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I have been stalking in the shadows, reading different games and watching the recruitments for the perfect game and I saw it. Plastic Dragon was looking to run Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands from Raging Swan Press. As a fan and supporter of RSP I knew it was time to dive in. Unfortunately, the game took a hard turn when Plastic Dragon decided to run a different equally great game.
Here we are. After years of absence due to family health issues, a new job and a move, I would love to be giving the opportunity to run a game on the boards once again.
Take a moment and read through this Player’s Guide. It will give you an idea of the races in Ashlar, the classes available, and both roles in Ashlar. You will see in the “Adventurers in Ashlar” section that most people are normal folk. I would like you to start with a few dice rolls, 4d6 drop the lowest, to help you come up with a character.
I’ve always enjoyed playing and running a game where the PCs are just common folk that become something bigger (think the Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Wheel of Time, Etc…). Level 1 will be a NPC level, but we can customize it to fit the character.
Like I said, the game will take place in the Duchy of Ashlar, and you will be from the small hamlet of Pebble Mill. The details of that are also in the Player’s Guide. Who is your character in this village of 41, you know everyone and they know you. What is their role and purpose in this hamlet? Many live in the countryside around Pebble Mill proper off the map, which would work for your characters. I like characters of all ages, feel free to be young or old. We can work that into creation and statistics.
The only church in Pebble Hill is one dedicated to Abarin, HERE is where you can find all the common deities & demons in Ashlar.
TLDR (Hopefully you did)
-Role stats: 4d6 drop the lowest
-Create a concept & character
-Let’s customize an NPC class around that
-I am looking for 6 player characters that will start this game, whose goal is to have fun, post regularly with a “yes and” mentality, and to share in this storytelling experience.
Recruitment Deadline: November 7th
Good luck, I look forward to reading your submissions.
So…not exactly NPC classes at 1st level (adept, noble, expert, warrior etc) but something…customised? Like if you are a…blacksmith you could be a Warrior with some skills…or an Expert with more BaB?!?
Your class list of Ashlar adventurers looks to be relatively Core-adjacent (with the absence of Barbarian) is this looking to be a “kinda-Core” experience for characters?
So, this is 5E correct?
Perhaps a charming Charleton who has been laying low in Pebble Mill for a while now and doing his best to woo the widow Lusia. Perhaps seeking a rewarding lifestyle. Living in this unremarkable quiet village may have made him question his previous way of life... or not...
DM Ashlar and I discussed them taking on this adventure and I agreed that it should run, wholeheartedly. Just thought I should mention that just so there's no misunderstanding for anyone.
Also, I think it's being run in PF1e, scranford, but not positive.
Quite the recruitment. Loving the Duchy of Ashlar player guide. And then the chance to roll dice for stats? Who can resist that?
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EDIT:
Urgh. He's definitely an NPC, huh?
Ability: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 1, 5) = 12 - 1 = 11
Ability: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 1, 5) = 13 - 1 = 12
Ability: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 5, 2) = 11 - 1 = 10
Ability: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 3, 2) = 8 - 1 = 7
Ability: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 1, 5) = 14 - 1 = 13
Ability: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 5, 3) = 12 - 2 = 10
[ooc]At least most of them only subtracted 1. Ah well. Lemme see what I can do with that. Might need some racial bonuses, methinks. We'll see.
I'm curious if my rolls will be kind.
7
16
16
12
12
12
EDIT: Well, that 7 aside, this one came out nice.
scranford I am so sorry. This is PF1e, I missed that in the OP. I unfortunately cannot go back and edit it. I like the concept that is forming. What is he laying low from? Landguard is the capital, a lot to be hiding from within there. Let me know what you are thinking and I could give you a dat more information that most people from Pebble Mill wouldn't know.
Everyone If Scranford goes with something that makes him an outsider completely I would like everyone else to be in the community. They could be from the countryside or within the hamlet proper, but if everyone could be from the community that would be great.
