GM Cellion's Rusthenge + Seven Dooms for Sandpoint Double Feature

Game Master Cellion

Return to the town where it all began and unravel the Seven Dooms that would bring its early end!

When a beleaguered guard washes up in Sandpoint's harbor with tales of horrors, betrayal, and a terrible new affliction, the call to adventure sounds once more in the Light of the Lost Coast. In the far north of the Kindred Coast, Sandpoint's newest adventurers will be tested, and prove themselves as heroes. For little does anyone know, but heroes will soon be desperately needed. The legacy of the Lost Coast runs far deeper, and older, than anyone can imagine, and that legacy is about to come due. While the town of Sandpoint has seen more than it's fair share of trials over the years, none of those have prepared it for the sinister threat that lies beating in the deep, dreaming of Seven Deadly Dooms!
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What is this?
Welcome to this recruitment for a combination Rusthenge and Seven Dooms for Sandpoint double-feature adventure played in PbP here on the forums. This is a 1-12 Pathfinder 2E adventure that takes Sandpoint's newest budding adventurers on a journey up Varisia's coastline to uncover a dire legacy from the time of ancient Thassilon, before returning to their home town as seasoned heroes in time to protect it against Seven Dooms that have been set against it. While there's a healthy dose of investigation and weaving your way through tense factional situations, much of both of these adventures involves delving into large dungeons to confront the deadly creatures and figures that lie within. Expect very classic adventuring themes and some nostalgia and references for those who've played in Sandpoint before. (There's no requirement to have played previous Runelords or Sandpoint adventures before, but it may be more fun if you have).

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About Me:
I'm an experienced GM here on the boards, having run several APs in PF1E and Starfinder, including a couple that have now run to completion and freed me up to tackle something new. I've run much less PF2E in PbP (though I've certainly run it for my home group), but have plenty of experience with the system. I run consistent, reliable games that stay close to the source material, but still expand it around the characters that the players bring to the table. To that end, I like GMing for players that engage themselves with the setting, narrative, and the stories brought by their fellow players.

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Recruitment Details:
As I do for all my games, I am planning on running a game with a steady pace, with 1 GM post per day every day including weekends. I expect players to keep up 1 post per day minimum - though you're welcome to post more often in response to your fellow players. From my experience, play-by-post lives and dies on posting momentum and player engagement. If you think you cannot keep up 1 post per day for several years (barring major conflicts and vacations and all of life's usual trials), this isn't the game for you. Additionally, I'm looking to pick up team players who are looking to not only engage with the adventure and myself, but also with their fellow players. Please keep these requirements in mind before applying.

I am looking to recruit 2-5 additional players, as I have several spots that are possibly already filled. I am aiming for a final party size of five or six to allow for the inevitable attrition. See below for specific requirements. Please read the Players Guide for Seven Dooms for Sandpoint for more set up and information regarding the adventure.

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Ceven is a Valdemar, for what it's worth. Come to find out, it's actually worth quite a few silver at the Pixie's Kitten, and Ceven is an extremely fun companion. Would probably be best if Uncle Kaleb didn't know he had returned to Sandpoint ... would be fun to break into the old manor though! Had seemed haunted before it was empty too.


His parents had died on the road and he was lucky to have received what they left to him: his mother's dead Aeon Stone and his father's dead Ring of Telekinesis. Little did he know the path his inheritance would lead him down, but as a budding psychic he is ready for bigger challenges; even bigger than the 'challenges' he faced at the Kitten.

Ceven Valdemar
Versatile Human Psychic
Scarnetti-Connected

1ppd - COMMITTED
Links - FORTHCOMING

CEVEN

I sent a PM to you GM Cellion

I'm interested, but I've never played 2e before?

I'd be interested in Rogue, maybe Bard. I loved the old Archaeologist so I'd be game to try the new one.

I'm currently playing in a Rusthenge game on these boards... but if you don't end up with enough players I can keep "In Character" knowledge separate from "Out of character". knowledge.

I'm interested, but I've never played 2e before?

I'd be interested in Rogue, maybe Bard. I loved the old Archaeologist so I'd be game to try the new one.

Yep that's fine, so long as you're interested in learning.

rdknight wrote:

I'm interested, but I've never played 2e before?

I'd be interested in Rogue, maybe Bard. I loved the old Archaeologist so I'd be game to try the new one.

