I've been sick so it took longer than I thought it would, but I've completed Tariina.
Here's the second part to Ialia's background that brings her closer to present day. I'll add a couple more relationships to her list to tie her personal story together.
"Gold is good, blood is better."
Despite his crass words, the gang member, an uncommonly good-looking cutthroat named Quinnick, took the small sack Ialia offered to him. He was also a vampire.
"You'll have more blood than you can stomach if this works," the witch replied. Ialia was not at all comfortable and she feared the smell of her sweat might cause Quinnick to lose control of his appetite.
Quinnick was a recent addition to the brood that had taken the place of the Knight Knives when they were slaughtered only six months past. The gang called themselves the Crimson Shadow, which seemed more than a little pretentious to Ialia, but who was she to judge? As vampires, they were murderers first and thieves second, and as such they served as vagrant population control in the less refined areas of the city - the places where few would miss you if you disappeared. That they were modestly rewarded for this service was a dismissive way to say that their influence was paltry compared to the Eyeless Mask. More to the point, it was rumored that the Zhentarim had infiltrated the Knives and caused the prior guild's destruction, and against them the chances of survival for any criminal organization of scale was small. Being composed exclusively of a small group of vampires operating in the slums aroused no interest and was simply smart, if lean, business.
But things were changing, or at least Quinnick intended to make things change. He eyed Ialia with a look that could have been cast toward a perfectly prepared tenderloin smothered in butter. She was beautiful in a virginal sense, but that's not what the vampire craved. She felt the artery in her neck throb and covered it with her hand. She was physically attracted to him in a way that would never work, and that made this exchange all the weirder. Speed it up, she prodded herself.
"Who do you want killed?" he asked plainly.
"Nobody," came her terse reply. "I need to get into Selgaunt without the Eyeless Mask knowing."
"The City Gate won't stop you if you have coin, and you clearly have that. The Guard will take no notice."
"They'll notice me," she said as if her rationale was obvious.
"You need a disguise?"
She shook her head. "I need to be smuggled in."
Quinnick licked his lips. His sensuous, full lips. "Alive?"
Ialia swallowed. She couldn't tell if he was making a joke. "Very much so."
The vampire seemed closer to her suddenly, as if she blinked and in that moment he halved the distance between them. She could touch him now, if she wanted to. Where did that thought come from?
"Well it's not like we have a teleportation circle. I could hide you on a merchant ship."
"If that were a viable plan I wouldn't need you," she replied to sharply. "The port in Selgaunt is among the most studious in Faerûn. My odds of getting through undetected are poor."
Quinnick took the light admonishment in stride, or perhaps he was preoccupied with his more basic desires. "What do you propose?"
The young witch straightened. "Sell me."
If the suggestion surprised the vampire, he didn't show it. "Go on."
"The Crimson Shadow will infiltrate one of the slaver rings in Selgaunt, one that specializes in entertainment - dancers and prostitutes. Then you'll bring me in on a slave wagon through the entrails of the city, and in the market your associates will act secretly as both sellers and buyers."
"That's not what we do," said Quinnick.
"You want more blood? Then you want a foothold in Selgaunt."
The vampire leveled his cold gray eyes on her. The torchlight leaking into the alley made his features even more severe, if that was possible. Ialia briefly fantasized about what he would look like in the light of day.
"You're willing to be a slave? What if this goes wrong?" he asked. Did he actually care?
Ialia demurred and took a deep breath, gathering conviction. "Saerloon will be at war with Selgaunt soon. The destruction of the Knives was a catalyst. We're being played against each other by outside forces: the Zhentarim... Something else. Right now it doesn't matter who is behind it or why; it's happening, and Saerloon needs spies inside the gates who can access the highest levels of power."
Quinnick studied her for a torturous amount of time. If he had been mortal, Ialia would assume he was undressing her with his eyes, but this was different, like he was imagining peeling her skin back instead.
