[D&D-5e] War of the Wastes

[BlackAssassin19]

Game Name War of the Wastes

Game System DnD 5e

Theme A group of ne'er-do-wells assist an evil lich in his rise to power.

Flavour Gritty, dark roleplay in a war-torn land

Plot Summary Inside the Black Keep... "You have done well in my absence my sons..." The voice came out as a whisper, like the soft rolling of water across stone. "I have sat at the side of Felcor in the afterlife, and his domain is nearly full after the last great war. He has tasked me with breaking the veil between this world and the next. You have fulfilled the first step when you found my broken body beneath the piled dead of the citadel." The former archmage and ruler of Cardea, Kranar Blacknova, paused for a few moments to allow the priest kneeling by his side to put another stitch in the old ragged wound that split him from collarbone to pelvis. Through the unstitched area ribs and a ghastly, yellow brown lung could be seen, though it did not rise and fall with breath. "Through your magic Felcor has seen fit to give my body life again, though my soul is forever tethered to him in the afterlife. For your service he will award you as well. Have the black dozen went out? Will I have my army?" The eldest son, Yaran, looked his father in his cold, ice blue eyes. "Yes father, the twelve wraiths departed nearly a month ago. Those still faithful to you will return with them. General Biovode still holds office as steward in the capitol and awaits your command to strike. The Angaz occupation has not been easy on the citizens of Cardea, many who did not follow you the first time will join us in revolt now... Father, now is the time of Felcor. Now is our time." Through broken, black teeth the Archmage smiled. Background Hello guys and gals! I have decided to restart a game I ran years ago on the site as 3.5e and remaster it with the 5e ruleset. It is a dark, sometimes gruesome, story oriented game revolving around the rise to power of an evil archmage, Kranar Blacknova. He unsuccessfully waged a war on the giant-led nation of Angaz in the previous generation but was eventually stopped by the giant king Larone. Now the god of death, Felcor, has saw fit to give him another chance at life/unlife as a lich. With the help of his sons, a trusted general, and an army of undead and murderous sell-swords he will attempt to break the veil of this world and the afterlife by filling the death god's domain to bursting. This will cause the angry souls of the afterlife to fill the living world and wreak havoc on it's inhabitants. For more information on the world of Karnath, see the thread here Game Details To aid the lich in his quest I will be looking for 4-5 villains that were recruited into his service by a member of the Black Dozen, a group of intelligent wraiths that are servants of Felcor himself. The players will be members of an elite fighting unit that is always one step ahead of the main army, doing missions deemed too important for the undead legions. I expect the game to be a 50/50 mix of roleplay and combat. You probably won't see many puzzle encounters in this game. I would like to see a post rate of 1/weekday. If you are going to be absent for longer than a couple of days at a time I would appreciate a head's up, and I will strive to do the same for you. Character Applications Starting Level: 3 Starting Equipment: Per the PHB for your class and background Starting Gold: 300gp Races allowed: Standard, per the PHB with a few exceptions. Giants are present in the world of Karnath, and stats will be shown below Note that dark elves, dragonborn, and tieflings do not exist in this world and orcs and half-orcs have the same racial features. For information on races in Karnath see the thread here. Classes allowed: Per PBH, I'll allow most of the variants from the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide, just ask first. Alignment: If you aren't evil, you had better have a good reason to be working for an evil lich. =) Stats: 27 Point Buy System (PHB page 13) Hit Points: Standard per PHB by class. You can also choose to take average rolls for every level past the first. You can roll dice here for character creation purposes, just please use a spoiler tag while doing so. History: Please write a short history of your character's life that includes their background selected from the PHB and why they would be wishing to join the service of an evil lich. An older character may have even fought in the first war in Blacknova's army. Physical Description: Please write a short description of your character's physical traits and description. Roleplaying: Just for my curiosity and future use, please list 1-3 goals your character has or situations that you would like to roleplay in this game. Deadline: Applications should be posted no later than 1/31.

