For countless generations, the continent of Torea has lived united under the flag of the Amallian Empire. A council of five rules from the capital city of Emberhall, governing and keeping the peace. Prior to last year, the council hadn't seen a new member for decades. However, upon the recent death of councilman Anton Helder, the empty seat was filled by a young human woman named Hazel Domine. A storm sorcerer who has travelled to most corners of the empire, she has been fairly well-received by the people.
At some point before she joined the council, you met Hazel, and ended up owing her a great debt. She had never called in the favor, though, and you were beginning to forget about it when you were approached by a messenger from the capital. The letter they handed you requested your presence at Emberhall the following week to meet with Hazel. Out of duty or curiosity, you travelled into the city to see what she needs.
Hello all! My name is Artymis, and I'm super excited to be running my first homebrew campaign. I've run multiple modules before but I wanted to branch out a bit, and I'm looking for five dedicated players to join me on this adventure. Before we get started, a few ground rules:
1. I plan to put a lot of time and effort into this campaign, so I expect the same from you. You should be able to post at least once a day, and your posts should be more detailed than just a single sentence. Also, please notify the group if you'll be absent for more than a day or two.
2. Murder hobos, rules lawyers, and lone-wolf edgelords need not apply. There's a time and a place, and this isn't it.
3. Starting at level 1 with standard equipment. Roll for stats, rerolling 1s once. All official races and subclasses allowed. No UA or homebrew. Tasha's variant race rules are okay as long as they make sense for your character; variant class rules must be approved for use. Multiclassing will be allowed after level 3 if it makes narrative sense.
4. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, have fun! Good roleplay and creativity will always be rewarded.
If you've made it this far and are still interested in playing, please fill out the following application:
Name: Race: Class (including subclass if applicable): Ability Scores: Background: Alignment: Backstory (including how you met Hazel): Timezone: Character sheet link:
Feel free to ask questions in the thread or via PM. I look forward to seeing all of your fantastic characters!
Name: Zaira Race: Half-Elf Class (including subclass if applicable): Rogue Ability Scores: Str 11, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 15, Wis 11, Cha 15. Background: Courtier Alignment: CG Backstory (including how you met Gale): TBD Timezone: EST
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Name: Salim
Race: Changeling
Class (including subclass if applicable): Blood Hunter School of the Lycan.if allowed or if not then Fighter with the Echoknight Subclass
Ability Scores: Ability scores: 151411121817
Background: Mercenary Veteran
Alignment: Neutral Good
Backstory (including how you met Hazel): Salim was born into a family of monster hunters, his family using their shape shifting abilities to get into the lairs of their targets. However unlike many of their kind, when dealing with normal citizen of the Empire they would stay in their normal changeling form. From a young age, Salim was trained to fight with various weapons, focusing on a mixture of melee and ranged combat.
By the time he reached his early adulthood Salim had traveled all over the Empire, helping mostly peasants with a few small monsters or what they thought were monsters. This usually meant dealing with wolves and other wild creatures. A few times he would fight alongside others of his family to combat orcs and once a troll, stay back with a crossbow.
During his travels about a year or so ago, Salim was hired by Hazel Domine to fight a creature that had been killing the local livestock and in a few instances local peasants. While the two managed to track down the creature it turned out to be to much for the still learning Salim, being overwhelmed after a bite from the creature they had learned was a crazed werewolf. Hazel managed to kill the werebeast and saved the injured mercenary, taking him back to his family where he was then quarantined to either be cured or taught to control the werebeast blood inside him. (If Blood Hunter is not applicable then I will just change it to being wounded instead.)
Backstory: Akanos Novak was born the son of a tavern keeper and a mother unknown to him. His father treated him like a slave and he was bullied and humiliated by the townspeople for being a Tielfing. At age 16, he ran away to join a mages’ college. After displaying his inert talent for magic, Kane graduated from the college with honors from being an exceptional student. Kane went adventuring a few years, discovering different relics and treasures. When he was 20, Kane discovered a temple dedicated to the Archdevil Mephistopheles. There was a landslide and Kane became trapped. After four days, Kane was on the verge of starvation and lack of oxygen. Suddenly, Mephistopheles himself appeared. He told Kane that he had been observing him for some time, and he told him that Kane is his descendant from a pact made with Mephistopheles 2,000 years ago. Mephistopheles offered Kane a deal: become his disciple and he will not save Kane’s life, but he will grant him magical power beyond comparison. Kane, wanting to live and tempted by the power, he accepted. Moments later, Kane was teleported outside the temple. Since then, Kane has used his powers for good and has argued with Mephistopheles several times over his good deeds. Kane is kind and caring to his friends. However, he is merciless against his enemies. (How he met Hazel): Kane had met Hazel while he was in college and they became fast friends. One day, they were doing research on a Giant ruin when when two bugbears attacked them. Hazel was injured, but Kane managed to fight them off. After making the bugbears run for their lives, Kane took Hazel back to the college and stayed by her side until she healed. When he left the college, he thought he wouldn’t see her again.
Name:Baridok Flintheart Race: Hill Dwarf Class (including subclass if applicable): Fighter Ability Scores: 151514151615(Results too high IMO. Going to change 2 of the 15's to 10&12) Background: Failed Merchant Alignment: Neutral Backstory (including how you met Hazel):
Baridok has spent most of his life on the roads. Traveling, trading goods and listening for rumors. It was in the gossip that you got the best leads. A drought one one side of the country meant high grain prices. Bad coastal storms and people paid a premium for cotton and materials. War brewing? Best start shipping armour weapons and raw iron. If you knew where to listen, the tavern was the most profitable place to be. The problem was Baridok didn't know where to listen. He had followed many failed leads in his life, leading him chasing gold that forever remained as a glint over the horizon. Even with the patience of his cousin Elmar, business had never quite seemed to be successful.
Baridok sat nursing an ale. Elmar had been gone for 6 years now. They had been making a late season pass through the mountains, hoping to get one more shipment of fresh produce and salted meats through to the towns in the region when disaster had struck. An avalanche had plummeted down into the pass, trapping Baridok and completely engulfing Elmar and the wagons. So far from anywhere that could help, Baridok had struggled for 2 days on his own, trying to survive, but with no food, no way to get a fire going and little in the way of shelter, things did not look good.
As evening settled, Baridok found some shelter in the lea of a large boulder, settled down and prepared to sleep, knowing that he would probably not wake in the morning. As he did so, he heard a voice calling out and a light flickered on the trail. A young woman walked alone through the pass, seemingly controlling the winds around her. Where ever she went, the snow settled and a sense of hush radiated from her. Finding Baridok in such a state, the young woman, Hazel he later learned she was called, nursed him, shared her food and got him strong enough to get to the next village. There she passed him over to the care of the local innkeeper and went on her way. When he woke from his sleep the next morning, Baridok found a note and a pouch tucked into his backpack. The pouch contained 200 gold pieces, more than double the value of the cargo that had been lost. the note simply said, "Today the gods brought me to you. My blessings are now yours. This gift means more than merely money. One day you will have the chance to pay me back."
Shocked, Baridok hid the money, keeping it safe as he returned home to share the tragic news with Elmar's family. Keeping enough to restock and start again, Baridock gave the remaining gold to Dalorea, Elmar's wife, with a promise that she and her family would be taken care of. Baridok has worked hard since that day to fulfill his promise and live up to the gift he has been given. Still, despite his new found incentive, the gold on the horizon continues to elude him. Today, as his sat in the tavern, searching for leads at the bottom of his mug, a messenger arrived. The note said, "Once the gods brought me to you. Today your gifts are mine to draw on. This is the day where you will pay me back. - Hazel Domine"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ability scores: 131611121412
Question/Assumption: I am assuming the world is more or less generic fantasy world (ie. FR/Wildemount) and not something like Theros/Eberron?