Yep that's fine, so long as you're interested in learning.

Sure! I'll probably have to wait until the weekend to get started, and I'll be leaning very heavily on Archives of Nethys to figure it out.

Maybe I'll write BAP portions first, so I have a target to aim for. I already have a general concept I think.

Could we have a connection to Sandpoint that references past adventure paths set in and around Sandpoint? I'm thinking maybe using a character of mine from RotRL as an ancestor if that could work, à la Return of the Runelords. How much time has passed since RotRL took place?

Could we have a connection to Sandpoint that references past adventure paths set in and around Sandpoint? I'm thinking maybe using a character of mine from RotRL as an ancestor if that could work, à la Return of the Runelords. How much time has passed since RotRL took place?

Yes, you can absolutely have a connection to Sandpoint referencing past adventures there (and in fact, I think that's part of the fun). The heroes that were involved with Sandpoint in the past are assumed to now be retired or have moved on, but otherwise it's free reign for the most part. It's been 17 years since the events of RotRL (Golarion time and real life time are in lockstep), which means your character may in fact be the child of one of the previous fabled heroes, just now coming of age.

Ranellbess

Basic technical details: Gnome Cloistered Cleric. Fortune Teller background.

Ranellbess is a Pharasmin Cleric who has never stepped out of the Cloister. He's been told of the stories about Sandpoint, and he desires to be something more than he is -- a weak bookworm.

Ranellbess is adept at healing, and, even though he borrowed a dagger to take with him, is truly unprepared for any kind of physical conflict -- other than healing others.

Your degree of experience with PF2E and PbP: I began playing 2e before the books came out, using the Playtest. I GM 3 games (2 in person, and 1 PbP), and regularly play in 2e PbP games (mostly through PFS).

If you've played PbP before, link me two gameplay posts:
Goxomas
As a GM

Do you agree to keep up with the minimum 1 post per day described above, and acknowledge that if you can't maintain that you'll be replaced?
Yes, with the proviso that I am unavailable on Saturday, and will occasionally be incommunicado for a couple of days for which I will give notice and provide for BOTting.

In summary: A weak, fragile healer

rdknight wrote:

Could we have a connection to Sandpoint that references past adventure paths set in and around Sandpoint? I'm thinking maybe using a character of mine from RotRL as an ancestor if that could work, à la Return of the Runelords. How much time has passed since RotRL took place?

Yes, you can absolutely have a connection to Sandpoint referencing past adventures there (and in fact, I think that's part of the fun). The heroes that were involved with Sandpoint in the past are assumed to now be retired or have moved on, but otherwise it's free reign for the most part. It's been 17 years since the events of RotRL (Golarion time and real life time are in lockstep), which means your character may in fact be the child of one of the previous fabled heroes, just now coming of age.

Sounds good! I'll go that route in some fashion. Thanks!

A Varisian woman dressed in the lively colors of her people sports flamboyant ebony earrings depicting a crow guarding a nest. Painfully extroverted, Tao expresses her curiosity through small talk, casual remarks, or questions, skilled at listening as well talking, as her attention to inscrutable detail is thoughtful and honest (sometimes overly so).

Human Ancestry w/ Lost Coast Local Background who venerates Andoletta

At all times, her hair, clothing, and belongings shift and stir, as if some invisible force molests her constantly, and to make matters worse, she extends her conversational aptitudes towards these unseen and meddling spirits, almost as if she remains unperturbed by them, or, simply soundboarding her way through her daily tasks - her mental dialogue, unrelegated to itself, instead on full audible display!

Oracle Class with the Ancestors Mystery

Tao rises neither early nor late, unrushed and unforced but somehow always inexplicably on time, and likes to spend her mornings studying star charts and the movements of other heavenly bodies and apply their specific cosmological geometry to reading her own horoscope or those of her willing teammates.

Experienced w/ PF2, Yes I can handle 1 post per day for years - Here are One (non-combat) and Two (combat) examples from this alias (Tao is a PFS character of mine, re-imagined somewhat here for RustDoom) - I recently dropped out of a Rusthenge game (early stage) as the GM seemed of the unresponsive kind (kept mechanics hidden without explanation, ignored non-combat character posts, did not engage in the discussion thread, etc) - but yeah, go ahead and snoop through my campaign history, I got nothing to hide!

