[D&D-5e] War and Romance

[penbeast0]

Originally Posted by penbeast0

...CrackedPepper, do we have extra cash for being 4th level to upgrade armor and the like? What are the main religion(s) in Umtakku?

Mine is done except for those two questions.

[Seekr34]

cool!

This be the first time I am playing using the 5.5e version. I was looking through it and was surprised that they took out a lot of items from the equipment list from 5e.

[A7ice]

Posting interest.

The setting sounds intriguing, and it definitely appeals to me. I've been wanting to play a Sorceress for a while now and that setting fits her like a glove, and I'm eager to finally test out D&D 2024.

Lieselotte Von Karstenberg-Streich - Application - Completed COMPLETED Name: Lieselotte "Lotte" Von Karstenberg-Streich Age: 19 Class: Sorcerer (Aberrant Mind) Species: Human Physical Description: Lieselotte is a vision of striking beauty, her presence commanding attention wherever she goes. Once a natural dirty blonde with perceptive blue eyes, her transformation after the aberrant ritual left her with shimmering platinum hair that glows like moonlight and ethereal, icy-blue eyes that seem to pierce through the soul. Her face is classically beautiful, with soft, symmetrical features—an oval shape framed by a gently rounded jawline and a delicate chin. Her skin is smooth and fair, with a luminous glow, while her full lips often curve into a sly, knowing smile that hints at mischief. Her lithe, wiry frame stands at 5’8”, with long, slender legs and a subtle hourglass silhouette softened by her feminine bust. Her movements are graceful, elegant, almost floating. Lieselotte’s platinum blonde hair cascades in thick, lustrous waves, catching the light as if alive. She often wears it loose to frame her face, though she styles it in intricate braids or elegant updos for formal events. Her clothing are often flowing dresses in muted tones of deep blues, silvers, and blacks, adorned with subtle embroidery or lace, highlight her femininity and noble status. Personality: Lieselotte is a charismatic manipulator who thrives on chaos and self-interest. As a Chaotic Neutral soul, she uses her beauty, wit, and femininity to steer situations to her advantage, always playing a role to get what she wants. She’s not cruel but is willing to lie, cheat, and manipulate without remorse. Her loyalty is reserved for the few who’ve proven themselves—whether as useful assets or genuine allies. A street-smart survivor, Lotte’s early life in a brothel and her time with tiefling charlatans taught her caution and cunning. She remains connected to the tieflings, using their network to her benefit. The whispers in her mind, remnants of the aberrant entity that touched her, add a dark edge to her personality. Lotte is charming yet cynical, composed yet unpredictable, and always ready to embrace chaos to come out on top. Background: Lieselotte Von Karstenberg-Streich was born in the shadows of Kiennen’s Commoner District, the illegitimate daughter of Elsa, a prostitute who worked in one of the city’s brothels. Rumors swirled that Elsa had a brief affair with Lord Wilfred Streich, one of the city’s most powerful and amoral nobles. When Elsa refused to terminate her pregnancy, she was found dead under mysterious circumstances shortly after Lieselotte’s birth. The women of the brothel, who had been like aunts to Elsa, secretly saved the infant Lieselotte and entrusted her to a group of tiefling charlatans, a nomadic and tight-knit community known for their cunning and charm. For five years, Lotte lived with the tieflings, traveling the countryside and learning the art of deception, survival, and reading people. They became her first family, teaching her the value of loyalty and the importance of having allies in unexpected places. When she returned to Kiennen at age five, she became a bridge between the brothel and the tieflings, maintaining a network of information and resources that few in the city knew existed. Growing up in the brothel, Lotte honed her skills as a Charlatan, forging documents, negotiating with clients, and assuming different roles to get what she