Technically, this is a re-recruitment thread, but I can assure any prospective player that you really haven't missed much!
I recently took over as DM for THIS campaign, and we have found that two more players would be nice to have.
Our heroes braved the horrors of the DEATH HOUSE under their previous DM. Following the end of that adventure, this DM left the group, along with one of the players. At that point, the group sought the assistance of a new DM here on the forums, and I was able to step forward. During this transition, one of the other players has chosen to move on.
Luckily, there are still four excellent characters in the game, and I will go over their roles later in this post.
At this point, the group has just started to explore the mysterious village they find themselves in, and have made the acquaintance of the son of the recently deceased burgomaster.
Curse of Strahd can be a bit of slow burn at times. You won't be going straight to the castle to root out its occupant. In my game, there will be the opportunity for role-playing with the NPC's, and there could occasionally be some dramatic moments more akin to the classic soap opera Dark Shadows. At its root, this will be a good D&D game with some nicely fleshed out locations and NPC's (luckily, the book has done so much of that work for me).
I have worked hard on the google slides for this game. I have found some excellent digital assets that will help us suspend reality as you type your posts.
This is a game with a slightly slower pace than some I have been part of on this board. I try to make about 4-5 game play posts a week, and you are expected to make a similar number of posts.
As noted, currently we have four players who have crafted some fine characters. They are all third level, and it is expected that new characters be created at that level. Here's what we have:
1. Blaze, a centaur barbarian
2. Sven, a human artificer
3. Velspira, a tiefling sorcerer
4. Shandi, a human wizard
Anyone who knows much about this adventure will notice an obvious concern: there is no cleric in this group. In this recruitment, we're truly hoping to find someone who can create an interesting protagonist who can stare into the abyss without descending into madness. A cleric fits the bill for this nicely, but a paladin might do pretty well too. Someone who can occasionally take the starring role in this adventure, all while keeping up with 4-5 posts per week is important here.
We're recruiting two players, so you may certainly submit something other than a cleric or paladin. In fact, a sneaky thief might also be a great idea for this group, but I think we're open to just about anything for the sixth character.
You'll be creating a third level character using either the standard array or the standard point buy. You'll be expected to maintain your character here on the boards, keeping everything updated.
There is no need to fully flesh out your character until such time as you are chosen to join us. Instead, once you're ready to make a submission, I'd like to see just your basic idea for the character, including class, race, and a paragraph or so of background about this person you're bringing to life.
Here's the most important thing: the next post in this thread is a short scene I will present. Please react to it in character.
I am open to answering any and all questions.
The brazier burning near the town gate provides what is perhaps the last warmth you will have until you arrive at your next destination. Its embers provide just enough light to make out that your friend Bruno stands guard this evening. "Soon it will be pitch-dark, my friend! Are you certain it wouldn't be more wise to wait for morning to leave the town? The valley this road leads through is thoroughly covered with a billowing mist, obfuscating everything!"
Seeing that you will not be deterred from leaving the town, Bruno sighs and attempts to get some information so he may attempt to get tidings of your safe arrival in the morning. "Where is it you are heading, my friend, and why can't it wait until the morning? Yes, I know your business is yours and yours only, but I only wish to be sure of your safe arrival come the morning!"
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Hopefully I'm not that bandit XD
The half-orc absent mindedly twirled the dagger in his hand - the common weapon seemed to possess an unusual glint to it, or was it only a trick of the light..?
The flickering brazier lent Bruno an eerie, otherworldly look - for some reason that brought a chuckle to Raziel.
A quick movement replaced the dagger in his bandoleer, next to multiple others, as he retrieved a second one from his belt, feeling its weight. He got distracted by something beyond the radius of the light, his keen eyes focusing in the deeper darkness. Nothing there...
"Soon it will be pitch-dark, my friend! Are you certain it wouldn't be more wise to wait for morning to leave the town? The valley this road leads through is thoroughly covered with a billowing mist, obfuscating everything!"
"The darkness makes no difference to me Bruno, you know that" - he replied, his eyes still fixated in the darkness beyond - "It would be wise yes" - the half orc turned his black eyes toward his friend now - "But haven't we all waited for too long already Bruno? You know me - I stalk and hunt others. I will not sit around waiting for... For what? For the darkness to come alive and take me while I sleep?" - again the dagger went to its place, this time not being replaced by another - "No, I will turn the table on this" - he growled, a red hue flickering in his left eye.
