Sorcerers, I imagine, would spawn more sorcerers, maybe a divine healer as a sibling as well. Maybe Vex and I weren't infants and had already seen some awful things as children, but Mum turned us around...and yet, the world of the criminal underbelly calls to us as adults...family being the balancing factor here. Some trauma you just can't outgrow when you're adopted, but you can develop coping strategies, you know?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
These guys sound amazing. Love these brothers
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Ok see thematically the adventure has a connection to demons not devils.
I figured you wanted glasyan for mechanics which is all good.
But, if BD is very attached to infernal (from story standpoint) I will find a way to make it work. No problem.
Abyssal works for me, we could be scions of the demon lord Graz’zt as he has a perchance for seducing sorcerers. Bloodline of Glasya works reskinned for him as it has.
According to canon Graz’zt is also a former devil and also a arch enemy of Orcus should that matter...
Graz'zt is a real jerk in one Erin M. Evans book I read...I approve.
Terrific guys.
I like to have at least one named NPC in a characters backstory worth statting up just in case...
Incidentally, everyone fine with me using “guys” as a catch-all?
I have a couple for mine. If it will let me load it this time!
Hey Bez and Vex
What level do you see the sorcerous adopted mother being?Melira and Saendithas, do you think you would have any rivals or mentors at the university?
In any event, howsabout a Chonurgy Wizard named Hadzranl, a Gnome going blind in one eye, and a Tiefling Evoker named Rhendlynnth, a half-elf who's even side is Drow? Does that work?
Grimmy, would you have a preference for which tradition he eventually chooses? I'n leaning towards Chronurgy, but the sculpt spell ability of Evocation is really hard to pass on.
Good luck on your house adventure Grimmy.
Hmm, rivals and mentors.
My character might have a sort of 'rivalry' with some teacher wizard who didn't appreciate the musical nature of her magic or understand her seeming inability to read. Maybe a full elf who also looked down on her a bit for being a half elf. I'm pretty bad at names but maybe...Ambrod?
As for a mentor, perhaps some elderly non-spellcasting scholar whose mundane wisdom and impressive knowledge of the world impressed Melira. Perhaps a halfling named Holly.
Also maybe some lovers who may or may not have been involved with the academy. I like the idea of some strapping young human adventurer who has gotten old at a faster rate than Melira. They met when they were both in their 20s, now Melira is still basically unchanged but he's retired and got some grey in his beard. With the name...Corrin.
Good stuff guys.
It is my parents house being sold. I am a stagehand which means usually too broke to own a house :D
I came home from India to help my brothers build them a new one for retirement. This week we unexpectedly have to clear out of the old one faster than expected and also get the new one finished enough to move in. So it's a little hectic here.
Saendithas new avatar is way more oldschool! Nice.
Guys if you have other images not available on paizo avatars you can share links , I like to see fantasy art.
Edit names are fine Melira. I think Ambrose sounds a little snobbier. Ambrode? Ambrid? Whatever Ambrod is good.
@Saendithas I don't care which school, your choice. I didn't even know what chronurgy was. Huh.
Faidh Image One
Faidh Image Two
I am thinking more of the second for armor and astetics, the first one is looks, without the scarring on the face
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Faidh was chosen to be a guardian of her people and the Feywilde they hid in, but when she got into adolescence she found herself in love with Elua Furrach A bright young Firbolg who is a priestess of the Old Gods. When after a few years she cut off the relationship after finding out that it was Fiadhs' position as Guardian that they would never be able to be together that Faidh tried to burn off her tattoo of office, was found out and exiled to the Prime Material under the tutelage of the older Firbolg Spellcaster known as Bolga
Bolga appears to others as an old hermit Even though she is barely into her middle years. She though does not go into town as she does have difficulty walking due to her previous injures from her early days of adventuring.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Mine are on my profile! :)
@Saendithas I don't care which school, your choice. I didn't even know what chronurgy was. Huh.
Neither did I, to be honest! lol
Hey Grimmy, I tried to access the wiki you posted a link to, but I was denied! I did, however, see another campaign I left years ago...I forgot it had been ported to Obsidian Portal...