Oceanshieldwolf Exactly. Doing a little massaging of the NPC classes to help fit the character. Maybe a warrior dropping the feat for the Adept’s 1st level spell. We can work it out case by case. As far as classes go I am good with any of the core Pathfinder classes being allowed. The description from the player is just for the flavor in the world. Barbarians and Sorcerers would fall in the same avenue as druids. Primal, uncivilized, mystical. Fitting them in would be okay.
Plastic Dragon Thank you for your blessing! I never want to step on toes.
Reldek Thank you! I figured that since most people don’t have the source books from Raging Swan Press that I should come up with something for you all. The stats can help with creation. Thoughts on being middle age and gaining the bonus to Int/Wis/Cha at the sacrifice to Str/Dex/Con?
Ridge the rolls are with you. for now…
Thank you all for the interest so far. If you have any creation questions, or want to workshop something let me know.
So…pick a profession like scribe or blacksmith and build around that? I’m interested.
Damn good rolls. Some kind of human…will definitely be fun to see what I can make from this.
Maybe…human dual talent
Lodric Aegilson
Str (19) Dex (12) Con (19) Int (9) Wis (12) Cha (13)
Village butcher. A mountain of a man, known not only for his huge size but his booming laugh. Said to be able to carry a cow back to his shop to be butchered. With a heart as big as his muscles, Lodric is the dependable backbone of his community: when work needs doing, he does it; when laughter is needed, he provides it.
Something like that? Very much had Zhang Fei in mind, as in a huge man with a regular profession who rises up for adventure.
Thanks, but I'll pass on PF1. Just too complicated and unbalanced for my tastes. Everybody have fun!!!
Thinking half-elf. Was originally considering an Adept, but with his rolled stats, and no armor or spell defenses whatsoever, he'll be dead in a heartbeat. ;) Is there any sort of version of npc that's more inclined towards Wizards or Sorcerers?
Instead, I think he'll be a fisherman who lives and works with his human uncle and his crew...who are all currently law abiding folk, but a couple of whom have less than honorable pasts. From these men Reldek has learned some of the base skills that would support a roguish life, should he choose to seek it out.
Or something like that.
A profile for Lodric
Some rolling.
14
16
16
7
13
16
Pretty good!
I will probably build something really simple. You never know if your level 1 character will survive anyway ;)
- 12
- 14
- 16
- 14
- 16
- 11
Dang - that’s some nice rollin’
I love the idea of building for professions, I’ll post a concept tomorrow.
Okay, here's the concept. Wall O Text bomb incoming!
When Jermaine was very very young, he got grievously, disastrously ill. The sickness he caught was so intense that, while he lived, it stunted his growth and muscular development all his life. He was always weaker than the other children in the village and often had to deal with the fact even younger children could bully him. Incredibly short by human standards, his maximum height would stop at five foot even. While, in time, he would at least build up his endurance, his might remained that of geriatric halfling.
His family was of little help. His mother treated him as a child well into his teens. His little brother mocked him, and his father was just... so embarrassed. Still, the boy was brilliant, and some hoped he might join the local temple of Arabin! They at least, valued intellect. But Jermaine felt no joy in the teachings of the god of smiths and inventors nor the trade. In his heart of heart, Jermaine had different dreams. The Dream of being a wizard! To cast magic spells that required only a book, a keen mind, and deft fingers! A dream where he could work wonders of magic and just transform his bullies into very tiny toads laugh as cranes at them! Okay, he knew some of the dreams were wrong! But yes, magic.
So far every letter to the Black Tower he has sent over the years has had failed to have any response, but he doesn't give up hope!
For now, his jobs including scribe work, some tailoring, and other jobs that require more precision over power. He says his prayers to Morden, longing to learn the secrets Arcane! Maybe, he hopes, the Black Tower will send him news of an Apprenticeship by owl!
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He could be a magicless Expert, a brainy commoner, or an Adept who longs for 'greater magics' which ever makes more sense. Let me know which you think suits him best. Race Human, Alignment probably Neutral but with potential for good if other PCs encourage his better side.
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OK, I am looking to play a dwarven tinker who travels the roads and trails of the area, plying his trade as a tinsmith to the locals of the area. Mending household utensils, like pots and pans, he has a pull cart that carries all his tools and worldly goods.