Man, I REALLY want to apply for this one, but I am worried that I will not be able to commit to posting on weekends, as my weekends get hectic and without a reliable computer at home I tend to be absent on weekends.

*sigh*

Basic technical details: Monk, Human, Eager Scofflaw, Role: bruiser (backup lock picker/trapper)

Your two paragraphs about your character.

"Now look here!" Bashalde exclaims after ducking under the stool swung at his head while struggling to keep his beer inside his mug. "I really don't understand why you're so upset."

Bashalde could never figure out how he ended up in these situations. All he wanted to do was spend his days resting, drinking, and smiling at the pretty girls. Unfortunately, the drinking part requires money, so some of the days had to be spent working. The speed at which the money he earned disappeared also perplexed him, but that is beside the point. For now. It will be critical later in the story.

Inevitably, it seemed, that when Bashalde was trying to mind his own business, someone would do something that one really should not do. That's not to say that Bashalde was innocent of the occasional--fine, more than occasional--misstep with the law. However, he treated people politely, and bullying was just one thing he felt needed to be called out. The ones getting called out usually did not appreciate it. Then the next thing he knew, someone was throwing a punch--or a stool--at his jaw.

The other man swung the stool again. This time it glanced against Bashalde's arm and knocked loose the mug from his grip. Bashalde watched as his beer spilled across the floor, and his face turned red. "Oh. That was so unnecessary!"

Your degree of experience with PF2E and PbP. Extensive.

If you've played PbP before, link me two gameplay posts you've made that you're proud of or think are you playing at your best.

Here are two scenes from SFS games that I played at your tables several years ago. They reflect the minimalist style I use--especially in Organized Play--because 1) I don't want to hog the spotlight and 2) I like to banter or give other players time to react.

Cellion Game 1
Cellion Game 2

Here are a couple more carefully crafted posts from an adventure path.

AP Example 1
AP Example 2

Do you agree to keep up with the minimum 1 post per day described above, and acknowledge that if you can't maintain that you'll be replaced? Yes. With the proviso that this is a lot longer than an Organized Play Scenario, so vacations and illnesses are likely to occur over the course of the game and sometimes that will preclude posting. I'll announce anything planned ahead of time, and I'll have a BOT profile with dice expressions for use if necessary.

Anything else I should know about you or your character? As a monk, my character will be dependent on specific gear (handwraps, armor runes/bracers of armor). I think that'll be OK from the Player's Guide.

In case it wasn't obvious, this is the Drunken Brawler and Accidental Hero tropes. However, I do have a more grim (not broody) monk character idea if this personality doesn't mesh with other characters/story themes.

I'm dotting for the moment because I've been out of town all week for a convention for work with little wifi access. I will be home tomorrow, however and will properly apply this weekend. Just wanted to make sure my interest in this is known

GM Cellion:Can you tell us anything about what the already selected players are choosing for characters?

The existing players are still deciding, but it may be one skilled martial and one spellcaster.

Tao's player here.

Got her profile all set.

Good luck to everyone!

Base technical details -
Elf Fighter, Runelord Scholar, Ranged damage(Start as archer with a cantrip from elf feat. Eventually taking Eldritch Archer dedication.)

Background & Details -
He's always been interested in the ruins around their town. Something ancient even to his parents?? How could he not be? They might have settled down with their little jewelry shop, but that doesn't mean he has to attach himself to it as well. Besides, he might find some neat trinket he can bring home for them to sell!

When the last big shakeup happened, all he could do was hide. It was then that he decided that wouldn't happen to him again. Since then he's trained with his bow in between bouts of research, waiting for his opportunity to really contribute to the growing knowledge base of ancient Thassilon. His training also allows him to explore in peace as he knows that some of the relics can cause trouble when found that he can hopefully deal with on his own.

Your degree of experience with PF2E and PbP-
I've been on these boards for a while in various PF1e and 5th ed PbP games though none with PF2e. In 2e, I've played in a lvl 1 oneshot, a lvl 11 scenario, and a long-term play through of strength of thousands (currently lvl 9).

Prev PbP Posts -
My dragon obsessed gnome arcanist coming to the realization that this is not a friendly dragon. Also forgetting he is gagged in his horror. Link
My 5th ed gnome cleric goofing off during some downtime. Link
And something a bit more recent.