Playable race: Giant Giants Giants are the children of the god Hromgardt and as a majority have seen themselves as the superior race since the beginnings of time. They originally came from the frozen wastes of the Frostlands, which describes how they received their pale skin and hair. Millennia ago the god Hromgardt’s two youngest sons, Angaz and Anvar, left the Frostlands with their sons and daughters and went south. They established two nations named after themselves and took the humans of the regions under their protection against the encroaching orcs. Their eldest brother Haroth saw this departure as weakness and he and his descendants have waged war upon his good-aligned brothers ever since. Giants are impervious to slow death by aging. Although still vulnerable to other ways of death, a giant never loses the strength of body and mind that he had in his prime. Once they reach 25 years of age they are considered mature and of childbearing age. Giants multiply very slowly however, and can only bear children, which always come in the form of twins, once every hundred years. Because of this, there aren’t more than a few thousand giants alive today. A couple hundred of them form the ruling class in Angaz and Anvar, while most others remain in their ancestral home of the Frostlands. A few roaming giants earn their living as sell swords and warlords, using their martial skills for their own gain. The culture of giants is extremely patriarchal. The eldest male giant of a family holds supreme rule, and all of his children and grandchildren follow him without question except in extreme cases. If a giant abandons his family he has lost his honor within his culture and can never gain it back. Marriage is arranged by the patriarchs of both families, and the female giant becomes a permanent member of her husband’s clan, even if her husband later dies. Average giants stand 8 feet tall and weigh about 400 pounds. They are lean, but well muscled. Their skin is always very pale, and their hair ranges from silver-white to a golden brown. Because of their build, many choose the path of the warrior. Because of their long life however, just as many choose to spend their days following the mage's profession. Ability Score Increase - +2 Strength, +2 Constitution Alignment - The alignment of a giant will vary based on their upbringing. Giants of Anvar and Angaz are typically neutral and sometimes good. Giants of the Frostlands and wandering mercenaries are nearly always evil. All giants tend to be lawful. Size - Medium, larger than other intelligent races but not as large as ogres. Speed - Base walking speed is 30 feet. Headstrong - Giants have advantage on saving throws against spells or abilities that result in loss of character control, including suggestion and mind control. Language - Common, Giant, and one additional language of your choice. Proficiency - Giants have proficiency with greatswords, halberds, and mauls. Due to their large imposing nature they gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill for free.

Applicants so far -
Zagros - Sleethor, Mountain Dwarf Barbarian
Manithro - Kouldar Lifeculler, Hill Dwarf Death Cleric
Bumble - Vola, Orc Druid
Teban100 - Tahara Balin, Half-Elven Warlock/Cleric
Stormhammer - Brutus Ironskull, Human Fighter
Ishkar - Gresel Darkbeard, Giant War Cleric
calneris rotwing - Rhaam, Giant Barbarian
RedSun - Whisperdark, Wood Elf Monk

[Zagros]

Name: Sleethor
Gender: Male
Race: Mountain Dwarf
Age: 98
Class: Barbarian (Path of the Berserker)
Alignment: NE
History: Sleethor grew up under a different name as a servant of the household of Urnath Silvershield. His youth was typical, spending time away from school in his mother's small store. He idolized his father, who was often away as a personal guard to Urnath. He desperately wished to join the guard like his father, but could not master the rigid discipline and fighting styles of the tight fighting unit. His attacks were vicious and effective, but often a danger to those around him as well as his enemies. When he reached age of majority he found himself adrift, taking work as a caravan guard between the distant dwarven citadels. It was on a rare overland trading mission through the mountains of Cardea that a freak rockslide left Sleethor blocked off from the rest of his party. Over the course of several days and several near-fatal incidents, he was able to catch up to the caravan. He made camp his final night alone on a rock overlooking their fires, eager to surprise them in the morning. A trick of the mountains allowed him to overhear their evening banter perfectly. They had not only rushed to move on without even a cursory search for his body, but even now were already disparaging his skills as a guard, a fighter, and even a dwarf. He spent a long, cold night on that ledge, awake and staring into the darkness long after the caravan had turned in for the night. When they moved on, he did not follow.

Sleethor spent over forty years Hermit backgroundalone on that mountain.

Description: Sleethor keeps his black beard in a complex pattern of interlocking plaits that keeps the long strands under control when he enters a rage. His eyes are piercing black and sunk deep beneath heavy black eyebrows. He is surprisingly lean for a dwarf.

Roleplaying: Despite his return to society, Sleethor still acts the hermit. He rarely speaks, but clearly has much on his mind. Nothing rattles him, greeting every turn of events with a calm and even, if somewhat resigned, demeanor. The only exception is when he enters his battle rage: then the opposite is true, and he attacks with savage abandon. Everything he does is in his own interest. He never, ever speaks of his childhood or time on the mountain.

 

See? Nothing!

[Hircine]

I may be interested, but I have a couple of questions.

