Hello! I'm interested in applying to the game with this character. This will be the first PbP game I've ever applied to on this website, so please feel free to point out any mistakes I may have made with regards to character concept or presentation. Also, I'm still working on his backstory, but I've already completed his statistics and a description of his physical appearance. He's basically going to be a wanted criminal stowing away aboard the Jenivere, having narrowly escaped capture at the port where she was docked. Much more detail to come.
Hi. As you requested I am posting Moss's crunch. Again I hope to have the back story done by tonight. Thanks!
Here is my Half-Elf Ranger, Gilam Landrel of Korsova (changed it from Magnimar as I started writing), details are in his profile.
If selected, I have some interactions on board the Jenivere I'd like to write up between Gil and Ianea - just some attempts by Gil to get more information about Sargava.
I can also flesh out the backstory more (a lot more, really) if you like.
No problem folks, as long as you have everything done by Wednesday midnight GMT when I'll be looking over entries, you probably have a bit longer as I'll shunt those who aren't done to the end of my check list. I'm just fiddling around with maps, looks like we'll be using google docs - soon to be drive - and various predone maps which I'll often have edited in Photoshop to fit as needed.
Jack Sand I don't have a problem with a first time PBPer, looks fine to me at a quick glance. I recommend you read this guide by Doomed Hero if you have not already, very helpful.
Gilam I'll have a proper look later, but my answer to any offer to further flesh out a backstory is - barring something that stretches into novella length - always yes :)
DM Carpe: I hope your ok with my short story as background. As part of the mysterious stranger archetype I wanted to leave some details out. If you have any questions or want me to go into further details then I would be happy to PM you! Otherwise that's my background history for Jett.
@DM Carpe is it ok if i make a godless cleric? his domains are madness and liberation, he's chaotic good, and generally about complete freedom
here he is roughly, class in 5 minutes so i can't flesh him out till later. he was originally made for a lv 6 campaign so i'll correct him later, just wanted to give you a VERY rough idea
CampinCarl9127 No I'm afraid not, and sorry I meant to answer this earlier. Its been my experience that godless clerics never seem to have anything but the most astonishingly powerful domains, and well, it remains my experience... Madness in particular should be disallowed by any sane DM, hey baddies guess what you get +10 to skills, but -10 to saves. Now, save or die. Okay thats at 20th level, but its still an abomination that ought to allow the party to virtually autowin against any single foe.
i can totally understand you not allowing it, but just so you know i was choosing it for flavor, not to be a munchkin. also i took the subdomain nightmare that replaces that broken power you hate so much
Dotting while I make up a character. Last time I tried this AP the DM disappeared as soon as we shipwrecked.
Dotting while I make up a character. Last time I tried this AP the DM disappeared as soon as we shipwrecked.
I hear that a lot. The SS campaign I originally set this character up for didn't even get that far; IIRC, the DM disappeared right after all the characters were finalized in the Discussion thread. (The second campaign I got him into got into the island exploration before the DM had a major attack of Real Life.)
I would like to submit this character (see profile) was originally created for rise of the runelords but I reworked the backstory to put her on the Jenevere.
any questions don't hesitate to ask.
dotting for interest. finishing character, will post.
Backstory is now complete. I decided to do things in a somewhat unconventional way. The following link is a site I created that contains the lost journal of one Jack Sand:
It's written in a deliberately vague format to keep things interesting and realistic. People don't usually write transparent exposition in their journals, after all. (Click the top right corner of the journal to turn the pages.)
Flaeg partially complete, have to finish tonight.
(alias of heliopolix)
Hey DM Carpe,
My 'plain ol' fighter' turned out to be a 'plain ol' ranger' once I got writing him.
Here's his background (the number crunch, appearance, and personality are in the alias). Note that since he is 'local', I (with your input) could develop local friends, family, enemies, etc. to help him fit better; just another option if needed/desired.
Please let me know if you have any questions at this time.
Happy gaming!
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Now, with a few decades under my belt, I see things more clearly. I was born to luxury and carry a family name hundreds of years old. My family has lived surrounded by the finer things in life since they settled this beautiful land but that needs to change and the sooner the better.
I’ll start at the beginning... my family name is Krupt, of noble lineage in far off Cheliax. My ancestors, lured by promises of riches, came to settle what is now called Sargava. Several hundred years later and my family is the proud owner of vast tracts of lands where pineapples and figs are grown and where cattle roam the seemingly endless plains. My childhood memories are filled with plantations, lazy summers, and all the trappings of a noble family. I was taught to hunt and track and to wield the family falchion, all in preparation for my brief but mandatory stint in the Sargavan Guard, whom my ancestors had the vision of founding.
