As the end of the harvest season approaches, Kassen prepares for its annual Quest. Each year the town sends its dignitaries to the crypt of its founder to recover the eternal flame, in a spirit of renewal. Some years adventurous youth get to go instead, braving the dangers of the journey as a rite of passage to adulthood. Rumor has it, this is the year—your year.
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Rankev nods. "Several of the bandits carried them. Presumably they were hired on at this Ranger's Lament."
He picks up his staff. "Seems our founder was keeping the key to a treasure. And not an auspicious one. Now the bandits have them." He shakes his head.
"Their leader wore this." He holds up an iron mask. "Yeah, don't pretend. I didn't know what it was either. Venssa recognized it. The symbol of Razmir, the living god. What a god wants with a lost treasure, I don't know. Maybe the mayor will. Or Holgast."
Rankev quiets. Then out of nowhere his usual self returns. "Attero. Davian. Help break camp. There's ground to cover if we're to reach Kassen 'ere sundown."
+3 Init, NO Inspiration, S 0, D 5, C 1, I 4, W 2, Ch 2 Rogue 3, HP 21/21, AC 14, Pass Perc 19, Pass Inv 19
For the time being, Hansyn doesn’t disagree with his sibling. So without argument, he packs up his gear and is ready to go quickly. Anyone lagging behind he will try to help, saying ”To make it home by nightfall, we need to hurry. ”
Upon returning to her home, Venssa sets about cleaning and tidying the place, even though nothing is out of place. She frets over her friends and finally decides to head into town to make sure all is well. The unease of the animals has her concerned and she wants to speak with the others to see if they noticed anything out of sorts on their journey.
Venssa will carry her gear as she locks up her home once again and heads into town.
+3 Init, NO Inspiration, S 0, D 5, C 1, I 4, W 2, Ch 2 Rogue 3, HP 21/21, AC 14, Pass Perc 19, Pass Inv 19
Hansyn snickers to himself at Cole’s bravado. ”Man, these guys are jerks. Don’t they get I’m just doing what I was asked to do.” he thinks to himself. Shrugging, the boy falls in behind the Rangers.
Lodric sighed as he followed behind. Just his luck. His father sends him out to catch a cold in the wilderness, and for what? To listen to other people argue over nothing. He was sure there was a lesson in this somewhere. Was this father trying to teach him humility? No...he remembered his father once remarking that humility was humiliating. Maybe he was trying to scare his son straight? To get him to quietly return to his ledges and numbers, by showing him what his life would be like without guidance?
Yes, that was probably it. But at the same time, there was the voice. It was so...insistent. And it felt right. As if though every word it spoke was infused a sense of righteousness that made Lodric want to weep. He just wished that the voice didn't tell him to kill people. He was more than happy when the voice told him that someone was in need of help, such as an injured man needed healing. But...well...that was a problem for another day.
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This day also is filled with rain. Not the relentless downpours of the previous day, but a sort of endless misting drizzle that combines with the chill to leave your skin wet and cold, the rocks slippery with water and sometimes ice, and the sun a distant memory, peeking only occasionally from behind the dense clouds as though to tease.
Dimira and Roldare are shivering. Their coats part of the equipment lost at the crypt, destroyed and ripped to shreds... or worse, burned with the poor souls in that distant room with the shadow you'd prefer to forget.
Still, by dusk you are not quite to town, only close.
There is perhaps yet the span of an two hours to the town gates, such as they are. The last hour will be in darkness if you continue. Yet continuing means beds and warmth for the night. If you camp now, you will be dealing with muddy, wet ground.
Roldare, shivering and white-lipped, begs for you to press on.
Dimira simply shrugs, holding her brother tight. She seems to trust your judgment, yet she too shivers, despite having been leant Attero's traveling cloak to keep her dry.
"Aye, I'm with Cole. Let's press on without a doubt. Aldelenna whispers. Another night in this cold and wet and I worry for Roldare and Dimira's health, my own as well." Achoo! Adelenna sneezes as daintily as possible, and then pulls out her kerchief to wipe the offending substances from her face. "We're hearty folk, all of us. We can trudge another few hours home. I'm sure Trelvar'll whip up a hot meal for us all!" She says, waving everyone forward with a smile.
+3 Init, NO Inspiration, S 0, D 5, C 1, I 4, W 2, Ch 2 Rogue 3, HP 21/21, AC 14, Pass Perc 19, Pass Inv 19
Hansyn looks around understanding the Chosen are going to want to push on in the dark. Unfortuneately his night vision suffers from his heritage. He hoped to himself to find a magical solution to solve that problem one day.
”If we continue into the night some of us are going to need torch light. “ he then drops to a knee and pulls a torch from his pack. Looking at the weather, he hope his oiled torches will be able to light.
Hansyn, our quest was literally to bring back a lantern that has the equivalent of an everburning torch light inside The Everflame... We have it with us, and I'm fairly certain it sheds light in a 40' radius. Maybe even more.
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As you move, Roldare glances from side to side. The howls of wolves sound in the distance, and you are reminded of how your journey started.
Still, with darkness fallen and the landscape lit by Rankev's staff and the light of the Everflame, perhaps there's really something to the hokey bit about the flame bringing hope. You know you've truly reached the borders of town when you see a lone figure waiting.
Arnama.
Concern touches her face, and she is clearly relieved to see you. Her gaze moves meaningfully to Roldare and Dimira. She closes her eyes for a moment. Something—almost anger—passes expression and then she looks to Hansyn and Lodric, each in turn.
"You've done well to guide our chosen back." She smiles at Cole and Fin. "Though I warrant they did much of the guiding themselves."
She tousles Hansyn's hair and then, before he has a chance to react, cups one hand against his cheek. "Thank you, my brave messenger."
Walking up to Fin and then Cole she looks at each, grunts, and turns to Roldare. "This will need explaining. But not now. You will grow tired, I'm sure, of explaining it... and the need means you will not reach a warm bed as soon as you all hope. Come. A celebration awaits you."
AC 19 | Str +0 Dex +3 Con +8x2 Int +6 Wis +11 Cha +0 | Init +3 | PP 21, Darkvision | Insight +11
"Aye, Arnama. We got the Flame. But, the price was heavy. We all need to get dry and warm and some safe sleep." Finlogan respectfully replies to his tutor.
+3 Init, NO Inspiration, S 0, D 5, C 1, I 4, W 2, Ch 2 Rogue 3, HP 21/21, AC 14, Pass Perc 19, Pass Inv 19
As the group closes in on town, Hansyn shrugs the winter damp off of his heavy winter cloak and whispers a quick command word. The cloak lightens in weight and changes color from a dark brown to a vibrant red wool, still warm but not heavy and fur laden. Gold fringe outlines this new cloak. More fitting for the young man’s familial station in town.
As Arnama shows him affection he grins and glances over at the two rangers and brother ”Just doing what was asked of me.” The emotional weight of the others apparently leaving the boy’s thoughts.
