Our story begins in a trade town called Respite. The town sits nestled among forests and marshland in the no-man's land of a civil war between the capital to the West, and a rebellious new queen to the East. Due to the civil war there is a lack of central authority which has resulted in brigands and monsters to stalk the roads near civilization.
However, despite the difficulties facing Respite, it is also a great place to make gold if you're an adventurer.
You've made your way to the Knight and Hound Inn looking for fortune, scanning the faces of your new companions, brought together by the strange whims of fate, you prepare for the first steps into your new life.
About Me: I am a high school English teacher who learned how to Dungeon and Dragon first by playing CRPGs such as Icewind Dale and Baldur's Gate, and later being introduced to the tabletop game with the start of 3rd edition. To describe my DMing style would be "Rule of Cool" mixed with "At the mercy of RNGesus". I want all of our rolls involving player interaction (and NPCs rolling against them) to be in the open, I find everyone is more accepting of results and it makes for a more amusing game as a narrative develops on its own, however, I do like to reward critical thinking and creative problem solving.
Ideally the format will be primarily text with some maps being posted to give a visual reference, and some images posted for general ambiance.
I am currently looking for 4-6 players. The game should expect about 2 posts per week. The campaign will focus on narrative and exploration/dungeon crawling. There are currently two other groups of players operating in Respite, their actions will affect the world as will yours.
Player Expectations
No metagaming. Creature stat blocks may be altered to increase/decrease challenge, and generally don't be a grognard.
Don't be a creep. Treat other players with respect. I mediate a lot of arguments in my daily life and I don't need to police your behavior as well.
All skill levels welcome! But please make sure you have a basic understanding of the rules.
Be kind, have a good time, we're playing a game.
Character Requirements
Please keep to official/published classes and races.
Level 1
Standard Starting Equipment
XP Advancement
Standard Array Stats
What to say for your character/your post:
First, a link to a character sheet would be great!
if you could post a picture of your character that would be awesome! (I want to make some tokens for maps)
Background/Backstory: I need reference material if I'm going to emotionally abuse your character.
(Sounds interesting. Quick Question: what level do we start at?) Name: Nazcan
Race: White Dragonborn
Class: Cleric (Life Domain)
Background: Acolyte
Backstory: Nazcan, as a child, was a dwarf of a dragonborn, criticized for his size his whole childhood. He always dreamed of being giant, so he decided to turn to Bahamut for help, becoming a priest under him, giving prayers every day to be big. After two long years of preying, he grew to large size in his sleep, towering above the common races, towering above the others. However, it still wasn't enough, he one day wants to become a true dragon, so he preys to Bahumut every day, but for now, he uses his large size to protect those who can't protect themselves.
Ravana does not know what it was that slid into the temple that day or why it still stalks her dreams still, it was hunger and death and shadow and it destroyed her life. Her life now is one of extremes...sometimes she hunts it with fervour...others she runs from it as fast as her legs will take her....this month is a running month...
3 years experience with D&D 5e, 35+ years experience with RPGs.
Tavryn Callus grew up in the hard streets of ( Dm campaign). He was initiated into the (thieves guild/campaign) in his teens after the murder of his father, Arias. Tavryn had several suspects in his father’s death but none that he could prove sufficiently to himself to allow action.
To survive - he began to steal. Rooftop capers and other general thuggery at first but eventually he graduated to learn more sophisticated confidence routines and run longer term games. He was a natural con with a quick wit and ample charisma that was neatly paired with his talented slight of hand skills and curious intellect.
Over time he developed a tidy network of friends, reliable muscle, and a few marks that had been conned but still retained his confidence. Money began to come easy after a time as his youthful poverty was outgrown and his skills developed. The accumulation and acquisition of information became the new challenge and new currency in his world.
During that time he learned for a fact that his father (Arias) had been murdered. He also discovered that a sorcerous family heirloom that had belonged to his father had been a part of the reason for his fathers killing. He also learned the identity of a man that had been involved in the murder/theft.
A new con was born in his revenge thirsty mind. One that at its culmination landed the guilty man into a dark prison to suffer out the remainder of his life. Tavryn didn’t have his father back (nor the sorcerous item...yet) but a small measure of street justice had been served.
ddb.ac/characters/31943459/lnn8SU
(small pic on character sheet - larger can be sent if needed.)
I haven’t played in many years. Looking for a game to flex some old muscles and enjoy a collaborative story. Thanks.
Alias’s family was always about power and strength, hence him being trained as a knight. Alias never liked his family or how they treated him as a prop. A member of the royal guard who brought connections to royalty was all they saw in him. So when his family took sides in the war he defected to the small town he lives in today. (I don’t know/care what side his family joined. Pick what the most convenient one for the plot I guess)
I have about half a year of D&D but this is my first online game.
Hey! This sounds super interesting, I'd love to join!
Name: Kallista
Race: Tiefling
Class: Rogue
Background: Criminal
Backstory: Kallista grew up with her mother in a remote village. The populace there was almost entirely human, and was extremely prejudiced against outsiders. The two tieflings were feared and hated, the villagers claiming they were devil spawn and blaming them for all of the settlement's problems. They couldn't afford to leave, so they tried to live their lives as normally as possible despite the aggression of their neighbors. One night, and eleven-year-old Kallista, upset from a fight with her mother, stormed out of the house and ended up at the local tavern. A few drunk patrons began making their usual remarks, but instead of ignoring them like usual, Kallista started insulting them back. Seeing their enraged faces and realizing their mistake, she ran. She thought that was the end of it, and reluctantly returned home, but it turned out the group had followed her. Within minutes, the building was engulfed with a blazing fire set by the angry men. Kallista barely escaped with her life, being badly burned in the process. Her mother died in the flames. After that, Kallista fled the village. She spent the next eight years of her life stowing away on wagons and ships, trying to put as much distance between her and her former home as possible. She picked pockets and stole supplies to survive, learning how to go unnoticed in a crowd. All the while, she avoided the two things that had caused her mother's death. The first: her temper. Kallista resolved to keep her head down, avoiding confrontation at all costs. And the second: showing her face. Whenever possible, she attempted to disguise her unnatural features, resenting how much pain they had caused her.
Experience level: I'm fairly new, but I've played in a couple one shots before and have a general understanding of the rules/system.