*Work in progress*
Name: Corus Race: Triton Class (including subclass if applicable): Open Sea Paladin Ability Scores: Above (but will most likely lower some of them) Background: Knight Alignment: LG Backstory (including how you met Hazel): Timezone: GMT + 1 Character sheet link:
Name: Sael Race: Aasimar Class (including subclass if applicable): Druid - Circle of Stars Ability Scores: 141212151113 Background: Hermit Alignment: Chaotic Good Backstory (including how you met Hazel): Sael's people have tracked the stars for as long as any of them can remember - they chart movements, alignments, note any change to the celestial bodies within the night's sky. Some say they were charged to do so, long ago, by a celestial being of light, though others say it is simply a thirst for knowledge that guides them. For Sael, it was always both. The angel whispers to her in dreams, in the patterns of the constellations, always guiding her to seek more, uncover new sites and discover new understandings of the cosmos. It was these whispers which drove her to map the constellations on her body - thin silver lines connecting silver bursts of star-shapes across the whole of her body; she, herself, was a celestial map, though she had yet to understand how to use it.
As she reached maturity, she was drawn away from her parents and her people, drawn to wandering, mapping the stars from new angles, uncovering ancient sites, and getting herself into trouble. In her hermitage, wandering the wilds and studying the heavens, Sael learned things - dangerous knowledge sought after by her own greed-touched people, hungry for knowledge and power over the cosmos they so coveted. The angel's warning whispers keep her ahead of them, hidden in seclusion in old temples as they hunt for her.
This is how she met Hazel, originally; the storm sorcerer had found Sael's hermitage in an ancient star temple she was studying, making copies of the engravings on the wall and the star charts carved into the ceiling. Though wary of strangers, Sael welcomed her when she offered to share her food and news of the wider world. She also saved Sael's life when the hunters attacked, holding them off at great personal risk while Sael gathered her charts and maps and supplies and disappeared back into the wilds. She owed Hazel much - her life, and more importantly, the secrets she carried, though she had all but decided she would never see the woman again when the letter found her. (Backstory is a bit rough, but definitely willing to tweak it later, if needed.) Timezone: Central Character sheet link: https://ddb.ac/characters/44706351/jzH6VQ
Name: Alyyja Frostthorn Race: Levistus Tiefling Class (including subclass if applicable): Bard (Lore) Ability Scores: 101415151515 Background: Archaeologist (from Tomb of Annihilation or entertainer if not allowed) Alignment: Chaotic Good Backstory (including how you met Hazel): In the small town of Equesford (or a similar town in this world), so named for the shallows in the river where wild horses used to cross, there is an inn. The Rising Phoenix Inn is run by a pair of tiefling ex-adventurers, the Frostthorns. Kalen and Pheria purchased the inn when they opted to retire from adventuring following the discovery that Pheria was pregnant. Over the years, they had three daughters. Kalea, the oldest, despite showing prowess with a blade also was a talented brewer so opted to assist her parents with the inn. The youngest, Pherali, was born with magical abilities in her blood even more so than your average tiefling. Upon coming of age, she joined an adventuring party and left home for the great beyond. This brings us to the middle child, Alyyja. Alyyja while a bit shy was a talented musician. Preferring the viol as her instrument of choice she entertained the patrons of The Rising Phoenix Inn anytime she could be persuaded to do so. Her preference for activities lies in the delving of old forgotten locations trying to pull the secrets from what she finds within. During a tavern fight that got out of hand in which poor Pheria was stabbed, Hazel stepped in and helped quell the uprising. Timezone: CST Character sheet link: https://ddb.ac/characters/44705257/y98eho
Name: Crandor Stormcursed Race: Mountain Dwarf Class (including subclass if applicable): Storm Sorcerer Ability Scores:Ability scores: 131017161114 Background: Soldier Alignment:Neutral Good Backstory (including how you met Hazel): Crandor was a soldier, a warrior. It was all that he wanted to stand shoulder to shoulder with his clan to fight the enemy. And that's what he did until the fateful day. They held for 3 days against the horde, but on the final name the dwarfs started to fail, surrounded and going down, Crandor screamed to the gods...and there was an answer. Lightining struck from the sky. Crandor awoke to find death all around him, his fellow dwarfs and the orcish horde all dead. And he with a mark on his face...in the shape of a lighting bolt. The stormlord's mark. No longer allowed to serve with the dwarven warriors due to this new found ability with magic, Crandor was lost and outcast. Not understanding what had happened, he by chance happened upon Hazel, and she was able to help him master some of the basics of magic....finaly giving him new hope. While he may still prefer to smash enemies with his hammer, he is coming to learn how to handle his magic as well.... Timezone: Asia for a month...Central after that. Character sheet link:
Name: Sparrow Race: Wood Elf Class (including subclass if applicable): Ranger Ability Scores: Ability scores: 131414121513 Background: Sage Alignment: Neutral Backstory (including how you met Hazel): Towards the bitter, northern regions of Torea, the tribesmen of the Tornfeather have learned to fend of almost all manner of strife so they may raise their nests, and their own predators in kind. But people tend to forget, as much as the snow can be used to their advantage, it pales compared to the things evolved for it. The hunters or the tornfeather have stories that could last lifetimes; hulking dire wolves that just a moment before, were indistinguishable from a mound of snow. Bears with hides so thick, that if it had more arrows in it's face than you had fingers, run. And then there was the apex predator. The thing that left disfigured hunters and a smooth trail of blood in its wake. The thing that Sparrow only knew by name; Igel, the twin headed serpent. Igel has only been seen by the tribes elder, and to compensate, Igel took her eye and her leg. Recently, Igel had restless, day after day settlements were destroyed, leaving refugees to flee for shelter, slowly being picked off one by one. There's no telling when Igel would strike the tornfeathers next. So it was time, the apex predator must be hunted. Sparrow was already a veteran hunter at the time, and he was charged with leading a group of equal stature, none of them from his tribe, however. They made their what to what retired veterans believed to be Igel's den. They hunkered into the snow, drew their weapons and slowly approached the cave.
First thing that came was a low, stuttered hiss, then a shriek, and a moment later, silence. The group stopped, as if ice had coated their bodies. Sparrow refused to even blink. Another stutter, another shriek, and a moment of silence. Every second his heart beat faster, his face grew hotter. He was clenching his bow so hard the warmth of his own drawn blood unfroze his fingers. With one quick motion he drew an arrow, stood up from the snow, spun around and fired...right into the apex predators left eye. Sparrow bearly had enough time to register what he even seen as the head drew back into the dense fog. But, ever so slowly, the beast slithered into his view, one massive head swaying just above the other, arrow still loged in one of it's eyes, seemingly unbothered. And then, like a hunting dog that just received a new toy, it smiled.
In truth, Sparrow fled more than he fought. The other hunters managed to carve into Igel with blades and arrows, but Igel didn't seem to mind. After hours of this twisted hunt Sparrow had been in, he was quite certain he was the only one left. That same stuttered hiss came from all corners of the forest. Sparrow was positive that is this creature could speak, it would be taunting him right now. Then, the fog suddenly evaporated from him. This revealed where Igel was hiding, and while that was a treasure to behold, Sparrow was still puzzled as to what just happened. From behind him called a female voice. He turned to see a human woman, one hand raised in the air, a subtle sheen of arcane energy, and in the other, a ball of fire. The bolt of fire pelted one of Igel's heads, and vanished as the fog returned. Sparrow and the woman quickly approached each other and stood back to back. A few seconds of still silence before the stutter hiss returned. The two shared a wordless glance and nodded. The woman's hands glowed as arcane electricity coated them. One of Igel's mouths, open wide enough to swallow them both whole, shot out from the fog. The woman dodged the fangs and pressed her hands onto the head. The monster shrieked as electricity tore through its body. Sparrow sent a single arrow down it's still open maw, and the head fell still. Without wasting a second, Sparrow angled the next shot to the right just above the woman's head. A moment later, the second head fell still.
The woman revealed herself as Hazel, and she was in these lands concerning the terrible monsters of this region. Sparrow didn't care for the specifics, all he knew was that he was happily indited to this woman. He promised if she were to ever need something from him, do not hesitate to send a letter. Timezone: EST Character sheet link: https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/Coronate/characters/32728644
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Will see what the ability scores spark for inspiration for a cool character. Will add to the post later.
