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As far as your 'spoiler' concept is concerned: it's a cool idea and you'll just have to leave the machinations up to me....... ;)
Oh god, what have I done?!
You can use the Grey Elf adjustments, no problem.
Awesome!
Alex: Looking at the Party - if you feel the urge to play a paladin that would be cool - I think the party will need the healing back-up !
Yay for extra healing! Remember the old adage: "Do not piss off a dragon, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup."
Yeah, more healing is good!

Alex Martin |

Alex: Looking at the Party - if you feel the urge to play a paladin that would be cool - I think the party will need the healing back-up !
Hello - sounds good. That's my plan as of right now.
Sorry I'm taking so long - been long days at work for me as well. Hoping to get something up this afternoon/early evening as soon as I am done at work.
Flamifur |

Hi Guys
Sorry I haven't posted for a while - work has just been mad and hasn't let up yet. I probably won't have time to post the background overview I want to until tomorrow night.
However, I'd like to start the campaign with the party knowing each other preferable travelling together to cauldron or somethng like that.
Can you guys sort hat out amongst yourselves ?
Any questions please post and I'll answer asap.
Like the Barbarian Radavel no extra info needed yet.

Jessa Ventris |

Geek hat on: Jessa's from the Duchy of Ulek, and maybe Erion is from the Kingdom of Celene (the major grey elven country in the Flanaess).. the two countries share a border. Perhaps Stilgar is from the Wild Coast or the Pomarj - both have greater than usual occurances of half-orcs.
All three of those regions are in the southern portion of the Flanaess, relatively close to the Amedio Jungle (where Cauldron is located); perhaps Erion and Jessa teamed up in the recent past for some reason and have stuck together as a partnership, recruiting Stilgar along the roadside for muscle? Of course, I'm not sure if this works for the other unknown characters - maybe they're a separate group?
Or maybe very simply everyone got passage on a boat from Gradsul in Keoland, and on the boring voyage got to chatting and decided that 5 heads are better than 1?

Stilgar |

All three of those regions are in the southern portion of the Flanaess, relatively close to the Amedio Jungle (where Cauldron is located); perhaps Erion and Jessa teamed up in the recent past for some reason and have stuck together as a partnership, recruiting Stilgar along the roadside for muscle?
It possible me was recruited on roadside, moreso, if me was promised passage to Cauldron. Thereafter, me, Erion and Jessa meet other party members on the road to Cauldron.
Yous ok with this?

Jessa Ventris |

"Y're so easy to wind up! Y're barely off yer mam's t-" she grins... "apron strings."
Jessa could have easily run into Niklaus whilst out in the woods, and had an exchange like that; it would be just like her to try to embarrass him. So the elf, half-elf, and half-orc have been hanging around together, and they befriend/drag along Niklaus?

Flamifur |

Time for an updated List of Player, Characters, Races and Classes:
(FabesMinis) Jessa Ventris Half Elven Druid
(Eichendar) Zoomackulas (Unknown Race) Rogue
(Radavel) Stilgar Half Orc Barbarian
(thereal thom) Niklaus Wright Human Ranger
(Psionic Fox) Erion Gilor Grey Elven Wizard
(Alex Martin) (No Name) (Unknown Race) Paladin
Nice Party - Should be able to handle plenty of action !!

Flamifur |

Ok, we are almost done with the nuts and bolt of character generation and are starting upon the next stage - background, etc.
Time for goodies from the DM ! Each character has a link, through an ancestor, to the City of Cauldron or it's immediate environs. One of the ways this link manifests is a trait which may or may not have an impact of the campaign 'story' but definately has an effect (positive and negative) on the game mechanics. They'll also allow you some scope for roleplaying xp awards, etc.
Over today and tomorrow I'll post information for each character in a spoiler window.
If you have any questions or objections let me know.
I'm liking the way the group is meeting up, etc.
Trait info to follow.