As a member of one of the founding colonial families, I was quickly given command of a scouting unit that best suited my skills and interests. We were assigned to Kalabuto; it was 4702 and the third Mzali invasion was just shaping up.
I was never meant to go to war; my father tried his best to pull me out when he heard the news but by then it was too late. Under my unskilled command, my scouting unit was ambushed. Half of us perished right there and then; I was lucky to have been saved by a couple of old veterans, locals much to my embarrassment. My Colonial upbringing was about to clash head-on with the reality of Sargava. It was a tough couple of days but I finally relinquished command of my unit to those better suited for it. That single action saved my life and has since shaped my outlook on everything.
We managed to survived, the four of us that were left from the original twelve. It was during these months that I learned the true art of the wild. I was taught to move as silently and swiftly as the wind, to tell which roots to eat and which would kill you, which animals screamed the least when they died, and I was taught to hunt. Not animals, I already knew that; I was taught to hunt men.
As much as I learned from my practical lessons, my most important experience was the gift of sight. True sight, not the one where we imagine how things are because of what others tell us or because of what we want to see. This was unadulterated sight, really seeing things for what they truly are without adding any bias to it. So I saw how the Ivory Cross put down the Mzali rebellion when called in (and were paid handsomely for it) but did nothing to rescue the Sargavan Guard. I saw the Ivory Cross instigate native uprising so they could then be hired to put them down. And I saw how the natives were thought of and treated like second class citizens when they had a lot to teach on how to truly thrive in this land.
My new-found sight came accompanied with a new-found voice with which I confronted my family telling them the truths that had been hidden from me. Ignored and told to keep quiet to maintain the status quo, I learned that my family profited from the Ivory Cross contracts and our substandard treatment of the natives. Disgusted, I left my easy life, my estate, my plantation, and cut ties with my past. Elated with my freedom, I returned to the land and those that saved my life and taught me so much.
I still carry my name, much to my family’s discontent, because I believe that things can be different. I am as much local here as any of the natives but I want to change the way the Colonials treat the true natives.
After a few years of roaming Sargava and the Mwangi Expanse, I’m heading to Eleder to see first-hand how things are at the capital.
Joy here, I've decided on a Half-Orc Cleric of Gozreh. Building the sheet up behind this alias and have a rough background done.
Kirsteen was born in Desperation Bay of Sargava to a human mother and an orc male that was kept for breeding purposes by the followers of Lamshtu who lived there. Among the demon-worshiping Bekyar peoples, human mothers see giving birth to a half-orc child as a blessing from Lamashtu, the Mother of Monsters. So it was for this reason that Kirsteen's grandmother, a cleric of Lamashtu, arranged for her daughter to bear such a child to raise her family's status in Lamashtu's eyes.
Always a rebellious child and resentful of her mixed heritage, Kirsteen refused to worship Lamashtu, the cause of her birth. She would often run away into the wilderness for extended periods of time, preferring to spend her time in solitude rather than being stared at or being treated as either a blessing or a monstrosity depending on the onlooker's religion. Eventually tiring of Kirsteen's attitude, her grandmother (against her daughter's wishes) sold her as a slave to a pirate ship when she was 12 years old.
Now, just because they were pirates, that didn't mean they were a bad bunch of folks. The first mate in particular was a nice enough fellow and took the newest member of the ship under his wing. He taught her not only how to be a sailor, but also about the worship of Gozreh. Kirsteen was quite taken with the idea of a deity who didn't breed monsters and who cared for the natural world.
Eventually granted her freedom for several years of faithful service aboard the ship, Kirsteen decided to travel back to her homeland. She wanted to seek revenge against the grandmother who sold her and to see what had become of her mother and if her father was even still alive. She boarded the Jenivere in the Shackles with the intent of retuning home.
My background is completed. Thanks for the consideration!
Oscar Wanderfeet spent his childhood in the city state of Alkenstar where his family like so many halflings had fled to escape slavery. Oscar's father operated a tiny inn with only three guest rooms and a tiny tap room. While it was cramped and smokey Oscar loved it there. Getting on in age he became fascinated with the stories their guests told of the terrifying beasts of the Mana Waste and the lands beyond. He would spend all of his free time and half of time he was supposed to be working listening to men talk of ferocious creatures, narrow escapes and the ancient ruins plundered. It was his dream to bravely venture into these wild lands and see these sights and face these beasts himself.