wanted. She became adept at navigating a world of pleasure, manipulation, and deception, all while maintaining her ties to the tiefling charlatans. Her early life was marked by poverty and hardship, but it also instilled in her a burning desire for power, influence, and wealth. At 16, Lotte’s beauty and cunning caught the eye of Baron Albrecht Von Karstenberg, a distant cousin of the Holy Emperor. Albrecht, a lecherous and eccentric nobleman with a fascination for forbidden magic, married her, bringing her into the Noble District. Lotte saw the marriage as an opportunity to secure her future, but Albrecht’s true intentions soon became clear: he planned to use her as a sacrifice in a ritual to summon an otherworldly entity. The ritual went horribly wrong, killing Albrecht and tainting Lotte with aberrant power. Her hair turned platinum blonde, her eyes became an icy blue, and she began to hear whispers in her mind. This traumatic event awakened her latent sorcerous abilities, and she discovered she could wield magic unlike anything she had ever seen. After Albrecht’s death, the Mage Guild tried to seize his estate, but Lotte’s cunning thwarted their efforts. To maintain control over the estate, the Guild forced her into a marriage with Konrad Streich, a middling mage and cousin of Lord Wilfred Streich. Lotte, never one for fidelity, took lovers among the nobility and the artisan class, enjoying the pleasures of life while Konrad remained fixated on his experiments and magic. The marriage was one of convenience for both, but Konrad instigated dangerous experiments, blending traditional magic with Lotte’s aberrant powers and forcing her to participate. Though initially reluctant, Lotte was drawn into the thrill of discovery, even as Konrad’s recklessness led to his death nearly two years later. The Guild cleansed the estate, removing all traces of aberrant magic, but Lotte’s talent earned her a place in their ranks—albeit as an outsider, seen as too young, too inexperienced, and too unconventional. Now 19, Lieselotte resides in a modest manor in the Noble District, using her beauty, cunning, and aberrant powers to navigate the city’s intrigues. Her primary motivation is power—both magical and social—and she is determined to rise above her humble beginnings. She craves influence and wealth, having known poverty for most of her life, and she enjoys the pleasures of the flesh, indulging in flirtations, romances, and the chaos they bring. Her Chaotic Neutral nature manifests in her egoism, hedonism, and occasional recklessness, but she also has a soft spot for prostitutes, charlatans, and cunning people who remind her of her roots. While self-serving, she is fiercely loyal to those who have earned her trust, whether through usefulness or genuine connection. Lotte’s relationship with Lord Wilfred Streich is complex. While it is an unconfirmed rumor that he is her father, she has pieced together enough to believe it to be true. Though she would like to know the full truth, she is more interested in how she can leverage her distant connection to him for power and influence. Being already part of the Streich family by name gives her a foothold in their circle, and she is determined to use it to her advantage. Wilfred, for his part, likely sees her as a potential asset—a reflection of his own cunning and ruthlessness—and someone who could prove useful in his schemes. Lieselotte’s future is one of ambition and intrigue. She seeks to grow her magical power and social influence, using her beauty, cunning, and aberrant abilities to climb the ranks of Kiennen’s elite. She dreams of becoming a powerful sorceress, respected and feared, while indulging in the pleasures and chaos that come with her hedonistic nature. Her connections to the tiefling charlatans, the Mage Guild, and the Streich family provide her with a web of allies and enemies to manipulate. While she is fiercely loyal to those who have proven themselves—her “aunts” from the brothel, the tieflings, and a select few lovers—her ultimate loyalty is to herself, and she will do whatever it takes to secure her place in a world that has tried to break her.