Posting rate- Yep

Anything else I should know about you or your character?
Having a small innate talent for magic and being able to identify things, but not being able to cast more complicated magic is somewhat of a continuing frustration of his. A secret aside to his researching the runelords is to somehow imbue himself with magic abilites beyond what he currently has.

Thanks Cellion, it helps some to know, if only in general.

I'll apologize in advance for fumbling through developing a character her in public, but I'm not at all inhibited about asking for suggestions and comments about what I'm putting together. So, please chime in anyone if you have advice.

I know what I want out of my character in the end, so it's a matter of building the foundation of the bridge to get me there. Without going into great detail, the bullet points of my character are as follows:

1. She is from Magnimar, and has a relative who is fairly accomplished, heroic, and well know. This relative is a major influence on her life, and has taught her quite a bit.

2. She knows how to get around quietly and do things on the down low. She's not someone who prefers to handle conflict physically and directly, choosing words and wits first for such situations.

3. She has some background in music (The relative is a Bard).

4. She has a strong interest in Thassilonian and related lore and history (from stories she grew up hearing from said relative).

So what I'm thinking about is as follows:

1. Race: Human

2. Backstory: Eager Scafflow is the obvious pick, but I'm also eying Runelord Scholar as well. Newcomer could work too.

3. Class: Rogue, probably with the Thief racket because it's parsimonious enough to allow some investment in both CHA and INT with the savings from not investing in STR (also best for handling traps and such I think. However, Scoundrel could also work maybe if I put less in INT, some in STR, and went archer.

4. As soon as possible (but probably not at 1st level), adding the Bard archetype. I'm most interested in the Enigma Muse because of the Lore and knowledge abilities. But it's hard to pass up the Maestro and Lingering Performance for some buffing, so maybe Multifarious Bard so I can grab a little of both. I'm less interested in the magic since I think I'd rather keep to simpler things on my first time out with 2e.

Help? :)

@rdknight

Since you're brand new to 2e, here are some general details and Bard Multiclass Archetype-specific details to consider. I don't know how much you do or don't know, so I'll start pretty basic.

Multiclassing in PF2 is done in the form of Class feats called Archetype feats. You would spend one of your appropriate level Class feats to gain an Archetype feat. You generally gain a Class feat every even level (martial classes generally also get a 1st level Class feat, and humans have a feat that could score you a Class feat at 1st level). The required entry feat for a Multiclass Archetype is 2nd level, though (there's an elf heritage and a rogue racket--eldritch trickster--that break that rule). Then for each Multiclass feat you would want after that, you spend the appropriate level or higher Class feat to gain that feat.

So, to be a Rogue with the Bard Multiclass Archetype Dedication feat at 2nd level, you would need a +2 in CHA. That feat grants you training in Occultism and Performance (or a different skill if you're already trained in any of those) and the ability to cast 2 occult cantrips. You choose a Muse but gain no benefit from it.

While you could take Lingering Performance at 4th, it would not provide you any benefit. Courageous Anthem (inspire courage) is an 8th level Archetype feat. You could take Healing Hymn, Song of Strength, or Uplifting Overture at 4th with Basic Muse's Whispers 4th level Archetype feat and then take Lingering Performance at 6th with Advanced Muse's Whispers Archetype feat. However, I didn't get that that's what you were envisioning.

You might enjoy Rogue with Eldritch Trickster racket and take Bard as your spellcasting Multiclass Dedication Archetype feat.

Pretty basic is very excellent, thanks Bashalde.

I've gotten two responses (one was a PM) and I'm now feeling about twice as smart compared to this morning when I first posted. It seems archetypes are more expensive in terms of levels going by than I really appreciated.

The reason I went with Rogue in the first place is I decided I didn't want to take on casting my first time out, so I'd need a plan for combat. Rogue could supply a way to help in combat and plenty of skills. But maybe I'm trying to stuff too much into Rogue, and making it more difficult than just biting the bullet on casting and choosing Bard instead.

If I decide so, I can start as Bard with the Maestro Muse, get Multifarious Muse at maybe 4th level, and grab the things I want from Enigma Muse. I get the core things I'm looking for in one class by trading fighting for casting. If I take an archetype it can be later, after I have a solid base built.

This is the better plan, yes?