Seeing that you will not be deterred from leaving the town, Bruno sighs and attempts to get some information so he may attempt to get tidings of your safe arrival in the morning. "Where is it you are heading, my friend, and why can't it wait until the morning? Yes, I know your business is yours and yours only, but I only wish to be sure of your safe arrival come the morning!"
"The mist comes at night, so at night is when I should go" - the half-orc replied confidently, and moved closer to Bruno - "More than anyone, you know the rumors about me around town are not all unfounded..." - the glow from his eye flashed and disappeared - simultaneously a dagger materialized in his hand. It looked almost like a normal weapon, but there was an insubstantial quality to it, and it was outlined in the same reddish hue. As suddenly as it appeared, it simply disappeared again - "I know how to take care of myself. Above all, I know how to stay out of sight" - he chuckled.
Checking his well worn studded leather armor, and the several different daggers spread over multiple locations on his attire, he made sure everything was securely in place, then placed a hand on the guard's shoulder - "I will see you soon" - he nodded from behind his low pulled cowl, then turned around and dashed silently into the darkness.
A couple of great submissions to get us started!
I should note that anyone who originally made a submission for this game is welcome to resubmit their character (much like Gabriel did above).
Let's keep submissions open until early next week, at which point I will pick two players to join us.
Thanks for the update GM Quirk!
I'll throw my hat in ....
Shurq Kawlo
Human or Aasimar
Cleric ( Life Domain )
Haunted One background
Called to serve the Light as a teenager, Shurq has tried to expunge a dark stain upon her soul by bringing healing and good humor to wherever she journeyed. This place however resists the Light and calls forth the dark doubts that plague her. Thus , every night she sets out into the cloying mists, purging the dark creatures that plague the town...and her own soul.
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The armored lady glances to the side at the guard, "Bruno, isn't it?" she asks. At his nervous nod, she seats her helm upon her head, adjusting it in the dim light, rolling her shoulders to allow her armor to sit properly. She turned slightly, looking back into the town. There ,the lanterns and torches seemed dim and unsubstantial, as if the very night air sapped them of their power to warm body and soul.
Looking back at Bruno, Shurq smiles, answering his questions "Always the same questions! Someone must bring the Light to where it must shine! Will you do so? " she asks gently, receiving only the man's silence and then shamed lowering of his head.
Wincing a bit, Shurq seeks to redress her admonishment, "Stand to your post bravely, Bruno. There's not many men in this town that can."
Then looking out into the misty countryside, she says, "I am going to the old mill. There are rumors of strange lights there on evenings such as this. I will determine if they are for good or ill. " then looking the guard straight in the eye, "As always, should I not return, do not seek to find me."
With a gulp the guard nods and watches as Shurq walks down the rutted road, the mists parting to accept her passage, closing around behind her.
A couple of great submissions to get us started!
I should note that anyone who originally made a submission for this game is welcome to resubmit their character (much like Gabriel did above).
Let's keep submissions open until early next week, at which point I will pick two players to join us.
Thanks!
I forgot to mention that Gabriel also has access to thieves' tools by virtue of his background, and he will multiclass into rogue to pick up stealth and sneak attack.Do we have the liberty to read the campaign thus far or will we receive an in-character briefing?
You may certainly read what is happening so far. There isn't much to see yet, at least as far as what I have been DM for.
Still plenty of time to get a submission in!
I'll be taking a look at the submissions late in the day this coming Monday (the 16th). At that point in time, I will make a decision in concert with the current players.
Thumbs up ;)
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Dotting. I have a ranger (native to the lovely land) I'd love to play through this. I won't be able go get everything up properly until Monday.
Only question would be if we are rolling with the unearthed ranger, or the reprinted ranger. Either is fine. Gloom stalker would be my choice.
He is darker in tone but I'll try to have a IC reaction post asap.
Dotting. I have a ranger (native to the lovely land) I'd love to play through this. I won't be able go get everything up properly until Monday.
Only question would be if we are rolling with the unearthed ranger, or the reprinted ranger. Either is fine. Gloom stalker would be my choice.