Name: Tupelo Race: Stout Halfling Class (including subclass if applicable): Ranger (going swarmkeeper) Ability Scores: Ability scores: 13169121212 Background: Outlander Alignment: Backstory (including how you met Hazel):
Tupelo's first memories are those of playing with dead bushes, or as he sees it: His brothers and sisters. After being left in the woods as a toddler he was brought up by the blights living in these woods. Most of his life he lived there, just him, the beings of the forests and of course his blight friends.
Occasionally some humanoid races would travel through the forest. He was always interested in knowing more about them, following them around the forest without them knowing. Learning their languages and ways. At first the blights held him away from these beings, fearing for the dangers they posed. Not able to keeping his curiosity in check eventually Tupelo met with the humanoids traveling through the forest, offering himself as a guide, keeping them safe from the dangers that live in the woods.
Everything was fine this way. Until, around the age of 15, he with his best friend Ash (a twig blight) in tow offered his services to some shady individuals. They tried to rob him of his belongings.Not having any, since he had lived his whole live in the woods, they became angry with him and started beating him. Ash came out of the woods to try and save him. Fortunately after having beaten a twig blight they had had enough and left both of them for dead without actually finishing the deed. Tupelo was crying with Ash on the brink of death in his hands. This is when Hazel came along. She saw the young halfling and fed him a healing potion. Tupelo became angry with her. Why save him and not his best friend?! She looked strangely at he bunch of twigs in his hand, only then recognising what it was and cast a spell that restored some live in to Ash.
"You saved him! We owe you our life", Tupelo said. "Now, now, please don't make it any bigger than it was." she responds. "Not big?! You saved his life, I'm for always in your debt." She kept reminding him it was something everyone would have done and he shouldn't sweat it. He would know nothing of this. Upon learning he had lived here all alone (with the blights) in the forest she said: "You know what? You can repay your debt by going to the nearby village and start living there." "Of course! Anything! And if you ever need anything more, please let me know". She laughed: "Sure" just to keep him happy.
Seven years have passed since then. Tupelo kept his promise and moved to the nearby town. People in town don't want to have much to do with him, but since he is a good hunter and an excellent guide through the forest they don't give him to much trouble. Of course he spends most of his time in the woods with his family, but spending more time among the humanoids of the town who ask him where he is from and where his parents are he gets curious, but does not take action on that.
When he gets the letter he immediately gets his gear, goes to the forest to tell Ash of his new quest, and sets of to the capital, thrilled for his new adventure. Ash gives one of his offspring the task to go with him and keep an eye on him. So he and Buckeye (the name of the tiny twig blight) have just arrived in a proper city for the first time in their lives, seeking an audience with Hazel, to hear what she is all about.
(I was thinking of adding something like a sickness to the forest he would like to find a remedy for, but it felt like too much on the nose for now. Feel free to add anything like that)
Wil continue to add to it. Some questions: Is it OK to take the TCoE class variant rules for the ranger (like those a lot better than the original ones). I was thinking of going Horizon Walker or Swarmkeeper for the archetype (this wil ofcourse heavily influence the backstory), is there one of those (or both) you really don't like? Then I can take that into account with my choice.
Scientist, engineer, old failed aristocratic bloodline.
Race, not sure yet, depending on the lore. Variant human, High Elf, Mark of Making Human.
Background: Guilt Artisan/House Agent Jorasco
How did i meet Hazel: Augustus took a contract to create a special item for one of the local nobles. Maybe a Gun or a crossbow, maybe a potion. But because someone broke into his workshop and stole all the materials and destroyed all the equipment (maybe stealing the item), Augustus couldn’t fulfil the contract and was about to loose everything (is there slavery or forced labour in this world?), but luckily Hazel stepped in and payed his debt (maybe through an intermediate). Augustus was paying back the money over the last years/months, but not the dept of keeping his freedom.
Couple of question:
What kind of races are we looking at?
How technologically advanced is the Empire?
If the Council of Five governs the capital, does that also mean they govern the Empire?
How much downtime/crafting do you allow? Or will it be more like a Tomb of Annihilation race against the clock kind of campaign?
This looks awesome, I would love to throw my application into the mix. I have a back story on the back burner, which I will dig up and refine for this adventure. For now, here are my stats Ability scores: 161318151415
(reduced stats 18, 16, 14, 13, 12 12)
Name: Kanan Videris Race: Wood elf Class (including subclass if applicable): Barbarian, but dex based. I have always wanted to try this, and it fits this character so well. Background: Soldier Alignment: Chaotic Good Backstory (including how you met Hazel):
Kanan was born to die. It wouldn't be quick, but it was a given. The small elf tribe he lived in had little in the way of money, and the corrupt Human sorcerer with the power to heal charged an inordinate fee for his services. Their paltry druidic magic could do nothing for the sickness that plagued him. Despite his malady, he lived a stress free life, playing with the birds and small animals in the forest. He didn't have many friends, being one of the only two children in the tribe, and the other being the chieftain's daughter, but he made do. . However, at the age of 20 (still a child for an elf) his condition got worse. He started to hallucinate, and woke from his sleep in a cold sweat. He had visions of fire, and darkness, and tall monsters that destroyed everything in their path. The chieftain's daughter, Rayla, started to visit, and help the healer, and he found himself falling in love. However, not knowing if she returned the sentiment, and not wanting her to fall in love with a dead man, he kept silent.
His illness was worsening. The healer could do nothing, and soon he could not even get out of bed. One year, he seemed to be getting better. He woke up, and found that he could stand, and even walk. The whole town was exuberant, apart from one. The healer told him that this was the end. That his body was now running on fumes, and no longer even had the strength to hallucinate. He had days, if not hours left to live. He didn't tell his family, but he did say goodbye to Rayla, who started to weep. She had no idea about his feelings, but she had grown fond of his witty jokes when she helped the healer. He went to bed with a clear conscience, ready to face the afterlife. Suddenly he awoke in agony. His head felt like someone was beating on it with a sledgehammer. His head always ached to some degree, but this was worse than he had ever been. He saw fire and heard screams. He thought it was a vision, but this time he felt the heat of the flames and heard the voices of the monsters. He ran outside his burning house to see a massacre. A group of human raiders were pillaging the houses, while a mage spewed fire out of his hands. They were cutting down the elderly, and taking the able bodied as slaves. He tried to help fight back, but due to his headache he was quickly overpowered. The mage walked over and sneered at him, while looking at his cronies "Leave him. He's as good as dead" After that, he passed out, and when he awoke, there was nothing left but ashes.
He stumbled to his feet, his headache lessened, but still hurting, and frantically looked through the bodies. He was dismayed to find the half charred bodies of his parents, but relieved that Rayla's body was not there. He spied a trail, left by the pillagers, leading into the woods. Without stopping to think, he started running. He ran for hours without stopping for food or water, his fear giving him speed that he had never felt before. His head pounded with every step, but he could not stop, for if he did, he would never start again. Just as his resolve was wavering, he reached their lair- a cave in a cliff wall. His anger turned to determination as he strode in. Two sentries tried to stop him, and when he made no move to stop, they stabbed at him with their spears. He pulled the tip of one out of his stomach, and slew them both. He advanced through the lair, slaying all who tried to stop him with brutal efficiency. He had no idea how, but he finally made it to the cave. He was bleeding from a dozen different wounds which he ignored, and charged in. He found the mage pouring over a spell book, and strode towards him. The mage looked up and smiled "Im impressed you made it this far. Your determination is astounding" Kanan glared at him "Where are they?" The mage laughed. " I am afraid your too late. They were killed hours ago." Kanan gasped, as all hope left his body. He fell to his knees, his wounds finally taking their toll, and his head pounding once more. "I am truly sorry. If you were healthy, you might have even killed me." The mage raised his hands, and lightning shot from his outstretched fingers and surrounded him. The pain was unimaginable, worse than Kanan had ever felt. It was at this moment he realized something. His whole life, he had been lost. But now...he had a purpose. When things are bad—really bad—then all that’s left is to decide whether to die on your feet or die on your knees. That’s when you become truly free. That’s when you can risk everything, because there’s nothing left to lose and fear has lost its hold on you. He moved one leg, then the other, until he was standing. He would not die on his knees. The mage looked at him in horror, while increasing the power of his spell "No! yo-you cant! I have a family!" Kanan looked him dead in the eyes "So did I." Then he thrust the spear through his heart. As the light left his eyes, Kanan fell to the ground. It was like an old friend at this point. One thought was passing through his mind: You failed. She is gone. You failed everyone. He closed his eyes....And then he awoke. In front of him was a young woman, holding an empty flask. She introduced herself as Hazel, and said that she had been passing through the wood when she heard the commotion. Still suspicious, Kanan asked what was in the bottle. She told him it was a potion of healing, but she had given it to him. Kanan was shocked, as he realized he no-longer felt sick. It was almost as if a weight was lifted, a burden that he had carried his whole life turned to dust. He asked what he could do to repay her, but she just told him he owed her a favour....
