Calling all Dwarves and the odd gnome! This is a home brew campaign set in the Underdark. I will be taking on five players, all Dwarves or gnomes as the native player races of this world. The game begins with the fall of Baldenvelt the Dwarven capital. You find yourself taking refuge from the goblin horde in an old warehouse near the docks. Here you meet the crew of the Firehook, a Stoneship designed to sail the burning ocean. Here your adventure begins....
What you need to know :
Your character will be a citizen of Baldenvelt or one of the nearby settlements of the Highrock region. I can help tailor you background and will also draw on it to inform the worldbuilding as we go.
Dwarves are the ruling class of Baldenvelt. Gnomes were emancipated from slavery several years ago and do not yet enjoy all the same rights and freedoms as a Dwarven citizen.
Arcane magic is outlawed in Dwarvern society. Note this does not stop you rolling an arcane class!
The surface world is not part of the Dwarvern experience in this story so avoid references to surface related locations, races etc in your background.
I will be encouraging and rewarding RP, entertaining narrative and player interaction. Be prepared to release your inner dwarf (or gnome)!
House Rules :
One of the key ingredients to pbp of any kind is momentum. Things take a lot longer in this format and the waiting around can kill a game. For this reason I will be running with the following house rules :
I will be rolling initiative and some other group based rolls to keep things moving
When attacking roll your attack and damage rolls together to save time
I will enact a "rag doll" rule where players are unavailable or unresponsive. I will only control the PC to a point where I can keep the action moving and will avoid doing so where possible.
Players who cease to post will be placed into NPC mode and under my control until a replacement can be found.
Joining the game :
Do create a gnome or dwarf character at level one with a standard array
Do share the link to your character sheet on D&D Beyond
You may choose one feat appropriate to your race, class or background at the start of the game
Write one paragraph for your character background
Respond the the PM I send you. I need to ensure you communicate before starting.
I look forward to seeing what interest this gets. I will most likely choose the party members and and run session 0 over the coming weekend. Good luck!!
Mercwri Cyflym loved to tinker, it was the one thing his parents noticed about him, and was the reason they bought him an apprenticeship with a renowned Tinker. He soon became skillful enough to work for his own clientele, making custom items. During these day-to-day affairs he learned there were another sort of client, those who coveted that which belonged to another and were willing to pay, no questions asked. Dwarven society, on the whole is upstanding, and this allowed Mercwri Cyflym to have a secret life, a thrill he quickly became addicted to. As he furthered his nefarious and covert endeavors he discovered an even more profitable sort of 'merchandise', information. This kind of trade was dangerous, to say the least, and both customer and victim would do just about anything to keep such information as Mercwri Cyflym found to be profitable secret; having it, wanting it or losing it was in and of itself valuable. Thus did Mercwri Cyflym not only practice and perfect his skills with tools of various sorts, secrets are usually secured, but became very skilled with dual blades, if only for his own protection when a caper went wrong or in case some sought to take advantage of him in his more discrete dealings. So far he has managed to keep his anonymity intact, but the future has always been ... murky.
background: Torvin served as an Acolyte at the Temple of Moradin at Baldenvelt. He showed a talent for healing at a young age so, he was sent to the forge to help with the many injuries that come from working there. While there an old Dwarf took him under his wing and began to teach Torvin the secrets of the forge. That is when his talent for smithing rose to the surface. His mentor told him that he may be better at smithing than healing. Many years of training and many burns later his mentor taught him to make his own armor and shield but, his prized possession is his warhammer that he made with his mentor.
From a young age, Rurik knew his calling was in service of Berronar Truesilver, the mother of dwarves. While his brother Thoradin brooded on the surface, like the storms he enjoyed so much, Rurik tended the sick and tried to lift the spirits of the despairing. Though he respected the traditions, and participated in the church's rituals, he sometimes felt that there was a better way, a more personal and genuine way. The church of the Mother of Safety were among the foremost of those who pushed for the emancipation of gnomes and though still a mere acolyte at the time, he took pride in contributing as much as he could. When the goblins came, swarming out of their holes, he went to the front lines to aid his kin. In the end, it was not enough.