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
I wrote out some background in the form of orgs, allies, and enemies for Bez. They're on the DNDBeyond page, and I've copied them here...
ORGANIZATIONS
The Dandy Bindles - This is Bez and Vex' up-and-coming "delivery service" for several Houses. Bez is one for second-storey work and the occasional bon mot.
The Crwth - A larger confederacy of "delivery services". Also known as "The Angels" and "The Damned Lyres". All "delivery services" must register with and pay guild dues to The Crwth. Their leaders are made up of representatives from small crews and rotate leadership, and form a parliament, to keep a balance of power. Occasional "Emperors" of The Crwth are usually assassinated.
ALLIES
Vanni - Vex and Bez' sister, their Mum's biological daughter. Also known as The Spider and The Spinner, she's been the tutor for several royal children in the arenas of both magic and intrigue. Wishes her brothers didn't get their hands so dirty.
Bohk'ul - Bohk'ul is a retired orc pit fighter who runs a very pleasant tea and spiced drink garden. He's a soft spoken giant of an orc. There was a fight once in Bohk'ul's Garden. Once. The combatants were never seen again.
Mystagogue Lain - Lain is the caretaker of the ancestral shrine where Mum's husband (Dad) is remembered. The brothers never met Dad, so instead, they go to the shrine on his birthday, as they have for years, and talk with Lain. Lain is a very old, patient, gender neutral elf, the kind of person you would -never- want to act inappropriately around, not that Lain would do anything but chuckle quietly.
ENEMIES
Captain Renthroft - Head of the Watch, the Captain despises all "delivery services". Bez has been in Renthroft's office several times, mainly for reprimands and bribes, but once to steal the Captain's signet ring on a dare. Renthroft turns a blind eye to all of the Houses' thievery and considers them spotless and pristine.
The Cold Laird - The Cold Laird is almost a myth. They say the Laird is undead and many of his crew are as well, or, horribly, they strive to be. They say the Laird is a shadow behind several Houses. They are not to be crossed. They are not to be trifled with. They are not to be stolen from.
Bez, of course, has stolen from them.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Bez that wiki was a repository of setting lore I made with permission from the publisher back when I was running several connected games on here. I can make you an invite but it has been superseded by the official world anvil anyway.
Incidentally, everyone fine with me using “guys” as a catch-all?
Forgot to respond to this earlier, but since you are asking it certainly seems like one of the worse options to me.
Ambrose does seem snobbier to me too, not really sure why. Ambrod sounds more Tolkieny, but I like Ambrose better.
You mean ol Priscilla is out there on the internet....awesome!!!
Yeah, "hey you guys" is pretty weird. Grew up using it as gender neutral ever since the Goonies, but it sounds to me like it normalizes one gender as a "default" which is probably not helpful. Originated with Guy Fawkes apparently? Weird. Anyway I think I'll try to make a new habit.
Maybe try out "hey y'all". Or just "hey" lol. Ahhh, language.
Hey, Folks?
Yup so many perfectly good options. Definitely worth it.
I don't honestly mind whatever you call me as long as it's not intentionally insulting or degrading.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I grew up with it as 'gender neutral' as well but yeah, so many other options that are better. Thanks for asking Grimmy.
I really like the Paizo profile pic I got to choose, so I'll just stick with that for appearance.
I like that pic, used it for another character on here
You are very welcome. Glad I asked.
We are still transitioning houses. Hope everyone's having a nice weekend.
Good to hear chateau Grimmy is up and running chief :)
Couple of mechanics for Vex to run past everyone. At present myself and Bez are reskinned variant Tieflings with the Bloodline of Glasya
Source: Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
Glasya, Hell's criminal mastermind, grants her tiefiings magic that is useful for committing heists.
Ability Score Increase: Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Legacy of Malbolge: You know the Minor Illusion cantrip. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Disguise Self spell once as a 2nd-level spell. Once you reach 5th level, you can also cast the Invisibility spell once as a 2nd-level spell. You must finish a long rest to cast these spells again with this trait. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
The above fits really well for us both, but legacy powers fit particularly for Bez's heistmeister
As Abyssal tieflings are more chaotic in their bent (and essence), want to take the variant option of Devil's Tongue detailed below...
