Whew, I just got done typing up eight character intros for my new "Age of Worms" play-by-post game. I tried to model them after Erik Mona's, and I think they came out pretty well. I was wondering if their might be any interest for me to post them here? Erik's providing me with a wealth of ideas, so I figure my intros might similiarly inspire others. So if there's any interest for them, I'll post them up later.
I'd be interested in seeing those character intros. I'm in the middle of writing mine so I might "borrow" from yours if I see something that would fit :)
The others were fun to read, I'd be great to read yours too. :)
Davi Knockdoor
Halfling Cleric of Wee Jas
The clerics of Wee Jas ordained you as a full-fledged priest a few weeks ago. You had worked hard to achieve that status, but you enjoyed it; the other members of the temple were like family to you, especially since your real family was no longer. You know that the Lady of Death and Magic watches over you and will guide you throughout your life, and so you have been content for now to wait and see what she wants from you.
Rumors abound of a trio of adventurers from Greyhawk who frequent the Feral Dog. They speak of hard-won battles on their journey to Diamond Lake, and of their intention to explore the long-abandoned Stirgenest Cairn on the lake's southeastern shore. You know that the tomb holds nothing of value, as you and some other cultists have explored it a few times during your training. But it got you thinking, what if there was a tomb that wasn't empty? Though you do not look favorably upon looting the dead, you could find enough treasure there to do nearly anything you wanted.
When you worked at the Spinning Giant, there was a young paladin who frequented it, barely more than a boy. He would be the perfect one to help you out with this endeavor. You sought him out and asked him to look through the maps of the garrison cartographer, looking for any tomb that might have been unexplored. The promise of treasure was enough for him, and that night he returned with a 70-year old map of an area once owned by a mine manager who passed away over twenty years ago. On the map was a place called the "Whispering Cairn." None of the more recent maps show this place, suggesting that it may have not been explored, and thus may still be full of riches to plunder.
You told him to invite a friend or two and to meet you at an abandoned mine overseer's office about an hour outside town tomorrow night. You then went to get some allies of your own. First you approached Tash Frelan, a gnome and apprentice to the wizard Allustan, for you knew magical might and knowledge would come in handy. Then you sought out Keira Kalari, a barbarian from the swamps to the south who made a name for herself with her loyalty and strength. You look forward to tomorrow night, when you will see what the Whispering Cairn holds in store for you...
Carpal
Human Paladin of Heironeous
Two years you've spent in the dismal burg of Diamond Lake, ever since your father sent you to serve at the garrison there in hopes that you'd "straighten up and fly right." The garrison commander assigned you to serve under Valkus Dun, the priest of Heironeous who runs the chapel within the garrison, but thus far he's had about as much success curbing your wild habits as your father did. He quickly grew tired of your antics, and only the kind words of an older priest named Velias Childramun has allowed you to stay here. Over the years, Childramun has been like a second father to you, watching over you and keeping you out of trouble as best he can.
A few other paladins serve the garrison with you, including a beautiful red-haired woman named Melinde. She has made it clear that she's not interested in you though, as she can't abide your brutish ways. Besides, she hopes to one day run the chapel, and it wouldn't do for her to be involved with somebody like you.
For the most part, that's been the story of your life. Nobody really wants to be involved with somebody like you. Can they blame you that you've turned to drink then? Bah, who needs them. You'll find a way out of this dump some day. And that day just might be today.
Rumors abound of a trio of adventurers from Greyhawk who frequent the Feral Dog. They speak of hard-won battles on their journey to Diamond Lake, and of their intention to explore the long-abandoned Stirgenest Cairn on the lake's southeastern shore. You know that place has been picked clean long ago, but what if one of the others hasn't?
Yesterday morning, you were approached by a well-kempt halfling priestess of Wee Jas named Davi Knockdoor. Though you didn't recognize her, she seemed to know who you were, and provided you with a business proposal. She asked that you look through the garrison's collection of maps for a cairn in the nearby hills that might have been forgotten. If one was found, she wanted you to help her explore the tomb, and share in the riches that might be within.
