[OOC-D&D 4e: Forgotten Realms] A Paid Trip to Spellhold
In Amn, everything has a price. From assassins and slaves to art and artefacts, the nation offers an indulgence or a vice for everyone. The laws can be if you don’t have the coins to be in the proper side of things. From a Cowled Wizard of Athkatla to a simple militia man in any of the small villages of Amn, everyone has a price. Even you have a price too; this time, a very good price...Or that you thought. Athkatla is full of surprises, and when you came looking for what was promised, you only found a trap. Luckily you scaped with your life at least. As the athkatlaians says “Around every street corner and bend in the road, Amn might hold the opportunity of a lifetime—or a cutthroat waiting to end your life.” That was an example of the second one.
Now you are stuck in the capital city for a time.
What you know of the area:
Amn
Amn is a place where respect and reputation can be bought, regardless of race. The exceptions are many of the monstrous races, which have become reviled since the rise of Muranndin, a monster kingdom that lies to the south. The High Houses maintain a bounty on the heads of trolls, ogres, and giants.
Many adventurers come to Amn seeking wealth and reputation. Groups such as the Blazing Swords have seen their ranks inflate in recent years, and the lure of merchant bounties on bandits and monsters inspire many to take up the sword. However, spellcasting adventurers must conceal their talents or face the wrath of the Cowled Wizards, the only “legal” wizards allowed in the region.
The shadow Thieves are the predominant thief guild in all Amn. Bandits and pickpockets who do not ally with the guild face a grave threat from the domineering organization.
The Cowled Wizards are the cabal of the only “legal” arcanists in Amn. The Cowled Wizards serve as the Meisarch’s spies, troubleshooters, and assassins. Most are little more than mercenaries.
The Emerald Cabal is a secret society of unlawful spellcasters opposes the whole crooked Amnian system. The cabal occasionally arranges “unfortunate events” for merchant lords who become excessively destructive.
Athkatla
This capital city is the golden heart of Amn, though only insofar as the country’s wealth goes. Athkatla might be home to some of Faerûn’s richest citizens, but the city’s core is rotten. The council of Five controls every commercial trait, and dispense justice as money dictates. There are rumours that Shadow thieves have a free way to their illicit actions.
Athkatla’s government, the Council of the Five, have requested volunteers for an expedition to Spellhold, the abandoned detention centre for outlaw and insane spellcasters.
The Blazing Swords seems to be a recently formed and exponentially growing adventurers guild. For a fee, anyone can become a Blazing sword. Of course there’s honour to be gained, the glory of battle... But first the fee.
Spellhold
Once a Cowled Wizard detention centre for outlaw and insane spellcasters, the Spellhold is now an anathema to Amn’s otherwise ordered nation. The Spellhold lies abandoned on the island of Brynnlaw, and it has gained notoriety in recent decades after groups of adventurers travelled there and never returned.
The Five are interested in this places, but their reasons remain secret.
Character creation:
22 buy points
Level 1
Character Classes: I won't allow the clases of FRC. Just that. Also, no Spellscars. I want to run it as core as I can, to not mess up with the rules.
Background: I’ll like to pay attention to this particular thing. Also note that you must include your own reasons for being in Athkatla, and you particular episode with Athkatla’s finest residents. Where you set up by greedy merchant? Assaulted or robbed by the Shadow thievs? Arrested or blackmailed by Cowled Wizards? That’s up to you to decide.
Allowed material: PHB, PHB2, DMB, MM(Keep in mind that monstrous races would be in dire situations inside the capital city, if they don’t find a good way to conceal themselves).
It’s no necessary that you post an entire sheet, just a peek on background and main choices, like race class and such.
__________________ English is NOT my native language!
Mri'Thas: "Useless primates... " Sheng Zim: "Your existence brings the world out of balance. The chaos I bring shall revert it; unfortunately, your soul will be destroyed in the process."
-------------------------------------- Tuk Heavy Hands Apeldan: "Trolls are afraid to cats. Good to know" (Yttermayn's "Saga of the Dragon Cult") Cnosos: "I bet there's plenty of wonderful devices in that ship. Let's scavenge them at once!" (Blackrat's "After Earth") Metliz: Sounds like fun! (Arkandus's "The First") Thok: "Thok eats a lot, Thok big. Thok not good at first impressions." (MnL's "Valley of the Dead")
Marking interest (with a vengence)... will post more soon.
edit: Not sure on race, or a name yet... but the character is a Primal power source (either warden or druid). He is delivering an acorn (or cutting, or whatever) from his order's sacred grove, to another order in the city. He is attacked, and the sacred acorn is lost, stolen and/or destroyed.