Flavour stuff:
Been working on some fluff for the build, and I have decided that his rage is going to not be anger, but rather be grief. He cries softly in battle, mourning for what he has lost. (Dont worry, he wont be an edgelord in roleplay. He bottles up his emotions until he needs to fight, where they give him clarity and focus.) The resistance to damage and unarmored defence are less taking hits and shrugging them off and more him avoiding the worst of strikes where he can.
Timezone: Eastern Standard, but I am up from 6 till 11-12 and I am able to post most of the day (You know my posting schedule from other campaigns but recently I have been having internet issues and haven't been as active.) Character sheet link: https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/GoodBovine/characters/44765368
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Name: Kaemgen McScáth
Race: Human (maybe variant) Class (including subclass if applicable): Warlock (Hexblade) Ability Scores: Ability scores: 141314151616 Background: Noble Alignment: Neutral / Good Backstory (including how you met Hazel): Kaemgen McScáth is the third son of a minor noble. By the time he grew of age the family duchy was close to bankrupt and holding on by their fingertips. Tradition dictated that Kaemgen be given a slice of the family holdings but it was this practice which was dividing the families power base and leading to ruin. Kaemgen forswore his inheritance and instead decide to try to replenish the fortunes of the family. Heading out to seek adventure and through it fortune, Kaemgen took only a few coins, a suit of armor and an old sword that had hung above the hearth for as long as any remembered...
Kaemgen did not find immediate success as an adventurer. His coin did not last as long as he had expected. Trying to maintain the noble lifestyle without the family coffers to support him proved untenable. "No," Hazel had said, holding up a hand and blocking the transaction that Kaemgen was about to make. "I know you not, sir, but I can see that blade belongs at your side." The young lady, truly just a girl at the time, instead paid the debt with coin instead of allowing Kaemgen to surrender his blade. He felt ashamed and embarrassed and wanted but couldn't refuse the kindness. Hazel, however, would have none of it. "We all need assistance at some point, good sir," She said sweetly. "Use the help I give today to help others tomorrow..." She asked nothing of him except that he do good by others. It was almost too much to bear, too much of a kindness... But Kaemgen swore to himself that he would do his best to live up to the charge.
Is it OK to take the TCoE class variant rules for the ranger (like those a lot better than the original ones). I was thinking of going Horizon Walker or Swarmkeeper for the archetype (this wil ofcourse heavily influence the backstory), is there one of those (or both) you really don't like? Then I can take that into account with my choice.
I'm okay with the Tasha's variant rules for rangers. I'm also fine with either subclass, so use whichever one you like most!
If the Council of Five governs the capital, does that also mean they govern the Empire?
How much downtime/crafting do you allow? Or will it be more like a Tomb of Annihilation race against the clock kind of campaign?
Any officially published race is fine. Large cities have just about every race imaginable present in some capacity. Smaller towns tend to be more homogenous, especially for rarer races like tabaxi or firbolg. They aren't incredibly advanced - guns aren't a thing yet. Yes, the council governs the whole empire, apologies if that wasn't clear. You will have some opportunities for downtime/crafting, but likely not more than a day at a time. There will be a certain race against the clock element to it.
Sounds interesting.... I have an idea for a character that I hope could work...
Ability scores: 18151212129
Name: Barkas Reedfellow Race: Ghostwise Halfling Class (including subclass if applicable): Druid (Circle of Stars) Ability Scores: as above, see character sheet for details Background: Hermit Alignment: Chaotic Good, follower of Yondalla Backstory (including how you met Hazel):
Barkas is a halfling who wandered the world of Torea as much as he could in search of signs. He keeps a rolled up map and star chart in his pocket, frequently taking notes on it, some legible, some are not, almost in his own language. He is from Chondalwood originally, from a clan of Ghostwise halflings. He has always felt a strong bond with the earth and with animals, but even more so with the stars. He feels that they tell him a story, and guide him. He feels that there is a secret code there that he must unlock, that will lead him to his destiny. He feels a bond with other beings, animals and other races, and can connect with them, sometimes much better nonverbally rather than with crude words and formalities.
He is wearing a disheveled dirty set of leather armor, dirty messed up dark hair that doesn't seem to bother him. He carries a club that is sized right for him and a shield. He is wearing the top of a wolf's skull as a hat with a leather strap under his chin, this is his totem, his druidic focus. Others look at it like it is strange.
Barkas once met a storm sorcerer named Hazel when he was on the road and unwittingly fell into an ambush set up by Goblins. Barkas was busy looking at his map and notes as he walked and fell into a pit. All of sudden he could hear the animated sounds of Goblins who were happy to have captured a new victim. Then, as if called to be there at that appropriate moment in time, he saw a human woman appear at the edge and he heard a crack of thunder. He saw and heard the Goblins disperse and flee. She reached her hand down for his and pulled him out, introduced herself as "Hazel Domine, so glad to meet you" and she left a big mark on him that day. He certainly searched hard that night lying on his back, staring at the stars to try to understand what this meant.
Barkas continued to wander and a few months later he received a note from a rider on the road that he was wanted in Emberhall, it mentioned that Hazel wanted him there. He started on a path toward Emberhall, feeling that this was no coincidence. The stars and his patron Goddess Yondalla are leading him here, to see what he can do to help. He walks into town, looking like he has been many days on the road but used to it, with thick calluses on his feet. He has learned magic of his own, from nature, gaining in his skill. He ambles through the streets to see what rumors he can hear and taking notes, compelled also by curiosity, to the heart of the city.
Thank you to everyone for your fantastic applications so far! I’ve made a couple tentative selections (though nobody has been notified yet) and it seems like we’re a bit lacking on the tank/melee front. You’re more than welcome to apply with any kind of character, but I just thought I’d put it out there. I’m not entirely sure when I plan to close applications yet.
Also, repeating the answer to a good question I received via PM - Hazel is in her late 20s, which is mostly notable because the other council members are all above 60 (or their race’s equivalent). You don’t quite know how powerful a sorcerer she is, and her power has likely grown since you met her, but you gauge that she’s somewhere around equivalent to level 10.
For countless generations, the continent of Torea has lived united under the flag of the Amallian Empire. A council of five rules from the capital city of Emberhall, governing and keeping the peace. Prior to last year, the council hadn't seen a new member for decades. However, upon the recent death of councilman Anton Helder, the empty seat was filled by a young human woman named Hazel Domine. A storm sorcerer who has travelled to most corners of the empire, she has been fairly well-received by the people.
At some point before she joined the council, you met Hazel, and ended up owing her a great debt. She had never called in the favor, though, and you were beginning to forget about it when you were approached by a messenger from the capital. The letter they handed you requested your presence at Emberhall the following week to meet with Hazel. Out of duty or curiosity, you travelled into the city to see what she needs.
Hello all! My name is Artymis, and I'm super excited to be running my first homebrew campaign. I've run multiple modules before but I wanted to branch out a bit, and I'm looking for five dedicated players to join me on this adventure. Before we get started, a few ground rules:
1. I plan to put a lot of time and effort into this campaign, so I expect the same from you. You should be able to post at least once a day, and your posts should be more detailed than just a single sentence. Also, please notify the group if you'll be absent for more than a day or two.