Hope that this background is ok...I know you wanted people from the village, but he is such a fixture there that perhaps he can be seen as a de facto local??
Just going to roll some dice:
- 1 = 14
- 2 = 13
- 3 = 13
- 1 = 14
- 1 = 12
- 2 = 15
Pretty good.
Everyone Wow, these are all amazing. I am really enjoying where this group could go. Shadowed Keep for sure, but I am really seeing the characters as who they are beforehand. And how they will be when they... if they return.
If you make an alias for you character please make sure I see them and have them posted on my list at the bottom.
Scranford I understand. Thank you for the well wishes!
Lodric looks good. I am not sure who Zhang Fei is BUT I had this image of Tong from Raya the Last Dragon in my mind as I read this. I know he doesn’t have it, but I feel like he needs a bonus +1 rank to diplomacy to go along with his big heart and make it in class.
Reldek if you are wanting an NPC class that is leaning towards a caster Adept is an easy choice. But I do also like your idea of the fisherman. If you were to go down that road I think you should have proficiency with the Net. I know that is a strong bonus to an NPC class, but I think the limitations of the net make it balanced.
Crisischild a dog as an animal companion seems to be awfully strong. But, I think we can come up with something that would make it balanced. Maybe not fully an animal companion, but not exactly a purchased pet. Let me roll it around a bit.
Albion you never do know if your level 1 character will survive, especially an NPC level 1.
Aldizog two mountains of men so far. What’s in the mill water? I like the background. Finesse is usually overlooked on men so big. Looking at your stats, would still be a mountain of a man. What if you moved that +2 human to Cha to help boost that aspect of the character? Food for thought.
Ridge I love it. Save all of this in a spoiler on your character sheet. I think if you were to go with the brainy expert you should pick a couple adept 0-level spells out that he would have. Less as something he knows and prepare, but as a magical inclination that he does unknowingly. They would be spontaneous at will. Thoughts?
Daniel I like it. Since Scarnford is bowing out I would be okay having your dwarf be the lone out of towner. Being as close as they are to Languard they get news from the major city, but your dwarf would bring the news from beyond the Salt Marsh and the Hard Bay. I can see the children rushing your wagon as you roll into town asking for stories of the Forest of the Gray Spires. All the while the adults are shooing them away with the real needs of the community.
ElbowtotheFace, Billybrainpan, Malinor, Oceanshieldwolf as you begin to piece your character together have them posted in here.
Alias Submissions
Lodric Aegilson: Human Warrior – Butcher, gentle giant.
Posted Submissions
Reldek – roguish fisherman
Crisischild – hunter w/dog
Brathas – stonemason – warrior bard
Jermaine – “sickly” human – arcane minded, leaning wizard.
Daniel Stewart traveling dwarven Tinker
Just reading the details about Abarin, and I like the idea of a priestly character dedicated to engineering. I'll roll some dice and see if I have time today to put together a character.
10
16
17
12
10
10
Not too shabby!
Thanks for the kind words!
Just spitballing some ideas…
Human
* Alchemically Enhanced: +3 Strength, -2 saves vs poison. This racial trait replaces the +2 bonus to any one ability score and the bonus feat racial trait.
Lodric has a weakness: hard drink. Despite his large size and copious amount that he drinks, he is surprisingly quick to become inebriated. Which he says is a strength, as it means that he needs to buy less to get the buzz that he so enjoys.
* Skilled: +1 skill point per level
Modify the warrior NPC class to give diplomacy instead of intimidate as a class skill
He then has Str20, Dex12, Con17, Int 9, Wis 12, Cha13
Diplomacy: +5
Profession Butcher: +5
In the Chinese Classic “romance of the 3 kingdoms” one of the Three Brothers of the Kingdom of Shu was Zhang Fei. He originally was a butcher, who swore an oath of brotherhood to restore the Han Dynasty. Known for his boisterous personality, bushy beard, love of hard drink (not a good thing, as it led to the loss of an entire city), and prodigious strength. Was said to have shoulder checked a horse to the ground in battle.
While Lodric isn’t Zhang Fei it was an inspiration.