His parents soon realized that their son was too strong willed to keep cooped up forever. It took them quite some time to save the money to purchase the boy a musket but they found a way. “If'n our little boy's to head into the wilderness then we wont say we didn't outfit him as best we could!” his parents would tell skeptical neighbors. Oscars parents presented the youth with a barely functioning musket. The weapon was in an awful state of repair but he managed and eventually became so familiar with the weapons quirks it was barely an issue. To him it was the greatest of treasures and he cared for as such. Along with his weapons his parents had presented him to his new instructor. A typically gruff dwarf by the name of Ovar Goldfist. Ovar schooled Oscar in the ways of muskets and gunsmithing. Ovar having no skill with handguns left his services as a teacher unwanted for the most part and allowed the Wanderfeet family to hire him for the price of a room and four meals a day.
Oscar was not an amazing student at first and tended to day dream during his lessons. However he learned the basics, and moved on to the more advanced lessons with little trouble. Having decided that he was ready Oscar left his family and his teacher and headed west by riverboat. Upon reaching the Gunworks he sough out to join the local scouts. Proving his skills with his weapon and being such a small fellow they accepted him and put him to work with some of the more experienced scouts. With raids being common on the Gunworks scouts enabled the city to properly prepare for attacks. From these senior scouts Oscar learned to live off the land and to move into and out of terribly dangerous areas. “The most successful mission, is the one where no one knows you were ever there. Avoid firing a shot if you can and make it count if you have to” he would be told time and again. It was during this period that Oscar earned the nickname of Moss. His superiors told him that he was as quiet and inconspicuous as moss growing on a rock. Many times their scouting would take them into the Shattered Range where they could see the lush and green lands far below. The beauty of these lands made a lasting impression and he vowed to leave the desolate wastes of his youth and explore the world.
Life as a scout was not lucrative and left him with little means to travel. Having concluded his agreed upon period of service he scavenged his way to the coast and for the next two years he stowed away on one ship after another, wandering from one exciting port to the next.
don't know if fiddle is still being considered since i replaced the original madness domain power with a different one that's less versatile, should i try to change fiddle up or go for a totally new character?
Fiddle I'm still going to say no - a bit more sheepishly though :) I think there are plenty of flavorful gods and there is an option for those who want to play godless clerics built into the game - Oracle.
Moss Looks good for the most part, but could you break up those paragraphs with some lines between them when you post it on your character sheet? Not a big deal, but makes it a little easier on the eyes. I'd also like a slightly more concrete reason for stowing away, bearing in mind that its a pretty dangerous thing to do with most sailors, even if its a simple lack of funds. Also where did he board the Jenivere? There is a list of available ports in the Player's Guide - also available in the first post under gameplay.
Joy Thanks for the massive spoiler :( I'm sure a lot of people were aware of it, but for those who weren't it could have been interesting. Still no point crying over spilt milk, and these things happen, nothing to be done with the lack of editing after 30 mins. Don't worry I won't hold it against you :)
Dragolan it really sucks when that happens. If it helps I've already done the first post in gameplay so you are bound to get at least that far ;) I'm fairly confident we will finish the first part of the adventure - I've bought maps for it and I'm very cheap so I'm using them ;) - and I'm planning to give us all a bit of a break between each module, though players can still RP, etc., to try to avoid burn out. This will also be the only PBP I run, as I've DMed multiple before and know that can get a bit overwhelming.
Kirsteen Looks great to me, I look forward to seeing it expanded, though I would not have asked for much more I'll certainly take it ;)
Flaeg I'd like to see the background expanded a little, Dwarves afterall take a long time to reach maturity so if the Witch Doctor was connected to the tribe it stretches credulity a little that he was able to wholly hide his wards presence for so many decades - I know fireballs stretch credulity pretty far to, but still ;) Perhaps the Witch Doctors could simply traditionally be the pale skinned? I'd like to hear more about his studies, how he felt about the tribe, etc.
Jack The journal is very cool, but I would still like to see a more conventional background so I can get to know the character. What you have so far is a flavorsome and intriguing sketch. If you want to remain mysterious from other players thats absolutely fine and you can PM me, but I'd like you and me to know the details at least.