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"I fear there will be little time for sleep. Tonight there is a celebration. Be prepared. Smiles. This, too, is the job of heroes."
She glances to Roldare. "And there will be grief, too, I suspect. Did no one else make it?"
It can be lost on no one that Arnama grieves for several deaths, and the grief strikes her harder than you expect. Is it because these were townspeople she is meant to protect, rather than the rangers for whom her affection is in whether or not they get to eat a hot meal in grueling cold? Even those of you closest to her cannot be sure.
Lodric:
Trade and the responsibilities your father seems to think you paid no attention to have kept you from much interaction with the plain folk of Kassen. But these seem hardened and tired. Perhaps the revelry will cheer them. All you know is that the familiar whispers within your head bid you follow. It seems a fearful prospect. Even the young women, who entertained the two lost and vacant eyed villagers the night before, seems strangely subdued, especially in face of a victory celebration. Even isolated as you've been, you can remember talk of these revels, the return of young heroes with the light of hope.
”A celebration will do the people good.” Lodric said to no one in particular. Perhaps to himself? The air felt off, like something was wrong. He didn’t know quite what it was, but he had a feeling that merriment and joy would not last.
+3 Init, NO Inspiration, S 0, D 5, C 1, I 4, W 2, Ch 2 Rogue 3, HP 21/21, AC 14, Pass Perc 19, Pass Inv 19
Hansyn follows the others to the (presumably) inn. Due to his brother’s current state of mind, the boy is not sure what Rankev is planning to do there, so be sticks fairly close. Close enough that he would be able to overhear any plans made this evening.
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The walk to town is somber. Arnama stays at a distance, though Cole and Fin readily recognize the quiet signals to her rangers as you get closer. Hansyn recognizes some of those, too.
You know when you're getting close. Only when feasts are imminent is the light from town so overwhelm the night. The mood is jubilant as the mayor greets first your escort, and then steps before the group, smiling at the beaming light of the Everflame in its lantern.
"Greetings frie—"
Then there is a scream. And another. An elderly woman runs to Roldare and looks into his eyes, "Where are they?" she begs, her voice a plea.
The mayor looks at her and then at the group. It is clear he had not seen Roldare or Dimira, so focused he had been on the Everflame. "Tonight we celebrate the hope of the Everflame, our gift from Kassen, who founded this place for our safety." He says the words with the casual echo of a man used to making himself heard in the public square. "Let us go to the great hall and congratulate our heroes."
The crowd moves, but it is not without the help of a few well-placed rangers and guards directing. Remaining are the mayor, Moltus Vargidan, Holgast, and Aldelenna's mentor Jocyn, for once clearly sober. Arnama has moved with the guards to help quietly and safely guide the townsfolk to the great hall.
The old woman is in tears. Though none of you heard, it is clear from Dimira's arm around her and Roldare's broken-eyed expression, that they have given her the news... whichever son of Kassen she awaited is not coming home.
Before any of you can speak, the mayor holds up a hand. "It is clear something happened. But your mission was the flame, and you have brought it. That hope is something the community needs, as they need to see you in celebration, though I can see celebration is not in your hearts. Go and make merry, have a proper drink to help ease whatever horror lies behind those eyes, and we will find you. I'm sure we will have need to discuss what has happened."
"Don't you care?" The light on Rankev's staff flares. "There are dead!"
It is Holgast who speaks. "Is there not a young lady who waits for you to return her favor? Do you think she deserves your anger? Or can you allow her to celebrate with you a success?"
Moltus glares at him. "Leading is also acting the celebrant when the heart stumbles. This lesson is not part of the trial, but is the part your brother failed when he returned to us. It is why you have a place to try to claim. Will you try? Or will you be, like Zandre, consumed by your anger at the mission?"
"The people need to see you. They need to see the flame. This is the hope that gets them through winter." The mayor tries to be soothing, but truth can smart. "Once the seed is planted, we will talk about what horror might threaten. If it was imminent, you would not have walked, tired and supporting Roldare and Dimira. You would have left them someplace in safety, and come running. Do not deny it. I know Arnama's training well enough." He turns to Aldelenna "And you. I know you have it in you more than anyone to stir the hearts of the townsfolk to merriment. Let us celebrate the living. Tomorrow we will mourn the dead."
Of course the mayor is right. There are many times the heart must be ruled by the head. He is also right that Aldelenna not only knows this, perhaps better than any, but is also trained in making her face and body show something to the world that is a mask of her true self. So it is that she does exactly as is expected. Her face, her body, her music, they are all light, joyous, celebrating. She takes out the magical flute that was no doubt left by the people of the town with this express purpose in mind, and she uses it to herald the deeds of the heroic. She calls forth illusions that tell the story of a great victory over the trials and monsters that they found in Kassen's tomb. Her song, of course, leaves out all the sorrow, all the doubt, all the second-guessing. It paints the picture, with her illusions leading the way, of conquest, of victory, of strength and honor. This is the song the people seek, the dance they desire, the tune that tempts the heart to smile. And this, the song and dance, are what Aldelenna can give them. This is her heroism.
Lodric watched quietly. These weren’t his people, they had made that abundant clear. Still, his job was done. So he politely watched, sipped a drink, and waited to see what would happen.
+3 Init, NO Inspiration, S 0, D 5, C 1, I 4, W 2, Ch 2 Rogue 3, HP 21/21, AC 14, Pass Perc 19, Pass Inv 19
Hansyn joins in on the revelry and enjoys Aldelenna’s entertainment. During pauses in song or story, he shares a story or two of his own about the part he had played on the mission. By no means taking credit but making it aware that he was involved.
He does keep an eye on Rankev and the town elders, watching for interesting events or transactions between others of note.
AC 19 | Str +0 Dex +3 Con +8x2 Int +6 Wis +11 Cha +0 | Init +3 | PP 21, Darkvision | Insight +11
Finlogan forces a smile and tours the party being congratulated. He explains the sadness in his eyes which reflect his heart as weariness from the road. He keeps himself from drinking too much by switching to small beers early.
When Aldelenna begins playing her magic flute, Fin digs his regular one out of his backpack to accompany her in a duet. He harmonizes with her and keeps it upbeat and fun, despite what they truly feel.
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As the night wears on, it quickly becomes clear that among the revelers are those who drown their sorrows. Some have lost brothers, others friends, but the mood, while festive, has a frantic tainted air about it.
It is, perhaps, most surprising that the usually quickly inebriated Jocyn Elmaran slowly takes over for Aldelenna, his skill proving a match for even the most determined drinkers among the sorrowful.
As the others are slowly brought into tales of Everflames gathered past, the Mayor corrals you into a small meeting room.
Hansyn and Aldelenna:
The walls of this room are moderately sound-proofed. Hansyn is too quick to notice everything not to immediately notice the quiet, while Aldelenna's training in music makes her very aware of the acoustics and the almost palpable dampening of sound.
Finlogan and Cole:
As rangers skilled to notice small sounds, it's evident this room was designed to keep sound out.