"I'll need coin up front, more than this, to convince the coven of your faithful intentions. It is a risk for us as well."
Ialia exhaled sharply, relieved. "Of course."
"And you'll need to make an appearance and walk us through the details."
"Can you promise me safety around your brethren?"
Quinnick looked away from her; it was the first time he had broken his stare. "No." He looked back to her, his unblinking eyes boring into her. "Do be thorough. I'll plant the seed but it will be up to you to grow the fruit in their minds."
That sense of relief proved fleeting. "Any advice?" Ialia asked.
The vampire smiled, revealing dangerously sharp teeth. "Appeal to our vanity and our appetites, and do better to disguise your scent. I can smell every inch of you, and you are delicious." The space between them closed and Ialia felt Quinnick's cold breath on her. Her mouth opened as if to speak, or for something else, but he stepped away suddenly. "Meet me here in a fortnight. If we're open to the idea you'll join me that night. Do not disappoint."
And with that, Quinnick melted into the darkness and was gone. The lack of his intimate presence caused Ialia's legs to weaken, and she sat heavily on the filthy stone street and held herself, wondering if she'd made a terrible mistake. But no, her resolve was stronger than that. She was doing this in service to her family and her home, and for all the right reasons - to prevent a war, if possible, and to unmask the forces behind the chaos. She was born for this; it was in her blood.
This is TheLastGhost, trying to get everything together into my Character profile. Need to roll HP.
10+8+6+8+9 = 41 +15 = 56
Good luck everyone! GM, I don't envy you the difficult process of narrowing down the applications, but I hope you enjoy reading everything at least.
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Thank you everyone, for all your hard work in creating an overwhelming lineup of amazing characters. I will be spending the next few days working through everyone's submissions, and putting together a solid party. I may send you a message asking for clarifications, and would appreciate your response. To be clear though, just because you do not receive a message in the next couple days, it does not mean you are out of the running. I may simply not have a question for you.
===================
CAST OF CHARACTERS
===================
COMBAT - PRIMARY
TheWaskally - Jored Huntsilver - Human Paladin (Lathander) (Empyreal Knight)
Zahir ibn Mahmoud - Norde - Human Barbarian (u) (Invulnerable Rager)
Ironperenti - Marcus Nocturnus - Half-Elf Paladin 4 (Milil) / Swashbuckler 1 (Virtuous Bravo / Tempered Champion)
FangDragon - Sir Adrith Foehammer - Human Paladin (Oath of Vengeance, Shining Knight)
Rdknight - Joska Ibarguren - Human Fighter (Brawler)
COMBAT - SECONDARY
Codanus - Calen Derethor - Human Inquisitor (Selune) (Sacred Huntsmaster)
Ouachitonian - Hellig Usvart - Half-Orc Warpriest (Red Knight) (Arsenal Chaplain, Divine Commander)
DeathQuaker - Flame Ashhammer - Half-Elf Warpriest (Sune) (Forgepriest)
Corrik - Theodluin Oritumal - Elf Magus (Kensai / Bladebound)
Hassan Ahmed - Kaliban the Forgotten - Half-Orc Paladin 3 / Rogue (u) 2 (Divine Hunter, Holy Guide, Tempered Champion / Chameleon, Scout)
Mark Thomas 66 - Lythrana Bayle - Half-Elf, drow Magus (Spell Dancer)
SKILLED / ADAPTIVE
Ridge - Ezmelda - Half-Elf (moon) Bard 3 / Swashbuckler 2 (Buccaneer / Inspired Blade)
Violant - Modemus Hawklin - Human Rogue (Phantom Thief)
Critzible - Klynt Uskreven - Dhampir Bard (Animal Speaker)
TheLastGhost - Kolgren Stormwarden - Dwarf Ranger (Wild Stalker, Divine Tracker)
CASTER - SUPPORT
Slowdrifter - Aelanurel Silvermist - Elf, Moon Witch (Hex Channeler, Mirror Witch)
Therenger - Ialia Frostmoon - Changeling Witch (White Haired Witch, Invoker)
Veegees - Tariina - Elf, Drow Cleric (Blossoming Light)
Wanderer82 - Friar Gabe - Halfling Cleric (Chauntea/Yondalla) (Evangelist )
