[D&D-5e] War and Romance

[Aisede]

Can you tell us more about Castle Konrad? The city info mentions it's the former home of the Duke. What function does it serve now, aside from a place to host formal events?

[Revlar]

I will admit, I did built my character to be combat viable and even exceptional, I honestly don't plan to use that facet of the build too much. Combat is fun and I build around that mechanically. But once I get to playing, I do everything I can to avoid it.

Which is one reason I did everything I could to get the max amount of proficiencies I could, lol. Gives me lots of options.

[Kshnik]

App Name: Barrett Gruble Age: Twenty-two Species: Human - Origin Feat: Magic Initiate (Druid), Skillful: Nature Background: Custom - Investigator (Dex,Int,Cha) - Origin Feat: Magic Initiate (Wizard), Skills: Investigation, Arcana, Tools: Calligraphy Class: Rogue 1/ Fighter 2 / Sorcerer 1 7, 7, 5, 4, 4, 0 14, 14, 13, 12, 12, 8 Dex +2, Cha +1 Str 12, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 14   Character Description Barrett was average height, wide shoulders, sinewy frame, his saunter exuded an air of agility. He enjoyed challenging himself; navigating around, across, through, over and under obstacles in any location. Around children he was always seen rolling coins between his nimble fingers. A coin would appear and disappear frequently. If he wanted to make an impression he would juggle three or four daggers for fun. Dark hair flowed down to his shoulders. Weapons hung from his waist. Pieces of layered leather provided protection to various parts of his body. Full packs of various sizes and shapes adorned his torso. Barrett outside of his family was confident, attentive and charming. If his family was around he was quiet and cowed. Barrett was not good with names whether it was with people or places. He was strong minded but illogical. He could be frivolous but also considerate with his coin.   Background Barret believed he was sired by the wrong Gruble male. He is the third son of Herbert Gruble, brother to Viktor Gruble. His father worked for his brother and his mother raised the children. His mother taught him and his siblings about nature. Often went to his uncle's summer home and explored the woods. Barrett did poorly on the study of the uses of plants and the ability of animals but was very successful foraging, hunting and finding trails. Barrett was even able to pick up some druidic magic. There were perks on being a Gruble. He went to the best schools but was limited due to his intellect. Lack thereof. He could scribe beautifully but was awful at problem solving and memorization. At these schools he was introduce to the arcane and even learned a few spells. Barrett knew right away this was not his path as could not recall the lore of magic. Still, he picked up a few things that have been beneficial. Life got a bit rough at home, as Barrett discovered his mother and uncle are having an affair. This led Barrett to visit some unsavory places and soon drinking and gambling debts came rolling in. A chance encounter with Matthias Wilhelm help alleviate these debts by doing some very shady jobs. Barrett had the physical skills but did not have the cunning which stunted his progression within Matthias secret circle. This lifestyle was interrupted, on directive from his uncle, Barrett went to work for the Blue Hats. He spent his first year in weapons and armor training. Now he is a greenhorn. A tenderfoot. A grunt. A swaddy. His daily routine now is to travel around with Peter Von Kadar doing his bidding. Unbeknownst to his uncle, Barrett still converses with Matthias and provides tidbits of information when it comes to the Blue Hats. Still have some debt to pay. A few months ago, Barrett, without warning, a fluke, gained the ability to produce magic that went beyond his earlier schooling. Something innate. Barrett has kept this part of himself hidden as he figures out what to do. An out?   Mother Barrett enters his family's modest house reluctantly. He hadn’t been here in months. His mother had sent a servant, the day before, and requested he come at this hour on this day. Barrett ignored the staff and headed straight to the sitting room. He spotted his mother sitting on the couch. Barrett sat down on the a chair opposite of the couch. Hello mother. I am here as requested. His mother took a sip of tea, placed the tiny cup down on its mate, a small plate of the same colors and design. Barrett, my dear boy, why are you so distant? You used to come by at least twice a week. Now I only see you when I call on you. Because you are sleeping with Uncle. Is what Barret wanted to scream. However what came out was Mother, I am working. I am ‘sure’ you have spoken to Uncle. He must tell you what he is having me do. Since my orders come from him even though they are spoken out of Peter Von Kadar’s mouth. His mother nods her head as she takes another sip of tea Well, the festival is coming up and all the Grubles will be there. That includes you! She nods her head in the direction of the small table next to Barrett. Barrett turns his head and sees an envelope. His mother continues That is your invitation. Make sure you dress in the appropriate fashion. Barrett reaches over and grabs the envelope and stuffs it in his pocket. His mom spoke again Would like to stay a snack. Tell me about your career? Barrett stands up Mother, sorry, I have another appointment that I must be off too. He walks over and gives her a peck on the cheek She is my mother after all and leaves. Matthias Barrett strolled down the street; though more in the center rather than the sides. Not a safe place. His hands shift as they slightly touch a hidden pouches containing a few coins and gems and the envelope he had just received. He stops when he spots the signed of the tavern; The Dancing Horse. He nods his head to himself. He has been here before and pushes against the right of the two doors. He steps into the tavern and is hit by the smell of ale and cooked food. It was a pleasant experience. Barrett nods his head towards the bartender and heads to the hallway on the right that leads ro a few back dining rooms. Not what I would call a dining room. Barely enough room for Five people to sit. Barret knocks on the door. A few breaths later, the door opens and a large form stands in front of him. The bodyguard steps out of the way to allow Barrett to enter. Its twin, not in looks, but in size is standing on the opposite side of the door. Barrett slips between them and moves to the small table. At the table sits Matthias. Matthias takes a sip of ale and sets the glass on the table. He does not gesture for Barrett to sit. Matthias speaks Well, as you should know, the festival is coming up here in a few day. You need to find a way to be there Barrett nods his head as his mind is conscious of the envelope in his left pocket. I will be there. What do you need from me Matthias replies You will be instructed on the night at the Festival your role. Matthias sits back, motions with a wave, for Barrett to leave. Barrett pauses for a breath as he tries to find the words for a question when feels a large hand on his shoulder. Barrett nods his head and turns and leaves. Peter Von Kadar A few hours later Barrett enters a building with no sign at the front. It did not need one. Everyone knew it was the headquarters for the Blue Hats. Barrett heads up the stairs and down the hall. He stops at the door to back corner office. He knocks on the door and steps in. Peter Von Kadar is seated behind a desk. Barrett walks over to the table. You asked to see me sir? Peter puts down a pen and looks up at him. I just got a message from your Uncle. You are to attend the festivals as one of the representatives of the Blue Hats. He shakes his head. I told him you weren’t ready. Shakes his head again I don’t think you will ever be ready. Your uncles thinks otherwise. Peter reaches for the pen again. We will be helping with security. Make sure your uniform is cleaned and pressed. Peter begins to write on a piece of paper in front of him You can leave. Yes, sir Barrett replies and heads out.