2. Murder hobos, rules lawyers, and lone-wolf edgelords need not apply. There's a time and a place, and this isn't it.
3. Starting at level 1 with standard equipment. Roll for stats, rerolling 1s once. All official races and subclasses allowed. No UA or homebrew. Tasha's variant race rules are okay as long as they make sense for your character; variant class rules must be approved for use. Multiclassing will be allowed after level 3 if it makes narrative sense.
4. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, have fun! Good roleplay and creativity will always be rewarded.
If you've made it this far and are still interested in playing, please fill out the following application:
Name:
Race:
Class (including subclass if applicable):
Ability Scores:
Background:
Alignment:
Backstory (including how you met Hazel):
Timezone:
Character sheet link:
Feel free to ask questions in the thread or via PM. I look forward to seeing all of your fantastic characters!
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
Ability scores: 14 16 12 14 11 11
Name: Zaira
Race: Half-Elf
Class (including subclass if applicable): Rogue
Ability Scores:
Str 11, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 15, Wis 11, Cha 15.
Background: Courtier
Alignment: CG
Backstory (including how you met Gale):
TBD
Timezone: EST
https://ddb.ac/characters/44695300/2ACPZn
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Name: Salim
Race: Changeling
Class (including subclass if applicable): Blood Hunter School of the Lycan.if allowed or if not then Fighter with the Echoknight Subclass
Ability Scores: Ability scores: 15 14 11 12 18 17
Background: Mercenary Veteran
Alignment: Neutral Good
Backstory (including how you met Hazel): Salim was born into a family of monster hunters, his family using their shape shifting abilities to get into the lairs of their targets. However unlike many of their kind, when dealing with normal citizen of the Empire they would stay in their normal changeling form. From a young age, Salim was trained to fight with various weapons, focusing on a mixture of melee and ranged combat.
By the time he reached his early adulthood Salim had traveled all over the Empire, helping mostly peasants with a few small monsters or what they thought were monsters. This usually meant dealing with wolves and other wild creatures. A few times he would fight alongside others of his family to combat orcs and once a troll, stay back with a crossbow.
During his travels about a year or so ago, Salim was hired by Hazel Domine to fight a creature that had been killing the local livestock and in a few instances local peasants. While the two managed to track down the creature it turned out to be to much for the still learning Salim, being overwhelmed after a bite from the creature they had learned was a crazed werewolf. Hazel managed to kill the werebeast and saved the injured mercenary, taking him back to his family where he was then quarantined to either be cured or taught to control the werebeast blood inside him. (If Blood Hunter is not applicable then I will just change it to being wounded instead.)
Timezone: EST
Character Sheet Link: https://ddb.ac/characters/44695044/7eY9d6
This sounds interesting! I'll have to apply later. Out of curiosity, what pantheon is going to be used?
DM:
Reign of Winter I Curse of the Crimson Throne
Hell's Vengeance | Giantslayer
Varisian Hexalogy: Rise of the Runelords
Player:
Lucille Underfoot, lv. 1 Halfling Storm Sorcerer | Janna Farooq, lv. 1 Human Celestial Warlock
I strive to post at least once per day on all my PbPs. I ask my players to do the same.
More active on weekdays than weekends.
Assume all of my characters are gay.
Name: Akanos “Kane” Novak
Race: Tiefling (Subrace) Descendant of Mephistopheles
Class: Warlock (Subclass) Fiend
Alignment: Lawful Good
Timezone: Central
Background: Sage
https://ddb.ac/characters/39828139/up7nIN
Ability Scores: Ability scores: 8 10 16 14 14 8
Backstory: Akanos Novak was born the son of a tavern keeper and a mother unknown to him. His father treated him like a slave and he was bullied and humiliated by the townspeople for being a Tielfing. At age 16, he ran away to join a mages’ college. After displaying his inert talent for magic, Kane graduated from the college with honors from being an exceptional student. Kane went adventuring a few years, discovering different relics and treasures. When he was 20, Kane discovered a temple dedicated to the Archdevil Mephistopheles. There was a landslide and Kane became trapped. After four days, Kane was on the verge of starvation and lack of oxygen. Suddenly, Mephistopheles himself appeared. He told Kane that he had been observing him for some time, and he told him that Kane is his descendant from a pact made with Mephistopheles 2,000 years ago. Mephistopheles offered Kane a deal: become his disciple and he will not save Kane’s life, but he will grant him magical power beyond comparison. Kane, wanting to live and tempted by the power, he accepted. Moments later, Kane was teleported outside the temple. Since then, Kane has used his powers for good and has argued with Mephistopheles several times over his good deeds. Kane is kind and caring to his friends. However, he is merciless against his enemies.
(How he met Hazel): Kane had met Hazel while he was in college and they became fast friends. One day, they were doing research on a Giant ruin when when two bugbears attacked them. Hazel was injured, but Kane managed to fight them off. After making the bugbears run for their lives, Kane took Hazel back to the college and stayed by her side until she healed. When he left the college, he thought he wouldn’t see her again.
Withdrawn
Name:Baridok Flintheart
Race: Hill Dwarf
Class (including subclass if applicable): Fighter
Ability Scores: 15 15 14 15 16 15 (Results too high IMO. Going to change 2 of the 15's to 10&12)
Background: Failed Merchant
Alignment: Neutral
Backstory (including how you met Hazel):
Baridok has spent most of his life on the roads. Traveling, trading goods and listening for rumors. It was in the gossip that you got the best leads. A drought one one side of the country meant high grain prices. Bad coastal storms and people paid a premium for cotton and materials. War brewing? Best start shipping armour weapons and raw iron. If you knew where to listen, the tavern was the most profitable place to be. The problem was Baridok didn't know where to listen. He had followed many failed leads in his life, leading him chasing gold that forever remained as a glint over the horizon. Even with the patience of his cousin Elmar, business had never quite seemed to be successful.
Baridok sat nursing an ale. Elmar had been gone for 6 years now. They had been making a late season pass through the mountains, hoping to get one more shipment of fresh produce and salted meats through to the towns in the region when disaster had struck. An avalanche had plummeted down into the pass, trapping Baridok and completely engulfing Elmar and the wagons. So far from anywhere that could help, Baridok had struggled for 2 days on his own, trying to survive, but with no food, no way to get a fire going and little in the way of shelter, things did not look good.
As evening settled, Baridok found some shelter in the lea of a large boulder, settled down and prepared to sleep, knowing that he would probably not wake in the morning. As he did so, he heard a voice calling out and a light flickered on the trail. A young woman walked alone through the pass, seemingly controlling the winds around her. Where ever she went, the snow settled and a sense of hush radiated from her. Finding Baridok in such a state, the young woman, Hazel he later learned she was called, nursed him, shared her food and got him strong enough to get to the next village. There she passed him over to the care of the local innkeeper and went on her way. When he woke from his sleep the next morning, Baridok found a note and a pouch tucked into his backpack. The pouch contained 200 gold pieces, more than double the value of the cargo that had been lost. the note simply said, "Today the gods brought me to you. My blessings are now yours. This gift means more than merely money. One day you will have the chance to pay me back."
Shocked, Baridok hid the money, keeping it safe as he returned home to share the tragic news with Elmar's family. Keeping enough to restock and start again, Baridock gave the remaining gold to Dalorea, Elmar's wife, with a promise that she and her family would be taken care of. Baridok has worked hard since that day to fulfill his promise and live up to the gift he has been given. Still, despite his new found incentive, the gold on the horizon continues to elude him. Today, as his sat in the tavern, searching for leads at the bottom of his mug, a messenger arrived. The note said, "Once the gods brought me to you. Today your gifts are mine to draw on. This is the day where you will pay me back. - Hazel Domine"
Timezone: GMT+13 (NZ)
Character sheet link: Character Sheet
Good question! I was planning on using the Forgotten Realms pantheon.
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
Ability scores: 13 16 11 12 14 12
Question/Assumption: I am assuming the world is more or less generic fantasy world (ie. FR/Wildemount) and not something like Theros/Eberron?