Class: Artificer then multiclassing into Wizard (graviturgy)
Background: sage
Backstory:
Eldon was made to work in the dwarven libraries when he was their slave. During this work he had unlimited access to the books and such inside those stone chambers. He used this access to study and read, and was even requested to do so by many a dwarf, most of whom would rather the gnome do the reading and research, giving them the requested information in as short of a response as was possible. During this time he came across a spellbook, which he began to study the spells within. He kept the book hidden, knowing the study of arcane arts was forbidden.
Backstory: Gelwar was once a slave to a Wizard dwarf who often taught Gelwar the arcane after learning of the deep gnome's affinity for study and manipulating the weave. The day Gelwar was freed was bitter sweet. Delston Forgeheart meant a lot to the gnome despite the situation and has nothing but love for the dwarf that treated him not as a slave, but as an equal. They had to keep their secret of magic quiet due to the nature of the society banning such uses. After being freed, Delston gave Gelwar a small book containing a few spells that he could cast to help in his endeavors of exploring the arcane in his own way. Even after being freed, Gelwar stayed by his friend's side as an assistant and often carried out tasks for Deston using his more stealthy skills to assist Delston in any way he could. Things were seeming to become better for Gelwar. He was free, he had friends, a comfortable life, and plenty of time to study. Things were generally peaceful, but then the Fire Nation, I mean, goblins attacked. In the heat of the moment, Gelwar lost track of Delston by the docks. The goblins were almost everywhere and nowhere seemed too safe. The sounds of battle in the not so far distance warned of the goblins coming closer. The deep gnome runs to a warehouse near the docks with intent to find his friend, maybe the secret wizard was inside. He summons his cave owl from the pocket dimension it is stored in to the other side of the door, then concentrates to perceive what is on the other side. After confirming there are no hostiles, he dismisses his feathered friend back to that dimension it was stored in and sneaks in to find a reprieve from the chaos outside. He needed to get his head straight and find his friend Delston. He hoped the Dwarf was well and safe, but he wanted to make sure if possible.
Backstory: Dom is not the brightest and he knows it. He lives by a motto his father taught him before being kicked out, "If you're gonna be dumb you gotta be tough". Dom was dumb, and oh boy was he tough. His removal from his home was due to his father hating the fact that Dom did not intend to take on the family brewery. It took Dom so much time just to learn the basics, and he often made ale that would make a giant keel over, but seemed just fine to him. He acted as a bouncer for his father's tavern, sometimes taking things too far and busting up the place. The last time wasn't so bad but it was the straw on the camel's back. His father demanded Dom go find his own way, leaving him with some gold and a few weapons. It wasn't long before he made his way to the fight pits. Dom did great, mostly out lasting and fights, going blow for blow until his opponent count take anymore beating. Dom was told to throw a fight, but it was against his morals and also, the opponent couldn't take two hits. The dummy was cast out again. He works on the docks now, doing his best to stay out of trouble and help with unloading cargo from the ships. It was his day off and he went to the warehouse to retrieve his pay for the week, but chaos broke out as Goblins seem to flood the city. Deep down he hoped the things would come here so he could rip as many apart as possible. I thought he could take on about 3 off them by himself. "If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough" his father's words echoed in his head.
Feel free to choose either one of these, and if anyone else would like to play them or use the the build then please go ahead :D
Never played a dwarf before so I’ll throw my hat in the ring.
Name: Cedric Obsidian
race: Dwarf (mountain)
class: fighter
Background: soldier
backstory: A soldier dedicated to bringing honor to his family name Cedric works to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Like the mountains that he comes from, he stands firm in the face of danger and overcomes obstacles head on (literally at certain times).
Hitticus has had very few good things come his way. Never skilled enough to be more than apprentice, and at brewing none the less... He hated alcohol so much. His life was so full day to day that he began stealing things to entertain himself. It started with small things, tarnished coins, uncut gems, but when he took what he thought was a piece of cheap decor his life changed forever. He now is devoted to the dao that lives in the statue and his greed is constantly validated by his patron.
Randrak was a soldier for Baldenvelt. He has now decided to carry a scrap piece of cloth tied around his waist. The cloth is marked with a heraldic symbol of his own design. The symbol is of three drop of blood beneath a horizontal blade. The three drops represent three people he has sworn to kill. These three people are responsible for the death of his former master. His master trained Randrak in becoming efficient with his weapons, to move a weapon as if one with the weapon. When Randrak attacks he rains downs his attacks like hammer blows sending blood flying.