That night, you crept into the workshop of the garrison's cartographer and looked around. Indeed, you found a 70-year old map of an area once owned by a mine manager who passed away over twenty years ago. On the map was a place called the "Whispering Cairn." None of the more recent maps show this place, suggesting that it may have not been explored, and thus may still be full of riches to plunder.
Showing the map to the halfling, she told you to bring a friend or two and meet at an abandoned mine overseer's office about an hour outside town tomorrow night. From there, you would set out to explore the Whispering Cairn. You asked a drinking buddy of yours, Ezreal Barrowson, to come along and help out. However, you were pretty deep in your drinks last night, so you might have invited a few more people than you intended. No matter, you're sure things will sort out soon enough...
Pyrius
Human Cleric of Pelor
Diamond Lake has never been home for you, though you have lived there for the past two years. It is because of the debt you owe to your friend and mentor, Tycho, that you came to this wretched place. Tycho took you in as a youth and trained you in the ways of Pelor so that you might be a healer for those in need. He was already old when you met him, so his death two years ago was not much of a surprise. However, on his deathbed he made you swear an oath that shaped the next few years of his life.
Tycho was a native of Diamond Lake, and nearly thirty years ago he fell in love with an elven woman who served under mine manager Ellival Moonmeadow. The two would meet in the woods outside town often, and on one of these trysts his elven love became pregnant. Moonmeadow is rumored to be an elven prince from the far-off land of Celene, and the woman Tycho fell for just happened to be his cousin. So Moonmeadow subtly arranged for Tycho's exile from Diamond Lake, and the child's fate was unknown. As Tycho passed, you swore to him that you would look after his child, if she still lived.
A bit of asking around led you to the Twilight Monastery outside of town, where a young half-elven woman named Ju'lindra Amraphen was being trained as a monk. The abbot told you they had found her in the woods outside the monastery about thirty years ago. She must be Tycho's estranged daughter.
So you moved into Diamond Lake and kept an eye on her, always sure to keep out of sight on her visits to town, an invisible guardian angel. But lately she has begun to make trips to town more frequently, as if eager to move on from this wretched place, and Pelor knows you're ready too.
The opportunity to leave may have presented itself. Rumors abound of a trio of richly dressed adventurers who frequent the Feral Dog tavern. The confident heroes from Greyhawk speak of hard-won battles on their journey to Diamond Lake, and of their intention to explore the long-abandoned Stirgenest Cairn on the lake's distatn southeastern shore. From what you've gathered, that Cairn is empty, but another one may not be.
A paladin named Carpal, deep into his cups last night, spoke of a map he found in the garrison of a place called the Whispering Cairn. The cairn was on a plot of land owned by a mine manager who died seventy years ago, and the place is all but forgotten. Perhaps in this cairn you can find enough relics so that you and Ju'lindra can earn enough money to leave this place once and for all.
The paladin invited you to meet him and a few others at an abandoned mine overseer's office about an hour outside town tomorrow night. You made sure to subtly send a note to Ju'lindra so that she would be there too. From there, you are to set out for the Whispering Cairn, and maybe a new life...
Ju’lindra Amraphen
Half-elf Monk
The monks at the Twilight Monastery have always treated you well, ever since you can remember. They say that they found you in the woods outside the monastery when you were just an infant. You never knew your parents, and the life of a monk is the only one you've ever known.
But the nearby town of Diamond Lake intrigues you. You would visit every so often to get supplies for the monks or to deliver messages, but in the past few years, you've been visiting the town more frequently just to take in the many sights and sounds of the world outside the Monastery. You know it's a dangerous place, but so far you have managed to make it back in one piece every time. Sometimes, it's as if there's a guardian angel watching over you.
But Diamond Lake can only satisfy your curiosity for so long. You are eager to see the rest of the world, to prove your mettle in the face of adversity. And you may get that chance.
Rumors abound town of a trio of richly dressed adventurers who frequent the taproom of the Feral Dog. The confident heroes from Greyhawk speak of hard-won battles on their journey to Diamond Lake, and of their intention to explore the long-abandoned Stirgenest Cairn on the lake's distant southeastern shore.