More to Come...
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Mini Stat
Cross- Male Tiefling Wizard 1 Passive Perception: 12, Passive Insight: 18 AC:15, Fort:12, Reflex:14, Will:14 -- Speed:6 Fire Resistance/5 HP:25/25, Bloodied:12, Surge Value:6, Surges left:5/8 Action Points: 1, Second Wind: not used Powers- Blood Hunt (+1 vs bloodied foes) Magic Missle Scorching Burst Ghost Sound Light Mage Hand Prestidigitation Burning Hands Infernal Wrath Flaming Sphere
Last edited by SeaPainter; 24th March 2009 at 10:36 AM..
Are you sure with 32 buy points? Method 2 on PHB p 17 uses 22.
Pairing from the same sacred grove works for me (possibly even as siblings)... might also help me with this "kid in a candy store" feeling that's preventing me from nailing down a race. I'm jumping between Dwarf, Longtooth Shifter and Human... also briefly considered Warforged.
I figure that we could've been jailed during our "goodwill mission" under suspicion of possessing magic (the "sacred seed")... and even though we are later released from imprisionment, our 'whatever' is gone.
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Mini Stat
Cross- Male Tiefling Wizard 1 Passive Perception: 12, Passive Insight: 18 AC:15, Fort:12, Reflex:14, Will:14 -- Speed:6 Fire Resistance/5 HP:25/25, Bloodied:12, Surge Value:6, Surges left:5/8 Action Points: 1, Second Wind: not used Powers- Blood Hunt (+1 vs bloodied foes) Magic Missle Scorching Burst Ghost Sound Light Mage Hand Prestidigitation Burning Hands Infernal Wrath Flaming Sphere
sounds interesting and i'd like to try out some of the realms stuff. i'm thinking either human or half-elf sword mage, what's your stance on spellscars?
I figure that we could've been jailed during our "goodwill mission" under suspicion of possessing magic (the "sacred seed")... and even though we are later released from imprisionment, our 'whatever' is gone.
Good idea, like it!
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For siblings:We could also be adopted siblings (dwarf and elf got some potential), or actual siblings and a gone awry reincarnation ritual.
The only FR- Dwarf Druid I know is Pikel and both the Shield and Gold dwarves are not that 'rural'.
Shifters are new, but mentioned on p 20 in the PG.
I still favor (wild) elf.
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Okay, I'm leaning towards Avenger. This could work for Invoker if we need a controller.
I'm right now operating under the idea that my character was a servant of the now-banished Mulhorandi gods (I think Anhur is my best bet), and an guardian of the royal family. He died when Mulhorand was ripped out of the realms, but reincarnated with no clear purpose. He has nominally claimed Torm as his patron, but does not feel enthused. His last mission for Torm's church has brought him to Amn, but that failed miserably. He is now mostly aimless, working as a mercenary/bounty hunter/assassin and his morals are fading fast.
I'm imagining that he came here on a mission to prove himself to the Church of Torm, to protect someone. The person he was guarding had enemies and he was killed and I, having failed my mission, have no where to go. This is causing my aimlessness. At this point, any job will do.
I would love to get in on this if there is still room.
[Edit 2] Would love an avenger if CG goes the Invoker route, otherwise Ranger, or Rogue are possibilities.
An elven bounty hunter, female, recovering from a terrible beating she had received recently. The events of the last few weeks are a blur that she only remembers in bits and pieces. She was here in the capitol for a reason, but the blow to her head left her confused as to why. This city isn't her home, but she's been here before, in the past. Now she is searching for a purpose, any purpose, but her own unremembered purpose would be best.
Keia
Last edited by Keia; 24th March 2009 at 07:08 PM..
Reason: Removed Swordmage as a possible class
Well, updated the rules: No FR classes nor spellscars, as I don't want to mess my head with more rules. Sorry there.
You're right WD I mistype. The point buy are 20
Keep in mind that the party must be balanced somehow, and given the fact that there were many applicants I'll choose according to background details and party balance.
I'm taking up to 8 players.
__________________ English is NOT my native language!
Mri'Thas: "Useless primates... " Sheng Zim: "Your existence brings the world out of balance. The chaos I bring shall revert it; unfortunately, your soul will be destroyed in the process."