Moltus, the Mayor, Holgast and Arnama along with a stranger, Cygar Anravis, all take seats on one side of the table.
The mayor, Jonark, is quiet. He seems reluctant to have left the Everflame alone in its place of honor, but he sits and fiddles his fingers.
"Perhaps it is a cruel trick we play upon the chosen, to test them as you have been tested." He glances at Holgast. "It's been suggested we sometimes take it too far. But while the chosen have injured before—"
"It was not Zandre's fault."
"I did not say it was, Moltus. But there have been injuries, serious ones, as we saw in Zandre's year. Always among the Chosen." He gestures to you all. "Here I see the Chosen, and among them one who I deemed too young, and one who was delayed in his arrival. And yet all of you are here. Of the men and women who went to prepare the crypt? To make safe the deadliest of traps, so that no matter how you might fear, you would come home safe... it is they who have not returned."
Arnama looks firmly at Cole, perhaps subconsciously choosing the oldest among you as her target. "I looked into Roldare's eyes. They were haunted. Frightened of the dark. That man is seeing shadows and aching to run."
The mayor holds up a hand. "Let us hear what they have to say."
Male Human Ranger (Soldier) Monster Slayer/3; AC: 18; HP: 26/26;Passive Perception 14; Init +3 (Adv); Saves: Str +6, Dex +5; HD Used 0/2
We weren't greeted with what we expected. The danger and evil was much worse. Those preparing the way were slaughtered, and some turned to undead. We defeated the source, or at least, a source. There may be larger issues. I am a man of few words and I'd ask the others to tell more of the tale.
He motions with his hand, palm up, to the rest of the party.
I'll only add that this group stood strong and united against the evil.
+3 Init, NO Inspiration, S 0, D 5, C 1, I 4, W 2, Ch 2 Rogue 3, HP 21/21, AC 14, Pass Perc 19, Pass Inv 19
Hansyn begins the meting remaining quiet in the back of the room. He was not part of the foray so has not much to add. He does find it interesting that he was called in and mentioned by the mayor. He had figured initially that Arnama wanted him there in the case of messages needing to be sent.
Wondering now if there was something more to this meeting than just debriefing, Hansyn moves in closer so make sure he has a clear view of everyone speaking.
After Cole finishes his expectedly terse description of things, Aldelenna begins her tale. Words are her weapons, as has been for quite some time. Long ago she learned that lacking strength did not mean she lacked power. Her beauty, her body, her masks, her words, these are her power, and now is the time to wield them in war.
"Your motives are ruined." She begins, and pauses, looking each of her superiors in the eyes to make sure they understand exactly what she means. "The quest is meant as a source of strength for the town. A ruse of valor, a disguise of victory. I know that now, as I have never known it before. Yet, here we stand to tell you that many were slain, and worse, their bodies used as weapons against us. So whatever it was you hoped would happen, has been destroyed by the evil that disturbed the crypt and woke the dead within it." She looks to Cole, Fin, and Rankev to produce the relics they found on the corpse in the lowest chamber. Sorry, I can't remember what we all found, I believe it was a mask, a letter, and a coin, right?"These items speak of some greater scheme, a plot of which disturbing Kassen's tomb was only one small part. You could not have known such things were afoot, so no blame rests on you. There is no shame in the theater of the quest. It was designed to bring hope and perspective through the winter, those are noble aims. Yet even the noblest of goals can turn foul in this world." She waves her hand around her head in a circle, indicating the sphere of Golarion. "There were traps, yes, and there were traps. There was danger, yes, and there was, and IS still, danger. There is hope, yes, but there must be more hope, and in order to bring that hope, those with power must wield it to ferret out the source of such evil, and put it, finally, to rest." Aldelenna finishes, as she began, staring at the elder statesmen, and women, of the town, and imploring them, with her eyes, to see the dark truths of the matters at hand.
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Rankev starts pulling items from pouches and backpacks. It does not go without notice that these are things that he kept close... how concerned must he have been not to entrust a bag to his faithful servant Attero?
But Rankev scatters the table with coins. You all recognize them, these are the coins from the bandits that breached the crypt. Newly minted coins from Tamran, confirmed as such by Lodric.
He pulls the contents of the pack you found with the plague zombies... complete with it's map to the crypt and the handbill advertising for folks interested in employment to meet at the Ranger's Lament.
There is also the mask—identifying at least one of the bandits as adherents of the Living God Razmiran. And finally the note: The amulets are entombed with Kassen and Asar.
Rankev leans back. "Our threat came to the crypt to find something. Something our founder was eager to lie hidden away and entombed with him forever, safe."
Perhaps strangely, it is not in tales of woe or gold or things stolen from crypts, but in the mask that the attention is held.
The stranger, Cygar, is the one who finally speaks. "I warned you they were beginning to encroach on Nirmathas."
AC 19 | Str +0 Dex +3 Con +8x2 Int +6 Wis +11 Cha +0 | Init +3 | PP 21, Darkvision | Insight +11
”Besides the skeletons and zombies, there was an undead knight. Supposedly, he and Kassen were partners. The robbers woke him up when they disturbed his tomb. I’ve got his Armor for knocking off his head. Cole has his sword.”. Finlogan adds more specifics.
”Now, do you know who that guy was? Do you know the expanded history of Kassen? Because it might help figure out what is going on. As it is, the only lead we have is that inn where they recruited the robbers.”
I have found that I have to go to some national guard mandatory fun in June. From the 3rd to the 23rd I’ll have limited internet connectivity. While I’ll finally learn how to use an m249 light machine gun...it’ll limit my posting. My apologies in advance.
+3 Init, NO Inspiration, S 0, D 5, C 1, I 4, W 2, Ch 2 Rogue 3, HP 21/21, AC 14, Pass Perc 19, Pass Inv 19
Three weeks? Ouch. Hope it’s somewhere comfortable outside lol.
Hansyn countinues to listen. He thinks back on his knowledge of Kassen to identify what amulets this letter spoke of let alone any answers to Finn’s questions.
History:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Wracking brain, he wishes he would’ve spent more time paying attention to those kind of thing.
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The mayor glances at the stranger Cygar.
"This is more your area of expertise, Pathfinder."
Cygar nods. "The celebration must continue, and you must celebrate with it. But those that wish to get to the bottom of this mystery, there is work yet to be done." He nods towards Holgast.
Holgast shakes his head slow and glances to Arnama, whose brief nod is too familiar to most of you. "Very well. Celebrate then. Come to my tower in two days time. No ill will be thought of any—"
Moltus grunts and looks away.
Holgast glares at him and Moltus starts as though slapped. "As I was saying. No ill will be thought of any who do not wish to go. This charge for you was about proving yourself to the community, about developing bonds between you. Now we have a worse mission, and at the same time an easier one. At least this time you'll know what you're getting into."
