Looking to run it, I have the content, but there’s a lot to it.
”would ya kindly” take a look at the character options and make a rough draft mentally of what your character trope is and who they are. some people will be picked or asked to come back another time
Rooty Riperind was grown with care, stitched from straw and sorrow in the dying light of the harvest moon. His jack-o’-lantern head once grinned brightly among the graves of Crookroot Hollow on the edge of Enoch, where he was raised by the elderly gravekeeper Maerla. She called him her “little Rooty,” a name that stuck like burrs to wool. He lit lanterns, cleaned moss from headstones, and listened when the wind whispered between the birches.
Maerla died when the ground was too hard to dig. Rooty carried her to the crypt with trembling hands and placed a dried blossom on her chest—a flower he had picked on the day he first helped her bury a stranger. He thought that would be the end.
But one dusk, her voice called to him—wet, warbled, twisted by undeath. The corpse that clawed from the soil wore Maerla’s shawl but moved like a puppet yanked by rot.
Rooty faltered. Then he fought.
It took three days to quiet her. He burned herbs, read old rites, and finally placed her skull in the lantern he now carries, etched with sigils of rest. Whether her spirit ever truly departed, he doesn’t know. But he swore by the cracked stone of her grave: no one else would suffer such a return.
Since then, Rooty Riperind has become a wandering gravewarden. His sword is not for vengeance—it is for release. His lantern burns for the lost. His flower reminds him: the first grave you tend is never your last.
Personality: Gentle and grounded - Rooty speaks in soft tones, like wind through corn stalks, unless the dead rise. Ceremonial - He performs little rituals for the dead: binding knots, scattering ash, whispering lullabies.
Ideals: Rest - He believes that proper burials and final rites bring peace to the dead—and the living. Remembrance - Even those forgotten deserve a name spoken once more.
Bonds: The dried flower he carries once rested on Maerla’s chest. He protects it with more care than any weapon. His lantern might still whisper with her voice. He listens, just in case.
Flaws: Rooty hesitates when confronted with familiar faces among the undead. He refuses to let others destroy graves—even if desecration seems tactically wise.
Mirella “Mossgrin” Tallow, the Witch-Touched Foundling
Defining Personality Traits: Mirella is quietly intense, observant, and speaks as if every word carries weight. She often stares too long and listens too well.
Ideals: Truth should be drawn into the light, no matter how long it has been buried in the bog. Secrets rot the soul.
Flaws: She holds grudges like relics, believing that forgiveness is a weakness the woods never taught her.
Fear & Desire: She fears becoming like the crones who raised her—twisted by isolation and resentment. She desires a place where she belongs without having to change what she is.
Archetype: The Outsider with Hidden Wisdom
Past Influence: Raised by ancient forest witches who stole her from a storm-drenched village, she was taught omens, herbs, and how to survive by speaking to things with no names. She eventually fled, but the woods never truly let go.
Description Without Role/Looks/Items: You’d feel her presence before she speaks. Her silence challenges you to explain yourself. There’s something unspoken in her stillness—a patience born from listening to things others flee from.
Class: Wizard (subclass Occultist)
Has Made a Dark Bargain
Species: A cross between Harvestborn and Threadborn (Threadborn used for traits)
I will add you don’t *have* to pick one of these species, in fact I think all options are fine
Personally I think the species options are great - Specially if a bit of leeway is allowed. Which it generally is. I think some of the subclasses, however, can seem a bit specific and confining? Especially on first glance. The martials in particular. Though I wasn't too interested in being a martial for this so maybe I just didn't read them close enough.
I will add you don’t *have* to pick one of these species, in fact I think all options are fine
Personally I think the species options are great - Specially if a bit of leeway is allowed. Which it generally is. I think some of the subclasses, however, can seem a bit specific and confining? Especially on first glance. The martials in particular. Though I wasn't too interested in being a martial for this so maybe I just didn't read them close enough.
Yeah, I love the species and the lore for the different provinces but none of the subclasses really jump out at me.
I hope you all do enjoy the options and this may give an opportunity to try them if nothing else. I’ve been watching the pre-crooked moon stuff from the creators and I’ve seen different uses of the options given, so even if things may seem wild, feel free to ask!
Hm, I actually think the Barrow Guard subclass seems pretty cool, and kind of fitting for a Harvestborn with the whole reaping idea. I'll switch Rooty to that lol.
Class: Monk I'd like to use the Way of the Long Death subclass from 2014 if that's alright.
