[OOC] The Missing Warlock [4e, closed]

nerdytenor · 28th July 2008, 11:58 PM

Background

Your motley band of adventurers has been called to the house of Elloen Morrow in neighboring Greensfen. Greensfen has not been living up to its name of late, its residents having suffered greatly due to a mysterious blight affecting local crops for the last two growing seasons. Starvation followed by an exodus of close to two thirds of the population have rendered the town a shadow of its former self. Mardrick, Elloen's husband and a local warlock of some renown, had been researching the cause of the crop blight until his recent disappearance. Elloen and the town of Greensfen need your party to rescue Mardrick, if indeed he still lives. If not, you are tasked with discovering what exactly has been plaguing the town.

Adventurers Wanted!

I'll be taking five level 1-3 adventurers using the phb (no monster races pls, and no rolling for ability scores). If you are creating a new character, make it lvl 2 (using the method in the phb), and you may take one magic item level 2 or below. Lvl 1 and lvl 3 players are welcome if you prefer working with an existing character. Please post your character concept and/or class role ("I'm flexible" is fine too) and/or character sheet. I'll wait at least a day before I make my choices, so no rush to post first.

For party backstory, I propose the following: Your party was formed (actually, thrown together) in a pitched battle with an army of undead a few years ago which left most of the town dead, save a few heroes (such as yourselves) who managed to flee. You have little in common with each other, save for that, but your group loyalty is strong, nonetheless. (Feel free to expand upon this as much or as little as you like).

About your DM

Full disclosure - this will be my first time DMing a PbP adventure. I'm looking forward to PbP both as a unique approach to role playing in general, and as a test-bed for my in-person adventures (like this one). I like to keep things fun, I like to keep things moving, and I like to stay out of the way as much as possible so your characters can be themselves.

PennStud77 · 29th July 2008, 03:24 AM

I would like in. Thinking of a lvl 2 Warlock, flexible pact (if any suggested or out due to DM fiat).

BlueLotus · 29th July 2008, 05:38 AM

I'm a little intrigued with the story so far and I'm itching to play 4th edition. I'm new to pbp myself, but I'm willing to give it a try. I have a few characters that I love to play in various forms. I'm flexible, but I'll describe my characters in order of preference.

Moreen Lantra (two versions)
Human Cleric or Paladin
Cleric: A naive young woman who is newly finished with her education and training within the church. She has spent the last five of her eighteen years in its walls. Now, sent out to spread and defend the faith, she finds that the responsibility of being a woman of the cloth weighs heavy on her shoulders. She doesn't think she's up to the task. To make matters worse, her widower father who arranged her education is gone. His tailor's shop is boarded up and no one has seen or heard from him since the war (or another significant event). Now Moreen starts the next stage of her life alone.

Paladin: Now twenty five years old, Moreen has had many adventures. Recently, she battled an evil artifact containing the essence of a powerful demon. Though victorious, the spiritual battle has taken a toll. Corruption has shook her faith and her divine power. Though she is in a severely weakened state, she can no longer imagine another way of life for herself. She has turned to the sword, starting on the path of the paladin, and her long road of recovery.

Cybil
Human Warlord
A new character who I am still developing. She's like Valeria from Conan the Barbarian or maybe Xena. She dreams of a life of riches and glory. She wants to forge a legacy that bards and poets will recite through the ages

Levanna
Human wizard
Levanna is a bookworm of a mage. She spends a lot of her time thumbing through dusty old tomes in the day and gazing at the stars at night, both with insatiable curiosity. Because of this she can be flighty, even batty. She tries to avoid conflict and violence wherever possible, favoring magic which is flashy over boomy. Often, however, she finds herself in the company of other colorful characters who get into trouble and so has learned a few combat spells.

nerdytenor · 29th July 2008, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PennStud77

I would like in. Thinking of a lvl 2 Warlock, flexible pact (if any suggested or out due to DM fiat).

No DM fiat here.