1. Are the Oathbreaker Paladin and Death Cleric options that are allowed in this campaign?
2. I noticed that giants are listed on the race page you linked. Does that mean that they are available for players?
3. If yes, then do you intend to change the starting stats and abilities of the giant race? I assume this campaign wasn't originally made for 5e, because the stats you have down there make the giants look severely underpowered to me. I could be wrong though; never actually played a 5e game yet. Which reminds me:
4. Are you accepting new players? (New to the site, and/or new to 5e)

[BlackAssassin19]

Originally Posted by Hircine

I may be interested, but I have a couple of questions.

1. Are the Oathbreaker Paladin and Death Cleric options that are allowed in this campaign?
2. I noticed that giants are listed on the race page you linked. Does that mean that they are available for players?
3. If yes, then do you intend to change the starting stats and abilities of the giant race? I assume this campaign wasn't originally made for 5e, because the stats you have down there make the giants look severely underpowered to me. I could be wrong though; never actually played a 5e game yet. Which reminds me:
4. Are you accepting new players? (New to the site, and/or new to 5e)

Hi Hircine,

I'll allow Oathbreaker Paladin and Death Cleric options as long as your character's background is in line with the class. It shouldn't be too hard, in fact Kranar Blacknova's oldest son is a Death Cleric and his trusted general Biovode is an Oathbreaker Paladin.

You are correct that the giant race wasn't originally made for 5e, I'm reusing the setting from a 3.5e game. A subrace (actually the original race) of giants are evil beings that still rule in the northern lands, so I will allow a giant character. Just keep in mind that Kranar Blacknova was slain by a giant and may be prejudice towards them, even the evil ones. I'll update the race for 5e and post here and in the information thread shortly. Stay tuned! Giants are now listed on the original post and information thread.

Lastly, I welcome new players to apply. Everyone starts somewhere.

[Manithro]

Would you allow the Duergar subrace to be played?

[BlackAssassin19]

Originally Posted by Manithro

Would you allow the Duergar subrace to be played?

Duergar don't exist in Karnath, although evil dwarves are accepted and encouraged!

[Manithro]

Originally Posted by BlackAssassin19

Duergar don't exist in Karnath, although evil dwarves are accepted and encouraged!

Understandable! I just thought it worth asking since it wasn't explicitly stated in the other thread. In that case I'll probably do a Death Cleric Hill Dwarf or something along those lines. And I assume Felcor (god of death TN) would be an ok patron for CE since none of the other gods have death domain?

Application Name: Kouldar Lifeculler (self-given last name) Gender: Male Age: 43 Alignment: Chaotic Evil (worst of the worst) Race: Hill Dwarf Class: Death Cleric Patron: Felcor History: Kouldar, at a young age, was drafted as a man at arms to defend the citadel of Minath. He killed goblin and orc alike, taking enjoyment from ending their pathetic lives. The other dwarves he fought beside noticed how he prolonged his preys' deaths, keeping them on the brink of death just to enjoy their suffering. This quickly led to him being cast out from Minath. He immediately started seeking new ways to bring joy to his life by shortening others'. Background: Soldier (More details later) Physical Description: Kouldar has unkempt, unbraided, jet black hair, his eyes even darker. His skin is extremely pale for a dwarf, almost sickly white. His appearance could almost make onlookers believe him a dead man walking, wearing a dark hood, which he rarely removes, and a necklace, strung with the teeth of those to whom he's granted the gift of death. (Is it ok to like being evil? ) Roleplaying: Kouldar will take any opportunity to end more lives, especially for his patron, Felcor. Any opportunity I could get to show how evil Kouldar can be would be awesome.

[BlackAssassin19]

Originally Posted by Manithro

And I assume Felcor (god of death TN) would be an ok patron for CE since none of the other gods have death domain?

*Placeholder*

Correct. Felcor is fine, and would fit the background of the campaign nicely.

[Teban100]

Quite interested, I'll post here in the morning Hopefully you'll be fine with a newbie like me.

[anamiac]

So, are gnomes out? You didn't mention them, but I don't see them in the Races of Karnath post.

I've got an idea for a gnomish wizard, but if gnomes are out then she'd have to be a (grumble grumble) high elf.

[BlackAssassin19]

Originally Posted by anamiac

So, are gnomes out? You didn't mention them, but I don't see them in the Races of Karnath post.

I've got an idea for a gnomish wizard, but if gnomes are out then she'd have to be a (grumble grumble) high elf.

Gnomes are acceptable, although they would be very rare. Most gnomish societies are either small communities nestled in dwarven citadels or roving bands of gypsy-like travelers. Feel free to deviate from this for your character however, since an evil gnome is definitely not the norm. I'll update the Races of Karnath post. Thanks!

[Bumble]

Vola the orc shaman (druid) princess.