This setting sounds interesting. Thanks for considering my character.
Name: Lumaris
Race: High Elf
Class: Fighter (Arcane Archer)
Background: Criminal/Spy
Backstory: A spy for some years, Lumaris feels great guilt over the death of his wife who was killed because he did not return in time with valuable intel. At the time, he was distracted by the opportunity to acquire some extra gold as he escaped. Beating himself up over it, he parts ways with his shadowy brethren in search of lighter adventures. Finding solace in his bow and innate arcane abilities that he still continues to try and tether, he ventures out on his own, not knowing what he'll encounter along the way.
Backstory: Talvian was born to a circus troupe; his father was an artificer who used his skills to add excitement to the show; while his mother, a beast master of unparalleled skill, was one of the main stars of the circus. Talvian always looked up to both of his parents so once he was old enough he took up apprenticeship with both of them learning how to command the center ring. As time went on Talvian felt his act was not to the level it needed to be so with the blessing of his parents and the rest of the troupe he took off to hone his craft hoping to bring it to the level he feels it needs to be.
Background: Noble (if this is a bit presumptuous, I can rewrite it to Inheritor)
As the scion of the Hammercoin family, the premier coin minting and banking family in the realm, Friedrych was raised in the lap of luxury, free of any worries that might befall him. He spent most of his days turning the silver tongue and spoon he was born with to his advantage to get the maximum reward with minimum effort. This devil-may-care attitude did wound up working against him, for Friedrych was not the heir to the family business, as his older brother Matheus had been groomed his entire life to take that position. While nepotism could have landed him a cushy job, seeing his brother being showered with accolades struck a deep wound in Friedrych's pride. He took an "advanced cut" of his inheritance and took off, vowing only to return to the family estate after he had made a name for himself beyond the family reputation.
Unfortunately, Friedrych had been ill prepared for such an endeavour. He did not possess the raw magical power to bend magic to his will, his laziness kept him from pursuing anything that did not yield immediate results and having been waited on hand and foot his entire life left him lacking in the physical department. But chance came, as chance is wont to do, when Friedrych one night bumped into a small creature. After he apologised to the creature, who seemed Gnomish in nature, Friedrych offered it a pint at the local tavern. The creature on his part regaled Friedrych with wild tales of might, magic and glory and the more he spoke, the more Friedrych became entranced. After the fifth or sixth mug of ale, the creature presented Friedrych with the key to all his problems: a crystalized butterfly hanging from a silken thread. All he had to do, the creature told Friedrych, was to put it on and be his charming self.
Friedrych regarded the little Gnomish man with a leery eye but alcohol and fatigue had worn down his better judgment. He paid his tab and tossed the creature whatever remained of his coin, grabbed the strange pendant and stumbled outside. The fresh air of the night cleared his head and when Friedrych realised he had just traded away all his coin for a cheap ornament, he stormed back inside to demand his money back. The little man however was nowhere to be found. Equally angry at and disappointed in himself for falling for the sweet words of a conman, Friedrych was about to toss the pendant away when the moonlight struck it. The butterfly dazzled in a myriad of colours and, having nothing to lose, Friedrych placed the pendant around his neck. He vanished in a silvery mist, with only the laughter and two giddy eyes of a fey playing a prank on someone lingering in the moonlight.
When Friedrych reappeared, he found himself in a clearing in a forest. There was a golden hue in the air, as if the grass itself glowed golden, that was dotted with the colours of a hundred butterflies, each one a different palette, and a heavy fragrance of honey, pinewood and fresh fruit wafted throughout. But it was the sound that was the sweetest. For in the glade, moving around a set table loaded with foodstuffs, was a lady who was the very image of beauty. She had hair woven from strings of moonlight that framed an alabaster face kissed by the sun itself. Light on her feet, she danced ingossamer threads that shimmered in colours dreamed of by poets.
When she spotted poor Friedrych standing there dumbstruck, she was taken aback for a moment but quickly regained her composure and invited him to sit with her at the table and to partake of the meal. The lady was exuberant for most folk, lords and ladies alike, never bothered to show up to her invites and Friedrych was not about to say no to the most beautiful woman he had ever saw. They sat, ate and made merry until the food weighed heavy in his belly and the wine closed his eyes and Friedrych drifted off as he laid his head in the lady's lap for a spell.
When he woke up, he found himself at the edge of the forest none the worse than when he entered it, save for one detail: across his neck, hanging from a silken thread, was a crystalized butterfly that glimmered radiant colours in the sunlight. While his mind was still obscured by the haze of what happened during the night, one feeling defined itself clearly as he rubbed the cobwebs from his eyes: he could feel magic coursing through his body. Surprised yet delighted at this development, Friedrych laughed and began making his way back to town. In his exuberance he failed to notice the large butterfly gazing down at him from the forest canopy nor did he stop to ponder the implications of making a pact with the lonely and often forgotten Lady of Butterflies.
Hello everyone! Thank you for all the interest you've shown, I woke up this morning and was amazed at the interest shown. For this game I'll have 6 players, so not everyone will be in this game and I went with first come first serve essentially, but with the start of the school year if I feel I can manage a second PbP I'd certainly love to have you at my virtual table.
As it stands the cast of players is as follows:
CherryBomb314 as Nazcan the Dragonborn Cleric
Damian_May as Revana Devi the Human Monk
_Oberan_ as Tavryn Callus the Half-Elf Rogue
VeloElo as Alias Landrian the Elven Fighter
ArtymisMoon as Kallista the Tiefling Rogue
CoachCord as Creed the Tiefling Fighter
SpieltJoos, LostLeonin, Furujiru if you guys are interested in playing in the future I'll message you guys if an opportunity comes up
I will be supplying some lore dump for your characters and will get you guys started questing by tomorrow at the latest, as today is my dog's 11th birthday and I'm legally obligated to spoil her.
Okay, if any of SpieltJoos, LostLeonin, or Furujiru are available, with that schedule. VeloElo if there’s an opportunity to play in the future I’ll let you know :)
Respite rests in the northern marshlands of a nation known as the Vannite Confederation: a collection of Elven run city-states. Each cardinal direction is defended by a Watcher, who, in turn, represents the smaller towns they defend when decisions of diplomacy and national importance arise.