Cygar nods. "Two days. Celebrate. Find the gnome if she's still willing. She has a valuable perspective." He nods toward Lodric and Hansyn. "A ceremony has rules on who gets to go. This isn't a quest or coming of age gambit. This is something mo—"
"He's too young." The mayor's eyes are on Hansyn when he speaks, but curiously, Moltus says nothing.
+3 Init, NO Inspiration, S 0, D 5, C 1, I 4, W 2, Ch 2 Rogue 3, HP 21/21, AC 14, Pass Perc 19, Pass Inv 19
Hansyn’s face scrunches up in a muted scoff at his age. Surprised Moltus had nothing to add, the boy finally breaks his silence. ”I’m plenty old enough! “ he says indignantly.
Does the title “Pathfinder” ring any bells with Hansyn? Does it explain who this stranger is?
Aldelenna listens, nods, and leaves, draping one hand along Finlogans arm as she goes, saying, "Two days." She goes back to show her bright and smiling face to the revelers, her mask to the people of Kassen. It is her duty, at times like this it is her curse, to bring joy to those around her no matter what lies in her own heart.
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Hansyn:
Hansyn has heard Holgast and his apprentices mention the Pathfinders in passing—it's like him not to miss any detail—but never with enough context to know exactly what they are, just an impression that's sort of treasure hunter/trouble maker.
It seems to Hansyn like Holgast holds them in little esteem, but references them as a source of information too much for them to be inconsequential.
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Rankev looks troubled as he sits at the table. Even as others leave he remains seated, fingering a handkerchief. Finally he pushes away, grabs his staff and leaves.
In the common room he manages pleasantries, but Rankev is good at those. He seems, frankly, preoccupied, as though even while he's exchanging a basking congratulations from Moltus, a hug of concern from Zandre, he's all the while looking for something else.
When he does not find it, he goes to the bar, and is rewarded with a drink. The alcohol is not quite the fine brew you shared at camp, but it is not the one served to the common folk in the room either. He pulls up his hood and sits, one hand clutching his staff, the other rubbing the handkerchief, and he watches.
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Asina finds Aldelenna after the meeting. "Don't worry," she whispers. Even as young as she is, she knows how to whisper in a tavern and still be heard. "Jocyn is entertaining them. I can see you don't have it in you right now. Was it that bad? We're hearing rumors, but this has never happened before! Injuries among the chosen, sure. I mean, it's dangerous. But never..." Tears are in her eyes and she hugs Aldelenna fiercely. "I'm so glad you're safe!"
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Turik manages to find Hansyn. It might be out of friendship. Or it might be that as the Chosen's escort, Hansyn is being served the same fine liquor as his brother.
"See anything out there? Holgast says you're meeting with the Pathfinder!"
Turik is fast enough to get a sip of the liquor and swoons. "Man, you have all the luck."
Looking to start a play by post here on the forums. This is a bit of a test to see how readily Pathfinder converts to 5e.
So, for system: D&D 5e, obviously.
The adventure will be a classic intro adventure: Crypt of the Everflame
Adventure Description:
Ok, the spoiler does actually spoil things. So the gist, if you don’t want it spoiled is this: the heroes of the town’s future are given an opportunity for a bit of adventure, recovering an eternal flame from a crypt in a yearly ceremony that goes utterly and terribly wrong.
Spoiler:
The young heroes of the town of Kassen are ready for their coming-of-age ceremony, an old tradition in which they retrieve a piece of the eternal flame burning in the tomb of the town's founder. Yet when they arrive there, they find only the corpses of their fellow townsfolk, dead bandits, and mysterious animated skeletons. The novice heroes must brave the traps and perils of the Crypt of the Everflame, discover the source of the corruption that has awakened an ancient evil, and defeat a menace that seeks vengeance against Kassen and its people.
Character Creation:
Player’s Handbook. Avoid Dragonborn. Roll stats. 4d6, drop lowest roll.
1st level starting characters. I’m looking for 4–5 players. No evil characters.
If you’re looking to use an alternate race from another source, give me a good backstory for how it fits the starting conceit for the adventure, which is:
Characters are teens selected for a traditional quest for passage to adulthood. The town of Kassen is mostly human, but there are a smattering of other races. Even an elf or dwarf might precociously choose to participate in the ritual to be deemed an adult when their parents might not consider them so.
Other races: I know a number of other races are available through other sources. If you really want to play one, make the backstory and how it fits with the starting conceit a good one. Obviously human characters have an advantage here.
Humans: Most humans are of Chelish, Kellid, Taldan, or Varisian descent, but Nirmathas was once a trade route from Cheliax to Varisia, so other ethnic backgrounds are possible. Humans speak Common (Taldane) but humans from non Taldan/Chelish backgrounds speak their ethnic language as well (as a bonus language).
A bit of starting info:
The starting assumption is that characters are growing up in Kassen, a logging community on the river in Nirmathas. Nirmathas is a meritocracy (those who pull their weight tend to have the most power) that escaped the rule of Cheliax only to find rule by Molthune was equally intolerable. Its people are practical and hard-working, and the primary driver of their economy is lumber, shipped between Skelt to the west and the capital, Tamran, to the east.
As teens growing up in a bustling logging and agricultural community, the traditional yearly trip to Crypt of the Everflame is one all the characters native to Kassen are familiar with. Usually the mayor and some dignitaries go. But every few years, youth with a particular sense of adventure are given the opportunity—some say to drive the passion for adventure out—to go to the crypt themselves to fetch the everflame. It’s been a few years since the last group went. Most have settled down and are living on farmsteads, or working with the woodcutter’s guild.
Rumor has it, this will be the year—your year.
Classes:
All of the classes in Player’s Handbook are available.
Some special notes about the cleric:
Most classes translate fairly easily, clerics are the biggest difficulty, because the domain selection is so small. This means that a lot of the distinguishment of your particular faith will need to be in your role playing.
Having grown up in this small community, clerics are likely to come from one of the following faiths—5e domains noted:
Desna: Protection, Light (this is particularly appropriate for Varisian characters)
Erastil: Life, Nature (this is the most commonly worshipped deity for Kassen)
Gozreh: Nature
Gorum: War
Iomedae: Light, War (the local priest is unlikely to be helpful, but there is a paladin from Lastwall who might mentor the character in concert with the local priest)
Shelyn: Life, Protection (yeah, I know, beauty and love get short shrift domain wise in 5e)
Torag: Forge, Protection
Note that the Forge and Protection domains are NOT in the Player’s Handbook. Due to the dearth of domains, I am allowing the Unearthed Arcana article to be used. Remember you choose only one domain from the deity’s portfolio.
If you want to use a different god, give me a good reason that fits the starting conceit.
Some special notes about sorcerers:
The adventure conceit assumes that any sorcerers are children of the Vargidan family. The patriarch of that clan has had children with a variety of races, so humans, half-elves, or half-orcs would all be appropriate, but this is important for background. Again, there are no known sorcerer bloodlines in town except the Vargidan line, so you’ll need to explain the outsider status and history in your background if you go that route.