CASTER - CONTROL / BLAST
Dorian Grey - Arkhan Silvanesti - Half-Elf Ranger 1 / Wizard 4 (Dandy / Poleiheir Adherent)
Stormraven - Samara of the Sword - Human Monk 1 / Sorcerer 4 (Scaled Fist / -)
Red Heat - Sigmar Darastrix - Human Monk 1 / Sorcerer 4 (Scaled Fist / Blood Drinker)
Eriktd - Lord Ryjel Featherbottom III - Gnome Oracle 4 / Inquisitor 1 (Dual Cursed, Seeker / Ravener Hunter, Sanctified Slayer, Urban Infiltrator)
Almonihah - Dithad Seroe - Human Witch (Beast Bond)
Trawets71 - Trawets Aarock - Human Wizard (Admixture Specialist)
Characters in Progress
MonkeyGod - Thelyssra Moonstrike - Human (pious?) Druid (Selune) (Halcyon)
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Game recruitment announcement
Hello all, as ever there are a lot of cool characters here, far more than will go into one game. I’ve been speaking to GM Tara and with her blessing, I’m going to run a second table for this game – or at least a totally different game set in the Forgotten Realms using some of these characters.
Once she has made her selections I will then make mine from the remainder. I have offered GM Tara a place at the table as she’s already done the hard graft of prep for this one and I have another place reserved for a player who I owe a game. I will therefore be choosing four more characters from the excellent array here to bring the party up to six.
I will default to assuming that everyone would like to be considered but if for any reason you don’t want to be that’s obviously fine, please just let me know.
A little about me: I’m a big fan of the Forgotten Realms from this era, it’s what I grew up playing and if I were to pick a game that is always going to pique my interest it’s this. It’s also what I’d choose to run and I started to think about it and come up with some ideas so I’ve decided to run with it. I enjoy worldbuilding and storytelling and aspire to have the heroes as the focus in a living world. I’ve been around the boards for a while now, not as long as many of people here but I’ve had the pleasure of playing with a number of you and hopefully will with some more soon.
I will endeavour to get things going as soon as I can. Thanks for your time and happy to field any questions.
That's the best news I've heard today!
Thank you Slowdrifter, you're awesome!
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I am honored and humbled to have both inspired slowdrifter to start her own game and be included in it. Now I have to come up with an idea for a character to rival all of yours.
That's awesome!
Awesome, Slowdrifter. I would definitely like to be considered if I don't get into Tara Ravenheart's game.
Oh no, Slowdrifter, I just realized that your character and mine are competing for the same role in DM Tara's campaign. :(
Oh fun! :D
I got slammed with having to get a ready for a craft event my mom and I worked this past weekend for our candle making business. I'm also currently in NYC celebrating my birthday (which is Sat).
Thal is fairly done, but in case it matters, I will withdraw from Tara's game. However, I would like to be considered for Slowdrifer's, if possible.
Game recruitment announcement
Hello all, as ever there are a lot of cool characters here, far more than will go into one game. I’ve been speaking to GM Tara and with her blessing, I’m going to run a second table for this game – or at least a totally different game set in the Forgotten Realms using some of these characters.
Once she has made her selections I will then make mine from the remainder. I have offered GM Tara a place at the table as she’s already done the hard graft of prep for this one and I have another place reserved for a player who I owe a game. I will therefore be choosing four more characters from the excellent array here to bring the party up to six.
I will default to assuming that everyone would like to be considered but if for any reason you don’t want to be that’s obviously fine, please just let me know.