Flamifur |

Psionic Fox - I have a suggested trait for Erion:
You were born into a Noble Family which was once an important part of Cauldrons society (and can still be ....)
Benefit: You start play with an additonal 200gp ! Also, people in Cauldron and it's surrounding villages who are aware of your 'station' will respond more favourablly to your Diplomacy and Intimidate checks (+1 Bonus). In addition certain NPC's may react more favourably towards you.
Drawback: You will be well known and recognizable and suffer a -4 penalty to disguise rolls made against certain citizens of Cauldron or the nearby hamlets. Certain NPC's may react poorly to your presence.
Roleplaying Ideas: You might be haughty, impatient or condescending to others. You might spend money frivolously, believing that there'll always be more income to be had.
Perhaps you could be travelling to Cauldron to claim back family property owned there several generations of men ago ? Would give you (the party) a step up in local politics which may come into play later on in the campaign.
Let me know what you think.

Flamifur |

Eichendar I have a suggested trait for Zoomackulas:
You're a little 'crazy'.
Benefit: Your mind is disorganised and chaotic. You gain a +1 bonus on all saving throws against mind effecting effects, except for those that cause confusion or insanity.
Drawback: Your inability to concentrate for long makes you suffer -1 on all wisdom based skill checks.
Roleplaying Ideas: You have a number of strange quirks (whistling off-key, eating raw meat, a nervous tic, a tendency to scream at odd moments, and so on) that make you 'interesting' company.
I think the bonus far outweighs the penalty with this trait and gives cart-blanche for all sorts of role playing fun !!
Let me know what you think.

Erion Gilor |

Psionic Fox - I have a suggested trait for Erion:
** spoiler omitted **
Let me know what you think.
I like it. It will mesh very well with the personality concept that I am cooking up.
Although I'll probably downplay the 'upper crust' mentality.Also, I like the way that the group can get together, especially since Erion would probably promise Stilgar food and drink if he serves him as a bodyguard.
A very varied group, I like it - now lets all try not to choke on our collective arrogance...

Niklaus Wright |

This is terrific! (He said while picking up a cattle skull.) No seriously. This is looking great.
Flamifur any hints as to useful favored enemies? Animals make the most sense for young Nik. Also, IS the Greyhawk pantheon Obad Hai, Falargn (sp?) , Wee Jas etc. Nik should have a loose connection to a neutral nature type deity, and one with an interest in travel.

Niklaus Wright |

Me thinks we in Greyhawk setting, young Nik. Deities in PHB should be ok.
Me calls on strong-arm god, Kord. Him lots of laughs. And likes drinks, women and games. In no particular order.
thanks radavel
Stilgar, care to try your luck throwing at that stump over there? Your javelin versus my spear?

Alex Martin |

Hello all,
My apololgies for being so late in getting myself set up for this. Combo of work and getting the D&D cobwebs shook loose have taken longer than expected. Last to arrive at the party, as it were.
The mechanics are done and I am working on filling in some background - probably in the morning when I get up.
Flamifur - ironically enough, even before you mentioned it for backgrounds, I have been working a "lost relative" into the story - if that works. I'll let you decide.
Everyone else - Kellen can either "find" you at the next stop (maybe waiting for you at the docks in Gradsul) or just "run in into you" on the road - whichever works.
Anyhow, gonna throw this out there for now...

Kellen Wrensler |

Covered in a layer of traveler's grime and dirt, a man armored in slightly battered mail approaches the group. He seems slightly disoriented, yet also determined to meet you. Despite the coarse appearance, he seems to radiate a sort of strange tranquilty. The simply-painted thunderbolt hanging about his neck seems a source and sign that this is no guardsman.
Greetings, neighbors...you seem to be on a journey? This may sound a strange request, but may I join you in your travels?
How's that?