Alexite Good stuff. I've no issues with you switching to ranger it certainly fits. Can't see any issues on a quick once over, though I would appreciate it if you could add in the prices and weights next to equipment to make things a little easier when I do more thorough reviews later.
Noro looks good, I'm fine with your trait selection.
I believe I've addressed all questions and given a comment on all the characters I've seen so far. My apologies if I have missed you, please just give me a little nudge post and I'll rectify that ASAP :)
just a double check for me but would you like anymore information then what i have given?
Avarl I'd like to know about her family, preferably with some injection of flavor about Kyonin. Can I also ask you to take a look at your capitalization, especially at the beginning of sentences, etc., sorry to be a pain I just find it a little jarring. I'd also like to know where she studied, who she stiudied under, why she wants to go to Eleder in particular, and which port she boarded in in the Shackles.
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Fiddle I'm still going to say no - a bit more sheepishly though :) I think there are plenty of flavorful gods and there is an option for those who want to play godless clerics built into the game - Oracle.
Moss Looks good for the most part, but could you break up those paragraphs with some lines between them when you post it on your character sheet? Not a big deal, but makes it a little easier on the eyes. I'd also like a slightly more concrete reason for stowing away, bearing in mind that its a pretty dangerous thing to do with most sailors, even if its a simple lack of funds. Also where did he board the Jenivere? There is a list of available ports in the Player's Guide - also available in the first post under gameplay.
Joy Thanks for the massive spoiler :( I'm sure a lot of people were aware of it, but for those who weren't it could have been interesting. Still no point crying over spilt milk, and these things happen, nothing to be done with the lack of editing after 30 mins. Don't worry I won't hold it against you :)
Dragolan it really sucks when that happens. If it helps I've already done the first post in gameplay so you are bound to get at least that far ;) I'm fairly confident we will finish the first part of the adventure - I've bought maps for it and I'm very cheap so I'm using them ;) - and I'm planning to give us all a bit of a break between each module, though players can still RP, etc., to try to avoid burn out. This will also be the only PBP I run, as I've DMed multiple before and know that can get a bit overwhelming.
Kirsteen Looks great to me, I look forward to seeing it expanded, though I would not have asked for much more I'll certainly take it ;)
Flaeg I'd like to see the background expanded a little, Dwarves afterall take a long time to reach maturity so if the Witch Doctor was connected to the tribe it stretches credulity a little that he was able to wholly hide his wards presence for so many decades - I know fireballs stretch credulity...
How's my backstory? Need more?
Dotting
I probably won't have the character ready until tomorrow or Wednesday, but I do have characters from other games that you can take a look at. Magnhildr might be the closest to what you're looking for as far as detail.
what do you think the party needs right now? i'd like to fit what role is needed (frontliner, healer, arcane) then go through character concept.
also p.s. if i find a god that fits is it cool? maybe groetus, although he doesn't offer liberation domain
AdamWarnock As Pavro's player I'm already quite fond of Magnhildr, but I don't really like the idea of the same character being run in two games at once. I'd be delighted to see a submission from you, and if you do decide to submit her Magnhildr's backstory is great and should take very little adjustment to get her on the Jenivere - presumably boarding in Magnimar.
Jericho My apologies for missing you there. Could you paste the background into your alias profile so I can find it more easily come Wednesday? Looks good to me overall, I'd perhaps like a to know a little more about why he felt free to leave after his fathers death and why he is so keen on making new alchemical discoveries. Was he not needed at home with his father gone, who took over, etc.
Fiddle Absolutely :) I'm more worried about backstory, etc., than classes and am going to be picking exclusively based on them - so long as characters are otherwise pretty much finished - so if the best submission are all wizards the party would be all wizards. I'd suggest picking what you think you will have most fun playing.
If you do run with the Madness domain, and decide to take the origional ability I'll houserule a save in for unwilling targets, so just bear that in mind. I believe it was really intended to be more of a dangerous boost for the cleric and their allies than the autowin button it can potentially be.
Oh sorry about that. Magnhildr is staying right where she is. I'm going to be going with a different character. I was just seeing if that amount of detail was good. Much more than that and I might not be up to it.
Thinking about trying a oracle of battle idea I had.