Source: Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
Devil's Tongue: You know the Vicious Mockery cantrip. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Charm Person spell once as a 2nd-level spell. Once you reach 5th level, you can also cast the Enthrall spell once. You must finish a long rest to cast these spells again with this trait. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells. This trait replaces the Infernal Legacy trait
Given Graz'zt saw himself as the most cunning and intelligent creature in the Abyss, figure Devil's Tongue makes more mechanical sense for Vex the blackmailer and beguiler.
Essentially will allow Bez and myself to share characteristics but also be distinct in our own innate powers.
Interested to see what everyone reckons?
EDIT TO ABOVE - Just realised that Devil's Tongue is a variant on its own.
Appearance: Your tiefling might not look like other tieflings. Rather than having the physical characteristics described in the Player's handbook, choose 1d4 + 1 of the following features: small horns; fangs or sharp teeth; a forked tongue; catlike eyes; six fingers on each hand; goat like legs; cloven hoofs; a forked tail; leathery or scaly skin; red or dark blue skin; cast no shadow or reflection; exude a smell of brimstone.
Devil's Tongue: You know the Vicious Mockery cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Charm Person spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Enthrall spell once with this trait. You must finish a long rest to cast these spells once again with this trait. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for them. This Trait replaces the Infernal Legacy Trait.
Regardless - the above fits better for Vex than the Glasyan. And +1 INT fits thematically more with my concept than the +1 DEX.
Nice to have some different SLA's. Bez will have Minor Illusion and Disguise Self, Vex will have Vicious Mockery and Charm Person? Is that right?
If two people cast vicious mockery on the same single opponent, will that opponent's next two attacks be affected?
I'd rule no by my reading. The next attack is the next attack.
I have Detect Magic and Disguise Self
and natural Invisibility for like a round, ie Vanish
Nice to have some different SLA's. Bez will have Minor Illusion and Disguise Self, Vex will have Vicious Mockery and Charm Person? Is that right?
You are correct sir - the Disguise self is potentially damned handy, but then so too is Charm Person :)
Regards Vex's build with him gaining proficiency in Thieves Tools from Rogue class, and also from Criminal background, will select Forgery Kit as an alternative. Seems fitting to his modus operandi.
On background NPCs - I'll tie in somewhat with Fez's details, but with Vex's own twist and relevance. As a blackmailer information broker and beguiler, Vex will likely move in slightly different circles than his heistmeister brother. I'll also tie in his NPC's to my background rolls where someone innocent is doing gaol time because of him...
I'd rule no by my reading. The next attack is the next attack.
Ok cool.
@Saendithas, do you want to have any NPCs from our background that we both know?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
... I'll tie in somewhat with Fez's details...
Bez's, is what of course I tried to type... :S
I'd rule no by my reading. The next attack is the next attack.
Ok cool.
@Saendithas, do you want to have any NPCs from our background that we both know?
@Saendithas: Just a fleeting thought - a wayward practitioner of Chronurgy magicks would be quite the asset for those of a criminal bent... Appreciate more stalwart adherents would likely look on such rogues as "bad for your collective rep/dishonouring the Academy" and would likely be (at worst) hunted down or excommunicated/expelled (at best).
Perhaps Bez worked with such an individual on a heist and as such you potentially have contact/crossover of mutual acquaintances/enemies/whatnot?
Just spitballing ideas - even if those links/commonalities are just conversation pieces rather than pivotal NPCs, but gives Grimmy more to work with :)
I'm open to have one or two locals know Faidh. Though mostly in her either mysterious traveller look or her elf guise.
Yeah. I mean I have run those kind of recruitments where I make sure everyone read painlord's guide to pbp and everything.
But, the first game I ever ran I basically accepted the first six people who applied. No one had more than a three sentence backstory. The module was 20 pages long.
Somehow we ended up playing that game for like three years. I could go to work for an 18 hour shift and come home and there would be more than a page of new posts of just the characters having banter around the campfire. They didn't even need me. lol.