I would be interested to hear a little bit about your character's background when you get a chance, however.

Cheers,
nerdytenor

nerdytenor · 29th July 2008, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueLotus

I'm a little intrigued with the story so far and I'm itching to play 4th edition. I'm new to pbp myself, but I'm willing to give it a try. I have a few characters that I love to play in various forms. I'm flexible, but I'll describe my characters in order of preference.

This adventure is coming from a dark place, background-wise, so I think either of the first two would be a very good fit. We can keep our options open in case someone arrives who is dead set on a paladin or cleric.

Arbanax · 29th July 2008, 09:22 AM

Hey I'm in if you'll have me - I'd like to play a ranger, but will fit wherever...let me know if there's a place and I'll come back with character and details - if that is ok with you.

Ab.

covaithe · 29th July 2008, 10:34 AM

I'll throw my hat in the ring with an Elven rogue, if there's room.

Karis Nerinya is angry at the world. The day that the undead attack that destroyed her village was to have been her wedding day, and instead of flowers, wine, and happiness, it was a day of fire, tears, and blood. She had to be dragged away from the fight by one of the other survivors when it became clear that the village was lost. Since then, she has stayed close to the other survivors, and vows that anyone or anything that threatens her friends again will meet a quick and merciless death.

Arbanax · 29th July 2008, 10:58 AM

Ok I'll go for it to:

Rellek Spirestrike is a Dragonborn twin orphan. The loss of his parents during an Orc raid and his rescue by his adopted father, the half elf ranger Torden Spirestrike gave him a place and peace for a time in a dangerous world. Brought up among the humans in Torden's adopted village, Rellek learned from him the ways of the Ranger, until that fateful day when Rellek happend upon the village too late. His adopted father lay slain, the prowess of his arm undiminished as evidenced by those slaine about him. But Rellek was again bereft of family, apart from those few whom he found similarly orphend with him. Taking Tordan's favoured sword, Rellek longs for the day to bring justice to the valley and on the villains who took made him and his companions orphaned.

Ab.

nerdytenor · 29th July 2008, 04:48 PM

Sounds good to me

Quote:

Originally Posted by covaithe

I'll throw my hat in the ring with an Elven rogue, if there's room.

Karis Nerinya is angry at the world. The day that the undead attack that destroyed her village was to have been her wedding day, and instead of flowers, wine, and happiness, it was a day of fire, tears, and blood. She had to be dragged away from the fight by one of the other survivors when it became clear that the village was lost. Since then, she has stayed close to the other survivors, and vows that anyone or anything that threatens her friends again will meet a quick and merciless death.

nerdytenor · 29th July 2008, 04:54 PM

This sounds good to me, too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arbanax

Ok I'll go for it to:

Rellek Spirestrike is a Dragonborn twin orphan. The loss of his parents during an Orc raid and his rescue by his adopted father, the half elf ranger Torden Spirestrike gave him a place and peace for a time in a dangerous world. Brought up among the humans in Torden's adopted village, Rellek learned from him the ways of the Ranger, until that fateful day when Rellek happend upon the village too late. His adopted father lay slain, the prowess of his arm undiminished as evidenced by those slaine about him. But Rellek was again bereft of family, apart from those few whom he found similarly orphend with him. Taking Tordan's favoured sword, Rellek longs for the day to bring justice to the valley and on the villains who took made him and his companions orphaned.

Ab.

nerdytenor · 29th July 2008, 08:12 PM

For anyone else interested in joining, we've got strikers pretty well covered - defenders/leaders and a controller would be most welcome at this point.

The Digger · 30th July 2008, 12:23 AM

It looks like I'll have some free time coming up so I might have a tickle. I haven't played a wizard in many's the long year so I thought now might be the time.