Awesome! as its about midnight i won't be finishing it tonight, but tomorrow evening i should have the details up. its an interesting character, but unfortunately i'm not super familiar with the geography and history of this fantasy world, so i might need a little guidance. generally my idea is there was a cleric of pharasma (cus groetus serves her) who was attempting to tap into the void. doing so he failed badly, causing some sort accident that bent Fiddles mind and he has no recollection of the first 20 years of his life, including his original name of if he even had family.
edit: also don't worry, i wont even have that ability. im taking a subdomain that replaces it (nightmare). also i'll have to choose another domain other than liberation...hmm...perhaps void? that's certainly a domain that isn't used much
I'd make the same choice, I think group two for that game is going to be really fun - sad I can't follow along. Our group just had one of the characters switch to a Cleric of Asmodeus which I think is going to make for some brilliant RP. Can't wait to get started on the actual adventure!
I should add that you are free to incorporate plot hooks, I've a fair bit of leeway as DM in this AP so I'll probably incorporate some. A great many of you already have things I can use, but don't worry if you don't its not going to be something I worry about - I'll have more than enough to do :) Also don't expect them to crop up anytime soon, for the most part they would not come into play this module.
Also a note on treasure, we will be keeping a tally of items sale values and ensuring everyone gets an even cut.
So say we had found a chainshirt and a MW dagger, with a total value of 402gp, that's a sale value of 201gp. So each player is entitled to 50.25gp. It is much better value to keep loot than sell. Lets assume that 2 characters each take one item, call them player A and Player B.
Player A takes the dagger sale value 151gp, and "owes" the group 100.75gp
Player B takes the chainshirt sale value 50gp and is owed .25gp
Player C takes nothing and is owed 50.25gp
Player C takes nothing and is owed 50.25gp
I've found its typically the fairest way - sometimes its better to put in an extra split for party items like wands of cure light, etc. In which case everyones share would be 40.2gp. I'll leave this choice up to the party.
Its pretty flexible, since people don't usually mind you owing the pot if something comes up thats perfect for you, etc. And its particularly good for classes, like the druid, that don't run into equipment for them as often, "Hey DM whens the +1 dragonhide lion barding going to crop up?"
If two people want the same item, you simply roll off - or you can bid for it, but I think rolling is simpler and easier.
Fiddle Pharasma does not actually have the Madness domain, I'm afraid. The only deity in the core rule book that has it is Lamashtu, the Mother of Monsters, I'd be perfectly willing to take a cleric of Lanashtu if they were designed in such a way that I didn't feel they were likely to generate a lot of party conflict. I've been in a game with one who did a great job of it infact.
I'll also note that if you go with the amnesia thing you have two choices, either you write up what actually happened, family details, etc. Or you leave them to me and take what you get... Bwahaha? ;)
oh i'm sorry i should have layed that out more clearly, my TUTOR served pharasma, i serve Groetus. Groetus is a lesser god under Pharasma. and yes, because of DM evilness, please make my background :D
edit:Groetus Link He's a chaotic nuetral god that serves pharasma and will apparently "clean up" when reality ends to prepare for the next reality. also it says madmen serve him :D
Jelani my apologies, I do recall reading it previously. I like it, nice solid reason for travelling to Eleder, and you've covered all the bases. On a quick once over the crunch looks solid to :)
Fiddle ah excellent, that works for me. But please ensure you make the background for the time he does recall detailed, bear in mind thats going to be my main selection criteria.
ok so i found some of the best traits ever for fiddle. Without a Past is a great one, and also Defy Madness I'll work on my post-void accident background tomorrow, it's almost 1am here, gimme your thoughts tho!
@ dm carpe. not trying to be rude, but i will have to withdraw, for both our sakes, i have never been very good at putting together proper sentences and have all the grammar right. and i don't want to bug you when i post, so have fun. with the group you pick out.
Alright, here's Lydran Entelios. Neutral Half-Elf Wizard (Conjurer) from Cheliax.
Anyways, I know this is a little long, but like I said, I've had this guy in mind for a while, specifically for this game, so I've had time to think it through pretty thoroughly.
Her family was scandalized, but the girl was adamant that she would carry the child, the only reminder of her "first love." When she threatened to take her own life if an abortion was forced on her, her family had no choice but to comply.
Of course Lydran would inherit no titles; he would sit at no courts. The child was allowed to live, was taken immediately from his mother and given to a wet-nurse named Walda who later became his nanny, and more or less raised the bastard boy. She was an avid reader, and each night would share with Lydran an old story or legend from some ancient kingdom or lost empire, and when he was old enough began teaching him to read himself.