The whole campaign was driven by their interpersonal dynamics. Those characters were such an endless source of entertainment to me, you have no idea.
I don't know how you make that happen exactly, just lightning in a bottle.
Sometimes people put more into the character creation than they do their actual role playing. They will write 4-6 posts a day in recruitment and are in multiple recruitments at one time doing the same. Once they get in a game, they disappear within the first 80 posts or 4 months, whichever comes first.
So mightily true, The Goblin. Do we have a Discussion thread yet? Or a Gameplay thread to dot? :)
Perhaps we worked with Faidh in one of her/their guises, yes! Vex, did you take a look at Bez' backstory, which would affect yours as well? Let me know if you want changes (or an unreliable narrator. ;) )
Sure I can connect that.
Well her most common Disguise is that of an Elven Fiddler who loves ot play in taverns when in town. Usually a few somber songs, but almost always one traditional dance song that is ancient and ethreal
@Saendithas: Just a fleeting thought - a wayward practitioner of Chronurgy magicks would be quite the asset for those of a criminal bent... Appreciate more stalwart adherents would likely look on such rogues as "bad for your collective rep/dishonouring the Academy" and would likely be (at worst) hunted down or excommunicated/expelled (at best).
Perhaps Bez worked with such an individual on a heist and as such you potentially have contact/crossover of mutual acquaintances/enemies/whatnot?
Just spitballing ideas - even if those links/commonalities are just conversation pieces rather than pivotal NPCs, but gives Grimmy more to work with :)
Really digging that idea. * grin *
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Vex, did you take a look at Bez' backstory, which would affect yours as well? Let me know if you want changes (or an unreliable narrator. ;) )
I did indeed sir. All good stuff. Have added my own spin, Vexcentric NPCs and comments below. Any NPCs missing figured are more Bez related :)
ORGANISATIONS
The Dandy Bindles - This is Bez and Vex' up-and-coming "delivery service" for several Houses. Vex handles the gang's coercion operations and shakedowns.
The Crwth - A larger confederacy of "delivery services". Also known as "The Angels" and "The Damned Lyres". All "delivery services" must register with and pay guild dues to The Crwth. Their leaders are made up of representatives from small crews and rotate leadership, and form a parliament, to keep a balance of power. Occasional "Emperors" of The Crwth are usually assassinated.
ALLIES
Vanni - Vex and Bez' sister, their dear Mum's biological daughter. Also known as The Spider and The Spinner, she's been the tutor for several royal children in the arenas of both magic and intrigue. Wishes her brothers didn't get their hands so dirty. Vex in particular sees Vanni's line of work as an open door to the bountiful secrets of the noble houses... as such he often tries to "invite" himself along to her lessons or targets families she works with (much to her chagrin).
Lilli Van Tessellate - Madam of the Camisoul Bordello which Vex has been known to frequent both as a client and to garner information from the brothel's courtesans and gigolos. Lilli has a soft spot for Vex and allows him to use the Bordello as a place to lay low (figuratively and literally) when the gang's schemes and activities land them in trouble.
Mystagogue Lain - Lain is the caretaker of the ancestral shrine where Mum's husband (Dad) is remembered. The brothers never met Dad, so instead, they go to the shrine on his birthday, as they have for years, and talk with Lain. Lain is a very old, patient, gender neutral elf, the kind of person you would-never-want to act inappropriately around, not that Lain would do anything but chuckle quietly. The elf is one of the few folk who are not family that Vex considers "off-limits" in his criminal enterprises.
ENEMIES
Captain Renthroft - Head of the Watch, the Captain despises all "delivery services". Bez has been in Renthroft's office several times, mainly for reprimands and bribes, but once to steal the Captain's signet ring on a dare. Renthroft turns a blind eye to all of the Houses' thievery and considers them spotless and pristine. Vex of course keeps a dossier of the good Captain's lapses in character, leverage that the brothers continue to exploit much to Renthroft's growing ire.