[CrackedPepper]

Yes, I have a plan, and everyone is doomed! Doomed, I tell yeh! *Cackles into a coughing fit*

Castle Konrad sits there. The Duke once used it for storage, and nobles sometimes rented it from him to host gatherings. There are not always parties, but gatherings of the macabre variety occasionally. Perhaps secret sects or religious cults to demon lords or the like. The dungeons were all the rage during those kind of meetings.

Young nobles use the castle for naughty reasons. Heck, adult nobles have trysts there, too. According to gossip, the Thieves Guild meets the Duke's youngest there.

The castle is said to be haunted by hundreds of spirits. Gossip also states that there is a cave system beneath the dungeons, and all the stories about those caves are wilder than the last. Who can say what is true unless you look for yourself?

The castle isn't used in any official capacity anymore. The previous Duke held ceremonies there, like knighting someone or bestowing land and titles.

[Aisede]

So it's that spare room everyone uses for random stuff.

[Revlar]

Question 1: On dueling and the like, do nobles generally carry swords openly? Is it expected of young (male) nobles to know how to fence and largely to stick to a "gentlemanly" weapon like the rapier?

Question 2: How much power does the thieves' guild hold? Do they stick for traditional thievery and assassinations? In this instance, my character is likely to be kind of guild adjacent. He steals from nobility and will likely need to fence goods, buy less than legal supplies, ect. I'll likely take residence in Old Town as well. Should I have joined for protection and permission to do do my less than legal operation? Or are they very handsoff and will leave you alone as long as you don't cross them specifically.

P.S. My concept is borrowing heavily from the Gentleman Bastards & a little smidge of Mistborn if that gives you any idea on my angles.

[Seekr34]

A good DM/GM always have a plan

[1Skell]

Originally Posted by purplerook

I’m looking forward to a game of intrigue. However, I think intrigue requires a certain type of player and character build.