During his early years he was ignored by most of the household. His grandparents treated him with open disdain, and even though he recieved regular visits from his mother, she made him feel more like a favored pet than she did a child. He lived a comfortable but lonely existence until his mother married, and after she had another child - a fully human one - her visits grew less and less frequent before stopping altogether.
It was at this time that Lydran's life took a major turn, though at first it seemed that it would be for the worst. Not long after his mother stopped paying him any mind, he was put to work in the kitchens. Miserable at first, Lydran soon surpised the cooks not only with his ability to read a recipe, but also with his knack for portions and ingredients. It soon became apparent that the boy had a talent for numbers and other formulae, and it was deemed that he might serve the house more efficiently if he were educated.
From that day forth, he knew he was being groomed for something. It started slowly, with lessons in all of the fundamental subjects most young nobles learned. When he mastered them quickly, the lessons moved onto more practical matters, such as the management of estates or political theory. In the free time that he was now afforded, Lydran found himself studying in-depth the myths that Walda used to regail him with, and he noticed something whilst plying the histories of nations lost to the ages - nealry every great empire of the past had been centered around mastery of magic. Azlant, Thassilon, the Jitska Emperium, and even the Pharoahs of Ancient Osirion - even Old Mage Jataymbe had used magic to lead humankind out of darkness.
Lydran found a few old spellbooks in the manor's library, and within a year he was performing simple cantrips. When his teacher's caught wind of it, he was given even more opportunity - his family hired a tutor from Egorian Academy to school him in conjuring, diabolism, and how to safely and advantageously bind devils. It was challenging work, but Lydran finally felt he had purpose, that his life had meaning. He even began to hope that he had demonstrated enough ability for his family to overlook his status as a bastard and name him their heir - it was uncommon, but it had been done before.
Of course, he was mistaken. When he came of age, he was brought before his now-ancient grandfather, given curt praise for overcoming the difficulties of his nature, and named seneschel to the house. He would manage the day-to-day business of the family and offer his advice in matter financial, political, and arcane. However, he would inherit no fortunes nor hold any courts. That honor would be left for his human half-brother.
Lydran seethed in silence over the following year. He began to realize that it was not that he was a bastard that kept him from all he might otherwise achieve - it was that he was not human. No matter how capable he might be, no matter what successes he might demonstrate, he would always be overshadowed by humans. He had been taught that by emulating the order of Hell, a society had been created in which those of ability could thrive, and the meek would humbly serve them. But Cheliax was nothing more than a corrupted relic, absorbing the worst parts of Hell into outdated traditions of the Empire's golden era. Of course the Empire had crumbled - they always did, but now Lydran began to wonder why. What was it that kept the mortal races from creating a truly lasting utopia, one in which citizens were free to achieve as much or as little as their drive and ability allowed?
Lydran returned to his books, once again studying ancient civilizations, starting with Cheliax. Diabolism had merit, but took a strong mind to embrace without falling into corruption and decadence as House Thrune and its subjects had. Xin's virtues of rule had lead to prosperity previously unheard of, but had been corrupted by his subjects when taken to their extremes. Azlant had been demolished because their arrogance had outstripped their power. Throughout human history it was the same, and through his discourse with scholars, travelers, and archeologists, Lydran only learned one certain truth - Cheliax did not have the answers.
He began to quietly embezzle funds from the house's treasury as he selected his destination. He wasn't sure where to go, but he couldn't stay here. He would achieve nothing, learn nothing, change nothing. After spending countless frustrated nights studying histories failures, he realized their were enormous holes on one if its greatest successes. Jataymbe. The Old Mage had re-educated humankind and lead them into recovery after the greatest disaster the race had ever known, but knowledge of the man, and of his teachings, were difficult to come by.
It was time to brave the field. Time to close his books and seek answers first hand. He quietly made arrangements, booking passage to Sargava. Itself an old Chelish colony, it might serve as a comfortable base of operations, or at least a starting point, from which to ply the mysteries of the Mwangi Expanse, and perhaps find the context he needed to unite the mortal races in lasting greatness.
Though he comes accross as sever, callous, and even bitter at times, Lydran is not simply self-serving, and there are causes he would readily die for. He believes in the advancement of the mortal races and holds that personal growth is something that ought never to stop. He seeks to foster improvement in others when and where he can, but does not coddle, believing such "nurturing" to be one of the most destructive forces in society. He is a propenent of the idea that conflict promotes advancement, and complacency is the death of progress.