Cast of characters:
For background purposes, I’m detailing major characters in Kassen, as well as those most likely to serve as older friends or mentors of the characters. If you want to create relations or brothers or whatever fits your background, that’s great. The more coherent you fit in the story, the better the role playing will be. Just bear the full descriptions in mind. Father Praast, for instance, is too young to be having kids who you would be interacting with, and Asina Silvers can’t have brothers, given her background. If you have questions, ask.
cast of characters:
Cygar Anravis: Cygar is a human stranger who has been staying at the Seven Silvers for months. He’s dark, mysterious, scarred, and an outsider, which makes him in the eyes of most townsfolk untrustworthy.
Sir Dramott: a human paladin from Lastwall, Sir Dramott is a scout for his militaristic country, making sure the orcs of the Hold of Belkzen stay kept in check. As a paladin of Iomedae, he is a logical choice to mentor paladin characters, or clerics who wish to worship the goddess of valor. He is capable and wise, but a bit harsh, and too ready to believe that service at Lastwall is the only valor worthy of high honor.
Jocyn Elmaran: another resident of the Seven Silvers, Jocyn is the town’s entertainment (and to hear him tell it, they need it). He was crippled in a fight with orcs some years past, and makes his living performing in the common room of the tavern. He is a trained bard, and the likely choice to mentor bard characters. He’s a lax teacher, but in the dark hours on those occasions when he gets drunk suggest that he has seen real terror.
Grimscar: A forestry guild worker. He is a good worker, but mean and often rude to the residents of Kassen. He often picks fights, but word has it he can’t hold his liquor. He might be a friend for half-orc characters.
Holgast: a retired wizard, Holgast lives in a tower at the edge of town. He’s knowledgeable but very old and quite forgetful and spends most days puttering around his tower, enjoying a full pipe, a book, and a nap. Rumor has it he is immensely wealthy, having retired after pulling a rather hefty hoard from… something. His lessons, when he remembers to give them, are quite erratic and involve a lot of chores and little learning. Lately, though, he’s forgotten to lock the door where he keeps the apprentice spellbooks, and some of his students have been learning on their own. - NOTE: Holgast is well traveled and has some spells from outside player’s handbook. Wizards may select the frostbite, gust, or thunderclap cantrips, or the first level spell ice knife. These spells can be found in the elemental evil player’s guide.
Jimes “Short Change” Iggins: a waiter at the Seven Silvers, Jimes has a reputation for petty theft and an attitude that it’s all in good fun. He’s well enough liked that the local populace just is careful to count everything twice around him. After all, if they really need it, they know where it is. He remains determined that his nickname simply refers to his size as a halfling, and he makes an excellent mentor for rogue characters.
Braggar Ironhame: A dwarven weaponsmith, Braggar is known for his temper and the quality of his work. He makes a good mentor for dwarven characters, and is one of few devotees of Torag in town. He is also a barbarian, and can mentor characters in channeling their rage.
Guardsman Golfond Kir : A guardsman. He suffered an injury as a child (a horse kicked him in the head) and has been a bit simple since. But he is kind without fault, takes care of an elderly mother, and plays with the local children. He is often the butt of jokes and pranks, but Kir is known to be the most honest man in town.
Arnama Lastrid: In a country known for its rangers, it’s no surprise that Kassen has its own. Arnama is tough, quiet, and teaches mostly by example. An orphan of the wars with Molthune, she believes in a family made by bonds of friendship. She is impatient and has little discipline teaching, but she takes her charges—and she has several at any one time—far afield, and teaches them much just by doing.
Ilimara Oniri: One of few people not from Kassen, Ilimara is Qadiran, and a devotee of the ancient practices or Irori. The path of the monk is a difficult one, and it has yet to help Ilimara find the peace in her heart. She is willing to teach, though those who study with her suspect that she may have turned to devotion out of a darkness within. Beautiful and exotic, she is more than willing to mentor a monk character.
Father Rantal Prasst: The High Priest (really the only priest) of the village, Rantal is familiar with the practices of a half-dozen faiths, though his services are those of Erastil, he will still guide someone who is called to any of the faiths described above, and as such is the most likely mentor for those characters, teaching them priestly devotion, the basics of spell casting, and allowing them space to pray—and even preach. He will still teach the basics of priestly devotion to a budding cleric of Iomedae, but for tenets of faith demands they go to Sir Dramott. Rantal does not like violence, and supposedly gave up a youthful career as a soldier.
Asina Silvers: At only 13, Asina is already doing almost half the work at the Seven Silvers. Her father is expecting her to take over when he retires. As young people in the town, you suspect she other aspirations. She does her work diligently, and if there’s a rumor in town you haven’t heard, Asina is sure to know it.
Trelvar Silvers: The owner of the Seven Silvers public house. He never recovered from losing his wife last year, and that his son didn’t last the winter has shattered him. He puts a lot of pressure on Asina to take over, and the two run an honest business, Jimes’ occasional petty thefts aside.
Olmira Treesong: A druid, Olmira is already an unusual sight, but Olmira looks the part, dressing in grasses and clothes made of plants and bark, and always followed by a retinue of animals. She seems more concerned with her following pack of birds and squirrels, but will teach the secrets of nature to a curious character if one is looking to learn.
Mayor Jonark Uptal: An elected mayor, Jonark has held the position for eleven years. His next election is coming up and he wants to make sure this year’s Quest for the Everflame goes off without a hitch. He doesn’t trust outsiders and has a known tendency to err towards siding with locals over visitors except when there is overwhelming evidence.
Moltus Vargidan: Vargidan blood sings with magic, and the whole clan has sorcerous blood. To make sure it’s spread as far as possible, Moltus has almost a dozen children, each from a different wife, and most of the family comes to their sorcerous power without much guidance from the aloof and wealthy patriarch. Moltus is an eccentric character, with white hair past his waist.
Colbin Vetnar: The guildmaster of the woodcutter’s guild. Colbin is interested in money, and makes little secret of it. While there are other contenders for power in town (both Holgast and Vardigan are wealthy enough to confront him, and Father Prasst has enough social influence), Colbin controls much of the economic future of Kassen, and has maintained his power.
Guard Captain Gregor Wisslo: While Kassen is far from the horrors of the seemingly endless conflict with Moltune, orcs from Belzken are still a threat. Gregor is disciplined and regimented, but not very intuitive. Nonetheless, he is a capable, if demanding, mentor for fighter characters.
Zandre Vargidan: A beautiful young man whose elven heritage shows in his skin, Zandre is only twenty-two and inherited none of his father’s magic blood. His father took this as clear proof that his wife had cheated, beat her near to death, and set her out. Because Zandre was almost of age, the town demanded he be allowed to participate in the Quest for the Everflame ritual, the last time youth were sent on it. Tales tell that arcane might came to the young man, but he never speaks of it, even though his father reluctantly let him back into the Vargidan compound. He blames his father for the loss of his mother (he briefly went searching to no avail), and keeps to himself. Zandre is a warlock. The road of a warlock is solitary one, but he might act as a friend and counselor to someone who forged a pact of their own.