Background: Druskenvald Dweller (Syndramas)
Backstory: Greel vaguely remembers his previous life before he was reborn into the Druskenvald province of Syndramas as a Graveborn. He'd died young and hungry, but in this new world he could feast to his heart's content. Out of place in Syndramas's militarized society, Greel ended up serving as the camp cook for a warband. Tired of trail rations, forced marches, and mindless obedience he eventually deserted. Now able to live as he sees fit Greel seeks to taste all of what Druskenvald has to offer.
Personality: Greel is cheerful, friendly, and always on the lookout for new ingredients. The only thing he loves more than eating is eating with friends, and he'll often offer to share his food with whoever he's traveling with. Becoming a Graveborn has expanded his definition of "edible," so those partaking of his cooking should ensure they know what went into the stewpot before swallowing.
Personality Traits:
I am a lover of all things culinary, with an insatiable appetite for experiencing the world through food.
By living among violent people, I have become desensitized to violence.
Ideal: Indulgence. Life is too short to not savor every bite. I believe in enjoying every aspect of life to its fullest. (Chaotic)
Bond: I write all my favorite recipes down in my cookbook, protecting it as my most valued possession.
Flaw: I cannot resist an invitation to drink, party, or partake in sensual pleasures.
I think I would change my preferred character to a Relicborn College of Whistles Bard.
Hailing from Port Melee, I imagine Willem the Whistler to be one of the Relicborn who emigrate from Kalero to spread the celebration of life and death to the lands beyond. Willem's (Call me Whistler, he insists with a smile) specialty is "haunting" inns and taverns and putting on entrancing performances. The longer and further away from Kalero he is the harder it is for energies of the land to hold him and his memories together. As such it is all the more important for Willem to perform and entertain for he more or less feeds off the energy of those who take in his performances, drawing extra energies from those he keeps out and partying well past their normal hours...
((This is mostly just flavoring, taking into account some ideas from the species, class and location as well as the "spookiness" of the overall tone - The idea he gets a long rest by 4 hours of partying and such...))
I picture Willem the Whistler as a bit of a robust skeleton in white tie and a top hat when "well fed" or close to home. The further away and hungrier for a good time he gets the more gaunt a figure he is and the more tattered his clothing becomes. ((Again, more flavor than anything else.)) Willem the Whistler's main goal is to entertain and thus stay well fed and so he is always going to be a bit reluctant to head anywhere other than a populated area... Not that he could not be convinced, so long as he thinks a fun or at least interesting time could be had... And a fresh meal would come soon thereafter.
I mean more as in the progressive of what some of these options are and what they did with them. that being said I am no expert in any of this. We’re all learning as we go, and if it comes up as a question for one person, I feel like it’s just cool to have that like group discussion so everyone can experience that knowledge
do you mean to say starting out at 3rd level, or progressing *into* 3rd? my thoughts on that; errrrmm yes? Idk I enjoy the early bits, however as this setting is quite new, I’d say yes
start at 3rd level.
and this campaign has 3 parts that cover all the way to 20, but if you aren’t feeling the vibe by that mid point we can always adjust, or switch.
-edit- gonna probably start this once we have enough players, if you wouldn’t mind posing your revised characters here again that would be wonderful, and thank you!
excellent. Thank you so much for running this. I’ve run a few campaigns and it can be hard so I really appreciate you running this. As a GM you need to have fun too, so I hope to be able to lead to some of your fun as well
Yes! I’ve noticed that a lot! Like I understand it’s good to be serious but that doesn’t mean it has to be as written, or even in the module or even my notes lmao it’s just impossible to think of what 5-6 minds would do with the same situation given different options for each, and how to write for the unthought of parts.
while I’m on about it, there are some lines than could be crossed in this story. It can be dark. I’m no great horror storyteller, and I will skip things if it makes anyone at all feel uncomfortable. lol even me. But I’ll talk about what is written at least!
Yay! Thanks for dming! I've updated Rooty's info in my first post. Love everyone else's characters so far too! Looking forward to it.
Also, regarding Rooty's subclass/background, the concepts of alive/dead/undead seem pretty wibbly-wobbly in Druskenvald. Like for a Relicborn and even Graveborn, while they're technically undead, he'd consider them alive since they were "born" that way. He'll just have to be careful about using Turn Undead too close to them.
and this campaign has 3 parts that cover all the way to 20, but if you aren’t feeling the vibe by that mid point we can always adjust, or switch.
-edit- gonna probably start this once we have enough players, if you wouldn’t mind posing your revised characters here again that would be wonderful, and thank you!
Looking to run it, I have the content, but there’s a lot to it.