I haven’t had much chance to know any of the Dwarvish lore hardly, so I’m sort of just piecing together things from Lord of the Rings, Dragon Age: Origins, and my own filling. It may be that I could use some assistance, and I’m a fan of asking about stuff. I figure Heavy Armor mastery for his feat. If there’s something that fits better for a dwarf like this, tell me about it.
I imagine Bhalmyl as an archetypical Noble dwarf. He comes from a life of rigid traditions, and grudges measured by how many history books it shows up in. That is, he comes from wealth and respect. Having been chosen for the life of a paladin, that only adds to the esteem of his clan. Bhalmyl is now charged with earning his emblem, his demarcation as a paladin so that his clan will have yet more honor. This means interactions with gnomes, something distasteful to most of his family. Still, he thinks himself a progressive for acknowledging the strengths of gnomes, in private if not in public.
I kinda want to play with a grudge against some particular beastie of the Underdark, as well as against another dwarf clan. I’d also enjoy some mentor in the paladins. Maybe one who is against the grain of traditional dwarves in secret.
Uldran's family have been serving nature and community as druids for as long as they can remember. Being the third child Uldran knows that he will never take his fathers place as the sage for the town that they live in, that will be his sister or possibly brother. So while his brother and sister have had a more formal education in nature and the wilds Uldran has been free to roam the dangerous Underdark on his own (or with friends). He has become a guide for adventurers and now after guiding a group through the Underdark he finds himself stuck on the docks taking shelter from a goblin horde...
(Possible story hooks for him- something happens to his older siblings and he is called on to further his training- possibly this is why he is at level one starting this adventure)
Calling all Dwarves and the odd gnome! This is a home brew campaign set in the Underdark. I will be taking on five players, all Dwarves or gnomes as the native player races of this world. The game begins with the fall of Baldenvelt the Dwarven capital. You find yourself taking refuge from the goblin horde in an old warehouse near the docks. Here you meet the crew of the Firehook, a Stoneship designed to sail the burning ocean. Here your adventure begins....
What you need to know :
House Rules :
One of the key ingredients to pbp of any kind is momentum. Things take a lot longer in this format and the waiting around can kill a game. For this reason I will be running with the following house rules :
Joining the game :
I look forward to seeing what interest this gets. I will most likely choose the party members and and run session 0 over the coming weekend. Good luck!!
DM - Warlock of Firetop Mountain
Placeholder so I remember to make one!
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Place holder
Mercwri Cyflym Gnome Rogue/Tinker
Mercwri Cyflym loved to tinker, it was the one thing his parents noticed about him, and was the reason they bought him an apprenticeship with a renowned Tinker. He soon became skillful enough to work for his own clientele, making custom items. During these day-to-day affairs he learned there were another sort of client, those who coveted that which belonged to another and were willing to pay, no questions asked. Dwarven society, on the whole is upstanding, and this allowed Mercwri Cyflym to have a secret life, a thrill he quickly became addicted to. As he furthered his nefarious and covert endeavors he discovered an even more profitable sort of 'merchandise', information. This kind of trade was dangerous, to say the least, and both customer and victim would do just about anything to keep such information as Mercwri Cyflym found to be profitable secret; having it, wanting it or losing it was in and of itself valuable. Thus did Mercwri Cyflym not only practice and perfect his skills with tools of various sorts, secrets are usually secured, but became very skilled with dual blades, if only for his own protection when a caper went wrong or in case some sought to take advantage of him in his more discrete dealings. So far he has managed to keep his anonymity intact, but the future has always been ... murky.
ddb.ac/characters/21602757/jn5Z5h
Panic is a mechanism that strengthens the gene pool.
name: Torvin Thunderheart
race: Dwarf (Hill)
class: Cleric (Forge)
background: Torvin served as an Acolyte at the Temple of Moradin at Baldenvelt. He showed a talent for healing at a young age so, he was sent to the forge to help with the many injuries that come from working there. While there an old Dwarf took him under his wing and began to teach Torvin the secrets of the forge. That is when his talent for smithing rose to the surface. His mentor told him that he may be better at smithing than healing. Many years of training and many burns later his mentor taught him to make his own armor and shield but, his prized possession is his warhammer that he made with his mentor.
sheet: https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/Templar32/characters/34223187
https://ddb.ac/characters/34224074/2htu2A
From a young age, Rurik knew his calling was in service of Berronar Truesilver, the mother of dwarves. While his brother Thoradin brooded on the surface, like the storms he enjoyed so much, Rurik tended the sick and tried to lift the spirits of the despairing. Though he respected the traditions, and participated in the church's rituals, he sometimes felt that there was a better way, a more personal and genuine way. The church of the Mother of Safety were among the foremost of those who pushed for the emancipation of gnomes and though still a mere acolyte at the time, he took pride in contributing as much as he could. When the goblins came, swarming out of their holes, he went to the front lines to aid his kin. In the end, it was not enough.