A little about me: I’m a big fan of the Forgotten Realms from this era, it’s what I grew up playing and if I were to pick a game that is always going to pique my interest it’s this. It’s also what I’d choose to run and I started to think about it and come up with some ideas so I’ve decided to run with it. I enjoy worldbuilding and storytelling and aspire to have the heroes as the focus in a living world. I’ve been around the boards for a while now, not as long as many of people here but I’ve had the pleasure of playing with a number of you and hopefully will with some more soon.
I will endeavour to get things going as soon as I can. Thanks for your time and happy to field any questions.
Hey Slowdrifter - great initiative!
I assume you are going with the same character build rules and starting level then, right?
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Thank you for the enthusiastic feedback everyone, it’s appreciated.
@Monkeygod I’m happy to consider your application. I’m going to draw the line there as you’re the sole character on the list that was part-developed at the original cut-off point. The deadline will be to have them ready by the time I’m making my selections, though I can’t give you an exact timeframe for that as it’s dependent on when GM Tara makes her choices.
@Albion, The Eye Yes, to clarify I will be using the same character creation rules. To do otherwise would require a large number of people to make changes to a lesser or greater degree, at worst causing some people to radically rethink their character concepts or builds and that doesn’t seem fair to me.
Slowdrifter, I’d like to offer a counterpoint to your perspective. If you don’t like the swingy nature of rolls (especially since we have some extreme examples among the applicants) and you are inclined to pick candidates that aren’t too high or too low, I’d rather have a fair chance at getting selected than retain astronomical stats. If that means re-tooling Samara to a level you are comfortable with (40 point buy or whatever), so be it. Speaking for Samara, the only thing I’d change about her build are her stats and the calculated bonuses based on those, so a drop in stats won’t require major rework. The decision is, of course, yours.
Or even, I don't know, just pulling a number from thin air, a 35 pt buy. ;)
Hoping for the reunion concert: Jhessa and Esgean, through the dimensional portal from Kassen to Phlan.
Hey everyone, still interested!
Didn't want the absence/silence be construed as disinterest... just letting folks do their thing.
Regarding the ability score rolls, I believe Tara is planning to make adjustments to even things out some after she selects her party. I don't know specifically how it will be done, maybe some trimming and the top and bolstering at the bottom, or possibly wealth/gear differentials?
Anyway, I believe Joska is at the top with a calculated 70 point buy according to the spread sheet. I don't expect that to stand as is if she's selected.
Good point, thanks for raising.
tl; dr - Stat rolling will definitely not be a reason for me to not pick anybody or give anyone any kind of advantage or disadvantage in terms of selection. It is not something anybody has control over so is therefore not a fair criterion in my view.
I will be looking to equalise stats to a degree in line with Tara’s comments on the matter. Any miscommunication on this my fault, I’d assumed that as part of the original character creation rules when it was an additional point after that I hadn’t explicitly referenced.
My opinion is that everybody has got good stats from the rolling here, though some obviously did better than others (and I’m speaking as someone who was definitely at the top end and has submitted an elf witch with a largely redundant 14 Strength!) I will also say that there will always be some discrepancies between characters in terms of stats because that is the nature of rolling, and why some people prefer point buy. Some people are always going to be below average, others above. So while I’ll look at doing a bit of tinkering, I’m also not going to be exactly equalising everything either as that just becomes point buy.
The lowest anybody rolled is still equivalent to 30 point buy which should be sufficient to open up options for even very MAD builds that might otherwise be off the table so I don’t think anybody is in a position where their stat roll has prevented them playing what they would like to play. Everyone is also in the position where they can get at least an 18 in their primary stat. It’s also nice that the rolling is generous enough to open up some options for different character choices without feeling you have to compromise, e.g. you could make a non-paladin martial who can be a face because there’s less need to feel you have to tank Cha.
My opinion is also that after a point some of it is just the icing on top and a bit unnecessary, which I think aligns with what you’re saying. For instance 15 point buy is a fair bit stronger than 10 point buy and the same applies to the difference between 20 and 15. I’m less convinced that there’s such an imbalance between say 50 and 45. Knocking off a couple of points in a couple of places shouldn’t break anything, radically change anybody’s character and, I trust, affect anybody’s sense of fun and enjoyment.