I agree in regards to the type of player - one that knows how to and enjoys roleplaying - but not so much about character. With proficiency in a skill even a character with a low score can have a high impact by taking the Help action. Not to mention the value of simply having and sharing an idea with the character that has the high score and can make the skill check. The difficulty with stealth in heavy armor can easily be offset by another party member with Pass Without Trace, the lack of darkvision with the spell Darkvision. And that's without entering on the merit of magic items or DM simply waving a dice roll because the character's argument is particularly logical/good. To an experienced player it's more of a matter of, to steal CrackedPepper's words, party synergy.

__

On regards to splitting the party, in forums I mostly saw the split be IC and the posts happening in a single thread. More of the division being something for the players to keep in mind OOC. Different actions in different threads I experienced in so-called "Westmarches" games.

[A7ice]

Originally Posted by Seekr34

A good DM/GM always have a plan

Yeah, because good players always find a way to screw it.

[The Rat Queen]

Originally Posted by A7ice

Yeah, because good players always find a way to screw it.

We prefer the term "unplanned side quest".

---

As far as types of suitable character builds, I also believe that synergy is important, and that any type of character build can work. Game of Thrones had plenty of intrigue, and look how Cercei used various warrior types (Jamie, undead Mountain) as not-so-subtle threats for manipulation. Plus, there were plenty of examples of fighter-types with heavy armor and big swords who were quite good at intrigue.

And even if the character is hopeless (at first, anyway), the point behind the game is to have fun. It can be very entertaining having a group have to cover for their clueless friend's ineptness. It can also be very rewarding roleplaying the character development as the direct, beefy fighter begins to learn the rules of the new situation and develops a sense of intrigue and subtlety.

And of course, the rest of us could always use a scapegoat.

[silveroak]

Name:Caleb McDrake
Age: 19
Class: Warlock (fiend)
Species: Human
Character Description: A young man with dark red hair and a full beard, though not particularly muscular. He wears fine clothes, generally in colors of bright green and white
Background: Caleb was born of a noble family embroiled in the civil war. Demons came and killed his family, but he survived and was brought to Kiennen where he was left in the care of his aunt. his aunt had better things to do than worry about her nephew and left his raising to the servants while Caleb was tormented in his dreams by Demons. The demons however offered him a way out- all he had to do was sign a pact, in blood. Caleb held out for nearly two years before signing.
Now he has become of age while his aunt lies bedridden with some mysterious illness. Caleb has publicly allied himself with those seeking to make the life easier for the commoners while he has secretly begun smuggling food, at a significant markup and with great profit, into the larger city. His patron wants him to engineer the coming of war with the pain and suffering that will bring, but Caleb is more interested in the profits that can be gathered from remaining on the edge of war, possibly getting a bit closer without crossing a line that might threaten his wealth or position.
He regularly attends services at the temple of Jisan, and also Jauhar with less fanfare. He has played up the family name encouraging rumors that his family has an association with dragons, perhaps even dragon blood in his lineage, so public uses of magic when he is known not to have studied magic will not draw questions.

[CrackedPepper]

Originally Posted by The Rat Queen

We prefer the term "unplanned side quest".

Not the unplanned side quest! My archenemy! Err-well, I guess not really. I don't mind some side quests.

You all don't make it easy on DM. Choosing players will be an ordeal.

Revlar: 1) Dueling is popular with the youngsters. They carry blunted rapiers around and duel at the drop of a hat. Deadly duels are less common in the city. It's fallen out of fashion to duel to the death over honor. (Possibly because swordplay has fallen out of fashion, and they'd look like fools.) The youngbloods are sort of bringing it back, but they aren't usually skilled. Young nobles will open carry blunted blades while older nobles don't, unless they are proficient in the weapon's use.

2) I am aware of those references. I believe my office library has the first books of both series.

Yup, it's a big ole castle that was converted into a junk room.

[penbeast0]

Originally Posted by The Rat Queen

We prefer the term "unplanned side quest".

---

As far as types of suitable character builds, I also believe that synergy is important, and that any type of character build can work. Game of Thrones had plenty of intrigue, and look how Cercei used various warrior types (Jamie, undead Mountain) as not-so-subtle threats for manipulation. Plus, there were plenty of examples of fighter-types with heavy armor and big swords who were quite good at intrigue.

And even if the character is hopeless (at first, anyway), the point behind the game is to have fun. It can be very entertaining having a group have to cover for their clueless friend's ineptness. It can also be very rewarding roleplaying the character development as the direct, beefy fighter begins to learn the rules of the new situation and develops a sense of intrigue and subtlety.

And of course, the rest of us could always use a scapegoat.

And that's why the big beefy fighter types in heavy armor have charismas of 16+ and noble family connections. You lower class, leather clad, skilled in sneak types make much better scapegoats and no one is ever surprised.