Five years ago, the Watcher of the North orchestrated the assassination of the Watcher of the East and usurped his lands and titles, plunging the Confederation into a civil war between the capital of Saray to the West, and Myteric to the East. What was once a pitched conflict has settled into entrenchment as each side prefers to send mercenaries, spies, and various other contract killers against one another.
To add to the problems Saray is facing, further West of the capital are the advancing hordes of Sola-nan-Mota, what was once a ragtag collection of barbarian clans united under the Eternal Empress, who has introduced feudalism and dwarven-made arms and armor to her armies. Raiders frequently arrive in ships to attack the coastline, and the capital has lost quite a bit of ground to the invaders. Several of you know that a settlement about two weeks North known as Watcher's Crossing had to be abandoned due to the frequency of the raids, and many former residents live in slums outside Respite's Northern Wall.
Nazcan The headmaster of your cloister smiles before resting a hand on your shoulder. The temple had sent out many of your brothers and sisters into the countryside at the start of the civil war with the intent to lessen the suffering of others.
With a pull the headmaster brings your ear to his mouth, "While you are traveling, you must know: There is said to be a priestess performing miracles on battlefields, wielding powers beyond even what our most powerful priests are capable of. Seek her out, learn of her powers."
You travelled into the Vannite Confederation: a collection of Elven run city-states embroiled in civil war. Many of the small towns you visited spoke of the work of a group of Illmaterites. You figure a miracle worker dedicated to the God of Suffering would make a good deal of sense: Respite makes a logical base of operations while you venture into the countryside looking for this mysterious group.
Ravana Your temple sat in the city of Lathandi, to the South East, where the civil war began...
You remember an arcane explosion in the temple district, followed by what seemed to be an endless night. Something came to your temple, covered in eyes yet taking the shape of a great wolf: you watched it devour not only the bodies but the souls of your brethren, their screaming shapes contorting and adding to the disgusting mass of the mind-shattering beast.
The night ended but your troubles only began. Simultaneously in the streets of Lathandi erupted into a great hunt for the horrific beasts infesting the streets, and a war for the control of the city itself. The old Watcher died, another Watcher discarded her title and took a Queen's crown. Sometimes the mobs you joined dragged beasts into the streets, tearing them to shreds with pitchforks and torches, other times you ran screaming, the blood of your allies coating you.
You're in Respite now, you don't believe the Wolf knows where you are, but you do no you must get stronger if you're going to turn the tables on this creature.
Tavryn Callus You grew up a small scandal (the higher up in Elven society you go, the more salaciously half-elves tend to be viewed) in a minor family based in Myteric, the politics of Elven life proved to be too much for your father, and frankly, for you as well. Hunting for your father's killer you eventually tracked him to Lathandi, where you managed to see him imprisoned with the help of a new contact, of course, shortly afterwards the whole world seemed to go to hell, but there was a clarity: you no longer were concerned by the petty vengeances of the aristocracy, and truly free to be your own man, at least, until...
A small letter in your hands reads: "Friend Tavryn, You told me in passing once of an heirloom stolen from your family. I'm not sure if it is still there, but I've had my ears to the ground, and I have reason to believe it might have passed through Respite. It's worth checking. Stay safe my friend, G.H."
Kallista Innsraut lies far West of here even further West than the capital, but it was home. The people there are cruel and are hateful towards magic users. You and your mother, clear signs of planar influence in the gene pool, were natural targets for the ire of your village. You headed East, into the relative tolerance of the Vannite Confederation.
"Scrapper, mind marking what's upriver? Pa's and Pa's'd be rather keen and come clean up at sundown." (Sir, could you tell me what jobs are available? I'd greatly appreciate it and it would be good for our organizations) "Ach, trust, got primo reels in, mark, it's a big'un" (Oh, of course, I've got a great opportunity for you, however, this is a big ask) "Not skeevin'." (I'm not worried) "Treats aplenty served a'la Respite, mark is a squeaky bit o gobbershine which makes fer a fine how's yer minding" (Good gold at Respite, plenty of jobs there if you're willing to relocate).
Creed Life wasn't easy in the capital, Saray, you watched as many of your compatriots would be captured, beaten, and in the latest case executed for their supposed crimes. You floated from town to town, eventually ending up in Respite, the town is much smaller than what you're used to.
You've spent some time as a strong arm for a group of Northenders, refugees from Watcher's Crossing scraping by in the shadows of the town walls. The coppers and silvers got you by, but you know adventurers from the Knight and Hound tend to carry heavier purses: you endeavor to find out how to increase your wallet size while forcing down the abuse your former life hurled upon you.
Lumaris It was years ago... You had been tracking a fleet of raiders from Sola-nan-Mota , however, you found an opportunity to make some gold on the side working for some nearby villages, what you didn't expect was a large raiding group to splinter off, you ran as fast as you could, but by all the Gods, nobody made it to Watcher's Crossing in time: the town was battered horrendously by raiders.
Many lives were lost that day, including your wife's. You decided to leave with the first group headed towards Respite, with the goal of starting a new life away from the memories, and perhaps gain some semblance of vengeance on those who disrupted your life.
In the Knight and Hound The Knight and Hound is a well-run establishment run by twin halfling brothers. The Inn has proven popular for travelers as they offer a variety of options for sleeping from stables to luxurious suites, and each room is guaranteed hot meals free of charge (you do have to buy your drinks, though.)
Outside the tavern there is a Posting Board with work opportunities and advertisements for various shops in town:
Job Opportunities Include A dwarven company is trying to establish a quarry nearby and is hiring adventurers to clear out creatures too close to the work camp.
An eccentric noble is offering a variety of bounties for monsters stalking the roads near Respite.
The Northenders are seeking allies to help them scout and look for territory where they can expand their growing population.
Shops Advertised Include The Four-Eyed Raven, a magical sundries shop.
Four separate general stores: Winding Trees Caravans Store, Grumholdt Supply Co., Kobold Outlets, and Grey Dales Exports Ltd.
A local smithy and jeweler: White Shield and Silver Crown
It is early in the morning, the owners of the Inn are busy preparing a hearty traditional halfling breakfast: thick slabs of bacon resting atop scrambled eggs piled atop a hash of potatoes, onions, and peppers and drowned in a delicious gravy, there is a small twig of some green herb thrown on top of the meal as an afterthought, and plentiful bread to sop up the ingredients on your plates.