-------------------------------------- Tuk Heavy Hands Apeldan: "Trolls are afraid to cats. Good to know" (Yttermayn's "Saga of the Dragon Cult") Cnosos: "I bet there's plenty of wonderful devices in that ship. Let's scavenge them at once!" (Blackrat's "After Earth") Metliz: Sounds like fun! (Arkandus's "The First") Thok: "Thok eats a lot, Thok big. Thok not good at first impressions." (MnL's "Valley of the Dead")
I like the submisions so far.
WD and Seapainter, I highly encourage your idea of the linked backgrounds.
Charwoman, your concept is great, keep on with that avenger.
Keia, any of your choices are fine, you could link an invoker with Charwoman's avenger, or a ranger with WD and Seapainter's pcs, OR you can go alone, or try to work something with Sir Osis, who seems to be going pointy ears as well.
Sir Osis, feel free to switch your class if you like, I'm sorry about the swordmage :P
__________________ English is NOT my native language!
Mri'Thas: "Useless primates... " Sheng Zim: "Your existence brings the world out of balance. The chaos I bring shall revert it; unfortunately, your soul will be destroyed in the process."
-------------------------------------- Tuk Heavy Hands Apeldan: "Trolls are afraid to cats. Good to know" (Yttermayn's "Saga of the Dragon Cult") Cnosos: "I bet there's plenty of wonderful devices in that ship. Let's scavenge them at once!" (Blackrat's "After Earth") Metliz: Sounds like fun! (Arkandus's "The First") Thok: "Thok eats a lot, Thok big. Thok not good at first impressions." (MnL's "Valley of the Dead")
I'm imagining that he came here on a mission to prove himself to the Church of Torm, to protect someone. The person he was guarding had enemies and he was killed and I, having failed my mission, have no where to go. This is causing my aimlessness. At this point, any job will do.
Charwoman Gene,
How about if I'm the person you were guarding? We can combine the failed protector with the damaged and lost invoker, giving each other meaning again . . . though that may be down the road.
I'm thinking of joining up, fairly new to 4th ed but have played 2nd through 3.5 and various other rpg systems (old Star Wars system, Werewolf, Vampires, Shadowrun, Angels/Demons) so I'm still reading up on the classes and forgotten realms flavor text on the area to see what sparks my interest and would gel with the setting, leaning towards warlord so far since it seems interesting, race still underdetermined. Any suggestions for what the party might need that hasn't been covered or any comments on playing a warlord?
A warlord would be a good addition, mechanic wise. You can work with the other interested players to find a common background or feedback on your ideas about powers and feats.
__________________ English is NOT my native language!
Mri'Thas: "Useless primates... " Sheng Zim: "Your existence brings the world out of balance. The chaos I bring shall revert it; unfortunately, your soul will be destroyed in the process."
-------------------------------------- Tuk Heavy Hands Apeldan: "Trolls are afraid to cats. Good to know" (Yttermayn's "Saga of the Dragon Cult") Cnosos: "I bet there's plenty of wonderful devices in that ship. Let's scavenge them at once!" (Blackrat's "After Earth") Metliz: Sounds like fun! (Arkandus's "The First") Thok: "Thok eats a lot, Thok big. Thok not good at first impressions." (MnL's "Valley of the Dead")
sounds like a really cool campaign with good characters so far but I've spread myself a little thin as it is with PbP's... if you don't meet your 8 Voda... I'll hop in... maybe a distance ranger.. or another warlord (or cleric if that's not considered spell-casting) can never hurt to have another healer in the party.....
Elven Ranger Hook: Kornic was commissioned to survey the area around the capitol to find a an old hermit wanted for stealing from the Dukes royal food stores... what he doesn't know is the hermit is the former duke himself now disgraced and stripped of his title and heritage for some reason I'm sure you know about and I don't (*winks*). Kornic goes after and finds the 'hermit' and attempts to turn him in yet when trying to do so by force comes to the realization that this 'hermit' has some skill and wakes up tush up within the city gates somehow dazed and confused as to what just happened to him.
Human Warlord Hook: Harris is sent on his first mission as a member of the city guard. He's given his city crest, shield, armor, and weapon and within 6 hours he's beaten to a near bloody pulp as he runs his mouth to some shadow thieves in an allyway. He returns with no helm and no shield and is laughed out of city guard and is now stuck in the capitol with no job and no help.
