your world sounds very interesting though. Are you planning on running other PbP threads set in Aelira that wouldn't be so combat-heavy, so that a couple times a week posting frequency might work better than in this one?
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Name: Abishai Stromborne
Species: Human
Class (Subclass): Warrior (2024)
Background: Champion
Uncommon Magic Item: Alchemy Jug
Backstory
- You're a Bowen Empire guard that as been temporarily stationed at The Last Hearth.
Abishai is a guard who was sent to The Last Hearth after being reprimanded one too many times for indulging in excessive mead from the local breweries. His time here has been tough as he learns how to sober up and be a respectable guardsman. He has aspirations to be promoted one day and understands that he needs to prove himself to do so.DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights. DM for Dragons of Icespire Peak Pbp