This morning, when you returned from your exercises, you found a small note on your bed. It read: "If you want to see the world outside Diamond Lake, meet at an abandoned mine overseer's office about an hour outside town, two hours before midnight tonight." Directions were given, but there was no signature. Intrigued, you decided to pack some gear together and set out to see what this meeting has in store for your future...
Sardonic the Sane
Human Wizard
Fresh out of the wizard's college, you made your way to Diamond Lake. Throwing a dart at a map is a good a way as any to figure out where to go, right? The town has been fun enough, with plenty of vices and pleasures to keep you entertained. However, it seems you've just blown the last of your gold at the Emporium, and now you're stuck here with no money to your name. So you happen to be in the market for a way to get rich quick, cause you sure as hell aren't suited for work in the mines!
Rumors abound of a trio of adventurers from Greyhawk who frequent the Feral Dog. They speak of hard-won battles on their journey to Diamond Lake, and of their intention to explore the long-abandoned Stirgenest Cairn on the lake's southeastern shore. From what you've heard, that place is as empty as an ogre's head, but what if there's another place that isn't?
While wasting time at the tavern last night, you overheard a local paladin, deep into his cups, talking about a place called the "Whispering Cairn." Supposedly the tomb had been forgotten about and only appeared on one map that he had, and that an expedition was setting out to explore it tomorrow night. They were to meet at an abandoned mine overseer's office about an hour from town. Wanting a part of whatever riches they might find, you decided to invite yourself along...
Tash Frelan
Gnome Illusionist
Living in Diamond Lake isn't all it's cracked up to be. At night, when you lie awake in your room above Tidwoad's shop, you long for your home at Grossetgrottel and your family there. But then you remember how the other gnomes looked down upon you because you couldn't innately conjure the illusions that are the hallmark of the race, how your siblings were famous performers while you kept to yourself and showed little performance skill. So your parents sent you to Diamond Lake to "find yourself," they put it, as an apprentice to the wizard Allustan.
Allustan is nice enough, teaching you what he knows about magic. He's got a huge collection of books too, and in your off-time you often browse through his library looking for things of interest. But beyond the walls of his home, the town is really rather squalid, and you long for the day when you might leave this place. That day might be today.
Rumors abound of a trio of adventurers from Greyhawk who frequent the Feral Dog. They speak of hard-won battles on their journey to Diamond Lake, and of their intention to explore the long-abandoned Stirgenest Cairn on the lake's southeastern shore. From what you've heard that place is as empty as an ogre's head, but what if there's another place that isn't?
Last night, you were approached by a well-kempt halfling cleric of Wee Jas named Davi Knockdoor. Though you didn't know who she was, she apparently knew about you, and she told you that she had found a map detailing a place called the "Whispering Cairn." The tomb was supposedly forgotten and unexplored, and there were sure to be riches within. She offered you a share if you'd come along and provide your knowledge and arcane support. She told you to meet at an abandoned mine overseer's office about an hour outside town tomorrow night. From there, the group would set out to explore the Cairn...
Keira Kalari
Human Barbarian
The town of Diamond Lake is no less dangerous than the swamps of your home. You've met lizardfolk who were more honorable than some of the shady denizens of the town. But this must be your home for now, for you are leshpa. Great things have been portended for your future, and you know there must be more to it then slaving away in the mines. You are used to work, though, and in your brief time here you have proven to be one of the strongest and most loyal miners in your company. Of course, this means nothing to your mine manager Balabar Smenk, who likely doesn't even know of your existence.
Rumors abound of a trio of adventurers from Greyhawk who frequent the Feral Dog. They speak of hard-won battles on their journey to Diamond Lake, and of their intention to explore the long-abandoned Stirgenest Cairn on the lake's southeastern shore. Those you have asked say that that place was long ago picked clean of anything of value. But what if there was another place that wasn't?