I hope this clarifies things and puts minds at ease.
@Albion, The Eye Yes, to clarify I will be using the same character creation rules. To do otherwise would require a large number of people to make changes to a lesser or greater degree, at worst causing some people to radically rethink their character concepts or builds and that doesn’t seem fair to me.
Thank you for the reply, and that makes perfect sense of course. From my end, I am looking for something with less 'moving parts' so to speak, so will not apply,. But wish you a great game!
If it matters at all, one might consider Kaliban more Skilled/Adaptive as he's going to be more uRogue than Paladin (level-wise).
Currently, Paladin 2/uRogue 3 - not the other way around, as on the spreadsheet.
He's more the "face" focused on social skills; Bluff, Diplomacy (up to +20 situationally) & Sense Motive.
Every DM might categorize characters differently, I'm just telegraphing how he'd be played generally. Thanks in advance!
And, I am a low slovenly 33 point-build.
Please, sir, I want some more. -Oliver Twist
Lots of the characters should be able to fill multiple roles, which I hope the GMs are considering when looking at potential parties. Ryjel, for example, has trapfinding and is basically a rogue in addition to being a potent spellcaster. He's also got all the face skills. But of course, it's up to Tara and Slowdrifter how they want to classify our characters and decide if we are right for their games. :)
Thank you to everyone who had replied to my messages. I am still waiting to hear back from a couple people. Based on some comments, I have updated the applicant list.
COMBAT - PRIMARY
TheWaskally - Jored Huntsilver - Human Paladin (Lathander) (Empyreal Knight)
Zahir ibn Mahmoud - Norde - Human Barbarian (u) (Invulnerable Rager)
Ironperenti - Marcus Nocturnus - Half-Elf Paladin 4 (Milil) / Swashbuckler 1 (Virtuous Bravo / Tempered Champion)
FangDragon - Sir Adrith Foehammer - Human Paladin (Oath of Vengeance, Shining Knight)
Rdknight - Joska Ibarguren - Human Fighter (Brawler)
COMBAT - SECONDARY
Codanus - Calen Derethor - Human Inquisitor (Selune) (Sacred Huntsmaster)
Ouachitonian - Hellig Usvart - Half-Orc Warpriest (Red Knight) (Arsenal Chaplain, Divine Commander)
DeathQuaker - Flame Ashhammer - Half-Elf Warpriest (Sune) (Forgepriest)
Corrik - Theodluin Oritumal - Elf Magus (Kensai / Bladebound)
Mark Thomas 66 - Lythrana Bayle - Half-Elf, drow Magus (Spell Dancer)
SKILLED / ADAPTIVE
Ridge - Ezmelda - Half-Elf (moon) Bard 3 / Swashbuckler 2 (Buccaneer / Inspired Blade)
Violant - Modemus Hawklin - Human Rogue (Phantom Thief)
Hassan Ahmed - Kaliban the Forgotten - Half-Orc Rogue (u) 3 / Paladin 2 (Chameleon, Scout / Divine Hunter, Holy Guide, Tempered Champion )
Critzible - Klynt Uskreven - Dhampir Bard (Animal Speaker)
TheLastGhost - Kolgren Stormwarden - Dwarf Ranger (Wild Stalker, Divine Tracker)
CASTER - SUPPORT
Slowdrifter - Aelanurel Silvermist - Elf, Moon Witch (Hex Channeler, Mirror Witch)
Therenger - Ialia Frostmoon - Changeling Witch (White Haired Witch, Invoker)
Veegees - Tariina - Elf, Drow Cleric (Blossoming Light)
Wanderer82 - Friar Gabe - Halfling Cleric (Yondolla) (Cardinal)
MonkeyGod - Thelyssra Moonstrike - Human (pious?) Druid (Selune) (Halcyon)
CASTER - CONTROL / BLAST
Dorian Grey - Arkhan Silvanesti - Half-Elf Ranger 1 / Wizard 4 (Dandy / Poleiheir Adherent)
Stormraven - Samara of the Sword - Human Monk 1 / Sorcerer 4 (Scaled Fist / -)
Red Heat - Sigmar Darastrix - Human Monk 1 / Sorcerer 4 (Scaled Fist / Blood Drinker)
Eriktd - Lord Ryjel Featherbottom III - Gnome Oracle 4 / Inquisitor 1 (Dual Cursed, Seeker / Ravener Hunter, Sanctified Slayer, Urban Infiltrator)
Almonihah - Dithad Seroe - Human Witch (Beast Bond)
Trawets71 - Trawets Aarock - Human Wizard (Admixture Specialist)
Just an fyi, I have Thal's race as 'pious human' cuz she has the Piety alternate human racial trait...