Everyone Wow, these are all amazing. I am really enjoying where this group could go. Shadowed Keep for sure, but I am really seeing the characters as who they are beforehand. And how they will be when they... if they return.
Hey DM Ashlar, I think I would want my character to be a strong and bright young man, working perhaps as an apprentice smith (maybe with his father or brother?), in the hopes of one day mastering 'The Riddle of Steel' ;)
But most importantly I wanted to ask you about the ruleset you are planning to use. I understand it will be PF1e, but will you be placing any limitations on stuff like Traits and Feats? Spoiler alert - I hope you do as I am personally looking for a 'Core only' PF1 game as much as possible.
Let me know! That way we can align expectations.
I'll absolutely take that net proficiency. He's a fisherman who as a kid sometimes dreamt of being an adept, but the reality is he's really rather rogue-ish, and without magical talent.
Reldek here. He's still a work in progress, but this will be my Alias/Avatar for my less-than-charismatic, half-elven fisherman/expert.
But most importantly I wanted to ask you about the ruleset you are planning to use. I understand it will be PF1e, but will you be placing any limitations on stuff like Traits and Feats? Spoiler alert - I hope you do as I am personally looking for a 'Core only' PF1 game as much as possible.
Let me know! That way we can align expectations.
Yes, Core only races and Non-unchained classes. We won't be doing traits (unless I give them as a flair to the NPC class) or elephant in the room, or background skills.
I know I have seen a few racial mods on some of the descriptions so far. I am thinking on what I am wanting to do with those. I know I saw Lodric take a human racial variant. I do like the tie in with the backstory. It also isn't a min/max switch. With a classic dungeon campaign there are going to be poisons that will make that -2 not so fun. That being said, I am not stamping the seal of approval on anything as of yet outside of me loving these classes.
For now, plan 100% core only.
@GMAshlar I'm making a smith priest of Abarin. likely to move into inquisitor or Warpriest with PC levels but starting as an adept. Is there any additional info about Abarin available? Domains, doctrine, etc? reread the into post and found the deities document. will post additional details/alias soon
Ernst Lepp
Human, Apprentice Cleric, Artifice and Knowledge domains
Str 10, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 19, Cha 12
Physically, Ernst is nothing to write home about, but he's clever, affable, and hard-working. ...
Okay, I don't have much more time to look at this today, but it looks like Billybrainpan had the same idea, so I'll defer to them.
Have fun with this one, looks like it will be a great campaign!
Ridge: I love it. Save all of this in a spoiler on your character sheet. I think if you were to go with the brainy expert you should pick a couple adept 0-level spells out that he would have. Less as something he knows and prepare, but as a magical inclination that he does unknowingly. They would be spontaneous at will. Thoughts?
Well, going by that, I've given him bonus spells of
As long as he doesn't become a sorcerer (I'd have to shuffle his stats around for that to be any good) I think we have a wimpy wizard wanna be minus his gear.
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Ok...here is a first attempt for my character. If all is good, then I will get his avatar up and fill in the background and equipment.
Male dwarf expert 1
NG Medium humanoid (dwarf)
Init -1; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +5 (+7 to notice unusual stonework)
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 9, touch 9, flat-footed 9 (-1 Dex)
hp 14 (1d8+6)
Fort 2, Ref -1, Will 3; +2 vs. poison, spells, and spell-like abilities
Defensive Abilities defensive training
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 20 ft.
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 17, Dex 8, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 14
Base Atk +0; CMB 3; CMD 12 (16 vs. bull rush, 16 vs. trip)
Feats Toughness
Traits Magical Talent (Mending), merchant
Skills Acrobatics -1 (-5 to jump), Appraise +6 (+7 when bargaining for the price of goods), Bluff +6, Craft (blacksmith) +6 (+8 on checks related to metal or stone), Craft (mechanical) +2 (+4 on checks related to metal or stone), Diplomacy +6, Knowledge (local) +6, Perception +5 (+7 to notice unusual stonework), Sense Motive +5 (+6 when bargaining for the price of goods), Survival +5; Racial Modifiers craftsman[APG], +2 Perception to notice unusual stonework
Languages Common, Dwarven, Gnome, Goblin
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Craftsman +2 on Craft/Profession checks related to metal/stone.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white only).