[A7ice]

BTW, I thought that in DnD 2024 there are no half-elves...

[Stadiumite]

Draft in D&D Beyond

Application Name: Baudric Hallenburg Age: 24 Class: Fighter (Psi Warrior) / Wizard Species: Human Character Description: Baudric is a human in his mid-twenties, with an athletic yet lean build honed by years of guard duty and combat training. Standing just over six feet tall, his posture reflects both discipline and the quiet confidence of someone accustomed to navigating Kiennen’s aristocracy. His light brown hair is kept short but slightly unkempt. His piercing eyes seem to weigh people carefully, a testament to his sharp intellect and keen observational skills. A faint scar traces his right cheek—a memento from an early duel in the Night Watch. Baudric’s attire is a blend of practicality and subtle refinement, reflecting his upbringing among the nobility. His polished armor is marked with the sigil of the Night Watch, featuring faint etchings of arcane runes he has inscribed himself. His longsword, both well-balanced and elegant, rests at his side, paired with a sturdy shield. Baudric carries himself with an air of quiet confidence. While he is perfectly at ease among aristocrats, his demeanor remains approachable and unpretentious. He listens more than he speaks, favoring a measured tone and sharp wit when he does. His upbringing has taught him to adapt to various social situations, and he often uses charm and subtle humor to navigate tense conversations. Despite his noble associations, Baudric values merit over status and has a deep respect for hard work, which earns him respect from both peers and common folk. Occasionally, Baudric is accompanied by his familiar, a cat summoned through magic learned from his mother. While the cat serves as both a companion and an extension of his arcane abilities, Baudric is careful to downplay this aspect around his fellow soldiers, preferring to be discreet about his arcane talents. In combat, Baudric is a disciplined and tactical fighter, relying on a combination of martial prowess and psionic abilities. In close quarters, he wields his longsword with precision, using his shield to deflect incoming attacks. At range, he occasionally turns to a shortbow, though he prefers to employ his spells for ranged combat. Though his arcane training is modest compared to that of a dedicated wizard, Baudric’s natural aptitude for magic allows him to enhance his physical abilities and outmaneuver his enemies. His mastery of psionic energy further sets him apart, granting him a unique edge on the battlefield. Baudric is a man shaped by dualities—a soldier with a sharp mind, a noble with humble roots, and a fighter who wields both blade and magic. Whether in the grand halls of Kiennen’s aristocracy or the chaos of the battlefield, he is a steady and resourceful presence, driven by a desire to protect and honor the legacy of those he has lost. Background: Baudric Hallenburg’s father, a commoner by birth, earned his place among the elite through years of exemplary military service. Rising through the ranks with diligence and skill, he eventually left the army to take a prestigious post in the Gold Guard. It was during this time that he met Evelyne, a brilliant wizard specializing in enchantments. Evelyne’s talents were highly sought after by the patricians of Kiennen, and through her work, the Hallenburgs established strong connections with the city’s aristocracy. Though not of noble blood, Baudric was raised in the refined circles of the upper class. He grew up comfortable among the nobility, forming personal relationships with many of them. His upbringing afforded him a unique perspective—equally at ease among common soldiers and the aristocrats of Kiennen. Evelyne had grand ambitions for her son, intending to guide him down the path of wizardry. Baudric showed promise, with a quick mind and a natural affinity for the arcane. However, his restless nature and lack of patience for rigorous study thwarted these plans. Reluctantly, he abandoned his magical training and, following in his father’s footsteps, used family connections to secure a position in Kiennen’s Night Watch. It was here that he first distinguished himself as a skilled fighter, earning respect among his peers. (Fighter: Level 2) Not long ago, tragedy struck the Hallenburg family. Evelyne was hired to accompany an expedition commissioned by Duke Wilhelm, a mission shrouded in mystery and danger. When the expedition failed to return, it was presumed that all involved had perished. The loss of his mother weighed heavily on Baudric. In his grief, he decided to honor her memory by resuming his study of magic. (Wizard: Level 1) Surprisingly, this return to intellectual discipline awakened a deeper, innate talent within him. By honing his mind, Baudric discovered latent psychic abilities that blended seamlessly with his martial training. These newfound powers allowed him to enhance his combat skills in extraordinary ways, marking a new chapter in his journey. (Fighter: Psi Warrior subclass) The Festival: Baudric's father has decided to retire from service to the Gold Guard. He is of the age for it. He has become weary at the division and decay in the order of things within the empire. He is using the occasion of the festival as an opportunity to see friendly old faces and say his good-byes. Baudric is accompanying him.

[purplerook]

Originally Posted by A7ice

BTW, I thought that in DnD 2024 there are no half-elves...

In 2024 rules, there are no mixed-race species. However, you can choose human or elf species and then skin them as desired. So, a human-looking character with elven species traits would be a half-elf.

[CrackedPepper]

purplerook is correct. Of course, they could be lying or something else entirely in a game of intrigue.

I'll work with players on their gold. Each character has a different background and resources. Look for the Umtakku deities in the first post.

Welcome A7ice and Stadiumite!

[purplerook]

Alright, somehow a quote became an Edit. So here's the official application for Cray.