The lowest anybody rolled is still equivalent to 30 point buy which should be sufficient to open up options for even very MAD builds that might otherwise be off the table so I don’t think anybody is in a position where their stat roll has prevented them playing what they would like to play.
"Anybody" in question weighing in. I anxiously await seeing how any chosen PCs will be 'balanced' as I think, sadly, that my stat roll would in fact prevent me from playing what I hoped.
To be clear, this is more so a narrative issue than anything else and solely my own fault. I enjoy how mechanics inform storytelling in these games, and so when prompted to write a PC with very generous character creation rules, I made a PC whose entire concept revolves around being superhuman. His background, outlook and traits are all shaped by his superiority to the common man.
But as it turns out, I rolled very poorly. Apparently the very worst (which I hadn't realized and now get a chuckle from). Unfortunately, if this isn't addressed and my PC is in actuality the runt of the litter, then I plainly won't be playing the character I intended. His impetus would be gone. To use an easy comparison, imagine the latest Batman rehash insisted on the caped crusader's parents being alive for whatever reason. The motivating force of the character, everything that shaped him would be undone. It wouldn't and couldn't be the same character. In the same sense, my PC as intended wouldn't be that PC as intended if every other member of the party far outstripped him.
In such a case, I think I'd thank the respective GMs for their consideration and bow out. Again, to be clear, I know this is no one's fault but my own. Rolling for stats does not lend itself to fitting concepts to mechanics, but rather vice versa; one should find one's stats and only then come up with a character that fits said numbers. That is my mistake.
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Re. character roles. My view is that with the stats, skills and feat allowance, most characters can do quite a lot and perform some roles to a lesser or greater degree. Having some kind of broad categorisation is definitely useful (thanks Tara!) but it's never going to capture everything a character can do and just looking across any of the categories you can that the characters within are all pretty different.
@Sigmar Darastrix I have a few thoughts - and this is purely my opinion and how I'm looking at it - but I think you're making the wrong comparisons here. Sigmar's stats do make him superhuman. The average stat is 10-11 so your average man or woman has that across the board. Assuming a normal distribution curve, the majority of people will have stats clustered around that, some a bit higher, others a bit lower. Sigmar is insanely strong and incredibly charismatic, far in excess of the vast majority of people. Then throw in draconic heritage, magical powers and gear worth far more than the average commoner will see in a lifetime. To all intents and purposes, he is superhuman compared to almost everyone he meets (you could argue that probably most adventurers are to some degree once they get beyond the first few levels - sometimes it's easy to forget how powerful adventurers are compared to most people). It just happens that in this instance he's teamed up with the Avengers - or the Justice League, if you're prefer him to be Batman ;-). Definitely not every character will far outstrip him in all respects, this just might be one of those rare instances where he encounters someone he can't beat in an arm wrestle without trying. And as heroes and villains have found out in stories as old as time, there is always someone smarter, stronger, more powerful. Personally I'd see that as a great roleplaying opportunity and a chance to see how he reacts and develops.