[Hiruma Kohaku]

Victoria Kleinhamer Name: Victoria Kleinhamer, Daughter of Lord and Lady Kleinhamer Class: Warlock (Celestial), 4th level (Telepathic) Species: Human (Feat: Magic Initiate/Druid), (Skill: Stealth) Age: 19 Background: Noble (Skilled: Cook’s Utensils/Persuasion/Insight) Appearance: Victoria is fair of skin and very beautiful. Her light brown hair flows around her face and down her shoulders out from underneath a gold embroidered chef hat that displays her family crest identifying her as a Kleinhamer. Her clothes are finely made with accents of red and blue. Her light armor is worn as precautionary measure due to her frequent trips outside the noble district. She sports a couple of small frying pans on her hip with a rolling pin holstered on her back on her right hip in a special case is where her recipe book packed with hidden magical recipes is her constant companion. While she doesn’t make a big deal of it, many can see her cooking with silver cooking knives and instruments she seems to conjure out of mid air which comes in quite handy. There was one time though when a bandit tried to kidnap her that she summoned a cleaver almost as big as herself and described how she could turn the bandit into a stew. Personality: Victoria is kind at heart tempered by her upbringing as a noble to not become naive about how the world works. She gives freely to those in need while taking from those who would take from others. She has a soft spot for children which is why she always has some wrapped candy in her pocket to pass out. She enjoys hosting and cooking for others even the nobility which provides favors for her family in exchange for the rare opportunity to enjoy such delicious magic infused meals. These feasts give her the opportunity to utilize the cunning side of her personality. Being outwardly such a kind and giving individual allows her to look into the minds and hearts of others without being suspected of infiltrating their minds. Stealing secrets and memories from her guests serves to help protect her family from the machinations of other noble families that covet her family’s influence and affluence. She seeks a lover who has a kind heart and strong enough of mind to stand at her side. Unfortunately, her telepathy has allowed her more than once to root out suitors with ulterior motives. Background: Victoria was born the only daughter of the Kleinhamers, the wealthiest noble family in the city. Having kind and caring parents did much to influence her personality growing up. Her kindness and fondness for children came from her mother while her shrewdness and caution around the nobility from her dad. Vic’s love of sweets and her father’s passion for the arts led her down the road to be one of the best bakers and chefs in the city. Seeing other people smile when they eat her food fills her with so much joy. One day while she was bringing food to the market district of the city, a man walked up to her and struck her before taking the fresh blackberry pie and running away. Bleeding from her forehead, she raced after him but lost the trail. Walking around the more rundown section of the city, she saw the poverty and starvation that wracked the poorer citizens. The naivety of her noble upbringing came crashing down and her heart wept. Passing by the open window of a wooden shack, she saw the thief sitting around a small fire with his wife and eight children. They were tearing into the pie ravenously. The children’s ribs were sticking out so much they looked like husks. Victoria pushed open the front door alarming the thief who raised a club while holding an arm out to shield his family out of reflex. He paused in shock recognizing the girl he had hurt and stolen from. Seeing the family crest of the Kleinhamers on her shirt, the man dropped to his knees and started begging for mercy and not to report what happened to the authorities. His family hadn’t had hardly any food in a week which is why he did what he did. She placed a gentle hand on the man’s shoulder as she walked past him to the children. Fishing out ten chocolate malt balls from her pocket, she offered one to each child and parent. ”I was saving these for later, but you can have them if you want. I made them myself along with that pie. May I eat with you?” The parents were dumbfounded and simply nodded in response. The pie was shared with Victoria along with funny stories the children had about dungeons, dragons, and heroes. The mother took care of the wound on Vic’s head before the girl left. When she got home, the guards at the gate knew her well and immediately inquired about her head injury. She simply smiled and waved off their concerns. ”It’s okay. I just tripped and hit my head. Clumsy me. A nice lady nearby was able to help treat my wound. I’m fine.” Her parents also questioned what happened. They accepted her answer, but her mom seemed to be staring into her soul as she lied. The sensation was like dipping one’s face below the surface of the water to see into the deep. After a moment her mother smiled and looked over at her husband. He looked at her quizzically before smiling in understanding. ”I see. We’ll get you some more treats in the morning.” How did he know I didn’t have anymore? Because I told him about what you did for that family dear. Shocked at hearing her mother’s voice in her head, she instinctively spoke back without using words. Did you read my mind? Wait!? How am I talking to you? What’s going on? Her mother smiled and held her close. You have come of age to awaken my family’s lineage. The women in our family line all eventually become telepaths. A gift bestowed by a greater Fae onto our ancestor who treated their wounds. You don’t really think your father amassed all his wealth on his own do you?Her mother would go on over the years to help train her daughter in how to use her power to protect the family. Later that night, Victoria had a dream. It was a beautiful woman claiming to be the divine goddess of Love and Beauty, Sune. ”Victoria, it has been a long time since I’ve seen such an abundance of love given and beauty of the heart displayed as I saw today. The world is cruel and seeks to darken the hearts of others. You saw the ugliness of the world and made it beautiful through your culinary art and warm heart. If you follow my teachings, I will bestow gifts upon you to aid your natural talent of spreading love and beauty in this world. Do you accept my love?” Victoria could feel the sincerity in the goddess’s words and accepted the Pact. Upon awakening, she discovered three things on her nightstand: a brown leather bound recipe book, a pure silver chef knife so shiny she could see her reflection, and a chocolate covered cherry. The recipe book had thousands of top quality recipes as well as magical spells to aid her culinary pursuits. The chef knife could turn into any kitchen utensil as well as weapons which she could dismiss and summon at will. She ate the chocolate covered cherry which was one of the most delicious treats she ever had that filled her stomach and healed the scab on her forehead from the day before without leaving a scar. Years past and Victoria quickly became the most popular chef in all of the city hosting feasts for nobles and serving the poor in equal regard. Her food was most well known for being magical in nature and high quality. It was said her pies and tarts could feed entire families for an entire day. She promoted the message that no food should go to waste. This had the poor who scrounged in the nobles’ trash for food being it to her where she would use her magic to cleanse the food and water of rot and disease turning what would have gone to waste into free food for the hungry. There were even times when she would walk the poor districts providing free healing and curing of conditions such as blindness and paralysis. It would not be much of a stretch to say that she was revered by the poor and highly regarded by the nobility. It was not lost on her the rumors of revolt against the nobility and how the nobles plotted against each other. Feasts and communal meals were taken as an opportunity to scan the minds of the attendees for their motives or pluck secrets from their minds to use as blackmail or leverage if they turned against the Kleinhamers. She had to prepare for the future of creating a neutral safe haven in case war broke out. Goals: 1) Create a system that helps the poor stay fed and healthy. 2) Become the most famous chef in the land 3) Establish the Kleinhamers as a neutral party when dealing with issues between the nobility and ‘common folk’