Defensive Training +4 Gain a dodge bonus to AC vs. monsters of the Giant subtype.
Hatred +1 Gain a racial bonus to attacks vs. Goblinoids/Orcs.
Stonecunning +2 +2 bonus to Perception vs. unusual stonework. Free check within 10 feet.
Here is Aldizog's submission.
I kept the human +2 in Str because I envision him primarily as a warrior and that level of bard will hurt BAB. Going with a reach weapon and Combat Reflexes to hopefully take down opponents before they get to melee.
I limited myself to Core weapons; if non-Core were allowed, would probably take the Bardiche or Lucerne Hammer over the Glaive.
If alternate human racial traits are allowed, I would lean heavily towards taking the Silver Tongued trait to reflect his gregarious and generally charming nature. He wouldn't yet have any ranks in Bluff or Diplomacy, but would fix that upon taking levels of bard.
Brathas
Human Warrior 1
NG Medium Humanoid
Init +2; Perception +1
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DEFENSE
-----------------
AC 18, touch 12, flatfooted 16 (+6 Armor, +2 Dex)
HP 11 (1d10+1)
Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +1
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OFFENSE
-----------------
Speed 20 ft.
Melee Glaive +7 (1d10+7/x3) or Light Hammer +6 (1d4+5)
Ranged Light Hammer +3 (1d4+5) or Javelin +3 (1d4+5)
-----------------
STATISTICS
-----------------
Str 20, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 13
BAB +1; CMB +6; CMD 18
Feats Combat Reflexes, Weapon Focus (Glaive)
Skills (3 per level Warrior)
Profession (Stonemason) 1 +5
Perform (Act) 1 +2
Swim 1 +9 (-5 ACP)
Languages Common, Sylvan
Equipment Glaive (8), 2 javelins (2), light hammer (1), entertainer's outfit, dagger (2), chainmail (150), sap (1)
Money ?? gp
Here is the Alias for Billybrainpan.
ability scores
Str 18
Dex 12
Con 14
Int 14
Wis 16
Cha 11
she works as the village blacksmith and a priest of Abarin within the craftsman's hall.
i've got her layed out as an adept right now but I'm curious about a few things before finalizing.
For class adjustments i'm wondering if I can have proficiency with the Warhammer (Abarin's favored weapon). Ultimately she will be more of a warrior priest type. If we are going to advance much in our NPC class it'd be nice to tweak a little more in that direction but if not it probably makes sense as her starting point.
finally are we using background skills and or traits?
Here is the Alias for Billybrainpan.
ability scores
Str 18
Dex 12
Con 14
Int 14
Wis 16
Cha 11she works as the village blacksmith and a priest of Abarin within the craftsman's hall.
i've got her layed out as an adept right now but I'm curious about a few things before finalizing.
For class adjustments i'm wondering if I can have proficiency with the Warhammer (Abarin's favored weapon). Ultimately she will be more of a warrior priest type. If we are going to advance much in our NPC class it'd be nice to tweak a little more in that direction but if not it probably makes sense as her starting point.
finally are we using background skills and or traits?
Yes, Core only races and Non-unchained classes. We won't be doing traits (unless I give them as a flair to the NPC class) or elephant in the room, or background skills.
I know I have seen a few racial mods on some of the descriptions so far. I am thinking on what I am wanting to do with those. I know I saw Lodric take a human racial variant. I do like the tie in with the backstory. It also isn't a min/max switch. With a classic dungeon campaign there are going to be poisons that will make that -2 not so fun. That being said, I am not stamping the seal of approval on anything as of yet outside of me loving these classes.
For now, plan 100% core only.
So I believe no traits, no background skills, and core only content. So also not Warpriest in the future I assume?
And thank you for the reply DM Ashlar, that sounds great!