*Work in progress*
Name: Corus
Race: Triton
Class (including subclass if applicable): Open Sea Paladin
Ability Scores: Above (but will most likely lower some of them)
Background: Knight
Alignment: LG
Backstory (including how you met Hazel):
Timezone: GMT + 1
Character sheet link:
Name: Sael
Race: Aasimar
Class (including subclass if applicable): Druid - Circle of Stars
Ability Scores: 14 12 12 15 11 13
Background: Hermit
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Backstory (including how you met Hazel): Sael's people have tracked the stars for as long as any of them can remember - they chart movements, alignments, note any change to the celestial bodies within the night's sky. Some say they were charged to do so, long ago, by a celestial being of light, though others say it is simply a thirst for knowledge that guides them. For Sael, it was always both. The angel whispers to her in dreams, in the patterns of the constellations, always guiding her to seek more, uncover new sites and discover new understandings of the cosmos. It was these whispers which drove her to map the constellations on her body - thin silver lines connecting silver bursts of star-shapes across the whole of her body; she, herself, was a celestial map, though she had yet to understand how to use it.
As she reached maturity, she was drawn away from her parents and her people, drawn to wandering, mapping the stars from new angles, uncovering ancient sites, and getting herself into trouble. In her hermitage, wandering the wilds and studying the heavens, Sael learned things - dangerous knowledge sought after by her own greed-touched people, hungry for knowledge and power over the cosmos they so coveted. The angel's warning whispers keep her ahead of them, hidden in seclusion in old temples as they hunt for her.
This is how she met Hazel, originally; the storm sorcerer had found Sael's hermitage in an ancient star temple she was studying, making copies of the engravings on the wall and the star charts carved into the ceiling. Though wary of strangers, Sael welcomed her when she offered to share her food and news of the wider world. She also saved Sael's life when the hunters attacked, holding them off at great personal risk while Sael gathered her charts and maps and supplies and disappeared back into the wilds. She owed Hazel much - her life, and more importantly, the secrets she carried, though she had all but decided she would never see the woman again when the letter found her. (Backstory is a bit rough, but definitely willing to tweak it later, if needed.)
Timezone: Central
Character sheet link: https://ddb.ac/characters/44706351/jzH6VQ
No Longer ActiveName: Alyyja Frostthorn
Race: Levistus Tiefling
Class (including subclass if applicable): Bard (Lore)
Ability Scores: 10 14 15 15 15 15
Background: Archaeologist (from Tomb of Annihilation or entertainer if not allowed)
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Backstory (including how you met Hazel): In the small town of Equesford (or a similar town in this world), so named for the shallows in the river where wild horses used to cross, there is an inn. The Rising Phoenix Inn is run by a pair of tiefling ex-adventurers, the Frostthorns. Kalen and Pheria purchased the inn when they opted to retire from adventuring following the discovery that Pheria was pregnant. Over the years, they had three daughters. Kalea, the oldest, despite showing prowess with a blade also was a talented brewer so opted to assist her parents with the inn. The youngest, Pherali, was born with magical abilities in her blood even more so than your average tiefling. Upon coming of age, she joined an adventuring party and left home for the great beyond. This brings us to the middle child, Alyyja. Alyyja while a bit shy was a talented musician. Preferring the viol as her instrument of choice she entertained the patrons of The Rising Phoenix Inn anytime she could be persuaded to do so. Her preference for activities lies in the delving of old forgotten locations trying to pull the secrets from what she finds within. During a tavern fight that got out of hand in which poor Pheria was stabbed, Hazel stepped in and helped quell the uprising.
Timezone: CST
Character sheet link: https://ddb.ac/characters/44705257/y98eho
Name: Crandor Stormcursed
Race: Mountain Dwarf
Class (including subclass if applicable): Storm Sorcerer
Ability Scores:Ability scores: 13 10 17 16 11 14
Background: Soldier
Alignment:Neutral Good
Backstory (including how you met Hazel): Crandor was a soldier, a warrior. It was all that he wanted to stand shoulder to shoulder with his clan to fight the enemy. And that's what he did until the fateful day. They held for 3 days against the horde, but on the final name the dwarfs started to fail, surrounded and going down, Crandor screamed to the gods...and there was an answer. Lightining struck from the sky. Crandor awoke to find death all around him, his fellow dwarfs and the orcish horde all dead. And he with a mark on his face...in the shape of a lighting bolt. The stormlord's mark. No longer allowed to serve with the dwarven warriors due to this new found ability with magic, Crandor was lost and outcast. Not understanding what had happened, he by chance happened upon Hazel, and she was able to help him master some of the basics of magic....finaly giving him new hope. While he may still prefer to smash enemies with his hammer, he is coming to learn how to handle his magic as well....
Timezone: Asia for a month...Central after that.
Character sheet link:
Name: Sparrow
Race: Wood Elf
Class (including subclass if applicable): Ranger
Ability Scores: Ability scores: 13 14 14 12 15 13
Background: Sage
Alignment: Neutral
Backstory (including how you met Hazel): Towards the bitter, northern regions of Torea, the tribesmen of the Tornfeather have learned to fend of almost all manner of strife so they may raise their nests, and their own predators in kind. But people tend to forget, as much as the snow can be used to their advantage, it pales compared to the things evolved for it. The hunters or the tornfeather have stories that could last lifetimes; hulking dire wolves that just a moment before, were indistinguishable from a mound of snow. Bears with hides so thick, that if it had more arrows in it's face than you had fingers, run. And then there was the apex predator. The thing that left disfigured hunters and a smooth trail of blood in its wake. The thing that Sparrow only knew by name; Igel, the twin headed serpent. Igel has only been seen by the tribes elder, and to compensate, Igel took her eye and her leg. Recently, Igel had restless, day after day settlements were destroyed, leaving refugees to flee for shelter, slowly being picked off one by one. There's no telling when Igel would strike the tornfeathers next. So it was time, the apex predator must be hunted. Sparrow was already a veteran hunter at the time, and he was charged with leading a group of equal stature, none of them from his tribe, however. They made their what to what retired veterans believed to be Igel's den. They hunkered into the snow, drew their weapons and slowly approached the cave.
First thing that came was a low, stuttered hiss, then a shriek, and a moment later, silence. The group stopped, as if ice had coated their bodies. Sparrow refused to even blink. Another stutter, another shriek, and a moment of silence. Every second his heart beat faster, his face grew hotter. He was clenching his bow so hard the warmth of his own drawn blood unfroze his fingers. With one quick motion he drew an arrow, stood up from the snow, spun around and fired...right into the apex predators left eye. Sparrow bearly had enough time to register what he even seen as the head drew back into the dense fog. But, ever so slowly, the beast slithered into his view, one massive head swaying just above the other, arrow still loged in one of it's eyes, seemingly unbothered. And then, like a hunting dog that just received a new toy, it smiled.
In truth, Sparrow fled more than he fought. The other hunters managed to carve into Igel with blades and arrows, but Igel didn't seem to mind. After hours of this twisted hunt Sparrow had been in, he was quite certain he was the only one left. That same stuttered hiss came from all corners of the forest. Sparrow was positive that is this creature could speak, it would be taunting him right now. Then, the fog suddenly evaporated from him. This revealed where Igel was hiding, and while that was a treasure to behold, Sparrow was still puzzled as to what just happened. From behind him called a female voice. He turned to see a human woman, one hand raised in the air, a subtle sheen of arcane energy, and in the other, a ball of fire. The bolt of fire pelted one of Igel's heads, and vanished as the fog returned. Sparrow and the woman quickly approached each other and stood back to back. A few seconds of still silence before the stutter hiss returned. The two shared a wordless glance and nodded. The woman's hands glowed as arcane electricity coated them. One of Igel's mouths, open wide enough to swallow them both whole, shot out from the fog. The woman dodged the fangs and pressed her hands onto the head. The monster shrieked as electricity tore through its body. Sparrow sent a single arrow down it's still open maw, and the head fell still. Without wasting a second, Sparrow angled the next shot to the right just above the woman's head. A moment later, the second head fell still.