Human Cleric Hook: Orden is given the 'great' honor of being sent to the capitol to train under the high priest there. What they didn't tell him is that the capitol is not very well known for respecting those of the faith and really that making fun of them or accosting them is a pastime for most of the regulars of the city. His first week is utter hell and the clergy can tell this is eating at the young graduate of the faith and order him into the city yo go earn himself the respect of the people, just trying not to get himself killed with be a holy miracle for him.
__________________ Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust....... ok who casted disintegrate!? You Bastard! Has Returned! Check Us Out! Players Wanted!!!
I'd like to join in as well, but I'm not extremely familiar with Forgotten Realms (will be getting the book soon though). I'd still like to get a character going if that's alright though.
I'm thinking a half-elf valorous bard current backstory going something like....
Luther had always been taken by wanderlust and adventure, and the rogue that sold him the map to the old caves beneath the city must have saw that in him. It wasn't until after casting off his last coin that the man gave him the map, and when Luther had followed it, he only met with four rather burly men looking to take what wasn't sold away. Luther's ballad would've ended there were it not that this group of thugs wasn't part of the Shadow Thieves and a pair of guild members just happened to find them at the same time as Luther. Thanking the gods and kissing the holy symbol he kept around his neck, Luther bolted out of the alleyways and into the main street. Now copperless and new in town, Luther'll be lucky to get a room at the inn without needing to play till his fingers bleed, but maybe there's a better way to make a few gold....
Name isn't concrete yet, it's just the first that came to mind (too much LoL2).
I also don't know what skill "perform" got sucked into, would it be diplomacy?
Racial Abilities
Elven Weapon Proficiency: You gain proficiency with the longbow and the shortbow.
Fey Origin: Your ancestors were native to the Feywild, so you are considered a fey creature for the purpose of effects that relate to creature origin.
Group Awareness: You grant non-elf allies within 5 squares of you a +1 racial bonus to Perception checks.
Wild Step: You ignore difficult terrain when you shift (even if you have a power that allows you to shift multiple squares).
Elven Accuracy: You can use elven accuracy as an encounter power.
Class Features
Balance of Nature: Begins with three at-will attack powers. Throughout your career, at least one of those powers, and no more than two, must have the beast form keyword.
Primal Aspect (Primal Predator): While you are not wearing heavy armor, you gain +1 bonus to your speed.
Ritual Casting:You gain the Ritual Caster feat as a bonus feat, allowing you to use magical rituals. You own a ritual book, and it contains two rituals of your choice that you have mastered: Animal Messenger (Player’s Handbook,
page 300) and another 1st-level ritual. Once per day, you can use Animal Messenger without expending components.
Wild shape: You have an at-will power, wild shape, that allows you to assume the form of a beast, and many druid powers have the beast form keyword and therefore can be used only while you are in beast form.
The wild shape power lets you assume a form of your size that resembles a natural or a fey beast, usually a four-legged mammalian predator such as a bear, a boar, a panther, a wolf, or a wolverine.
At-Will Powers Wild Shape
Chill Wind
Savage Rend
Storm Spike
Staff (5 gp), Hide (30 gp), Standard adventurers pack (15), Longbow (30 gp), Arrows (30) (1 gp) clothes, 19 gp
Picture
Background:
Taran was raised in a small wild elf village ruled by a druid elder council named the Grove of the Mountain Fold. His mother was a druid, too, and so he started early to train for the ‘family buisness’.
His otherwise not so spectacular youth was enriched by his shifter foster brother Twiixt. As the others of the tribe found the shifter a ‘little’ bit predatory, for him, he was just his brother, and he loved him.
He spared his joy with him, when he first was able to take beastform: the form of a midnightblue hunting cat. So, the family included two predators.
One day Taran and his foster brother were sent off with a cutting from the mysterious seedling they found patrolling the forest. Neither they, or the elders of the grove, were able to identify the plant... which seemed to exude a strange power. He and his "brother" Twiixt were sent off with a cutting from the strange sapling, in order to meet with druids from a grove outside Athkalta. It was hoped that they could assist in identifying the sprout, to determine if it was a blessing on the grove... or a curse.
When they arrived in the Athkalta they were promptly captured & jailed under suspicion of practicing arcane magic. Although they were later released, the cutting was not returned to them with the rest of their possessions...
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Hi I'm a comic and rpg nerd. Don't hurt me, please.
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