Polk Mudgecudgel - Halfling, Former Caretaker to the Gaspar Family. Canny as he was also incorruptable, Polk posed a constant problem to Vex as he systematically targeted the noble house in an attempt to "broker information of a clandestine sort". When the loyal halfling proved too troublesome and almost exposed the blackmail(er), Vex framed Polk as the culprit - which saw the Caretaker disgraced and imprisoned for the very crime he sought to protect the Gaspar's from! The defamation of such a good soul does (very) occasionally play on Vex's conscience...
Balgrish D'Voth - A half drow duelist-for-hire who has crossed swords with Vex on a number of occasions in matters of honour. The silent swordsman has infuriatingly stymied Vex's plans of blackmail with several nobles, who instead hired Balgrish as their judicial champion when secrets were exposed. Vex plots to dispose of the half-drow but knows it will be no easy task.
Nice we have a lot of stuff cookin'.
Guys the basic setup I have in mind is that the scholars at the university in Endhome become interested in the tieflings due to their research.
The clues lead to a town called Remballo as the location of Vex, I guess.
There is a very run down village called Grimmsgate whose little temple wants to send request to the temple in Endhome for an acolyte to help out as the priest is old and infirm.
Faidh would have agreed to deliver the message?
The temple posts an add for an escort.
If you look at the map, Grimmsgate is kind of en route to Remballo.
Saendithas and Melira might sign on for the journey.
This gives a chance for everyone to be pulled into a scenario together. Although, I am ok with starting gameplay without everyone united. I was thinking that might be kinda cool in PbP.
Now would Bez be already in Endhome or what?
Do we want the base of operations to be in Endhome, or Remballo for Vex and Bez? I'm not sure where else it should be. And here's to some brotherly synergy. Such incorrigible siblings.
Anyhow, Vex and Bez tend to stay in their cosmopolitan setting, unless that means that they'd be too noticeable in Endhome, in which case they are elsewhere. Let us know, Grimmy.
No, that's totally fine. Let's make Endhome their base then. It is more cosmopolitan.
Remballo is a small city of 7000 with some roguish shenanigans going on. I was going to stick Vex there to explain Blackdow's initial absence more or less.
Guys the basic setup I have in mind...
Geeeeeeez, I did it again already!!
End home is more of a side home as she lives out in the wilderness at a hermit shrine
Yes good. And out there in the wild country there is a small village running down to almost nothing. They want to send a message to Endhome requesting an acolyte to help the old village priest.
This gives a chance for everyone to be pulled into a scenario together. Although, I am ok with starting gameplay without everyone united. I was thinking that might be kinda cool in PbP.
Would that be your preference, Grimmy? Maybe have us starting out in small groups that find our way together through story and circumstance?
I'm good either way. Or even if we all start out individually and end up at some locale together.
Just looking forward to this, in any event. :D
No, that's totally fine. Let's make Endhome their base then. It is more cosmopolitan.
Remballo is a small city of 7000 with some roguish shenanigans going on. I was going to stick Vex there to explain Blackdow's initial absence more or less.
Guys the basic setup I have in mind...Geeeeeeez, I did it again already!!
Vex could have easily travelled their to undertake some business - brokering information that might be useful/valuable to one of the aforementioned roguish denizens? Or he's lying low after a extortion gone wrong... Fine with either, but makes sense to sell intel to those who have use of it :)
@Saendithas, do you want to have any NPCs from our background that we both know?
Shared NPC:Since it's such a quirky field...which is making me lean towards it, howsabout we both know the Chonurgy Wizard named Hadzranl, who's a Gnome going blind in one eye. For his personality as a mentor, I was thinking him being quiet, but quirky himself, sort of like Robin Williams in Dead Poet's Society. HOWEVER, I'm open to discussion on it. :D
Ok, that looks good to me. I think my character likes Gnomes, and might enjoy talking to someone like that. I'm not sure how interested in Chronurgy she would be though, maybe she tried it a bit but didn't have much talent for it?
What would your relationship with him be like?
-----
I too am happy starting out all in separate places. It seems like way too much work for a GM though, especially if you wanted there to be actual gameplay designed to be interesting for all the different little groups. Otherwise, maybe we could just meet up with one another quickly?