@GM: I should usually be fine with the minimum 1 post/day, but I normally travel for about 6-8 weeks each summer (for this summer it's about two weeks in early May, a couple weeks in July, and a couple weeks in August). During these travels my post rate would generally be nil. Is this a dealbreaker, or can you work around such absences?

[...] It seems archetypes are more expensive in terms of levels going by than I really appreciated. [...]

This is the better plan, yes?

I wouldn't say it's more expensive. Multiclassing in this edition is designed with a different philosophy. If you start as a rogue, you'll always be a pretty good rogue. You'll get the rogue skill progression no matter what. Rogue feats can enhance your options vs archtype feats that expand your options. It's also designed in such a way that you can't poach another class's core gimmick until around lvl 10.

Looking at casting in this ed vs pf1... it was a shock to me to see how "ineffective" some spells are compared to what they were. Don't be discouraged, it'll make sense once you get the hang of the combat. With high charisma, Intimidate and Diplomacy (bon mot) are your friends. Having a single action ability to do is handy whether it's the shield cantrip, focus spell, or a skill action.

I think I've rambled enough at this point.

This is the better plan, yes?

Better is relative. :)

If you want to be a Bard, then being a Bard probably is the better path. All Bards get Courageous Anthem, so Maestro is not strictly necessary. Lingering Composition lets you squeeze in a few more actions each round if you want to be more "attack-y" or more "cast-y."

Bards can be stretched thin with all the things you might want a Bard to do. There are some good, readable Bard guides (check here, I like Tarondor's guide style myself, but check out the others too) that give you some ideas for stat arrays. The best you can hope for in Dexterity is 16, so your AC is going to attract critical hits. You won't have the boosts to spare for your Intelligence to be the "know-it-all" Bards are known for in other editions/games unless you go full caster.

Spellcasting is tilted a bit differently in PF2, also. Casters rely heavily on their cantrips and use their spells for more significant occasions.

Thank you Bashalde and Natloz for pitching in with good advice! Spellcasting and multiclassing are definitely very different in PF2E.

Great applications so far.
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@Aeshuura, Lepidopteran, and anyone else who would like to apply but knows that they will have scheduled absences: The one post per day requirement is intended to be strict to help the whole table run smoothly and at a consistent pace. From my experience, waiting for input from folks is a serious pace-breaker and causes campaigns to lose momentum and drag on, draining enthusiasm even from the remaining folks. Furthermore, after several games where I've needed to extensively bot characters, I'm looking to entirely avoid doing so this time. That said, vacations, sicknesses and other events are a fact of life. If you're confident in your ability to keep up otherwise (and expect to be very consistent and engaged), you're welcome to apply.

If you're selected, I would *strongly* suggest that you arrange for another player in the group to take control of your character during your absences, especially if those absences are lengthy or regular. Unlike some other games, I do not plan to bot any characters (they will be skipped instead), so arranging things ahead of time with your fellow players will be the best way to keep your character active.
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Completed Applications
Tao Lavinia Heron - rainzax
Bashalde - Blake's Tiger

Incomplete
Ceven Valdemar - Evindyl (missing some details)
Ranellbess - Ira Kroll (please reread submission requirements)
??? - Natloz (please make sure to post from your intended alias for the submission so I have something to read!)

Plus several interested parties.

Okay, I will think about this... When is the closing date?

EDIT: Found it. May 1st. Will have my submission well before that, if I decide to go ahead and apply.

So, I want to have the newcomer background. Even though the player's guide doesn't give you what creatures you encounter, can I say my character's interest was Aquatic Creatures lore for additional lore? The city is next to the sea. I can say my character lived nowhere near the sea, and Sandpoint was the closest city to the sea, that would possible have these creatures. I'm thinking character lived in Nybor near a lake and fished, but wanted to see other aquatic creatures. The nearest city not next to a sea is about 100 miles.

DoubleGold, per Player Core, if your lore covers creatures it has to be a specific creature or narrow category of creatures. Everything aquatic is much too broad. Otherwise that sounds fine.

Alright, I've settled on a character. Thank you all for your kind suggestions and advice, as well as your patience. It was extremely helpful. A tentative build is in the profile, and I might tinker a little more, but the fundamentals are set. Hopefully I've managed to get it all correct.