I’ve also seen some people starting with 20 in some Ability scores. Are you allowing it, or limiting to 18 max after racial adjustments? 20 feels pretty brutal for a commoner :P
Not sure I'll apply myself, but wanted to make sure you were aware the site's going down tomorrow for the big site upgrade. My understanding is it may be down for a few days. Would that impact your Nov 7 deadline?
Heh, was just rolling dice - please remove me from your attention.
@GM: core only? Would that include no archetypes?
Pretty sure NPCs don't have archetypes.
Everyone I am writing this after I wrote all the responses below, I hope I got everyone. This will be core only. So for now only use the PHB when your building the character. Post up the concept and background and I am more generous with the bonuses that I will give out for the NPC. Also, if the sight goes down for updates I will extent the deadline.
Reldek Sounds good! Just put an * next to it and I will know it came from me.
Jharik Vaag I will try not to hold the image against you, but the icon looks so much like Grima Wormtongue. I will add him to the submission below, but go ahead and start rounding out the stats and background in there.
Billybrainpan/Veela Casanen Like the idea of the smith priest, unfortunately we are doing core only. A cleric would be a great choice for a smith priest. Let me know your thoughts. Also, I am good with you having Warhammer to start. It will be something you’d get regardless going into a divine caster.
Jermaine Looks great! I should have been specific when I said a couple. I was thinking two, so if you’d be good just shave one of those off and that would be great.
Daniel Stewart Quick look and it looks good. We aren’t doing traits so go ahead and remove those and all will be well. I’ll give it a closer look once the alias is up and the back ground is in there. Like the traveling tinker concept!
Brathas looks great, yes core weapons only. I would be okay with the Silver Tongued racial trait switch out for Skilled.
Albion Hey I do see what you are saying, but one of the fun things of rolling is hitting that triple 6 and then adding the racial. I were to limit it, then I would probably just use point buy where I would cap the purchase at 17 then racial & age adjustments.
DeathQuaker I was not aware of that. Thank you for the update. If the site is down I will push back the deadline.
Ironperenti Yeah core only on the class. I am willing to massage things with the NPC class or even the race within reason. What are you thinking for a background?
Alias Submissions
Lodric Aegilson: Human Warrior – Butcher, gentle giant.
Jharik Vaag – roguish fisherman – Half-Elf
Jermaine – “sickly” human – arcane minded, leaning wizard.
Veela Casanen blacksmith priest of Abarin
Posted Submissions
Crisischild – hunter w/dog
Brathas – stonemason – warrior bard
Daniel Stewart traveling dwarven Tinker
Jermaine Looks great! I should have been specific when I said a couple. I was thinking two, so if you’d be good just shave one of those off and that would be great.
Got it! Dropping guidance!
Apparently the site isn’t going to go down today…
Jharik Vaag I will try not to hold the image against you, but the icon looks so much like Grima Wormtongue. Obviously just kidding I will add him to the submission below, but go ahead and start rounding out the stats and background in there.
Well, NOBODY, even a low Chr rogue-wanna-be wants to be compared with Grima, right? :D
I changed the pic and name, slightly. I know, I didn't have to, but why leave that just out there, y'know? Still a work in progress. I thought the site was gonna be down today.
I'm going to bow out of this one. Enjoy all.
I'm going to bow out of this one. Enjoy all.
Ooh ooh! Can I have his ability scores?!
LOL. j/k
I'm interested in this game, as I enjoy the theme of ordinary people becoming heroes, and I also like core Pathfinder. I was hesitating to apply because I also applied to Plastic Dragon's game and I don't want to overcommit in case I do get into that one. But the deadline is approaching so I'll do some rolls and see how it goes!
> 13
> 11
> 15
> 10
> 13
> 16
Wow that went well! For my concept I was thinking about a human farmer, which might mean growing crops, or managing an orchard, or focusing on animals - or possibly all three, for a farm serving such a small hamlet.
For the NPC class I'd guess that would be either commoner or expert. That could lead to becoming a ranger, leaning into the animal handling side, or else a strength-based fighter or maybe a rogue who's not actually a thief and would be unaffiliated with the thieves' guild.
Ok...here is the avatar for my submission (daniel) Just need to add background and all is done
Good luck folks