Game play:
I do my best to keep things moving, which means I’ll be doing some rolling for the players, especially initiative to get combat going quickly. If I forget a bonus or mess up (it happens), let me know and I’ll do what I can to fix it as long as the notice is timely.
Small encounters may not have a map at all. Large ones usually will. Maps slow things down, sometimes a lot. If I think having the map will slow you down more than not, I’ll skip the map.
The plan is to see how things work with using Roll20 to share maps for encounters requiring them.
Obviously the hope is to have everyone roleplay and enhance the story that way. I know it doesn’t always work, which is why I’m starting with a relatively short adventure.
Be familiar with the play by post guides in the forums—there are two excellent ones stickied in the online games general discussion forum. They give a lot of good guidance like: Elect a leader or the first two people to agree will drive the story, make sure to use out of character text, don’t assume other character actions, and leave hooks and pushes for the characters. Try this one to start.
The expectation is a post every day (I know weekends are tough and I’ll make allowances) and if you’re going to be gone or unable to post, let folks know. No one can do that all the time—note even me. So just keep everyone informed. Even if it’s just “Hey, I’ll be gone this week. Since we’re in combat, just have me keep attacking the nearest enemy unless I get low on hit points, in which case I’ll take a potion.”
Remember that your backstory only matters to you and me (as the GM) unless you develop a roleplay connection with other characters that helps make it matter to them too—you get out of PbP what you give. Complement folks out of character when you see great role playing. If it’s really great role playing, don’t forget, if you’ve earned inspiration, you can give another character your inspiration (and give up yours) to reward them, even if it doesn’t match up to their traits/flaws.
This is a mature game. That means if you want to seduce the bandit, we can roleplay that and fade to black when appropriate. It also means you don’t need to feel too shy about describing how entrails drip out of the monster if I tell you that you critted and ask you to describe how you eviscerated the beast. But keep it reasonable. We’re on public boards, that means risque is a line that needs to not get too close to explicit. Remember you have other players too, who want the game to progress—while adult situations are all well and good, it should be something that develops the character, contributes to the game, and keeps things moving.
I’m running this as a one shot. I may continue to the sequels in the series if everything goes well and the group works well together. Continuing past this initial adventure will be entirely dependent on how the game goes and whether the players want to continue and running it hasn’t totally burnt me out.
Recruitment is open until the party is full. If that has not happened within a reasonable period, I will reassess the game. I will respond to any initial questions this evening after I get home.
I submit Cole Hillman fof consideration. I used him in a PbP for 5th exition that died fairly quick. I can re-roll the stats if you prefer. Cole is a Ranger (Unearthed Arcana version). His background has been revised to fit this prospective game.
I have yet to have opportunity to play a Wizard, a Druid or a Rogue in 5E, so I am leaning towards trying one of those.
No one has applied yet in any of those roles, so if you are interested, go for it. The applications so far have been for fighter/melee oriented classes, so any of those could represent something different.
I submit Cole Hillman fof consideration. I used him in a PbP for 5th exition that died fairly quick. I can re-roll the stats if you prefer. Cole is a Ranger (Unearthed Arcana version). His background has been revised to fit this prospective game.
Cole:
This looks reasonable, but his age is a little high for a coming of age story. Would you object to making him 22? I can see Arnama arguing for a place on the quest for him as an important rite of passage he missed, rushing to a role he was expected to fill. Also she's the sort to intuit trouble and place a slightly older more experienced young man in the quest.
Let me know.
Just a note:
Spoiler:
check your unarmored AC. I think it may be off by 1 (and not in your favor)
Jubal's Half-elf Fighter Eldritch Knight wannabe. Son of the local seamstress and an elven wanderer.
Finlogan looks interesting. Since you and Cole would both have had Arnama as a mentor, I would encourage you to consider how you get along. Are you like blood brothers in a pack that she guides? Do you feel she favors the older warrior? Is there some resentment, perhaps, that you chose the path of the fighter, even if you patrol like a ranger would?
Cole, those are great Ability Scores! Are you going to reroll for this game?
While Finlogan is younger, he's probably been with Arnama longer (10 years). Finlogan is not stealthy and has learned a thing or two from Arnama (Nature & Medicine). Fin would not feel threatened by Cole's presence but might share friendly competition in some cases but not overly. What do you think?
Cole, those are great Ability Scores! Are you going to reroll for this game?
While Finlogan is younger, he's probably been with Arnama longer (10 years). Finlogan is not stealthy and has learned a thing or two from Arnama (Nature & Medicine). Fin would not feel threatened by Cole's presence but might share friendly competition in some cases but not overly. What do you think?
Cole was originally rolled up for another game, which called for rerolling stats in order until you had a set with two scores over 15. I checked the original recruitment thread and it was a legit requirement from the DM there, so I'm not going to request a reroll. The scores are certainly good, but not worrisome, given the circumstances.
I know how frustrated I've been when games died, so I appreciate him wanting to use the character and not have to start from scratch.
That's good insight on Finlogan's thoughts, that I'll bear in mind when thinking about Arnama's interactions with both of you.
I like this idea you have Sorcerers. Very good, very classic. I was thinking Wizard but I'm moved by your condition. I accept!
Backstory?:
Rankev was neither the oldest child of the House of Vargidan brood, nor the most favored. But he was amonsgst the most entitled and made certain both his presence and his wishes were known at any function he attended, and, indeed, for any room he happened to be present.
Upon his BirthFest commemorating his second ten-year, he help a lavish party and, with no small help of the strong apple brandy he favored at the time, made some amount of fuss over his intentions to be the next patriarch of the family when Father died...or perhaps even before.
His favor in the family court was never quite stable, and he was not so loved that such a proclamation could go unnoticed.
However, he was liked (or was it feared?) enough that instead of being cut off or challenged to a deathduel, he was instead given a Trial by Fire--he was granted his own apartments off the estate, given freedom from all family requirements (some would call this an "exile" but Father was ever so the silver tongue) and presented with an expectation that if he was the man he said he was, he would prove himself.
Rankev embraced both the opportunity and the freedom to make something of himself.
Rankev himself has never known hard labor. He would much rather spend an evening debating politics or ordering servants around than chopping wood or attending to duties of any kind. Though his natural personality can be grating at times, he has inherited the lion's share of the family's gift for gab, and can turn a honeyed phrase to advantage--when it suits him.
@Koldoon: I will certainly back his age up to 22. Also, I will adjust unarmored AC. Thanks!
@Finlogan: I agree with your assessment. Cole would not be the type to interfere with the mentoring of Arnama. Cole would view it as Finlogan and he being friends in the same platoon. I could see them training (sparring) regularly together before taking group and individual counseling from Arnama.
Cole was originally rolled up for another game, which called for rerolling stats in order until you had a set with two scores over 15. I checked the original recruitment thread and it was a legit requirement from the DM there, so I'm not going to request a reroll. The scores are certainly good, but not worrisome, given the circumstances.