Application Name: Cray Age: Mid-20s exact unknown Class: Warlock (Archfey Patron) Species: Human (or Elf) Physical Description: Short, slim, androgynous build, long blond hair in a ponytail. Grey waist-length cloak over a loose-fitting shirt and breaches. Well-worn and cared-for boots—leather armor hidden under the loose-fitting shirt. Personality: Cray's personality is at odds with his background. He's always smiling, quick with a joke or praise for his gang members. Background. They were called Cray. Cray is short for Crazy and is used as an adjective, adverb, and noun, as in 'They're crazy', 'That's a crazy thing to do', and 'Did you see what Crazy did?' After all, it's cute when a child confers with their invisible friend. It's a sign of something else when an adult confers with an invisible friend. As they think about it, Cray has dim memories of a time before 'The Night'—a time with two loving parents and a comfortable, albeit small, apartment over a shop. There was a crash of a door smashed in from the first room, and Cray's invisible friend - Fi-Fi - convinced them to climb out the windows and onto the roof. There was a harrowing time running across the rooftops. Fortunately, Fi-Fi and Cray had played there before. Cray returned home the next day, only to find a gutted and burned building surrounded by members of the City Guard. Whenever Cray felt lost or unsure of what to do, Fi-Fi was there with a suggestion or some lethal claws in a couple of cases. Cray joined a gang of Urchins, surviving on the streets. Based on their insight and winning personality, Cray quickly grew from hanger-on to gang leader. Cray's motivation was the same as all - to survive and prosper. However, Cray took a slightly different approach - help when they can, steal when they must. Rather than being rats, stealing, and spoiling the rest, Cray's gang became feral cats - protecting their neighborhood from criminals and the Guard as best they could. The group became sentries, messengers, helpful day laborers - whatever the neighborhood needed. The group did not directly confront the various factions, but several individuals - both criminals and members of the guard - who went too far were found dead in alleys. By day, Cray seeks to improve the neighborhood; by night, they seek to foment change - undercutting the rich and powerful and raising up the weak and poor. Harbinger As day turns into night and Fall into Winter, so does life into death, as everything perishes. Night becomes day as Winter turns to Spring, and new life emerges from the fertilizer of death. In all, the only constant is change. The Harbinger is the agent of change. For without change, all that is left is stasis. Like the first snap of frost in the fall, the Harbinger heralds change. This powerful ArchFey cultivates those who promote change.

[/QUOTE]

[The Rat Queen]

Originally Posted by Aisede

@The Rat Queen, I just wanted to say I am awed by your application. It's heartfelt, for sure.

Aw, thanks! I had fun going down a research rabbit hole to come up with her story.

[HexCursed]

My realworld GM just important Half-Elves into his game world because he likes them, despite the 2024 book removing them. It's the whole "backwards compatible" theory where you can have anything of the previously released material if your GM allowed it.

DM: Shandelle's first draft is basically complete. Opinions and ideas are welcome. If I missed something, please let me know. I'm happy to make adjustments and improvements.

[CrackedPepper]

I love half-elves, too! I considered doing something similar and adding half-races for reverse compatibility.

Thanks, HexCursed, I'll look at your app!

[purplerook]

@CrackedPepper,

This is jumping the gun a bit, as these questions will only be relevant when I'm building out Cray's character sheet. However, it would be helpful to understand how you want to play these various rules.

And yes, I'm equal parts Storyteller and Power Gamer. I'm happy to consult with other players, but I won't offer an opinion unless asked... or it looks like the party will have one or more members die.

Questions

• Take a close look at Pact of Chain (...You learn the Find Familiar spell and can cast it as a Magic action without expending a spell slot.) It sounds like the Warlock can re-summon a Familiar that's been taken to 0 HP in the next round.
• See the new definition of Darkness (object not worn or carried). I'm assuming that this prevents many of the abuses of the darkness spell - e.g., cast on a stone and carried, thrown, shot from sling.
• The new PHB has lower prices for scribing spells: 15 gold (1st), 100 (2nd), 150 (3rd). Are you going to allow scribing at these prices?
• Who can use scrolls? In 2014 version, it was limited to a magic user who could cast the spell. I cannot find the limitation in 2024; activating a scroll requires the Magic Action.
• Can a Warlock take multiple Pacts (e.g., Pact of Chain, Pact of Tome)?
• Check out Hex (+1d6 damage hit with attack roll) and Truestrike (use spell casting modifier for hit and damage). It seems that a Warlock could stack Hex(BA) and Truestrike(Action) using a Light Crossbow (simple weapon).