Each of you wake up from your respective rooms and meet in the common area: through some strange twists of fate you've all been brought together: now is the time to discuss plans.
Tavryn wiped the last of his breakfast from his lips and sat quietly in satisfaction. He took in the various individuals in the Knight and Hound.
<<Insight Check for anything observable in the patrons and/or party that's not otherwise obvious>>
OOC:
Tav is directly responsive and friendly to any that engage him at or just after breakfast. Can RP as needed when/if appropriate.
IC:
Pulling the folded parchment from his cloak he absently slid his fingers over the paper and reread it for the twentieth time that week.
Friend Tavryn, You told me in passing once of an heirloom stolen from your family. I'm not sure if it is still there, but I've had my ears to the ground, and I have reason to believe it might have passed through Respite. It's worth checking. Stay safe my friend, G.H
It had been several years since he'd laid eyes upon the heirloom. But, in his mind, Tavryn could still clearly see the silver dragon amulet that had belonged to his father. Even though his father had rarely removed it from his own chest he'd allowed young Tav to hold it and examine it on a few occasions. It had fascinated Tavryn. He could still recall every line and ridge of its beautiful craftsmanship. He could still feel the strange coolness of the metal dragon on its surface, the indentations it would make in his palms when he held it tight, and even the fantastic daydreams he'd had as a child of that ornate silvery figure whispering to him, talking to him, and seemingly caring for him.
Of course that had been years ago. And, the consequences of the amulet and his father's murder had finally been put to rest. His thirst for revenge had not been quenched but it had been sated for the time being. Justice had been years in the making but it was at last complete...the most important deception of his life had been successful.
Now, it was time to live. Finding his family property again would go a long way to helping that happen...
OOC:
DM – As the day and group planning unfolds Tavryn will try to accomplish a few things before evening meal.
Tavryn will examine the letter in full. Paper, style of writing, ink, etc to see if there is anything more it can tell him or if its just a simple note from an old contact as appears.
Tav will make himself look as close to a messenger, courier, or personal aid as possible with his disguise kit. In this guise (nothing over complicated, just wants to look like a nondescript errand guy) he will then call upon the various shops in town to see “on behalf of his boss” (insert an appropriate regional lord/lady that could possibly afford or believable have owned the thing) if any have seen/obtained a golden disk amulet with a very ornate silver dragon carved in relief on its front. He will ostensibily be on the lookout to retrieve the item for 'the boss” as it was stolen sometime previously. (check: Winding Trees Caravans Store, Grumholdt Supply Co., Kobold Outlets, and Grey Dales Exports Ltd.) He will also call upon White Shield and Silver Crown and the Three Eyed Raven with the same type questioning. He will be especially diligent at the Raven and will offer a bribe or two if he feels appropriate to find out any information he can. Finally, as he goes through this process he will be on the lookout for any signs of a local thieves guild or similar underworld type activity. Tavryn would likely consider that the fastest route to success and would concentrate efforts there if located.
Please feel free to make Disguise, Perception, Investigation, Insight, and or whichever other checks are appropriate in your judgment. Thanks!
Have a discussion with the Twin Halfling owners of the Inn with similar questions to #2 above regarding the amulet/heirloom.
Tavryn will ask around to see what he can find out about the monster bounty job and the quarry job. He will also try to find out if there is any overlap. (ie. Goblin killing bounty – Goblins happen to be a problem at the quarry, etc.
Last thing for now - love the start! Look forward to having some fun story telling with you all. Cheers!
Kallista ate her meal in silence, knowing she couldn't accomplish any of the tasks alone and waiting for somebody else to show up and ask for assistance. She had glanced over the job postings earlier that morning, and was pleased to see that they were higher-paying and less likely to run her into trouble with the law than those she was used to, just as her contact had claimed. While she secretly would prefer to take the one that offered the most gold, if asked she would claim she was fine with any of the three, which was true enough.
As usual, she wore a long black cloak with the hood drawn over her face. Though she acknowledged it was likely a bit conspicuous, it provided her with a measure of comfort. The people of the Vannite Confederation tended to tolerate her presence, but she still held an instinctual fear of revealing her identity.
Lumaris walks in from the morning air, having been up for sometime. His wavy blonde hair, a little messy from his morning jaunt, hangs over his elven ears. At his hip hang a longsword and a shortsword, and at his back is a quiver of arrows and a longbow. He scans the room, seeing several individuals of note, and nods slightly in approval. He walks over to the tavern keepers and takes a seat at the counter, ordering some food.
He leans back a little while he waits for his food, stretching, and then says loudly enough for anyone in the tavern room to hear, "Seems that there's a few opportunities to be had here in Respite currently. Would anyone care to join me on one, or more for that matter? I'm in need of gold and cannot truly accomplish the requests on my own, perhaps we could share the spoils, so to speak?"
Ravana ate sparingly, tucking the crusts into her pouch and sipping the water provided, she was not relaxed...she was never relaxed....but the company was pleasant and the surrounds tolerable. She was dressed in simple loose cotton fishermans trousers and a vest, tan in colour, her hair held back by a twist of leather.
Of the jobs, none really interested her.....but the food was good.
She yawned and stretched, " Any of you want to join me outside for some langkah-langkah?"
" If anyones looking at the jobs board I'm happy to accompany if you need some assistance.....", she said over her shoulder as she headed out to find a bare piece of ground to go through her morning juru.
She nodded to the entering elven man as she exited, but the door had closed behind her by the time he started speaking....
Our story begins in a trade town called Respite. The town sits nestled among forests and marshland in the no-man's land of a civil war between the capital to the West, and a rebellious new queen to the East. Due to the civil war there is a lack of central authority which has resulted in brigands and monsters to stalk the roads near civilization.
However, despite the difficulties facing Respite, it is also a great place to make gold if you're an adventurer.
You've made your way to the Knight and Hound Inn looking for fortune, scanning the faces of your new companions, brought together by the strange whims of fate, you prepare for the first steps into your new life.