I know how frustrated I've been when games died, so I appreciate him wanting to use the character and not have to start from scratch.
Completely understand. Would you mind if I used the Stat array that I just rolled for another recruitment that my character didn't get accepted. It's effectively the same character except the background didn't work as well in this submission. Dice gods smiled on those rolls, which is why I ask.
Koldoon wrote:
That's good insight on Finlogan's thoughts, that I'll bear in mind when thinking about Arnama's interactions with both of you.
I like this idea you have Sorcerers. Very good, very classic. I was thinking Wizard but I'm moved by your condition. I accept!
** spoiler omitted **
How's that? =)
This looks good and the background sounds fun. I saw your question below and if you want to rebuild with a standard array, that's fine. Certainly you're not going to strain game balance using the standard array.
Is it possible to re-roll or take the standard array? Been trying to make these numbers work. Thanks
Daniel: Standard array is fine, certainly you're not going to hurt game balance using it. I know some people like to roll, so I prefer to allow for that, but nothing against you if you prefer not to.
I saw you were leaning between a monk and a cleric.
The party so far is currently lacking most healing and roguish skills, so that may be a consideration for you... that said, there are ways to build that without a cleric in 5e, so don't let that deter you, just think about what skills the party as it looks so far does not yet have as you consider your character.
All those people who like to roll are also people who roll better than me. =)
Yes! I shall be taking the standard array. That does little but make my atrocious strength be simply bad, and my Int and Wis go down, but I'm going to play him as a fop anyway so that's as it should be, and I get to move my Con up and, let's be honest, he's gonna need it. =)
Also, while things are "better" in terms of "not" "needing" a cleric, it still is pretty needed if you don't want a typical 15 min. adventuring day.
The best upside is that now clerics can be almost -anything-! =) So long as they save a handful of 1st level spells for Cure, then game on!
Any room for another player here? I'm entirely not picky and could happily put together a character that helps fill out whatever skills/areas the current group needs. Let me know and I'll roll up some stats. :)
The party so far is currently lacking most healing and roguish skills....
@MendedWall12: If you made a Ranger, and took the Criminal Background to get proficient in Thieves Tools, that would pretty much cover the "roguish" aspect that we need, with the upside that you wouldn't have to play a Rogue. =)
(Also, no one's declared cleric yet, so that's still thing.)
Well I think I might go as the cleric and could also take a criminal background. Or not. Just depends on who else we get. Will get my submission up tonight.
The party so far is currently lacking most healing and roguish skills....
@MendedWall12: If you made a Ranger, and took the Criminal Background to get proficient in Thieves Tools, that would pretty much cover the "roguish" aspect that we need, with the upside that you wouldn't have to play a Rogue. =)
(Also, no one's declared cleric yet, so that's still thing.)
I wouldn't mind playing a rogue or cleric, looks like Daniel Stewart is looking towards cleric so I'll see about putting together a Rogue.
Stat Roll 1:4d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 5, 5) = 15 = 13
Stat Roll 2:4d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 6, 5) = 18 = 14
Stat Roll 3:4d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 6, 3) = 20 = 17
Stat Roll 4:4d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 4) = 10 = 9
Stat Roll 5:4d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 4) = 12 = 11
Stat Roll 6:4d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 6, 1) = 10 = 9
Not a terrible stat array, with racial bonuses it could be workable... :)
The party so far is currently lacking most healing and roguish skills....
@MendedWall12: If you made a Ranger, and took the Criminal Background to get proficient in Thieves Tools, that would pretty much cover the "roguish" aspect that we need, with the upside that you wouldn't have to play a Rogue. =)
(Also, no one's declared cleric yet, so that's still thing.)
I wouldn't mind playing a rogue or cleric, looks like Daniel Stewart is looking towards cleric so I'll see about putting together a Rogue.
[dice=Stat Roll 1]4d6 = 13
[dice=Stat Roll 2]4d6 = 14
[dice=Stat Roll 3]4d6 = 17
[dice=Stat Roll 4]4d6 = 9
[dice=Stat Roll 5]4d6 = 11
[dice=Stat Roll 6]4d6 = 9
Not a terrible stat array, with racial bonuses it could be workable... :)
I'll be interested to see what you come up with. As several folks have already pointed out, roguish abilities can come down to any of several classes with proficiency in thieves tools and a good perception score or investigation score.
Well I think I might go as the cleric and could also take a criminal background. Or not. Just depends on who else we get. Will get my submission up tonight.
There's a note specifically about clerics up above in the original post. While I did provide a list, it's a guidance, not a directive. If you would prefer another Golarion deity, feel free to ask. Those fit best into the backstory, but they aren't the only possibilities.
Ok, here is my submission (crunch) for your approval. I tried to keep to your notes on Clerics, and took a common (for the area) deity. Hope this is all ok.
Was also thinking of a druid if that might be ok...still a healer, but more in tuned with nature than the cleric...just a thought.
Robb:
Robb Erastilsson Human Cleric 1
Medium humanoid, neutral good
--------------------
Armor Class 14 (chain shirt)
Hit Points 9 (1d8+1)
Speed 30 ft.
--------------------
STR 14 (+2), DEX 12 (+1), CON 13 (+1), INT 10 (+0), WIS 16 (+3), CHA 9 (-1)
--------------------
Feats Healer
Saving Throws Wis +5, Cha +1
Skills Insight +5, Medicine +5, Perception +5, Persuasion +1, Religion +2, Survival +5
Senses passive Perception 15
Languages Common, Druidic, Goblin, Sylvan
Actions
--------------------
Greatclub.Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 1d8+2 bludgeoning damage.
Unarmed Strike.Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Hit: 3 bludgeoning damage.
I'll be interested to see what you come up with. As several folks have already pointed out, roguish abilities can come down to any of several classes with proficiency in thieves tools and a good perception score or investigation score.
Well I built Qantrydlias the Exile, Wood Elf Rogue this morning using Hero Lab with the Community Use Pack, and was hoping to have a sheet up for you to look at, but for some reason it didn't upload to my Google Drive. I'll check why that is when I get home this afternoon. I put the 17 in intel, and the 14 in Dex, which, with the +2 racial bonus brought that up to 16, dropped the 9's in Con and Cha. Took skill proficiency in Investigation, Acrobatics, Stealth, Sleight of Hand, and Perception as far as I can remember right now. Obviously also have the proficiency in thieve's tools. Is that 5E's version of disable device? I was a little confused on that, as this is the first 5E character I've ever created. If the criminal background provides proficiency with thieves tools then the rogue class does seem a little extraneous, doesn't it? With the trapfinder trait in Pathfinder from Mummy's Mask, the rogue class can be extraneous in Pathfinder as well. If the group would prefer I go a different route with class, I'd be fine with that. I'd really just love to get my feet wet with the 5E rules system.