Brothers of the mine rejoice!
Swing, swing, swing with me
Raise your pick and raise your voice!
Sing, sing, sing with me
Name: Eldon
Race: Gnome (Rock)
Class: Artificer then multiclassing into Wizard (graviturgy)
Background: sage
Backstory:
Eldon was made to work in the dwarven libraries when he was their slave. During this work he had unlimited access to the books and such inside those stone chambers. He used this access to study and read, and was even requested to do so by many a dwarf, most of whom would rather the gnome do the reading and research, giving them the requested information in as short of a response as was possible. During this time he came across a spellbook, which he began to study the spells within. He kept the book hidden, knowing the study of arcane arts was forbidden.
Link:
https://ddb.ac/characters/34228605/OoiEmM
(dennis approves)
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
Gelwar Bodesh
Name: Galwar Bodesh (name is a link to character sheet)
Race: Deep Gnome
Class: Rouge (going trickster)
Background: Sage
Feat: Ritual Caster (Wizard) Spells: Find Familiar, Comprehend Languages, Alarm
Backstory: Gelwar was once a slave to a Wizard dwarf who often taught Gelwar the arcane after learning of the deep gnome's affinity for study and manipulating the weave. The day Gelwar was freed was bitter sweet. Delston Forgeheart meant a lot to the gnome despite the situation and has nothing but love for the dwarf that treated him not as a slave, but as an equal. They had to keep their secret of magic quiet due to the nature of the society banning such uses. After being freed, Delston gave Gelwar a small book containing a few spells that he could cast to help in his endeavors of exploring the arcane in his own way. Even after being freed, Gelwar stayed by his friend's side as an assistant and often carried out tasks for Deston using his more stealthy skills to assist Delston in any way he could. Things were seeming to become better for Gelwar. He was free, he had friends, a comfortable life, and plenty of time to study. Things were generally peaceful, but then the Fire Nation, I mean, goblins attacked. In the heat of the moment, Gelwar lost track of Delston by the docks. The goblins were almost everywhere and nowhere seemed too safe. The sounds of battle in the not so far distance warned of the goblins coming closer. The deep gnome runs to a warehouse near the docks with intent to find his friend, maybe the secret wizard was inside. He summons his cave owl from the pocket dimension it is stored in to the other side of the door, then concentrates to perceive what is on the other side. After confirming there are no hostiles, he dismisses his feathered friend back to that dimension it was stored in and sneaks in to find a reprieve from the chaos outside. He needed to get his head straight and find his friend Delston. He hoped the Dwarf was well and safe, but he wanted to make sure if possible.
Dom Bloodbeard
Name: Dom Bloodbeard
Race: Hill Dwarf
Class: Barabarian
Background: Gladiator
Feat: Tough
Backstory: Dom is not the brightest and he knows it. He lives by a motto his father taught him before being kicked out, "If you're gonna be dumb you gotta be tough". Dom was dumb, and oh boy was he tough. His removal from his home was due to his father hating the fact that Dom did not intend to take on the family brewery. It took Dom so much time just to learn the basics, and he often made ale that would make a giant keel over, but seemed just fine to him. He acted as a bouncer for his father's tavern, sometimes taking things too far and busting up the place. The last time wasn't so bad but it was the straw on the camel's back. His father demanded Dom go find his own way, leaving him with some gold and a few weapons. It wasn't long before he made his way to the fight pits. Dom did great, mostly out lasting and fights, going blow for blow until his opponent count take anymore beating. Dom was told to throw a fight, but it was against his morals and also, the opponent couldn't take two hits. The dummy was cast out again. He works on the docks now, doing his best to stay out of trouble and help with unloading cargo from the ships. It was his day off and he went to the warehouse to retrieve his pay for the week, but chaos broke out as Goblins seem to flood the city. Deep down he hoped the things would come here so he could rip as many apart as possible. I thought he could take on about 3 off them by himself. "If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough" his father's words echoed in his head.