About Me: I am a high school English teacher who learned how to Dungeon and Dragon first by playing CRPGs such as Icewind Dale and Baldur's Gate, and later being introduced to the tabletop game with the start of 3rd edition. To describe my DMing style would be "Rule of Cool" mixed with "At the mercy of RNGesus". I want all of our rolls involving player interaction (and NPCs rolling against them) to be in the open, I find everyone is more accepting of results and it makes for a more amusing game as a narrative develops on its own, however, I do like to reward critical thinking and creative problem solving.
Ideally the format will be primarily text with some maps being posted to give a visual reference, and some images posted for general ambiance.
I am currently looking for 4-6 players. The game should expect about 2 posts per week. The campaign will focus on narrative and exploration/dungeon crawling. There are currently two other groups of players operating in Respite, their actions will affect the world as will yours.
Player Expectations
No metagaming. Creature stat blocks may be altered to increase/decrease challenge, and generally don't be a grognard.
Don't be a creep. Treat other players with respect. I mediate a lot of arguments in my daily life and I don't need to police your behavior as well.
All skill levels welcome! But please make sure you have a basic understanding of the rules.
Be kind, have a good time, we're playing a game.
Character Requirements
Please keep to official/published classes and races.
Level 1
Standard Starting Equipment
XP Advancement
Standard Array Stats
What to say for your character/your post:
First, a link to a character sheet would be great!
if you could post a picture of your character that would be awesome! (I want to make some tokens for maps)
Background/Backstory: I need reference material if I'm going to emotionally abuse your character.
Your experience level with D&D.
Any questions for me regarding the game/setting?
I'm looking forward to your posts!
(Sounds interesting. Quick Question: what level do we start at?)
Name: Nazcan
Race: White Dragonborn
Class: Cleric (Life Domain)
Background: Acolyte
Backstory: Nazcan, as a child, was a dwarf of a dragonborn, criticized for his size his whole childhood. He always dreamed of being giant, so he decided to turn to Bahamut for help, becoming a priest under him, giving prayers every day to be big. After two long years of preying, he grew to large size in his sleep, towering above the common races, towering above the others. However, it still wasn't enough, he one day wants to become a true dragon, so he preys to Bahumut every day, but for now, he uses his large size to protect those who can't protect themselves.
Good old Level 1 for starting level, I knew I forgot something writing this post.
Name: Ravana Devi
Race: Human
Class: Monk
https://ddb.ac/characters/31832349/egrgwb
Ravana does not know what it was that slid into the temple that day or why it still stalks her dreams still, it was hunger and death and shadow and it destroyed her life. Her life now is one of extremes...sometimes she hunts it with fervour...others she runs from it as fast as her legs will take her....this month is a running month...
3 years experience with D&D 5e, 35+ years experience with RPGs.
Tavryn Callus
Half-elf Rogue
Background:
ddb.ac/characters/31943459/lnn8SU
(small pic on character sheet - larger can be sent if needed.)
I haven’t played in many years. Looking for a game to flex some old muscles and enjoy a collaborative story. Thanks.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/VeloElo/characters/31948221
Name: Alias Landian
Class: Fighter
Heres some art I stole from the internet
https://www.google.com/search?q=warrior elf&client=safari&hl=en-us&prmd=isvn&sxsrf=ALeKk02jvDKjdvoMmpCkUm8ecczc8v64oA:1594620057517&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjUvNHQxsnqAhXCoXIEHWitBaIQ_AUoAXoECA4QAQ&biw=414&bih=719#imgrc=ygDP9Vfm0NqDyM
Alias’s family was always about power and strength, hence him being trained as a knight. Alias never liked his family or how they treated him as a prop. A member of the royal guard who brought connections to royalty was all they saw in him. So when his family took sides in the war he defected to the small town he lives in today. (I don’t know/care what side his family joined. Pick what the most convenient one for the plot I guess)
I have about half a year of D&D but this is my first online game.
Hey! This sounds super interesting, I'd love to join!
Name: Kallista
Race: Tiefling
Class: Rogue
Background: Criminal
Backstory: Kallista grew up with her mother in a remote village. The populace there was almost entirely human, and was extremely prejudiced against outsiders. The two tieflings were feared and hated, the villagers claiming they were devil spawn and blaming them for all of the settlement's problems. They couldn't afford to leave, so they tried to live their lives as normally as possible despite the aggression of their neighbors. One night, and eleven-year-old Kallista, upset from a fight with her mother, stormed out of the house and ended up at the local tavern. A few drunk patrons began making their usual remarks, but instead of ignoring them like usual, Kallista started insulting them back. Seeing their enraged faces and realizing their mistake, she ran. She thought that was the end of it, and reluctantly returned home, but it turned out the group had followed her. Within minutes, the building was engulfed with a blazing fire set by the angry men. Kallista barely escaped with her life, being badly burned in the process. Her mother died in the flames. After that, Kallista fled the village. She spent the next eight years of her life stowing away on wagons and ships, trying to put as much distance between her and her former home as possible. She picked pockets and stole supplies to survive, learning how to go unnoticed in a crowd. All the while, she avoided the two things that had caused her mother's death. The first: her temper. Kallista resolved to keep her head down, avoiding confrontation at all costs. And the second: showing her face. Whenever possible, she attempted to disguise her unnatural features, resenting how much pain they had caused her.
Experience level: I'm fairly new, but I've played in a couple one shots before and have a general understanding of the rules/system.
Character sheet: https://ddb.ac/characters/31568400/783UbD
Picture (original art not mine, belongs to kodabomb on twitter! just thought I'd mention that): https://imgur.com/A8cE6bc
Iris - Tiefling Cleric | Cassandra - Elf Warlock | Solace - Tiefling Monk | Tempest - Hexblood Monk | Lex - Fire Genasi Barbarian
Lilyn - Triton Ranger | Candor - Changeling Bard | Echo - Changeling Warlock/Bard | Rowan - Fairy Wizard
Also does this have a schedule?
This setting sounds interesting. Thanks for considering my character.
Name: Lumaris
Race: High Elf
Class: Fighter (Arcane Archer)
Background: Criminal/Spy
Backstory:
A spy for some years, Lumaris feels great guilt over the death of his wife who was killed because he did not return in time with valuable intel. At the time, he was distracted by the opportunity to acquire some extra gold as he escaped. Beating himself up over it, he parts ways with his shadowy brethren in search of lighter adventures. Finding solace in his bow and innate arcane abilities that he still continues to try and tether, he ventures out on his own, not knowing what he'll encounter along the way.