OH! Full disclosure, I have run Crypt of the Everflame as a GM (for Pathfinder), but I've been gaming in one form or another since about 1984, and I have become very adept at separating player knowledge from character knowledge.
I'll get a profile and viewable PDF character sheet for Qantrydlias up this afternoon, unless I get feedback that says to scratch the rogue and go some other route? Would another arcane caster be of any use?
Characters submitted so far:
Cole Hillman: Human Ranger
Finlogan: Half-elf Fighter (cum Eldritch Knight)
Rankev "Power" Davis: Human Sorcerer
Robb Erastilsson: Human Cleric
Qantrydlias the Exile: Wood Elf RogueI promise I'll get the crunch and sheet up this afternoon. :)
Did I miss anyone? That mixture of races and classes seems like a good party to me. :D
Edit: Looks like Qantrydlias will be mentored by the halfling Jimes “Short Change” Iggins. I'll have to figure some interesting way to have those two connected. :)
@ Daniel Stewart: What manner of cleric is Robb? From the description I assume NatureCleric, but LifeCleric also might fit.
@MendedWall12: Heh. Yeah, I've noticed that very often the Rogue is simply...superfluous. He's under-powered in combat (unless you hellburn your build for it, and even then it's iffy if the rest of the party isn't down with it and you'll never tank) and the skills, very often, can be duplicated by other classes.
Simply, I've never seen a Rogue that can't be done better by another class.
I mentioned Ranger, since that is Rogue-ish, and with the UA upgrade he's probably better in every way, but Monk can do many of the roles too, and both of them can maintain that same RP "feel" of being "stealthy&spritely and nimble but also deadly."
Also, the Rogue just got left behind in it's Archetypes. The Theif isn't very theivy, the assassin just get's the one shot then he's done, and the Arcane trickster is neither very arcane nor very trickery.
He is a nature cleric, a follower of Erastil. That was why I was thinking of making a Druid instead of a cleric, but either is fine with me..whatever fits best.
@Daniel Stewart (& indirectly @Rankev), if you want to reskin for Druid, I'd be happy to start over from scratch (same stat array obviously) and go cleric. Does one of us need to take the criminal background so we can get the thieve's tools proficiency? Or would that be better served by a different character?
Ok, here is my submission (crunch) for your approval. I tried to keep to your notes on Clerics, and took a common (for the area) deity. Hope this is all ok.
Was also thinking of a druid if that might be ok...still a healer, but more in tuned with nature than the cleric...just a thought.
** spoiler omitted **
Druids are comparable healers to clerics at low levels in 5e, so that's fine with me if you would prefer to go that route.
I'll be interested to see what you come up with. As several folks have already pointed out, roguish abilities can come down to any of several classes with proficiency in thieves tools and a good perception score or investigation score.
Well I built Qantrydlias the Exile, Wood Elf Rogue this morning using Hero Lab with the Community Use Pack, and was hoping to have a sheet up for you to look at, but for some reason it didn't upload to my Google Drive. I'll check why that is when I get home this afternoon...
One of the nice things about 5e is that there are a lot of ways to compensate for missing character classes, both from things criminal background (for rogues) and even at low levels for a lack of cleric (a human character can opt for +1 in two abilities and take an extra skill and a feat at first level... If you take Healer as a feat you can stabilize (to 1 hp instead of zero) AND use the kit once per long rest per character to heal 1d6 + 4 + level of target. It requires resource management to ensure a supply of healer kits, but it does work at low levels as a substitute. Bards, Clerics, and Druids all have access to cure wounds at first level. The only real advantage of a true cleric at first is if they take the life domain healing gets a +3 hp bonus, and that they have access to other spells at higher levels that affect conditions, disease, raise dead.
Don't feel roped into a character class. Consider what skills and abilities the party needs to be rounded. There are probably a few ways to get to those.
Funny that you should mention Bard, I was just now thinking, perhaps that would be a better option. Bard with the criminal background could be a great addition to the party both for the "rogue-ish" skills, and because it provides supplemental healing, supplemental arcane magic, and the gift of song. :D Does that sound better? Feedback? Should I start over and go Bard instead?
Funny that you should mention Bard, I was just now thinking, perhaps that would be a better option. Bard with the criminal background could be a great addition to the party both for the "rogue-ish" skills, and because it provides supplemental healing, supplemental arcane magic, and the gift of song. :D Does that sound better? Feedback? Should I start over and go Bard instead?
That works for me. It'd be easy enough in setting, since both the bard and rogue mentors work in the Seven Silvers, to have the character have some criminal influence there.
I've checked the recruitment threat in question. I'm a little hesitant about it, but since I've allowed it for others, I'll allow it. Get the character sheet rewritten as soon as you can though. It looks like the last few folks are finishing up their characters, and since it's looking like we'll have a balanced party, I'll be closing recruitment soon to start.
Funny that you should mention Bard, I was just now thinking, perhaps that would be a better option. Bard with the criminal background could be a great addition to the party both for the "rogue-ish" skills, and because it provides supplemental healing, supplemental arcane magic, and the gift of song. :D Does that sound better? Feedback? Should I start over and go Bard instead?
That works for me. It'd be easy enough in setting, since both the bard and rogue mentors work in the Seven Silvers, to have the character have some criminal influence there.
Excellent, I'll get that done this afternoon, and post the details as soon as I can. Excited!
Hey! MendedWall here. I present Aldelenna Dusksong, temptress bard, with an eye for expensive baubles. I will have time tomorrow to work on an extensive and location heavy back story, but for now, the crunch is all I have time for. PLEASE! As I said, this is my first attempt at anything 5E, tell me if I should change anything around. Especially skills, those choices were giving me fits!
Hey! MendedWall here. I present Aldelenna Dusksong, temptress bard, with an eye for expensive baubles. I will have time tomorrow to work on an extensive and location heavy back story, but for now, the crunch is all I have time for. PLEASE! As I said, this is my first attempt at anything 5E, tell me if I should change anything around. Especially skills, those choices were giving me fits!
Thanks!
I'll take a look and give some feed back later tonight.
Wow! Thank you very much! I just adjusted Finlogan, and that other rolled stat array is truly remarkable. It significantly changes how I will play him, because he's now far from average.
Since we have a healer in the party, I swapped Medicine with Stealth for more Rangery skills.
Since he had an average Dex beforehand, I took chain mail and a light crossbow from the standard starting equipment. And started building an average dexterity into my perception of the character. Now that he has a 14 Dex, I wanted to know if you would be alright for equipment modification like Adventurer's League:
- Sell chain mail 75 gp
- Sell light crossbow 25 gp
+ Buy Chain shirt 50 gp
+ Buy Longbow 50 gp
Ultimately it reduces his AC by 1, but he gets to be better at Stealth. On the other hand, the equipment feels more rangery.
You've already been more than generous by allowing his stat array, so I completely understand if you would refuse the request. I would chalk it up to what's available in the village and be happy, too.
Also, please let me know if you would like any additional character development.