Some have called him cruel, but Lydran abhors violence or cruelty for its own sake, and does not tolerate such petty indulgences. He might employ methods that many find questionable, but never without cause. He exthols honesty and moderation as two of the highest virtue, and is wary of zealotry, including from himself. This is one of the primary reasons he practices diabolism - to Lydran, regularly dealing with devils requires a strong mind and teaches one to temper ambition with wariness.
Lydran is fascinated with old civilization and with anthropology. He is highly progressive and believes in educating any who he deem wanting of knowledge, but also seeks to preserve a diversity of culture and, even more important, preserve knowledge of that culture. To Lydran, there is no greater crime than the murder of an idea, which is tantamount to the murder of opportunity. As far as he is concerned, if you approach each new situation or piece of knowledge with your eyes and mind open, you will learn something new every time.
Lydran has been a bit embittered by the fact that his race doomed him to a post of mediocrity in Cheliax. The thought of it still angers him, but at the same time he is glad, even grateful, that his father was an elf rather than a human. He knows that if he had been born a human, he would likely have been named heir to the family name, and would likely have turned out as another arrogant, entitled Chelish fop playing at wizardry.
So that's what I've got. He's intentionally set up so there's room for him to grow a bit, for his outlook to shift, and his alignment to potentially change (for good or ill). I was wondering if, down the line, you would allow the Blackfire Adept PrC or (if he shifts to a good alignment) the Magaambyan Arcanist? Both are from the recent Paths of Prestige.
Is the backstory alright, or am I missing anything important?
Avarl no worries, not rude at all, the only real issue I have is capitalization though, otherwise everything seemed fine :) Best of luck to you.
Lydran, need sleep now so I'll look over Lydran properly later. Regarding PRCs I don't have Paths of Prestiege yet, so I don't want to give a definitive answer, but if there is nothing ludicrously overpowered, or particularly weird flavorwise, I will almost definitely allow them.
Hi, DM Carpe. Looks like you did overlook my submission. The character statblock and background are in my profile.
I live in the Western U.S. so quite a large time difference, but I do tend to post daily.
Anyway, hope you got a good rest. :)
DM Carpe You mentioned gear, weight, and price upthread - I will add that to Gilam's profile shortly.
Without further ado - more backstory:
Growing up in Korvosa, Gilam was enamored by the Sable Company Marines and longs to join their ranks and fly on a hippogriff. At every opportunity, Gilam would follow any marine he happened to spot, even all the way to their barracks in The Keep. He was often thrown out when caught, but most of the marines were good natured and used to the antics of young boys and teens wanting to join their ranks. On one especially fortuitous day, Gil made it into the hippogriff aerie. He was stepping toward one of the hippogriffs, and was able to place a hand on it’s beak beforen a marine caught him and, not so good naturedly, tossed him out of the barracks. Gil doesn’t remember much about the tirade, or the bruises, he received for that particular display of daring, but the hippogriff is as fresh in his mind today as it was the day he first saw it.
Something about that encounter sparked Gil’s love of animals and the wilderness called to his elven heritage. He began to go on forays outside the city, a little farther each trip until he met an old human ranger by the name of Sealamin Wolfswift, or Sealamin the Undaunted (male human Ranger 4). Sealamin took Gilam under his wing and began teaching him the craft of being a ranger. Sealamin’s good-natured teachings were a drastic change from the method of teaching Gilam had endured growing up in Korvosa, of course, Gilam was a far better student with Sealamin than he had ever been with any other teacher. With patience, knowledge, and displays of valor, Sealamin taught Gilam much about nature, animals, and how to respect and interact with each – while also teaching Gilam the art of bow making. His elven blood took to the lessons with an intensity Gilam had rarely experienced and by the time he was 16, Gilam knew nearly every hill and trail for miles in and around Korvosa. He helped support his mother with money he earned as a guide, bow-maker and explorer. When he was in town, he still went by The Keep to spy the Sable Company Marines and their hippogriffs – vowing one day to join their ranks.
Throughout the years Gil asked his mother about his father, but she was incredibly cryptic and Gilam never learned his full name. One night, however, Duinen let the name “Cord” slip - that is the closest Gil ever got to his father’s name. Duinen promised to tell Gil who his father was on his 25th nameday. Unfortunately, she passed when Gil was 18 while he was guiding a hunting expedition near Biston, on Lake Syrantula. Gilam never learned the name of his father.