Joshua Dar Rhest, Human wizard

When an orc raid swept into his home valley some 10 years ago Joshua was one of its many victims. Suffering from many and severe sword wounds, the boy’s life hung in the balance for several weeks before he finally recovered. His mother died trying to defend him and his father, a local swamp eel fisher, although injured himself, struggled to care for the injured child. A year later ,when Joshua was still only 9 years old, his father died suddenly, presumably from the effect of his own injuries, leaving the child an orphan.

As the townsfolk were still struggling to recover from the attack there was no one willing to foster a young lad, still not fully recovered, who had thus few skills to recommend him. He was shipped off to a small local temple of Sehanine as a possible lay brother.

This was not a success. Joshua felt a deep anger and resentment at the death of his parents, and the rigid, regulated atmosphere in the temple only served to bring out the rebel in the boy. He was almost constantly in trouble and was regularly beaten for his sins and transgressions. He was also subjected to other punishments too brutal to mention here which at least had the effect of building up his stamina and his strength.

One day, during a particularly violent beating, a flame burst from his fingers and scorched the robe of his assailant. Fortunately the clerics at the temple recognized what had happened and, with a sigh of relief, sent Joshua to a local wizard, to see if he might be trained in the arcane arts.

For 8 years Joshua studied hard and was at last allowed out on his own to practice what he had been taught. But hardly had he set out upon his path than he was engulfed in yet another invasion, this time of undead. Although the battle went very much against the people Joshua was fortunate enough to get tied up with several other adventurers and for the first time in his short miserable life there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

Joshua is 5’7” and weighs 145lbs. He is wiry and agile with a body hardened by the trials he has undergone in his life so far. His complexion is very pale and no amount of exposure to the sun seems to change it - he never seems to tan. He has blue eyes, very short light blonde hair and a neatly trimmed beard, and small hands with long thin fingers. Unfortunately his past experiences have soured his outlook on life. The death of his parents, his being shipped off to the temple, the harsh discipline at the temple and finally the rigorous training regime set up by his master have all come together and left him a bitter young man, scarred both mentally and physically. Hopefully his new ‘friends’ may help to change that!

covaithe · 30th July 2008, 12:30 AM

Stats for Karis. This is literally my first time through the 4e character creation process, so some extra scrutiny would be welcome. I wasn't sure what to use for starting gold at level 2, since you don't seem to be using the DMG's rules for gear when starting at a higher level than 1, so I've left that blank.

Karis Nerinya, Elven Rogue 2

nerdytenor · 30th July 2008, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Digger

It looks like I'll have some free time coming up so I might have a tickle. I haven't played a wizard in many's the long year so I thought now might be the time.

Thank you for the character background, I think that will work very well. I think you'll enjoy the 4e wizard

nerdytenor · 30th July 2008, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by covaithe

Stats for Karis. This is literally my first time through the 4e character creation process, so some extra scrutiny would be welcome. I wasn't sure what to use for starting gold at level 2, since you don't seem to be using the DMG's rules for gear when starting at a higher level than 1, so I've left that blank.

You're quite right - to be honest, this was because I forgot about that section and didn't have my books with me. Feel free to use the DMG gear rules for a lvl 2 character - I'll post them later this evening.

I'll be sure to give your character scrutiny+1 this evening.

Cheers,
nerdytenor

PennStud77 · 30th July 2008, 04:23 AM

So it looks like:

BlueLotus -- Human Cleric (possibly Paladin)
Arbanax -- Dragonborn Ranger
covaithe -- Elven Rogue
Digger -- Human Wizard

I had proposed a Warlock, but as tenor suggested, we seem to already have 2 strikers, and short on leader/defender (depending on which way Lotus goes). To that end, I propose the character build below. I know nerdytenor has asked for more development, and I really don't mean to still be vague, it's just that in my tabletop game I am the wizard, and now that that role is filled, I am happy to play whatever fills a niche, and will fill in more detail once the role and designation are set.

Todarr Rheland was an unassuming Dragonborn child. Though he had honor, he did not excel in anything. He was comfortably in the middle of the pack in any contest or lesson he ever was a part of. It was thusly that Todarr was not expected to make much of his life, except to become a stablehand or farm boy, or something else similarly unimportant.