Yesterday, you were approached by a well-kempt halfling cleric of Wee Jas named Davi Knockdoor. Though you did not know her, she seemed to know about you; perhaps your reputation in the mines preceded you. She told you that she was getting together an expedition to a place called the Whispering Cairn, a forgotten tomb that was bound to still have treasure within. She offered you a share of the treasure and a chance to do something besides mine work, so you jumped at the chance. Perhaps this was where you were meant to go.
Davi told you to meet at an abandoned mine overseer's office an hour from town tomorrow night. From there, you would set out to explore the Whispering Cairn...
Ezreal Barrowson
Human Rogue
You know you're in with a bad crowd, though you didn't have much choice in the matter. Diamond Lake is full of bad crowds, and if it wasn't one of the gangs that frequent the Feral Dog, it would be another. At least with you under the thumb of Sheriff Cubbin, he and his boys are apt to turn a blind eye to most of your dealings; at least, as long as you're dealing for him. But you know there's got to be a better way, and you'd jump at the chance to make it rich and get out of Diamond Lake.
Rumors abound of a trio of adventurers from Greyhawk who frequent the Feral Dog. They speak of hard-won battles on their journey to Diamond Lake, and of their intention to explore the long-abandoned Stirgenest Cairn on the lake's southeastern shore. You know that place has been picked clean long ago, but what if one of the others hasn't?
Last night while drinking with a buddy of yours, a paladin named Carpal, he told you he had found a map to a place called the "Whispering Cairn." The place had been forgotten for over twenty years, and there was a good chance that there was still lots of treasure within. You leapt at the chance to score some loot, and he told you to meet him and a few others at an abandoned mine overseer's office an hour from town tomorrow night. From there, you would set off to explore the Whispering Cairn...
Carpal
Human Paladin of HeironeousTwo years you've spent in the dismal burg of Diamond Lake, ever since your father sent you to serve at the garrison there in hopes that you'd straighten up and fly right...(alas) Nobody really wants to be involved with somebody like you. Can they blame you that you've turned to drink then? Bah, who needs them. You'll find a way out of this dump some day. And that day just might be today...
The righteous and true pathe of the paladin is most difficult to tread...if this were not so, any scoundrel couldst attain it with ease. What thou most needst is understanding, wisdom, perspective. and yes, forgiveness (for all have fallen short of the glory of our most gracious LORD). Thou seeist thy dismal surroundings as a dump, a confining prison, a punishment to be suffered with ill-will and resentment (and drink, I hear AND fear...).
I impart this thought: thou hast a purpose! An ancient sage once said, "Wherever thou goest, there thou art." But the wisest of seers concluded that "...perhaps, for a time such as this..." you have found yourself in so humble a locale, surrounded by the common, vile, and desparate. Even elves and dwarves can succumb to this pitiable state. But as longer-lived races, they take longer to realize it, and spend an even longer eternity in its hopeless clutches...
As a Blade within the sheath of the Invincible Lord of Valor, your are their shield...their protector...their voice. Never forget this, my son. Strength and honor are your gift. Stand before them...FIGHT! and WIN!
For I shall ever stand with thee,
Langwellyn Gildersleeve,
Priest of Hieroneous
That's quite an unorthodox paladin you've got. Drinking, sneaking/stealing...is there something to this character's background that explains behaviour that should cost a paladin his paladinhood? (I'm particularly thinking of his sneaking into the cartographer's office and stealing the map)
The cleric of Pelor/half-elf monk backgrounds are excellent. Way to use Moonmeadow and the monastery to integrate the monk and, by extension, provide a reason for the cleric of Pelor to be in Diamond Lake. I'll remember this if one of my players decides to choose a god other than the four recommended in Dungeon.
That's quite an unorthodox paladin you've got. Drinking, sneaking/stealing...is there something to this character's background that explains behaviour that should cost a paladin his paladinhood? (I'm particularly thinking of his sneaking into the cartographer's office and stealing the map)
Well his character concept already has him teetering on the edge of losing his paladinhood. The player aims to eventually have him multiclass to monk and become a drunken master...so it will be interesting to see how it develops. Besides, technically he didn't steal the map; he just "borrowed" it. :)