Character Sheet: https://ddb.ac/characters/31953425/UHVdGf
Experience: I'm reasonably new, have been playing since the start of the year as DM for local group and then PC for several PbP.
Name: Talvian Lecro
Race: Human
Class: Artificer
Background: Entertainer
Backstory: Talvian was born to a circus troupe; his father was an artificer who used his skills to add excitement to the show; while his mother, a beast master of unparalleled skill, was one of the main stars of the circus. Talvian always looked up to both of his parents so once he was old enough he took up apprenticeship with both of them learning how to command the center ring. As time went on Talvian felt his act was not to the level it needed to be so with the blessing of his parents and the rest of the troupe he took off to hone his craft hoping to bring it to the level he feels it needs to be.
https://ddb.ac/characters/31946852/J2JVUH
Experience level: DMed multiple games with my friends in both 3.5 and 5e over 10 years
Interesting...
Name: Friedrych Hammercoin
Class: Warlock, Fey patron
Background: Noble (if this is a bit presumptuous, I can rewrite it to Inheritor)
As the scion of the Hammercoin family, the premier coin minting and banking family in the realm, Friedrych was raised in the lap of luxury, free of any worries that might befall him. He spent most of his days turning the silver tongue and spoon he was born with to his advantage to get the maximum reward with minimum effort. This devil-may-care attitude did wound up working against him, for Friedrych was not the heir to the family business, as his older brother Matheus had been groomed his entire life to take that position. While nepotism could have landed him a cushy job, seeing his brother being showered with accolades struck a deep wound in Friedrych's pride. He took an "advanced cut" of his inheritance and took off, vowing only to return to the family estate after he had made a name for himself beyond the family reputation.
Unfortunately, Friedrych had been ill prepared for such an endeavour. He did not possess the raw magical power to bend magic to his will, his laziness kept him from pursuing anything that did not yield immediate results and having been waited on hand and foot his entire life left him lacking in the physical department. But chance came, as chance is wont to do, when Friedrych one night bumped into a small creature. After he apologised to the creature, who seemed Gnomish in nature, Friedrych offered it a pint at the local tavern. The creature on his part regaled Friedrych with wild tales of might, magic and glory and the more he spoke, the more Friedrych became entranced. After the fifth or sixth mug of ale, the creature presented Friedrych with the key to all his problems: a crystalized butterfly hanging from a silken thread. All he had to do, the creature told Friedrych, was to put it on and be his charming self.
Friedrych regarded the little Gnomish man with a leery eye but alcohol and fatigue had worn down his better judgment. He paid his tab and tossed the creature whatever remained of his coin, grabbed the strange pendant and stumbled outside. The fresh air of the night cleared his head and when Friedrych realised he had just traded away all his coin for a cheap ornament, he stormed back inside to demand his money back. The little man however was nowhere to be found. Equally angry at and disappointed in himself for falling for the sweet words of a conman, Friedrych was about to toss the pendant away when the moonlight struck it. The butterfly dazzled in a myriad of colours and, having nothing to lose, Friedrych placed the pendant around his neck. He vanished in a silvery mist, with only the laughter and two giddy eyes of a fey playing a prank on someone lingering in the moonlight.
When Friedrych reappeared, he found himself in a clearing in a forest. There was a golden hue in the air, as if the grass itself glowed golden, that was dotted with the colours of a hundred butterflies, each one a different palette, and a heavy fragrance of honey, pinewood and fresh fruit wafted throughout. But it was the sound that was the sweetest. For in the glade, moving around a set table loaded with foodstuffs, was a lady who was the very image of beauty. She had hair woven from strings of moonlight that framed an alabaster face kissed by the sun itself. Light on her feet, she danced ingossamer threads that shimmered in colours dreamed of by poets.
When she spotted poor Friedrych standing there dumbstruck, she was taken aback for a moment but quickly regained her composure and invited him to sit with her at the table and to partake of the meal. The lady was exuberant for most folk, lords and ladies alike, never bothered to show up to her invites and Friedrych was not about to say no to the most beautiful woman he had ever saw. They sat, ate and made merry until the food weighed heavy in his belly and the wine closed his eyes and Friedrych drifted off as he laid his head in the lady's lap for a spell.
When he woke up, he found himself at the edge of the forest none the worse than when he entered it, save for one detail: across his neck, hanging from a silken thread, was a crystalized butterfly that glimmered radiant colours in the sunlight. While his mind was still obscured by the haze of what happened during the night, one feeling defined itself clearly as he rubbed the cobwebs from his eyes: he could feel magic coursing through his body. Surprised yet delighted at this development, Friedrych laughed and began making his way back to town. In his exuberance he failed to notice the large butterfly gazing down at him from the forest canopy nor did he stop to ponder the implications of making a pact with the lonely and often forgotten Lady of Butterflies.
https://ddb.ac/characters/31955000/MuUdL9
Experience with D&D: started late 4th Edition, switched to 5e mostly as a DM
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Hello everyone! Thank you for all the interest you've shown, I woke up this morning and was amazed at the interest shown. For this game I'll have 6 players, so not everyone will be in this game and I went with first come first serve essentially, but with the start of the school year if I feel I can manage a second PbP I'd certainly love to have you at my virtual table.
As it stands the cast of players is as follows:
CherryBomb314 as Nazcan the Dragonborn Cleric
Damian_May as Revana Devi the Human Monk
_Oberan_ as Tavryn Callus the Half-Elf Rogue
VeloElo as Alias Landrian the Elven Fighter
ArtymisMoon as Kallista the Tiefling Rogue
CoachCord as Creed the Tiefling Fighter
SpieltJoos, LostLeonin, Furujiru if you guys are interested in playing in the future I'll message you guys if an opportunity comes up
I'm looking at posting Sunday/Thursday
I will be supplying some lore dump for your characters and will get you guys started questing by tomorrow at the latest, as today is my dog's 11th birthday and I'm legally obligated to spoil her.
I can’t do Sunday and I may have gotten another campaign lined up so maybe someone else should take my place.
Okay, if any of SpieltJoos, LostLeonin, or Furujiru are available, with that schedule. VeloElo if there’s an opportunity to play in the future I’ll let you know :)
I'm happy to step in with Lumaris, the Arcane Archer fighter, unless you need something else to fill out the party.