Obviously it's up to you - I'm happy to consider you still if you'd like. Equally, if you'd prefer to withdraw that's absolutely fine too. But thought I'd share my perspective on the situation.
Oh, we're absolutely of like mind as to what ability scores actually mean within a narrative context. A strength score of 17 is equivalent to that of a horse. This is of course far beyond anything normal, and any person that strong would indeed be near superhuman in the eyes of the common people.
My trouble is that this doesn't mean much in a party of titans. It's not any lack of roleplaying opportunities that bothers me. Rather, it's that - to keep the comparison going - a Superman transported to, say, the Cthulhu mythos would no longer be Superman. The frame of reference surrounding Superman is part of what defines the character. Superman is the strongest. Superman is moral goodness. Superman can punch out anything. If the setting precludes these truths, then Superman the character cannot be.
Similarly, if my PC was written with the intent of playing as any of the Justice League's heavy hitters, yet the rules of the setting necessitate casting him as Aquaman, then it is not the character as envisioned.
I'm not sure if this reads as the sourest of grapes, but please know that none of this is meant to argue for or against anything. I have no idea what Slowdrifter's or Tara's mentioned party balancing measures will be. They may assuage all my worries. I only mean to expound on the narrative context of stats and how these, for this particular PC, could be cause for my exit. I of course wish both games all the best.
(also, popular conceptions of superheroes used solely for illustrative purposes; the fact that Aquaman has actually punched out Cthulhu in issue #12345 has no bearing)
That's a great assessment Slowdrifter. It's like playing the human fighter in a party where every other character has crazy racial/spell-like/supernatural abilities, or everyone else is a spellcaster.
It requires another level of RP to make the character interesting, and if done well makes the character more impressive by comparison.
In the wake of a dragon's breath, the wizard surrounded by a shimmering field of protection, druid who took elemental form, and paladin in heavy armor dripping with "divine" everything as protection aren't anywhere near as scary as the human fighter standing there, cloak still on fire, clearly singed, angrily looking at the one responsible.
All the perspectives set forth are valid.
The obstacle is the way, opportunity in adversity, necessity is the motherhood of invention, etc...
The beauty of RPGs, and why I live them, is infinite possibility.
And, there is the unique player behind each character... a whole other set of variables, assorted strengths, opportunities.
Then, there are the infinite/unique relationships forged, synergies discovered and bonds created. Continual imagination and reimagination.
Sigmar, if we both make it... Kaliban's got your back. And if we don't (or neither), there will be opportunities down the line.
I do get your point as well, in a contest - equality matters. And although the game isn't PvP, this format sometimes makes recruitment feel like PvP (a contest). But I find with most DMs, it's mostly RP, imagination, backstory that draws them, not ability scores.
Yes. Doesn't feel good having comparatively low rolls. It just feels disadvantageous.
But, once we're in the game all bets are off. Some will rise, some will harden and some will crack - adapt or it won't be fun. I feel a character is as powerful or has as much impact as the leverage you can discern and take advantage of.
But, we make the best of the hand we're dealt.
Name that tune! The game never ends when your whole world depends... on the turn of a friendly card.
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@Lythrana Bayle , I really like what you said about RP - and I couldn't agree more.
And as one of the other relatively poor stat block submissions, I'm sympathetic, but I also think my character is awesome and I really hope I get to play her.
Books have been written about kids playing roleplaying games. For the most part we do it because we want to imagine ourselves as heroes, doing superhuman things in fantastical settings. We all have books with dragons on the covers, that's part of who we are - what bonds ten thousand strangers into this community of loose friends.
I also think the nature of heroes has changed. I'm old enough to have been playing D&D in a time when there was a distinct difference between good and evil, the heroes never killed and the bad guys never died, and He-Man would do a PSA for kids at the end of every episode. Our heroes were impossible creations, and we pretended to be impossible. Heroes these days often resemble ourselves, and expose dark truths about human character. Times have changed. We don't have to be super anymore.