Stilgar |

Covered in a layer of traveler's grime and dirt, a man armored in slightly battered mail approaches the group. He seems slightly disoriented, yet also determined to meet you. Despite the coarse appearance, he seems to radiate a sort of strange tranquilty. The simply-painted thunderbolt hanging about his neck seems a source and sign that this is no guardsman.
Greetings, neighbors...you seem to be on a journey? This may sound a strange request, but may I join you in your travels?
Stilgar moves next to Nik and whispers: "Me gots no problem so longs he coulds hold his grog. How abouts yous?"

Jessa Ventris |

"Why don't we jus' get the world and his wife along, while we're at it?! Do none of yous know about bathin' round here?" Jessa asks looking at Nik, Stilgar and Kellen. "Ach, come on then, "muscles", get yerself on board; I'll need a hand babysitting this one," slapping Nik on the back, "And makin' sure "Pomarj Boy" over here don't put someone's eye out with his pig-sticker." pointing at Stilgar.
She looks appreciatively over Kellen as he comes closer, and then masks her interest with a sneer, "Hope none o' yous gets sea-sick. I int cleanin' none of y' spew up."

Kellen Wrensler |

Mumbles to himself: "Heironeous, what companions have I found?"
"Forgive my presumption, Miss, and thanks. I'll work to limit my queasiness to a minimum." A mild grin crosses his face as he follows the group.
Looking at Nik and Stilgar, he gives a simple salute: "Well-met fellows! May the Invincible One guide your hand and give you strength."

Flamifur |

Alex, I have a suggested trait for Kellen:
Scion of Surabar
You are a decendent of the Man who discovered Cauldron, helped settle the region and aided in the defeat of an ancient demonic army.
Benefit:
Pride of your lineage girds your mind and soul. You gain a +2 morale bonus on saving throws against fear, death effects, insanity and confusion.
Drawback:
Demons that encounter you in the Cauldron Region can instinctively tell your lineage and connection to their old enemy and gain a +1 attack and weapon damage rolls when fighting you.
Roleplaying Ideas:
You are proud of your heritage (if you are aware of it - perhaps you are on your way to Cauldron to find out if it's true) and are quick to anger if someone mocks it. You find demons intolerable and some may see you as haughty or imperious. Just suggestions.

Flamifur |

FabesMinis, I have a suggested trait for Jessa:
One of your ancestors was a lycanthrope. Select a predatory animal of your choice; that animal feels a mystic bond with you.
Benefit:
All Animals have a strange reticence to attack you and suffer a -2 penalty on attack rolls made against you. You get +1 on your wild empathy checks.
Drawback:
You suffer a -4 penalty on saves made to resist Lycanthropy and take +1 point of damage from attacks made by silver weapons.
Roleplaying Ideas:
You have a curious animal magnetism that is at once intriguing and disturbing. Your manners might be a bit crude, but you're loyal to your friends.
Yes, Lycanthropes are active in Cauldron (just in case you were wondering). This could be great fun to roleplay - the normally fearless Jessa who is terrified of large rats and anyone with an over-abundance of body hair !!

FabesMinis |

That is teh awesome roxxors! Ahem... I love it!
It probably makes sense for her to choose wolf both for shapechange and the animal bond.

Flamifur |

Tom, I now have a suggested trait for Niklaus
Your dreams are haunted by strange visions of tortured landscapes and deformed monsters. In some of these dreams you are the monster !
Benefit:
You are used to fatigue and suffer no penalties when you become fatigued. When you become exhausted you are instead treated as if you've become fatigued.
Drawbacks:
You suffer a -2 penalty on saves against effects that cause madness or insanity and on saves against sleep effects.
Roleplaying Ideas:
You are always a bit tired, though not to the point of taking any negative penalties (perhaps more likely to fall asleep on watch though !) You tend to nod off when bored and sometimes find it difficult to remember minor, relatively unimportant bits of information.