That was, of course, until that fateful day that the undead came. Most of the townspeople had no idea what to do. Those that excelled far above Todarr in martial studies panicked, some fled when the thought of actual battle was too much for them, others knew what to do but lacked the tactical skills to do more than react. Todarr, master of little through his childhood, finally took up a battleaxe for the first time with real purpose. All of those lessons seemed to hold much more significance for him now that there was more than a sparring partner to meet the other end of the weapon. All the training that he halfheartedly trudged through came back to him in a wash, as though a part of him was paying much more attention than the rest of him ever knew. It was Todarr who rallied those that stood against the undead plague and fought them back, organized several groups in a tactical retreat.

It was later found that the group he led to safety was the only one that actually survived.

I conceived this build as a Tactical Warlord (assuming Lotus goes Pally), but could easily reinvision the "leading to safety" bit as "holding the line for retreat" and make him a Fighter (if Lotus goes Cleric).

nerdytenor · 30th July 2008, 05:37 AM

The dmg says if you are rolling a character above lvl 1, you should get 1 magic item above your level, one at your level, and one below, plus gold equal to a magic item one level below, plus standard equipment. That's probably reasonable for a higher level character, but at level two that means:

One lvl 3 magic item
One lvl 2 magic item
One lvl 1 magic item
360 gold
standard equipment

Seems like a lot to me - in the party I'm playing with (not dming) we are all almost level two and have found three magic items across the whole group.

How does this sound instead?

One lvl 3 or lvl 2 magic item
200 gold
standard equipment

Hate to go back on what I just posted - I'll try to keep that to a minimum.

Cheers,
nerdytenor

Quote:

Originally Posted by nerdytenor

You're quite right - to be honest, this was because I forgot about that section and didn't have my books with me. Feel free to use the DMG gear rules for a lvl 2 character - I'll post them later this evening.

I'll be sure to give your character scrutiny+1 this evening.

Cheers,
nerdytenor

nerdytenor · 30th July 2008, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PennStud77

So it looks like:

BlueLotus -- Human Cleric (possibly Paladin)
Arbanax -- Dragonborn Ranger
covaithe -- Elven Rogue
Digger -- Human Wizard

I had proposed a Warlock, but as tenor suggested, we seem to already have 2 strikers, and short on leader/defender (depending on which way Lotus goes). To that end, I propose the character build below. I know nerdytenor has asked for more development, and I really don't mean to still be vague, it's just that in my tabletop game I am the wizard, and now that that role is filled, I am happy to play whatever fills a niche, and will fill in more detail once the role and designation are set.

I totally respect that, and thanks for being flexible. This looks like a good character concept. Let's go with it, and BlueLotus as the paladin. Looks like we'll be ready to roll in a couple more posts.

nerdytenor

nerdytenor · 30th July 2008, 06:16 AM

I'm excited - looks to be a fun group. Here's what we've got:

Moreen Lantra, human paladin (BlueLotus)
Joshua Dar Rhest, human wizard (The Digger)
Karis Nerinya, elf rogue (covaithe)
Rellek Spirestrike, dragonborn ranger (Arbanax)
Todarr Rheland, dragonborn warlord (PennStud77)

Please post your character sheets (to this thread is fine, or wherever online you like to keep 'em) - when I see all five we'll get going!

Cheers,
nerdytenor

nerdytenor · 30th July 2008, 06:39 AM

Beautiful character sheet/post, thanks. All the stats compute as well. I would not object if others used this as a template.

It would be nice to list where all the to-hit bonuses are coming from (eg piercing strike, +9 (+4 dex, +3 prof, +1 level, +1 item)) so that dummies like me can figure it out. Addition is hard!

Cheers,
nerdytenor

Quote:

Originally Posted by covaithe

Karis Nerinya, Elven Rogue 2