Our story begins...
Respite rests in the northern marshlands of a nation known as the Vannite Confederation: a collection of Elven run city-states. Each cardinal direction is defended by a Watcher, who, in turn, represents the smaller towns they defend when decisions of diplomacy and national importance arise.
Five years ago, the Watcher of the North orchestrated the assassination of the Watcher of the East and usurped his lands and titles, plunging the Confederation into a civil war between the capital of Saray to the West, and Myteric to the East. What was once a pitched conflict has settled into entrenchment as each side prefers to send mercenaries, spies, and various other contract killers against one another.
To add to the problems Saray is facing, further West of the capital are the advancing hordes of Sola-nan-Mota, what was once a ragtag collection of barbarian clans united under the Eternal Empress, who has introduced feudalism and dwarven-made arms and armor to her armies. Raiders frequently arrive in ships to attack the coastline, and the capital has lost quite a bit of ground to the invaders. Several of you know that a settlement about two weeks North known as Watcher's Crossing had to be abandoned due to the frequency of the raids, and many former residents live in slums outside Respite's Northern Wall.
Nazcan
The headmaster of your cloister smiles before resting a hand on your shoulder. The temple had sent out many of your brothers and sisters into the countryside at the start of the civil war with the intent to lessen the suffering of others.
With a pull the headmaster brings your ear to his mouth, "While you are traveling, you must know: There is said to be a priestess performing miracles on battlefields, wielding powers beyond even what our most powerful priests are capable of. Seek her out, learn of her powers."
You travelled into the Vannite Confederation: a collection of Elven run city-states embroiled in civil war. Many of the small towns you visited spoke of the work of a group of Illmaterites. You figure a miracle worker dedicated to the God of Suffering would make a good deal of sense: Respite makes a logical base of operations while you venture into the countryside looking for this mysterious group.
Ravana
Your temple sat in the city of Lathandi, to the South East, where the civil war began...
You remember an arcane explosion in the temple district, followed by what seemed to be an endless night. Something came to your temple, covered in eyes yet taking the shape of a great wolf: you watched it devour not only the bodies but the souls of your brethren, their screaming shapes contorting and adding to the disgusting mass of the mind-shattering beast.
The night ended but your troubles only began. Simultaneously in the streets of Lathandi erupted into a great hunt for the horrific beasts infesting the streets, and a war for the control of the city itself. The old Watcher died, another Watcher discarded her title and took a Queen's crown. Sometimes the mobs you joined dragged beasts into the streets, tearing them to shreds with pitchforks and torches, other times you ran screaming, the blood of your allies coating you.
You're in Respite now, you don't believe the Wolf knows where you are, but you do no you must get stronger if you're going to turn the tables on this creature.
Tavryn Callus
You grew up a small scandal (the higher up in Elven society you go, the more salaciously half-elves tend to be viewed) in a minor family based in Myteric, the politics of Elven life proved to be too much for your father, and frankly, for you as well. Hunting for your father's killer you eventually tracked him to Lathandi, where you managed to see him imprisoned with the help of a new contact, of course, shortly afterwards the whole world seemed to go to hell, but there was a clarity: you no longer were concerned by the petty vengeances of the aristocracy, and truly free to be your own man, at least, until...
A small letter in your hands reads:
"Friend Tavryn,
You told me in passing once of an heirloom stolen from your family. I'm not sure if it is still there, but I've had my ears to the ground, and I have reason to believe it might have passed through Respite. It's worth checking.
Stay safe my friend,
G.H."
Kallista
Innsraut lies far West of here even further West than the capital, but it was home. The people there are cruel and are hateful towards magic users. You and your mother, clear signs of planar influence in the gene pool, were natural targets for the ire of your village. You headed East, into the relative tolerance of the Vannite Confederation.
"Scrapper, mind marking what's upriver? Pa's and Pa's'd be rather keen and come clean up at sundown." (Sir, could you tell me what jobs are available? I'd greatly appreciate it and it would be good for our organizations)
"Ach, trust, got primo reels in, mark, it's a big'un" (Oh, of course, I've got a great opportunity for you, however, this is a big ask)
"Not skeevin'." (I'm not worried)
"Treats aplenty served a'la Respite, mark is a squeaky bit o gobbershine which makes fer a fine how's yer minding" (Good gold at Respite, plenty of jobs there if you're willing to relocate).
Creed
Life wasn't easy in the capital, Saray, you watched as many of your compatriots would be captured, beaten, and in the latest case executed for their supposed crimes.
You floated from town to town, eventually ending up in Respite, the town is much smaller than what you're used to.
You've spent some time as a strong arm for a group of Northenders, refugees from Watcher's Crossing scraping by in the shadows of the town walls. The coppers and silvers got you by, but you know adventurers from the Knight and Hound tend to carry heavier purses: you endeavor to find out how to increase your wallet size while forcing down the abuse your former life hurled upon you.
Lumaris
It was years ago... You had been tracking a fleet of raiders from Sola-nan-Mota , however, you found an opportunity to make some gold on the side working for some nearby villages, what you didn't expect was a large raiding group to splinter off, you ran as fast as you could, but by all the Gods, nobody made it to Watcher's Crossing in time: the town was battered horrendously by raiders.
Many lives were lost that day, including your wife's. You decided to leave with the first group headed towards Respite, with the goal of starting a new life away from the memories, and perhaps gain some semblance of vengeance on those who disrupted your life.
In the Knight and Hound
The Knight and Hound is a well-run establishment run by twin halfling brothers. The Inn has proven popular for travelers as they offer a variety of options for sleeping from stables to luxurious suites, and each room is guaranteed hot meals free of charge (you do have to buy your drinks, though.)
Outside the tavern there is a Posting Board with work opportunities and advertisements for various shops in town:
Job Opportunities Include
A dwarven company is trying to establish a quarry nearby and is hiring adventurers to clear out creatures too close to the work camp.
An eccentric noble is offering a variety of bounties for monsters stalking the roads near Respite.
The Northenders are seeking allies to help them scout and look for territory where they can expand their growing population.
Shops Advertised Include
The Four-Eyed Raven, a magical sundries shop.
Four separate general stores: Winding Trees Caravans Store, Grumholdt Supply Co., Kobold Outlets, and Grey Dales Exports Ltd.