Human, Versatile Heritage, Scoundrel Rogue, Lost Coast Local Background.

I'll expand Gwurful's information in the profile to cover a few more details. Here's the 2 paragraph version.

@DoubleGold: There's Bunyips in them there waters!

DoubleGold, per Player Core, if your lore covers creatures it has to be a specific creature or narrow category of creatures. Everything aquatic is much too broad. Otherwise that sounds fine.

Aquatic is a specific creature trait.

@DoubleGold: There's Bunyips in them there waters!

You're telling me there are Bunyips in this module and to take that as a lore?

Nope, I'm saying it was true in the past and so it's commonly believed. No idea what's up with 7 Dooms.

<<snip>>

Ranellbess - Ira Kroll (please reread submission requirements)

<<snip>>

My assumption is that you want the Background corrected.

I assume that before we actually start, Pathbuilder will have the background in it. It currently doesn't.

The background will be Cathedral Child.

Let me know if there are other points in error.

This is Natloz with his Elf Fighter.

I'm still filling in the character sheet. It's taking me a bit as it's my first 2e pbp sheet. I'm open to format suggestions if anyone has a template...

Oh! I forgot that last piece.

Do you agree to keep up with the minimum 1 post per day described above, and acknowledge that if you can't maintain that you'll be replaced?

Yep, I agree to the terms.

This is Natloz with his Elf Fighter.

I'm still filling in the character sheet. It's taking me a bit as it's my first 2e pbp sheet. I'm open to format suggestions if anyone has a template...

Template 2.2

I accidentally overwrote my 2.3, which is a little cleaner, but I need to update to Remaster anyhow.

TY Bashalde for sharing the template.

@Doublegold: Tentacled water creatures lore sounds fine.
@Ira Kroll: Yep you had a non-Dooms background, and didn't create an alias to post from.

I assume that before we actually start, Pathbuilder will have the background in it. It currently doesn't.

The background will be Cathedral Child.

I created a custom background for mine in Pathbuilder as I also couldn't find it.

@Bashalde - Appreciate the char sheet template. I've only used pathbuilder for char sheets before so having something to fill out makes that way easier.

Everything should be in order there. There's some gold left to go shopping but the staples are there.

<<snip>>

@Ira Kroll: Yep you had a non-Dooms background, and didn't create an alias to post from.

Here is my Alias. Thanks.

<<later>>

I was also able to create a Custom Background in Pathbuilder, so everything should be well.

HERE is my Remaster Paizo-format PbP Template, if anyone wants it.

So I have an idea for a human magus (Runelord Scholar) since no one has taken that background yet that I have seen. I will get a post up tomorrow. Kinda excited!

This is Aeshuura's submission. Will post with the required things tomorrow, hopefully! I have been working on the post.

For what it's worth, my submission San also has runelord scholar background. I can totally see a rivalry having formed between San and Kussano from Kussano studying the same/similar things and already being able to use more advanced magic. Both of them try to help with the washed up guard to try to one up each other.

That would be a fun! I didn't realize what San was! That would be a fun rivalry! I can imagine the two of them sparring with each other, training in the mornings!

I'm surprised more people aren't applying to this...

I'm kinda not RZ - there's sort of this weirdness to how the modules were put together which is kind of off putting just in itself. I am sure that GM-C can work through that, but even the idea that the 2 adventures should be linked ... yet there is a distinct palette of backgrounds for both.

TBH, I applied the other night specifically on the basis of how well thought through GM-C's integration reads.

I’d app,y but already in a Rusthenge game

@Rainzax: I'm not too surprised that we don't have too many applications, as this pair of modules isn't one of the popular, famous APs that people have been itching to play for years. I'm confident however that they'll make for an enjoyable game together, and as Evindyl mentioned, I've got some plans on how to better integrate their stories.

Completed Applications
Tao Lavinia Heron - rainzax
Bashalde - Blake's Tiger
Ranellbess - Ira Kroll
Sidonie - rdknight
San Thevin - natloz

Incomplete
Ceven Valdemar - Evindyl (missing some details)
Kusano - Aeshuura (missing some details)

Applications are open for another week! They're due by May 1st 9PM EST.

I'm still interested. Just working on my application so that I can present everything in one place rather than spreading it out piecemeal. My idea is for a human sorcerer (hag bloodline) with the Scarnetti-connected background.