Daughter of an orc chief who trained as a shaman and healer. She was about to kill him to take her rightful place as queen when adventurers attacked her tribe and stole her kill. With a small number of her people, she took them to Black Keep and pledged loyalty to Black Nova in return for a place where her people will be safe.
(I took the retainer variant.)

Vola is an intimating 6'7 with larger, thicker tusks than the average orc but have very little muscle tone to her body. She has black tattoos that in light have a red gleam in them, blood of her own kills are mixed with the ink.

Her main goal is to make her tribe strong, encourage breeding within her ranks, recruit orcs from other tribes, find a land to claim as their own. She doesn't see this coming in conflict with Blacknova's goals.
- However if she was to meet the adventurers that killed her tribe, it would move a great dishonour to remove them.

[Teban100]

A few questions:

1. Are aasimar a valid race, as they are offspring of the "gods" so to speak? I know tieflings don't exist, so I doubt aasimar would, but it'd be nice to play one if I could. If not, I will most likely do Human or perhaps even a Giant.
2. Is that possible?

[BlackAssassin19]

Originally Posted by Teban100

A few questions:

1. Are aasimar a valid race, as they are offspring of the "gods" so to speak? I know tieflings don't exist, so I doubt aasimar would, but it'd be nice to play one if I could. If not, I will most likely do Human or perhaps even a Giant.
2. Is that possible?

Aasimar don't exist in Karnath, but I've updated the Races of Karnath post here with some more information on the playable races. Note that halflings don't technically exist as a race, but the racial traits for halflings are also shared by gnomes in Karnath. If you want to use the halfling race, choose gnome and then let me know you are using the traits from halflings in the PHB. You will share the physical traits, language, and racial history of the gnomes, but with the stat bonuses of a halfling.

[Teban100]

Tahara "Pit" Balin Gingers are known for stealing souls. Name: Tahara Balin Race: Half-Elf Age: 26 years Class and Levels (Overall Level 3): Warlock 2 (Felcor, God of Death)/Cleric 1 (Aelith, Goddess of Life) Alignment: Chaotic Evil Background (Explained below): Acolyte of Aelith (kept warlock pact a secret from the temple/church) Attributes (Base): Strength: 8 Agility: 13 Constitution: 14 Intelligence: 11 Wisdom: 13 Charisma: 14 Attributes (With Half-Elf Stat Boost): Strength: 8 Agility: 14 Constitution: 14 Intelligence: 11 Wisdom: 14 Charisma: 16 Character Sheet (I'm still updating some parts) History: Tahara was born to a human mother (Maralith Balin) and elf father (unknown), in the land of Angaz, during the Blacknova Wars. The elf father left the mother for his homeland of Derathil, fleeing the war, and the mother, not able to care for her baby, gave her up to a temple of Aelith. There, Tahara excelled in her duties to the Goddess of Life, and earned her title of Cleric of Life. She still questioned her origin, and searched for her mother, who she eventually found. Unfortunately, Maralith was on her deathbed due to illness and age. Unable to heal her mother, she pleaded the temple for some sort of healing power or resurrection for her ailing mother, which was denied as the priest had no power (simple powers) to do so. She herself could not heal her mother, who promptly died a few days after Tahara first met her. Because of this, Tahara became angry at the Temple for not being able to save her mother, and left, in search for a way to bring her mother back to life. This led to her researching the God of Death, Felcor. Her interest in Undeath led her to eventually perform a ritual which summoned Felcor, and made a pact with him to break the veil of the world and unite the dead and undead, in exchange for the power to resurrect the dead, so that no one she loved would ever again be truly dead. She returned to her Temple of Aelith, and though she had left without a trace, the priests of the temple welcomed her back with open arms. The next day, on the order of Felcor, she brutally killed every person in the Temple, burned it to the ground, promptly heading to Cardea in search for more information on death. No one ever found out who did the murders, not yet, that is. Tahara would never again be left powerless to do anything or be abandoned, ever again. Physical Description: As per the picture, Tahara is a ginger with long, curly hair. She has piercing green eyes. A petite girl at 5'2" and 114 pounds, Tahara may not seem very intimidating. In fact, she looks quite beautiful and innocent, except for the fact that she wears scalemail armor and carries a worn shield... Tahara usually keeps her ears hidden with her hair and due to the way she carries herself, most people will think she's human. She wears scalemail armor and looks a bit like this in the armor:   Roleplaying: Acquire as much power as possible, enough to even truly raise the dead Deliver the weak to death. for they are useless in life Situation: She'd like to eventually find Tahara's father, and kill him. She has abandonment issues.