Not sure if I have a point here but just some observations.
yep also gone are the days of Schwarzenegger/Stallone's invulnerable hero who barely has a scratch by the end of the movie. Today's heroes are more like John McLaine.
They're not untouchable, and as amazing as they are, things aren't always easy. John Wick gets shot, stabbed, kicked down multiple flights of stairs etc. Sometimes it's how hard the battle is for the hero that makes it amazing.
Wonder if we'll ever get A First Law Movie, then we can have whoever plays Logan muttering "Still Alive" as he crouches battered, bruised, covered in blood and surrounded by a ring of named men he'd just sent back to the mud.
Wonder if we'll ever get A First Law Movie, then we can have whoever plays Logan muttering "Still Alive" as he crouches battered, bruised, covered in blood and surrounded by a ring of named men he'd just sent back to the mud.
There is but not the one you want, Best Served Cold
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Good morning one and all, and thank you for your continued patience. I appreciate everyone replying to the many messages that I have sent. I am still reviewing through all the responses, and making my final decisions.
I am sorry some people feel discouraged by their ability score rolls. As I have said multiple times, I am making decisions on which characters to select based on the composition of the character (fluff and crunch), and am taking into consideration the player's history in PbPs. The sum of your ability scores will not dictate whether you are selected, and I will make efforts to shorten the range of any major power discrepancies.
Similarly, the grouping of characters on the applicant list was simply a means of being able to process them. Many character fall into more than one category, and there will undoubtedly be some level of overlap between the PCs with a party of 6. As this is not a class/organization thematic game I am looking for a "well balanced" party, but my goal to to assemble a group that will have fun together.
Assuming I hear back on my last couple messages, I will hopefully be announcing my party tomorrow night.
Hello folks, following on from Tara’s post, I will be aiming to make a decision as soon as possible. I’ve been working through the applications and there’s a lot to digest, plus I won’t know exactly which characters I’ll have to choose from until I’ve seen Tara’s final party. I’ll also add that I live in the UK so factoring in time zones there’s a fair chance I won’t know this until tomorrow morning. I therefore don’t want to put a set time on it at this point but rest assured I’ve not been sitting idle. I don’t want to keep people waiting and I’m keen to get going!
Some of you will have received messages from me (thanks for the responses so far), some haven’t, but I want to clarify that receiving a message or not is no indication of whether or not you may be selected.
For the sake of transparency, I am following Tara’s original brief and will be factoring in your build, background and personality, posting record, and group dynamics as my criteria. There’s a lot to weigh up and balance but I will be honest and say that for me personally I’m a sucker for interesting, well-rounded characters who have made good use of the generous character creation rules to achieve this.
Finally, thank you again for all taking the time to apply - something for which I can take precisely zero credit!
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thank you all again for all the hard work out in to creating all these amazing characters. It has been incredibly difficult, but I have composed a party of six for the upcoming adventure.
Rdknight: Joska (human fighter)
Mark Thomas 66: Lythrana (half-elf/drow magus)
Ridge: Ezmelda (half-elf bard)
Trawets71: Trawets (human wizard)
Wanderer82: Friar Gabe (halfling cleric)
Slowdrifter: Aelanurel (moon elf witch)
To those not selected, I will you the best of luck with Slowdrifter's consideration. I will also mention that I considered at length starting two games, but ultimately decided to focus on one at this time. Assuming things go well, I hope to perhaps start a second table in 4-6 months. But for now, those selected please report to the discuss board.
Congratulations all! Good luck and game on!
I will be bowing out. Some unrelated things have came up.
I wish you all the very best! Hope to see you at another table, or even one of these later on, should circumstances conspire.
Peace!
Have fun storming the castle boys!
Thank you very much! Good luck to the Slowdrifter crew
Have fun storming the castle, guys!
Congratulations, have fun!
May you never need a Concentration check!