The woman revealed herself as Hazel, and she was in these lands concerning the terrible monsters of this region. Sparrow didn't care for the specifics, all he knew was that he was happily indited to this woman. He promised if she were to ever need something from him, do not hesitate to send a letter.
Timezone: EST
Character sheet link: https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/Coronate/characters/32728644
Will see what the ability scores spark for inspiration for a cool character. Will add to the post later.
Name: Tupelo
Race: Stout Halfling
Class (including subclass if applicable): Ranger (going swarmkeeper)
Ability Scores: Ability scores: 13 16 9 12 12 12
Background: Outlander
Alignment:
Backstory (including how you met Hazel):
Tupelo's first memories are those of playing with dead bushes, or as he sees it: His brothers and sisters. After being left in the woods as a toddler he was brought up by the blights living in these woods. Most of his life he lived there, just him, the beings of the forests and of course his blight friends.
Occasionally some humanoid races would travel through the forest. He was always interested in knowing more about them, following them around the forest without them knowing. Learning their languages and ways. At first the blights held him away from these beings, fearing for the dangers they posed. Not able to keeping his curiosity in check eventually Tupelo met with the humanoids traveling through the forest, offering himself as a guide, keeping them safe from the dangers that live in the woods.
Everything was fine this way. Until, around the age of 15, he with his best friend Ash (a twig blight) in tow offered his services to some shady individuals. They tried to rob him of his belongings.Not having any, since he had lived his whole live in the woods, they became angry with him and started beating him. Ash came out of the woods to try and save him. Fortunately after having beaten a twig blight they had had enough and left both of them for dead without actually finishing the deed. Tupelo was crying with Ash on the brink of death in his hands. This is when Hazel came along. She saw the young halfling and fed him a healing potion. Tupelo became angry with her. Why save him and not his best friend?! She looked strangely at he bunch of twigs in his hand, only then recognising what it was and cast a spell that restored some live in to Ash.
"You saved him! We owe you our life", Tupelo said. "Now, now, please don't make it any bigger than it was." she responds. "Not big?! You saved his life, I'm for always in your debt." She kept reminding him it was something everyone would have done and he shouldn't sweat it. He would know nothing of this. Upon learning he had lived here all alone (with the blights) in the forest she said: "You know what? You can repay your debt by going to the nearby village and start living there." "Of course! Anything! And if you ever need anything more, please let me know". She laughed: "Sure" just to keep him happy.
Seven years have passed since then. Tupelo kept his promise and moved to the nearby town. People in town don't want to have much to do with him, but since he is a good hunter and an excellent guide through the forest they don't give him to much trouble. Of course he spends most of his time in the woods with his family, but spending more time among the humanoids of the town who ask him where he is from and where his parents are he gets curious, but does not take action on that.
When he gets the letter he immediately gets his gear, goes to the forest to tell Ash of his new quest, and sets of to the capital, thrilled for his new adventure. Ash gives one of his offspring the task to go with him and keep an eye on him. So he and Buckeye (the name of the tiny twig blight) have just arrived in a proper city for the first time in their lives, seeking an audience with Hazel, to hear what she is all about.
(I was thinking of adding something like a sickness to the forest he would like to find a remedy for, but it felt like too much on the nose for now. Feel free to add anything like that)
Timezone: GMT+1
Character sheet link: https://ddb.ac/characters/44722843/NOukKs
Wil continue to add to it. Some questions:
Is it OK to take the TCoE class variant rules for the ranger (like those a lot better than the original ones).
I was thinking of going Horizon Walker or Swarmkeeper for the archetype (this wil ofcourse heavily influence the backstory), is there one of those (or both) you really don't like? Then I can take that into account with my choice.
Ability scores: 10 13 16 16 13 12
Stats: 12 17 14 17 10 12 (reduced stats)
Artificer (most likely going artillerist, maybe armorer)
Augustus van Wettin
Scientist, engineer, old failed aristocratic bloodline.
Race, not sure yet, depending on the lore. Variant human, High Elf, Mark of Making Human.
Background: Guilt Artisan/House Agent Jorasco
How did i meet Hazel: Augustus took a contract to create a special item for one of the local nobles. Maybe a Gun or a crossbow, maybe a potion. But because someone broke into his workshop and stole all the materials and destroyed all the equipment (maybe stealing the item), Augustus couldn’t fulfil the contract and was about to loose everything (is there slavery or forced labour in this world?), but luckily Hazel stepped in and payed his debt (maybe through an intermediate). Augustus was paying back the money over the last years/months, but not the dept of keeping his freedom.
Couple of question:
Attack: [roll]3d20dl2+6[/roll] Damage: [roll](if([roll:-1:critical], =0, 1d8, 2{1d8}.expand()))+4[/roll] Sneakattack: [roll](if([roll:-2:critical], =0, 2d6, 2{2d6}.expand()))[/roll]This looks awesome, I would love to throw my application into the mix. I have a back story on the back burner, which I will dig up and refine for this adventure. For now, here are my stats
Ability scores: 16 13 18 15 14 15
(reduced stats 18, 16, 14, 13, 12 12)
Name: Kanan Videris
Race: Wood elf
Class (including subclass if applicable): Barbarian, but dex based. I have always wanted to try this, and it fits this character so well.
Background: Soldier
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Backstory (including how you met Hazel):
Kanan was born to die. It wouldn't be quick, but it was a given. The small elf tribe he lived in had little in the way of money, and the corrupt Human sorcerer with the power to heal charged an inordinate fee for his services. Their paltry druidic magic could do nothing for the sickness that plagued him. Despite his malady, he lived a stress free life, playing with the birds and small animals in the forest. He didn't have many friends, being one of the only two children in the tribe, and the other being the chieftain's daughter, but he made do. . However, at the age of 20 (still a child for an elf) his condition got worse. He started to hallucinate, and woke from his sleep in a cold sweat. He had visions of fire, and darkness, and tall monsters that destroyed everything in their path. The chieftain's daughter, Rayla, started to visit, and help the healer, and he found himself falling in love. However, not knowing if she returned the sentiment, and not wanting her to fall in love with a dead man, he kept silent.
His illness was worsening. The healer could do nothing, and soon he could not even get out of bed. One year, he seemed to be getting better. He woke up, and found that he could stand, and even walk. The whole town was exuberant, apart from one. The healer told him that this was the end. That his body was now running on fumes, and no longer even had the strength to hallucinate. He had days, if not hours left to live. He didn't tell his family, but he did say goodbye to Rayla, who started to weep. She had no idea about his feelings, but she had grown fond of his witty jokes when she helped the healer. He went to bed with a clear conscience, ready to face the afterlife. Suddenly he awoke in agony. His head felt like someone was beating on it with a sledgehammer. His head always ached to some degree, but this was worse than he had ever been. He saw fire and heard screams. He thought it was a vision, but this time he felt the heat of the flames and heard the voices of the monsters. He ran outside his burning house to see a massacre. A group of human raiders were pillaging the houses, while a mage spewed fire out of his hands. They were cutting down the elderly, and taking the able bodied as slaves. He tried to help fight back, but due to his headache he was quickly overpowered. The mage walked over and sneered at him, while looking at his cronies "Leave him. He's as good as dead" After that, he passed out, and when he awoke, there was nothing left but ashes.