Feel free to choose either one of these, and if anyone else would like to play them or use the the build then please go ahead :D
Drow enthusiast
Lover of lore and magic.
-The White Crow-
Never played a dwarf before so I’ll throw my hat in the ring.
Name: Cedric Obsidian
race: Dwarf (mountain)
class: fighter
Background: soldier
backstory: A soldier dedicated to bringing honor to his family name Cedric works to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Like the mountains that he comes from, he stands firm in the face of danger and overcomes obstacles head on (literally at certain times).
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
I have a great idea for a mark of warding dwarf wizard... that is if ebberon is allowed.
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
I'm interested!
Freak - Mountain Dwarf Barbarian
https://ddb.ac/characters/34240152/Ynvmtr
https://ddb.ac/characters/34236163/MTWvQh
Hitticus has had very few good things come his way. Never skilled enough to be more than apprentice, and at brewing none the less... He hated alcohol so much. His life was so full day to day that he began stealing things to entertain himself. It started with small things, tarnished coins, uncut gems, but when he took what he thought was a piece of cheap decor his life changed forever. He now is devoted to the dao that lives in the statue and his greed is constantly validated by his patron.
Randrak - Fighter
Randrak was a soldier for Baldenvelt. He has now decided to carry a scrap piece of cloth tied around his waist. The cloth is marked with a heraldic symbol of his own design. The symbol is of three drop of blood beneath a horizontal blade. The three drops represent three people he has sworn to kill. These three people are responsible for the death of his former master. His master trained Randrak in becoming efficient with his weapons, to move a weapon as if one with the weapon. When Randrak attacks he rains downs his attacks like hammer blows sending blood flying.
https://ddb.ac/characters/34240544/ax7VB0
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/nschrock/characters/34240529
Bhalmyl Durthane - Mt Dwarf - Noble - Paladin (not sure which oaths would fit. Devotion?)
I haven’t had much chance to know any of the Dwarvish lore hardly, so I’m sort of just piecing together things from Lord of the Rings, Dragon Age: Origins, and my own filling. It may be that I could use some assistance, and I’m a fan of asking about stuff. I figure Heavy Armor mastery for his feat. If there’s something that fits better for a dwarf like this, tell me about it.
I imagine Bhalmyl as an archetypical Noble dwarf. He comes from a life of rigid traditions, and grudges measured by how many history books it shows up in. That is, he comes from wealth and respect. Having been chosen for the life of a paladin, that only adds to the esteem of his clan. Bhalmyl is now charged with earning his emblem, his demarcation as a paladin so that his clan will have yet more honor.
This means interactions with gnomes, something distasteful to most of his family. Still, he thinks himself a progressive for acknowledging the strengths of gnomes, in private if not in public.
I kinda want to play with a grudge against some particular beastie of the Underdark, as well as against another dwarf clan. I’d also enjoy some mentor in the paladins. Maybe one who is against the grain of traditional dwarves in secret.
Paladin - warforged - orange
@Goodbovine Don’t see why not. Roll it up with a background and I’ll take a look.
DM - Warlock of Firetop Mountain
Wow thanks for the interest all! I will be spending some time tonight reading through and contacting some of you.
DM - Warlock of Firetop Mountain
Updated with backstory
I'm gonna have to withdraw, as some IRL stuff is bugging me, and I have to get it done.
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
Uldran, Druid (eventually Circle of the Land-Underdark or Mountain)
https://ddb.ac/characters/34234665/RyNHSE
Uldran's family have been serving nature and community as druids for as long as they can remember. Being the third child Uldran knows that he will never take his fathers place as the sage for the town that they live in, that will be his sister or possibly brother. So while his brother and sister have had a more formal education in nature and the wilds Uldran has been free to roam the dangerous Underdark on his own (or with friends). He has become a guide for adventurers and now after guiding a group through the Underdark he finds himself stuck on the docks taking shelter from a goblin horde...
Uldran Sporebringer | Lvl 2 Dwarf Druid | Stonebound
Allorian Silverfin | Lvl 1 Rogue | Gillesburg