And since you asked, below is an initial cut of the table that I'll use to tune Cray:

A-Essential, B-Important, C-Nice to have
1 Feat(F), 1-2 Origin Feat(OF), 3 Eldritch Invocations,

Priority	Ability	Options
A	Familiar	Pact of Chain (EI)
A	Extra Skills	Skilled (OF)
A	Grapple/Melee Escape	Misty Step (Archfey Subclass)
B	Scribe Scrolls	Skilled (OF) - Arcana or Caligraphy
B	Darkvision	Devil Sight(EI), Race Elf
B	Team Boost	Inspiring Leader(F)
B	Guidance	Magic Initiate (OF), Pact of Tome(EI)
C	Defense Boost	Mirror Image(Spell), Fiendish Vigour(EI)
C	Concentration	Resilient Con (F), Eldrich Mind(EI), War Caster(F)
C	Attack Boost	Hex(spell), Truestrike(spell), Agonizing Blast (EI)
C	Disguise	Disguise Self (MI-Wizard), Disguise Kit (Tool) Many Faces (EI)

[Snicker]

Originally Posted by A7ice

BTW, I thought that in DnD 2024 there are no half-elves...

If I remember correctly, all old 5E content remains valid until it's "overwritten" by an equivalent in the new rules, so technically half-elf rules are still valid until they publish a 2024 version or a rule explicitly disallows it.

[Revlar]

Rhoarin Albery Name: Kavstin Zilberen (currently) Age: 24 Class: Rouge (Soulknife) Species: Human Character Description: Many would call him handsome, with fine features. He almost always has a slight, but often seductive smile on his lips. His smile seems to be his own downfall in his line of work. Despite all his attempts to banish it, sooner or later it will inevitably appear on his face. Kavstin normally has shorter hair, messy curls coming just down to his ears. Smoldering blue-grey eyes do not piece the soul, but draw others in. His fine clothes are always impeccable and worn with care. One would never call his clothes extravagant, but neither are they cheap or rumpled He can, however, change much of this with little notice. Kavstin is the face he presents to the world of nobility and the well-to-do who attend their parties. Rhoarin, however, can be almost anyone. His short hair means he is never limited in hair style. He knows how to apply makeup to hide or accentuate his features, add scars when needed. These and more tricks to either go unnoticed or be noticed for different reasons. He moves between all the escalations of society as he needed, never limiting himself to any social class. Background: Rhoarin is a bastard. This not a rare thing by any means, especially when your mother is a prostitute. What does make him different however is that his father was a noble. And this noble led her to believe she was being courted. Showered her with jewels and dresses. Promised he would one day take her away from all this, take her as a wife despite her status. She was beautiful, sophisticated, and talented. She believed him, naïve despite her life experiences. She was in love. As soon as he found out she was pregnant with his bastard, he dropped her like a particular distasteful fruit. Rhoarin grew up knowing no father, his mother constantly in hope she could work her way back into the nobleman's life. Protected his identify from her son knowing her would come to hate him. She died, stabbed in an alleyway. There was no obvious proof and the guard did not seem particularly interested in investigating the death of a prostitute. Rhoarin's mother taught him how to survive. The brothel they lived in catered to the cream of society. The women of the house were not quite the courtesans' who attended their fancy parties, but far above the common rabble. She and her sisters of the sheets taught him how to imitate these rich, refined, and sophisticated individuals. He learned how to dress, how to speak, recite poetry and play different instruments. It was a happy life for the most part, being shielded from many of the negative aspects of brothel work. However, there was always an ember of anger towards these men who visited their house. Knowing that these peacocks of society could be as cold and cruel as the meanest street tough. When his mother died, he sold all the jewels his mother had treasured. He used this to fund a refined life, at least for awhile. He invented the personality of Kavstin Zilberen, minor nobility from a house no one had heard from in years. Forged papers were easy enough to produce and worm his way upwards. His training meant he was able to worm his way into high society. Once firmly established...he went on a quiet rampage of thievery and blackmail, operating in secret. He sipped wine, gossiped, leaked secrets real and falsified. Careful to never reveal himself, charming his way amount these bright, beautiful birds who hid dark secrets. Once day...one day he will find his father. He'll take everything away from this man that he loves. Just like he had done to his mother. He has an idea of how to find him. Rhoarin had developed certain...abilities as his anger seethed and sharpened. Perhaps they were spontaneously discovered, perhaps his mother's mother had similar abilities. But...if he inherited this from his father...well then they'd see who was more skilled.

[penbeast0]

Another pretty person (says the Paladin).