[Classic Gamer]

Application Name: Quinn Victus Age: 26 Class: Cleric (Trickery) Origin: Sage Species: Human Character Description: The boy next door type dressed in scholarly robes, quill and parchment in hand, ready to make magic with words. Quinn is a friendly and helpful sort with well wishes for everyone. He loves his city and all the opportunities it has provided him. He doesn’t want a war within, he wants progress through peace. But he is smart enough to know how effective the application of force can be in all matters. So Quinn isn’t above a little trickery to help things along when needed. Background: In the city of Kiennen, commoner or noble, if your child has recently been tutored in history, chances are it was by Quinn. Likewise, if you have had a document verified, transcribed, or originated, Quinn’s quill could have been the one to do the work. He’s something of a local sage, and when he is not sequestered in the temple, or secretly helping with the backlog at the Mage’s Guild, Quinn is a man about town, lending his literate services to all in need…for a small price, or a promised favor. Quinn grew up the son of a baker and a city engineer. His parents worked to ensure that all of their children got a proper education, but Quinn turned out to be the bookworm of the bunch. If there was a library, archive, or book merchant to be found in the city, Quinn worked his way to be between the pages as often as possible. A priest of Tymora discovered that Quinn had a mind for more than simple book knowledge and took the young man under his wing. Not only did Quinn excel at the works of the church, but he also had an understanding for the rudiments of arcane magic. He learned a few basic wizard cantrips and was allowed to help out with more mundane Mage Guild matters. Before long, Quinn had earned the nickname of “The Lucky Sage” in honor of his connection to Tymora, the mages, and even eventually the nobility. But it was his work with the merchants, artisans, and commoners that built Quinn’s reputation. It also gained him the insight that the times were changing. Power and influence were no longer only in the hands of the nobility, but now also in the hands of the industrious. Some say that revolution will change everything even more. Quinn has his eye out for change. He is most interested in this festival to be held by Lord Frederik. If there is any chance to take the sting out of revolution and get the varying classes and citizens to work together for the benefit of all, the festival could be the lynchpin. Quinn hopes to help things along as best he can.