He is darker in tone but I'll try to have a IC reaction post asap.
I am fine with whatever you choose between the UA and PHB ranger. Also fine with gloom stalker. In fact, gloom stalker seems like it might fit well within the setting.
Looking forward to reading more from you.
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Human or half-elf most likely.
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Darrien gave a quick glance towards Bruno, breaking his gaze from the mist and shadows beyond. The light from the brazier marking the guard clear as day for any to see from a mile away. It glinted off the mans helmet as it flickered in the wind. Instinctively, Darrien tried to blend into the dancing shadows cast from the flame as he approached. After several seconds his eyes, barely visible from under his hood, flicked back to the mist where they remained for the rest of the conversation. He tightened his gloves and checked his blade and bow as he stopped momentarily before speaking. His freshly acquired supplies resting as a heavy comfort in his pack.
My father had mastered the dark and mist. He taught me more than enough about it. It doesn't frighten nor hinder me, I won't let it.
Darrien pauses for a moment. A small frown forming on his face as he thinks. He never was one for conversation, and many of the folk preferred it that way. Often actively keeping their distance from him, and his father before him. After all. Anyone that can survive in the land as they did, or fight the monsters they had, Surely must be monsters themselves. To most of those living here, he was as much an outsider as his mother had been when she arrived, and likely would always be viewed that way. But Bruno had always been friendly and kind. So he figured a little more explanation would be fine.
with my father gone, the duty of keeping the roadways safe falls to me now.
The claim wasn't in pride or boasting. It was but a fact, for few folk in this land sought to actively fight back against the shadow. After all, someone has to remind this land, remind him, we wont just roll over for it and die. To kindle a flame of hope in defiance of it.. Like my mother would have wanted. And while I can't nourish that flickering flame in the way she did. I can fight to push back the darkening shadows encroaching on it... Just as we need people like you, willing to defend their homes, we need those willing to take the fight to them. To him he instinctively thinks to himself
After all, you cannot win a battle by defending alone. I shall make them fear the darkness that is their own home... he mutters the last line as much to himself as to Bruno. Then, despite himself he gives a small smile at the other man. You'll see me again in a few days time. I won't let the land take me, you can count on that. Ive learned much from the shadows, and still have more I can learn.
He barely whispers the last sentence as he pulls the hood of his cloak tighter and makes his way into the dark mist with not a single torch to aid him. Becoming naught but A shadow, in the darkening mist.
And one day, I may just learn enough to avenge them both. he comforts himself as the cold air and mist penetrates the warmth of his skin.
Here is my Ranger, mechanics wise. I'll fully flesh it out if selected.
Variant Human Ranger, with the outlander Background. Using the Revised Ranger(official)
ATM I have sharpshooter listed as his feat, but I'm debating between it, Alert, and Skill Expert.
Basic Synopsis is-
Darrien is the son of a local Barovian Forrester/hunstman Cedric and Aria, a cleric of Lliira, that came to the land to ease the suffering of its people. She was able to do that for a time, and while many found her strange, everyone enjoyed whenever she was around. Sadly, not more than a year ago, the eyes of dread fell upon the couple. The ending result was his father dead, and his mother presumed dead but missing entirely, no body, no blood, nothing. A significant driving event during this was Darrien's hesitation, largely due to fear, which he perceives as costing his father, and his mother, their lives. He has since taken up the mantle of his fathers self proclaimed title as Hunter of Shadows. Darrien had been more open and friendly as well, even happy go lucky. However after the incident he became more cold and much more serious in demeanor. For a time, He fell to despair, becoming a hermit and for lack of a better term, a bum. Anger/Hate brought him out of this pit of self pity. As such, he will have some fun diametrically opposed lines of thought. One being fulled by anger, the other fueled by hope.
Thank you for the submissions.
I, with the assistance of the current players, will be making a selection within the next 48 hours.
All four submissions are worthy, and I wish I could find a place for all of you. Your time and consideration are appreciated.
Yup good luck....it's never and easy decision!
Gotcha, thanks for the update.
Hey everyone, I am stepping out from the recruitment. Wish you a great game!
It is. Just not posted here unfortunately.
Likewise!
Yes, Gabriel, I did send you a personal note via PM. I thought that MORE considerate than simply posting here. My apologies if you don't find it so.