Flamifur |

That is teh awesome roxxors! Ahem... I love it!
Just looking at it from the trait angle; if I were playing Jessa with her 'aversion' to lycanthropes I would probably choose a form which has no known lycanthrope equivalent so I would choose Lynx rather than wolf.
Of course, you could play it as more of a morbid fascination which would mean she'd be more likely to insist on wolf...
As far what she can and can't shapeshift into, I would rule that if she's seen it or interacted in it in another way that give her the knowledge she needs to change into it - but I'm cool with whatever you decide.
I'm just pleased you like the trait.

Jessa Ventris |

For PsionicFox

Flamifur |

Radavel, finally have a trait for Stilgar:
One of your ancestors was a Half-Black Dragon. You have some sort of distinctly draconic feature, bet it reptillian eyes, scales on the back of your hands or tiny vestigial horns on your head. (Or whatever you come up with !)
Benefit:
You Gain a +4 bonus on all saving throws against Acid effects, a +2 bonus on Swim checks, and a +1 bonus on Listen and Spot checks.
Drawback:
Your body isn't quite as limber as it should be. You tke a -1 penalty on Reflex saves.
Roleplaying Ideas:
You have an intesity about everything you do and your emotions are powerful and often difficult for you to control.
Let me know what you think.

Erion Gilor |

Okay, I've added my background/personality etc to my profile, if you want to take a look.
Flamifur, I've worked that trait into my background, I hope what you read works for you.
@Jessa: That's a cool idea, and gives the pair a solid bond. I like it. Jessa would probably be the one who convinces him to leave his studies and experience the world.
*Erion sighs quietly*
"I'm never going to get any study done with such a group of people." *shrugs his shoulders* "Oh well."

Alex Martin |

For Flamifur:
This sounds great - given the character's tendency towards legacy and family.
I had kind of left it that Kellen is a little confused as to why Heironeous has choosen him - I am sort of looking at it like he's a kind of reluctant paladin, not by lack of valor but by lack of training. Perhaps that connection to his heroic descendant is the reason.
I have been kind of playing it like he is just following a vision that tells him to meet these people and go to Cauldron.
From an RP game standpoint, he could simply realize his legacy - maybe connecting the stories he knows with his vision. Otherwise, some kind of reveal when we arrive - a statue or maybe a book he sees somewhere? Let me know which works better for you; just trying to mix it up.
This is my first venture into PBP, so if I screw up - don't hesitate to let me know, eh?

Erion Gilor |

For ease of reference, I've added my background trait to my profile also, just so that neither the GM or I have to keep turning to a book or to this thread to see what my trait it. I'm also going to edit my skills (where needed) to to reflect the advantages that my trait gives me, and just to make life simple, I'd suggest you all do the same.
Oh yeah, the advice-giving begins!

Niklaus Wright |

Tom, I now have a suggested trait for Niklaus
** spoiler omitted **

Niklaus Wright |

"Ok. Throw from here." Indicating a distance of approximately 30 ft. from the stump. "Loser buys a round at next stop, yes?"
Nik delightedly agrees. Starting back from the appointed spot, he steps quickly forward and launches his spear.
1d20+5
14+5 = 19
He turns to Stilgar, grinning proudly, "Beat that".
Greetings, neighbors...you seem to be on a journey? This may sound a strange request, but may I join you in your travels?
Stilgar moves next to Nik and whispers: "Me gots no problem so longs he coulds hold his grog. How abouts yous?"
"He looks all right. "
"Hey stranger, care for a throw? I'm Nik. THis 'ere's Stilgar."
"Why don't we jus' get the world and his wife along, while we're at it?! Do none of yous know about bathin' round here?" Jessa asks looking at Nik, Stilgar and Kellen. "Ach, come on then, "muscles", get yerself on board; I'll need a hand babysitting this one," slapping Nik on the back, "And makin' sure "Pomarj Boy" over here don't put someone's eye out with his pig-sticker." pointing at Stilgar.
She looks appreciatively over Kellen as he comes closer, and then masks her interest with a sneer, "Hope none o' yous gets sea-sick. I int cleanin' none of y' spew up."
"Jessa, give us a break will ya. You're worse than my big sister ."