”would ya kindly” take a look at the character options and make a rough draft mentally of what your character trope is and who they are.
some people will be picked or asked to come back another time
Awesome!
Species: Harvestborn
Class: Fighter / Barrow Guard
Name: Rooty Riperind
Background: Rest Warden
Backstory:
Rooty Riperind was grown with care, stitched from straw and sorrow in the dying light of the harvest moon. His jack-o’-lantern head once grinned brightly among the graves of Crookroot Hollow on the edge of Enoch, where he was raised by the elderly gravekeeper Maerla. She called him her “little Rooty,” a name that stuck like burrs to wool. He lit lanterns, cleaned moss from headstones, and listened when the wind whispered between the birches.
Maerla died when the ground was too hard to dig. Rooty carried her to the crypt with trembling hands and placed a dried blossom on her chest—a flower he had picked on the day he first helped her bury a stranger. He thought that would be the end.
But one dusk, her voice called to him—wet, warbled, twisted by undeath. The corpse that clawed from the soil wore Maerla’s shawl but moved like a puppet yanked by rot.
Rooty faltered. Then he fought.
It took three days to quiet her. He burned herbs, read old rites, and finally placed her skull in the lantern he now carries, etched with sigils of rest. Whether her spirit ever truly departed, he doesn’t know. But he swore by the cracked stone of her grave: no one else would suffer such a return.
Since then, Rooty Riperind has become a wandering gravewarden. His sword is not for vengeance—it is for release. His lantern burns for the lost. His flower reminds him: the first grave you tend is never your last.
Personality: Gentle and grounded - Rooty speaks in soft tones, like wind through corn stalks, unless the dead rise. Ceremonial - He performs little rituals for the dead: binding knots, scattering ash, whispering lullabies.
Ideals: Rest - He believes that proper burials and final rites bring peace to the dead—and the living. Remembrance - Even those forgotten deserve a name spoken once more.
Bonds: The dried flower he carries once rested on Maerla’s chest. He protects it with more care than any weapon. His lantern might still whisper with her voice. He listens, just in case.
Flaws: Rooty hesitates when confronted with familiar faces among the undead. He refuses to let others destroy graves—even if desecration seems tactically wise.
Character Sheet: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/148096660/CcDu0Q
I have Master, so if I'm accepted I can share the player/setting book with everyone.
Mirella “Mossgrin” Tallow, the Witch-Touched Foundling
Defining Personality Traits:
Mirella is quietly intense, observant, and speaks as if every word carries weight. She often stares too long and listens too well.
Ideals:
Truth should be drawn into the light, no matter how long it has been buried in the bog. Secrets rot the soul.
Flaws:
She holds grudges like relics, believing that forgiveness is a weakness the woods never taught her.
Fear & Desire:
She fears becoming like the crones who raised her—twisted by isolation and resentment. She desires a place where she belongs without having to change what she is.
Archetype:
The Outsider with Hidden Wisdom
Past Influence:
Raised by ancient forest witches who stole her from a storm-drenched village, she was taught omens, herbs, and how to survive by speaking to things with no names. She eventually fled, but the woods never truly let go.
Description Without Role/Looks/Items:
You’d feel her presence before she speaks. Her silence challenges you to explain yourself. There’s something unspoken in her stillness—a patience born from listening to things others flee from.
Class: Wizard (subclass Occultist)
Has Made a Dark Bargain
Species: A cross between Harvestborn and Threadborn (Threadborn used for traits)
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/148103818
D&D since 1984
I will add you don’t *have* to pick one of these species, in fact I think all options are fine
Personally I think the species options are great - Specially if a bit of leeway is allowed. Which it generally is. I think some of the subclasses, however, can seem a bit specific and confining? Especially on first glance. The martials in particular. Though I wasn't too interested in being a martial for this so maybe I just didn't read them close enough.
Yeah, I love the species and the lore for the different provinces but none of the subclasses really jump out at me.
I hope you all do enjoy the options and this may give an opportunity to try them if nothing else. I’ve been watching the pre-crooked moon stuff from the creators and I’ve seen different uses of the options given, so even if things may seem wild, feel free to ask!
Any of the pre stuff you’d recommend?
D&D since 1984
Hm, I actually think the Barrow Guard subclass seems pretty cool, and kind of fitting for a Harvestborn with the whole reaping idea. I'll switch Rooty to that lol.
Name: Greel Gulovor
Species: Graveborn
Class: Monk I'd like to use the Way of the Long Death subclass from 2014 if that's alright.