Since his mother’s death, however, Gil has found little to keep him in Korvosa – not even the acceptance of the Sable Company Marines could sway him to stay. He left Korvosa, wandering all of Galorion, often hiring himself out as a guide, explorer and bow-maker - picking up the languages of Varisian and Osiriani along the way. He has seen the large mammoth’s of the north, barely escaped from a band of orc raiders to the east, and fought a small band of goblins to the south. His wanderlust and quest for knowledge has driven him to seek out the Eye of Abendego and to explore the Mwangi Expanse, starting with Sargava.
Gilam made his way to Corentyn, in Cheliax with several days before his passage to the Mwangi Expanse set sail. He spent two days trying to find any Corentyn aristocrat or noble with some form of the name Cord. Through his inexperienced questioning and the spreading around of some silver shields and even the occasional gold sail, Gil has come to suspect that his mother was charmed by Cordonikus Mastrich and the aristocratic slaver is his father. When he confronted the man, Cordonikus merely laughs and says "If that's true, and judging by the shape of yer nose it could be, you've got lots of siblings, half-elf. I know ye not, nor do I care." With that, Cordonikus turned his back and slithered toward the auctioneer podium to sell his wares. Not sure what he expected, Gil walked away, his head hung low. His desire for a home and more family than his loving mother quietly drowning.
DM Carpe: I sent you a PM with an extensive backstory. I also updated the profile to expand on his personality a little bit. Let me know if you have any concerns!
Alexite Good stuff. I've no issues with you switching to ranger it certainly fits. Can't see any issues on a quick once over, though I would appreciate it if you could add in the prices and weights next to equipment to make things a little easier when I do more thorough reviews later.
Hey DM Carpe,
As requested, I've added the prices and weights next to the equipment.
Please let me know if you need anything else to consider Alexite for your game.
Happy gaming!
Fabian
I am plotting the change as recommended. Hope to have it up after class tonight. Thanks!
All I'll note that I will likely be much more posty during the first week or so of play than I will be later, due to currently being off work with a broken foot - my job requires me to do a great deal of walking. This should come in quite handy to get things going, and I should still be able to post two or three times a weekday and once on weekend day - I don't expect players to post this much, though I certainly won't discourage it.
Lydran I'm confused if he is an Infernal Binder or not since he had the Acid Dart ability listed instead of Assume Control. Backstory works well, but can you add the port he boarded the Jenivere.
Alexite great, you should be good to go :)
Moss let me know when its done and I'll try to give it a once over so I can give anymore feedback if needed, though I doubt it will be :)
Vulfgurd my apologies. I would like to see your background expanded. Why was he schoolded at the temple of Irori in stead of going into business for his father? What is his relationship like with his family? Did he have a special mentor? What were his experiences like at the temple? Why did he become fascinated with the Mwangi Expanse, etc.? You might give him a Mwangi, or Sargarvan of Chelaxian heritage, as a mentor. Or you could have him assigned to a small temple in Eleder to try to spread the faith there. Obviously those are only suggestions which it will not hurt you at all to ignore completely.
Updated background, very excited about this character, he's gonna have an interesting view on everything. Gladly take any questions/comments/concerns!
edit: updated again, realized i had nothing about his magic lol
Fiddle your abilities scores don't quite add up - I won't be allowing age categories, you can be old, but you won't get any mechanics. You have him listed as 6th level, and he does not appear to have any profociency in the Sword Cane, which is a martial weapon.
Your backstory does not really tell me much. I don't know what country he found himself in, how he found out the thing was Groetus, he does not seem to fit very well with the flavor your link provides for Goetus which says that his followers are all mad prophets of the end of days. Was he a child when he was found, or are you saying he was child-like in his innocence? Where did he stay, how did he provide for himself, how long has it been since then, where did he board the Jenivere???
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I'd make the same choice, I think group two for that game is going to be really fun - sad I can't follow along. Our group just had one of the characters switch to a Cleric of Asmodeus which I think is going to make for some brilliant RP. Can't wait to get started on the actual adventure!
"I might be able to arrange such a thing Carpe, I'll just need you to sign a few documents first. Nothing really to be concerned with, I assure you, it's all standard paperwork. Oh and don't mind the whole signature in blood, it's all ceremonial in nature, really quite crude I know but the church does tend to be a stickler for the details."
DM Carpe, I have revised. Hopefully for the better. Thanks!