He stumbled to his feet, his headache lessened, but still hurting, and frantically looked through the bodies. He was dismayed to find the half charred bodies of his parents, but relieved that Rayla's body was not there. He spied a trail, left by the pillagers, leading into the woods. Without stopping to think, he started running. He ran for hours without stopping for food or water, his fear giving him speed that he had never felt before. His head pounded with every step, but he could not stop, for if he did, he would never start again. Just as his resolve was wavering, he reached their lair- a cave in a cliff wall. His anger turned to determination as he strode in. Two sentries tried to stop him, and when he made no move to stop, they stabbed at him with their spears. He pulled the tip of one out of his stomach, and slew them both. He advanced through the lair, slaying all who tried to stop him with brutal efficiency. He had no idea how, but he finally made it to the cave. He was bleeding from a dozen different wounds which he ignored, and charged in. He found the mage pouring over a spell book, and strode towards him. The mage looked up and smiled "Im impressed you made it this far. Your determination is astounding" Kanan glared at him "Where are they?" The mage laughed. " I am afraid your too late. They were killed hours ago." Kanan gasped, as all hope left his body. He fell to his knees, his wounds finally taking their toll, and his head pounding once more. "I am truly sorry. If you were healthy, you might have even killed me." The mage raised his hands, and lightning shot from his outstretched fingers and surrounded him. The pain was unimaginable, worse than Kanan had ever felt. It was at this moment he realized something. His whole life, he had been lost. But now...he had a purpose. When things are bad—really bad—then all that’s left is to decide whether to die on your feet or die on your knees. That’s when you become truly free. That’s when you can risk everything, because there’s nothing left to lose and fear has lost its hold on you. He moved one leg, then the other, until he was standing. He would not die on his knees. The mage looked at him in horror, while increasing the power of his spell "No! yo-you cant! I have a family!" Kanan looked him dead in the eyes "So did I." Then he thrust the spear through his heart. As the light left his eyes, Kanan fell to the ground. It was like an old friend at this point. One thought was passing through his mind: You failed. She is gone. You failed everyone. He closed his eyes....And then he awoke. In front of him was a young woman, holding an empty flask. She introduced herself as Hazel, and said that she had been passing through the wood when she heard the commotion. Still suspicious, Kanan asked what was in the bottle. She told him it was a potion of healing, but she had given it to him. Kanan was shocked, as he realized he no-longer felt sick. It was almost as if a weight was lifted, a burden that he had carried his whole life turned to dust. He asked what he could do to repay her, but she just told him he owed her a favour....
Flavour stuff:
Been working on some fluff for the build, and I have decided that his rage is going to not be anger, but rather be grief. He cries softly in battle, mourning for what he has lost. (Dont worry, he wont be an edgelord in roleplay. He bottles up his emotions until he needs to fight, where they give him clarity and focus.)
The resistance to damage and unarmored defence are less taking hits and shrugging them off and more him avoiding the worst of strikes where he can.
Timezone: Eastern Standard, but I am up from 6 till 11-12 and I am able to post most of the day (You know my posting schedule from other campaigns but recently I have been having internet issues and haven't been as active.)
Character sheet link: https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/GoodBovine/characters/44765368
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
Name: Kaemgen McScáth
Race: Human (maybe variant)
Class (including subclass if applicable): Warlock (Hexblade)
Ability Scores: Ability scores: 14 13 14 15 16 16
Background: Noble
Alignment: Neutral / Good
Backstory (including how you met Hazel): Kaemgen McScáth is the third son of a minor noble. By the time he grew of age the family duchy was close to bankrupt and holding on by their fingertips. Tradition dictated that Kaemgen be given a slice of the family holdings but it was this practice which was dividing the families power base and leading to ruin. Kaemgen forswore his inheritance and instead decide to try to replenish the fortunes of the family. Heading out to seek adventure and through it fortune, Kaemgen took only a few coins, a suit of armor and an old sword that had hung above the hearth for as long as any remembered...
Kaemgen did not find immediate success as an adventurer. His coin did not last as long as he had expected. Trying to maintain the noble lifestyle without the family coffers to support him proved untenable. "No," Hazel had said, holding up a hand and blocking the transaction that Kaemgen was about to make. "I know you not, sir, but I can see that blade belongs at your side." The young lady, truly just a girl at the time, instead paid the debt with coin instead of allowing Kaemgen to surrender his blade. He felt ashamed and embarrassed and wanted but couldn't refuse the kindness. Hazel, however, would have none of it. "We all need assistance at some point, good sir," She said sweetly. "Use the help I give today to help others tomorrow..." She asked nothing of him except that he do good by others. It was almost too much to bear, too much of a kindness... But Kaemgen swore to himself that he would do his best to live up to the charge.
Timezone: Eastern
Character sheet link: https://ddb.ac/characters/44731570/y3TYDM
Though will likely sell/buy some equipment to get him a sword...
I'm okay with the Tasha's variant rules for rangers. I'm also fine with either subclass, so use whichever one you like most!
Any officially published race is fine. Large cities have just about every race imaginable present in some capacity. Smaller towns tend to be more homogenous, especially for rarer races like tabaxi or firbolg. They aren't incredibly advanced - guns aren't a thing yet. Yes, the council governs the whole empire, apologies if that wasn't clear. You will have some opportunities for downtime/crafting, but likely not more than a day at a time. There will be a certain race against the clock element to it.
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
Sounds interesting.... I have an idea for a character that I hope could work...
Ability scores: 18 15 12 12 12 9
Name: Barkas Reedfellow
Race: Ghostwise Halfling
Class (including subclass if applicable): Druid (Circle of Stars)
Ability Scores: as above, see character sheet for details
Background: Hermit
Alignment: Chaotic Good, follower of Yondalla
Backstory (including how you met Hazel):
Barkas is a halfling who wandered the world of Torea as much as he could in search of signs. He keeps a rolled up map and star chart in his pocket, frequently taking notes on it, some legible, some are not, almost in his own language. He is from Chondalwood originally, from a clan of Ghostwise halflings. He has always felt a strong bond with the earth and with animals, but even more so with the stars. He feels that they tell him a story, and guide him. He feels that there is a secret code there that he must unlock, that will lead him to his destiny. He feels a bond with other beings, animals and other races, and can connect with them, sometimes much better nonverbally rather than with crude words and formalities.
He is wearing a disheveled dirty set of leather armor, dirty messed up dark hair that doesn't seem to bother him. He carries a club that is sized right for him and a shield. He is wearing the top of a wolf's skull as a hat with a leather strap under his chin, this is his totem, his druidic focus. Others look at it like it is strange.
Barkas once met a storm sorcerer named Hazel when he was on the road and unwittingly fell into an ambush set up by Goblins. Barkas was busy looking at his map and notes as he walked and fell into a pit. All of sudden he could hear the animated sounds of Goblins who were happy to have captured a new victim. Then, as if called to be there at that appropriate moment in time, he saw a human woman appear at the edge and he heard a crack of thunder. He saw and heard the Goblins disperse and flee. She reached her hand down for his and pulled him out, introduced herself as "Hazel Domine, so glad to meet you" and she left a big mark on him that day. He certainly searched hard that night lying on his back, staring at the stars to try to understand what this meant.
Barkas continued to wander and a few months later he received a note from a rider on the road that he was wanted in Emberhall, it mentioned that Hazel wanted him there. He started on a path toward Emberhall, feeling that this was no coincidence. The stars and his patron Goddess Yondalla are leading him here, to see what he can do to help. He walks into town, looking like he has been many days on the road but used to it, with thick calluses on his feet. He has learned magic of his own, from nature, gaining in his skill. He ambles through the streets to see what rumors he can hear and taking notes, compelled also by curiosity, to the heart of the city.
Timezone: Eastern
Character sheet link: https://ddb.ac/characters/41723929/sW5lbv
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Thank you to everyone for your fantastic applications so far! I’ve made a couple tentative selections (though nobody has been notified yet) and it seems like we’re a bit lacking on the tank/melee front. You’re more than welcome to apply with any kind of character, but I just thought I’d put it out there. I’m not entirely sure when I plan to close applications yet.
Also, repeating the answer to a good question I received via PM - Hazel is in her late 20s, which is mostly notable because the other council members are all above 60 (or their race’s equivalent). You don’t quite know how powerful a sorcerer she is, and her power has likely grown since you met her, but you gauge that she’s somewhere around equivalent to level 10.
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
Well Artificer can be quite Tanky. 😁
Attack: [roll]3d20dl2+6[/roll] Damage: [roll](if([roll:-1:critical], =0, 1d8, 2{1d8}.expand()))+4[/roll] Sneakattack: [roll](if([roll:-2:critical], =0, 2d6, 2{2d6}.expand()))[/roll]