Background: Druskenvald Dweller (Syndramas)
Backstory: Greel vaguely remembers his previous life before he was reborn into the Druskenvald province of Syndramas as a Graveborn. He'd died young and hungry, but in this new world he could feast to his heart's content. Out of place in Syndramas's militarized society, Greel ended up serving as the camp cook for a warband. Tired of trail rations, forced marches, and mindless obedience he eventually deserted. Now able to live as he sees fit Greel seeks to taste all of what Druskenvald has to offer.
Personality: Greel is cheerful, friendly, and always on the lookout for new ingredients. The only thing he loves more than eating is eating with friends, and he'll often offer to share his food with whoever he's traveling with. Becoming a Graveborn has expanded his definition of "edible," so those partaking of his cooking should ensure they know what went into the stewpot before swallowing.
Personality Traits:
Ideal: Indulgence. Life is too short to not savor every bite. I believe in enjoying every aspect of life to its fullest. (Chaotic)
Bond: I write all my favorite recipes down in my cookbook, protecting it as my most valued possession.
Flaw: I cannot resist an invitation to drink, party, or partake in sensual pleasures.
I think I would change my preferred character to a Relicborn College of Whistles Bard.
Hailing from Port Melee, I imagine Willem the Whistler to be one of the Relicborn who emigrate from Kalero to spread the celebration of life and death to the lands beyond. Willem's (Call me Whistler, he insists with a smile) specialty is "haunting" inns and taverns and putting on entrancing performances. The longer and further away from Kalero he is the harder it is for energies of the land to hold him and his memories together. As such it is all the more important for Willem to perform and entertain for he more or less feeds off the energy of those who take in his performances, drawing extra energies from those he keeps out and partying well past their normal hours...
((This is mostly just flavoring, taking into account some ideas from the species, class and location as well as the "spookiness" of the overall tone - The idea he gets a long rest by 4 hours of partying and such...))
I picture Willem the Whistler as a bit of a robust skeleton in white tie and a top hat when "well fed" or close to home. The further away and hungrier for a good time he gets the more gaunt a figure he is and the more tattered his clothing becomes. ((Again, more flavor than anything else.)) Willem the Whistler's main goal is to entertain and thus stay well fed and so he is always going to be a bit reluctant to head anywhere other than a populated area... Not that he could not be convinced, so long as he thinks a fun or at least interesting time could be had... And a fresh meal would come soon thereafter.
Character sheet link: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/148187000/C4GTFl
Currently at lvl 1 as I'm unsure Stat generating method to be used? Will update once known...
Anyway, enjoying more and more of these ideas the more I look into them.
Do you think the characters will be 3rd level or greater?
D&D since 1984
I mean more as in the progressive of what some of these options are and what they did with them.
that being said I am no expert in any of this. We’re all learning as we go, and if it comes up as a question for one person, I feel like it’s just cool to have that like group discussion so everyone can experience that knowledge
do you mean to say starting out at 3rd level, or progressing *into* 3rd?
my thoughts on that; errrrmm yes? Idk I enjoy the early bits, however as this setting is quite new, I’d say yes
start at 3rd level.
and this campaign has 3 parts that cover all the way to 20, but if you aren’t feeling the vibe by that mid point we can always adjust, or switch.
-edit- gonna probably start this once we have enough players, if you wouldn’t mind posing your revised characters here again that would be wonderful, and thank you!
excellent. Thank you so much for running this. I’ve run a few campaigns and it can be hard so I really appreciate you running this. As a GM you need to have fun too, so I hope to be able to lead to some of your fun as well
D&D since 1984
Yes! I’ve noticed that a lot! Like I understand it’s good to be serious but that doesn’t mean it has to be as written, or even in the module or even my notes lmao it’s just impossible to think of what 5-6 minds would do with the same situation given different options for each, and how to write for the unthought of parts.
while I’m on about it, there are some lines than could be crossed in this story. It can be dark. I’m no great horror storyteller, and I will skip things if it makes anyone at all feel uncomfortable. lol even me. But I’ll talk about what is written at least!
Yay! Thanks for dming! I've updated Rooty's info in my first post. Love everyone else's characters so far too! Looking forward to it.
Also, regarding Rooty's subclass/background, the concepts of alive/dead/undead seem pretty wibbly-wobbly in Druskenvald. Like for a Relicborn and even Graveborn, while they're technically undead, he'd consider them alive since they were "born" that way. He'll just have to be careful about using Turn Undead too close to them.
Point Buy? Roll for stats?
I don't own the books so I'd need someone to share them for my character sheet.
I can once the campaign is made.
I'll send you a link to a campaign you can join that should allow me to share the content with you to have a look at...