A local smithy and jeweler: White Shield and Silver Crown
It is early in the morning, the owners of the Inn are busy preparing a hearty traditional halfling breakfast: thick slabs of bacon resting atop scrambled eggs piled atop a hash of potatoes, onions, and peppers and drowned in a delicious gravy, there is a small twig of some green herb thrown on top of the meal as an afterthought, and plentiful bread to sop up the ingredients on your plates.
Each of you wake up from your respective rooms and meet in the common area: through some strange twists of fate you've all been brought together: now is the time to discuss plans.
IC:
Tavryn wiped the last of his breakfast from his lips and sat quietly in satisfaction. He took in the various individuals in the Knight and Hound.
<<Insight Check for anything observable in the patrons and/or party that's not otherwise obvious>>
OOC:
Tav is directly responsive and friendly to any that engage him at or just after breakfast. Can RP as needed when/if appropriate.
IC:
Pulling the folded parchment from his cloak he absently slid his fingers over the paper and reread it for the twentieth time that week.
Friend Tavryn,
You told me in passing once of an heirloom stolen from your family. I'm not sure if it is still there, but I've had my ears to the ground, and I have reason to believe it might have passed through Respite. It's worth checking.
Stay safe my friend,
G.H
It had been several years since he'd laid eyes upon the heirloom. But, in his mind, Tavryn could still clearly see the silver dragon amulet that had belonged to his father. Even though his father had rarely removed it from his own chest he'd allowed young Tav to hold it and examine it on a few occasions. It had fascinated Tavryn. He could still recall every line and ridge of its beautiful craftsmanship. He could still feel the strange coolness of the metal dragon on its surface, the indentations it would make in his palms when he held it tight, and even the fantastic daydreams he'd had as a child of that ornate silvery figure whispering to him, talking to him, and seemingly caring for him.
Of course that had been years ago. And, the consequences of the amulet and his father's murder had finally been put to rest. His thirst for revenge had not been quenched but it had been sated for the time being. Justice had been years in the making but it was at last complete...the most important deception of his life had been successful.
Now, it was time to live. Finding his family property again would go a long way to helping that happen...
OOC:
DM – As the day and group planning unfolds Tavryn will try to accomplish a few things before evening meal.
Tavryn will examine the letter in full. Paper, style of writing, ink, etc to see if there is anything more it can tell him or if its just a simple note from an old contact as appears.
Tav will make himself look as close to a messenger, courier, or personal aid as possible with his disguise kit. In this guise (nothing over complicated, just wants to look like a nondescript errand guy) he will then call upon the various shops in town to see “on behalf of his boss” (insert an appropriate regional lord/lady that could possibly afford or believable have owned the thing) if any have seen/obtained a golden disk amulet with a very ornate silver dragon carved in relief on its front. He will ostensibily be on the lookout to retrieve the item for 'the boss” as it was stolen sometime previously. (check: Winding Trees Caravans Store, Grumholdt Supply Co., Kobold Outlets, and Grey Dales Exports Ltd.) He will also call upon White Shield and Silver Crown and the Three Eyed Raven with the same type questioning. He will be especially diligent at the Raven and will offer a bribe or two if he feels appropriate to find out any information he can. Finally, as he goes through this process he will be on the lookout for any signs of a local thieves guild or similar underworld type activity. Tavryn would likely consider that the fastest route to success and would concentrate efforts there if located.
Please feel free to make Disguise, Perception, Investigation, Insight, and or whichever other checks are appropriate in your judgment. Thanks!
Have a discussion with the Twin Halfling owners of the Inn with similar questions to #2 above regarding the amulet/heirloom.
Tavryn will ask around to see what he can find out about the monster bounty job and the quarry job. He will also try to find out if there is any overlap. (ie. Goblin killing bounty – Goblins happen to be a problem at the quarry, etc.
Last thing for now - love the start! Look forward to having some fun story telling with you all. Cheers!
Kallista ate her meal in silence, knowing she couldn't accomplish any of the tasks alone and waiting for somebody else to show up and ask for assistance. She had glanced over the job postings earlier that morning, and was pleased to see that they were higher-paying and less likely to run her into trouble with the law than those she was used to, just as her contact had claimed. While she secretly would prefer to take the one that offered the most gold, if asked she would claim she was fine with any of the three, which was true enough.
As usual, she wore a long black cloak with the hood drawn over her face. Though she acknowledged it was likely a bit conspicuous, it provided her with a measure of comfort. The people of the Vannite Confederation tended to tolerate her presence, but she still held an instinctual fear of revealing her identity.
Iris - Tiefling Cleric | Cassandra - Elf Warlock | Solace - Tiefling Monk | Tempest - Hexblood Monk | Lex - Fire Genasi Barbarian
Lilyn - Triton Ranger | Candor - Changeling Bard | Echo - Changeling Warlock/Bard | Rowan - Fairy Wizard
Lumaris walks in from the morning air, having been up for sometime. His wavy blonde hair, a little messy from his morning jaunt, hangs over his elven ears. At his hip hang a longsword and a shortsword, and at his back is a quiver of arrows and a longbow. He scans the room, seeing several individuals of note, and nods slightly in approval. He walks over to the tavern keepers and takes a seat at the counter, ordering some food.
He leans back a little while he waits for his food, stretching, and then says loudly enough for anyone in the tavern room to hear, "Seems that there's a few opportunities to be had here in Respite currently. Would anyone care to join me on one, or more for that matter? I'm in need of gold and cannot truly accomplish the requests on my own, perhaps we could share the spoils, so to speak?"
Ravana ate sparingly, tucking the crusts into her pouch and sipping the water provided, she was not relaxed...she was never relaxed....but the company was pleasant and the surrounds tolerable. She was dressed in simple loose cotton fishermans trousers and a vest, tan in colour, her hair held back by a twist of leather.
Of the jobs, none really interested her.....but the food was good.
She yawned and stretched, " Any of you want to join me outside for some langkah-langkah?"
" If anyones looking at the jobs board I'm happy to accompany if you need some assistance.....", she said over her shoulder as she headed out to find a bare piece of ground to go through her morning juru.
She nodded to the entering elven man as she exited, but the door had closed behind her by the time he started speaking....