[D&D-5e] Lost Mines of Phandelver

[RossN]

Originally Posted by morgantha

@RossN Hmmm, let me think on it. I think the shape changing is a pretty significant extra ability. Maybe with some kind of limitation (maybe requiring a short rest to make the change)? If you were to play a changeling, what class are you thinking?

Probably a Rogue or a Warlock. And I totally get it, it is a powerful ability.

Definitely not a dealbreaker, and in fact I've been giving some thought to other options. I'm a Buffy fan too and a Monk has its temptations!

[girlplay]

Hi all! I think Tia is coming along nicely. Check her out! And let me know if you see some character connections that can be made.

Right off hand, I have a couple of ideas:

1) ElderOblex: I think Tia would find an Illithid to be endlessly fascinating just by virtue of his being so unique.

2) Onward: Tia would be an eager audience for any tales or songs your bard would want to share. Anything about strange occurrences, rare sightings, unorthodox people, or exotic locations would do the trick. Tia might even respond to Evelyn's flirtations, since she's not a Dwarf.

[ElderOblex]

@girlplay Actually upon reading about Tia yesterday, I initially thought she'd have a lot in common with Arronax, since they're both racial outliers. He might not have the same degree of animosity (this is my reading at least) towards his people though. Been thinking of a possible connection, but haven't had time to really get into it yet!

@morgantha that dog sounds worth reading about!

[Onward]

Heh, well the twins certainly know a few strange people, and have seen lots of places, they just have a bountiful amount of tales to talk your ear off. Eve in particular of course, depending on how Tia reacts to her advances.

I'll add Tia to my relationship section.

[BlackDragon0]

http://www.rpgcrossing.com/profiler/view.php?id=88545


There is room for change as rockseekers don't seem part of your game. And as per the pic I originally planned on him having a great sword instead of 2 short swords ( tooth picks to him....) ect but I'll follow your advice and see what changes I can make to suit your game . I can start a app now.

[BlackDragon0]

part1 OK if you can't tell I try to take og chs from the phb sbd a bit of outside the box thinking and add a bit of myself to it. Cause that makes it easier to connect to the pc. This doesn't mean I'm the only one to try this ch or think of an idea. But to me it's the first time that I seen this idea ever. So my ideas might seem common to others but are original & new to me. What I dislike is my post being ignored or my ch being npc'd by others rather than accepting my ch as I play them. (This has been happening alot here lately even had a pm telling me I had to lonewolf a ch so he can't be around the team.) Well there's video games and books. But I truly got to play dnd first with a group of friends when in my 20s. I'd always wanted to play but hadn't. Stopped because the dm was a d**k and made me hate gaming. Of course he thought he was funny. (* see posts in discussions and gaming experiences for some details) Well I do read d&d books from Grey hawk to FR. If I do a 2 sword ch it becomes either a Drizzt like ch or murder hobo. But mostly I try to be more me or like Storm my morals on a just different being . Here on rpgx. Simple sometimes I have fun, sometimes I kill off a pc cause I'm not having fun. I even had a ch I enjoyed die before his time... he's in a hall of fame game! And a few where the games went away. ( just my luck I guess) There are a few gms I like playing for. And a few that I don't, and a few I wonder if they even know what they are doing. I've met a few people here I'd love to play with or for(dms) but they play systems I don't have. And even one dm I bought a whole system just so I could apply to their games. And I know I'll never join outplay again. Ohh and I love writing stories in the library here and posting my art in share your art. Sometimes people tell you good things in their rep adds. It's nice to know others like your stuff. Well there you go I answered all your questions I think...lol

part2 Name: Beast Concept: Red dragonborn ranger( yes I know reds normally burn the forest down not protect it.) Who was raised by a lonely old human ranger that recently died. And is now looking for a place in the world. Background: Was found in a burning creator in a forest by a ranger( still an egg). The ranger stood over the creator keeping watch as the dragon hatched.... Only it wasn't a dragon it was a dragonborn. A Reddragonborn! Days passed no one came. So the human ranger took the little guy in was amazed at how fast he grew and learned. He first taught the dragonborn to move through the forest without leaving a trail. Then taught him to fight and shoot a bow. Then to track and find roots & berries. And lastly to hunt. They lived in the forest for 25 years. On occasion guiding trackers through. Or rarely acting as escort to caravans. Which was in the Neverwinter & Phandelver area. Many travelers and merchants hired them. And some caravans. Mostly notably a trio of dwarves. Mostly they trained and lived in the same forest area with other Rangers coming and going sharing what they knew and news of the World . Beast was raised to protect all goodly creatures and races. And to hunt those who are evil. The old ranger wasn't much for words or names he always just called the dragonborn Beast. So that became his name. As cold as the old ranger seemed he always treated Beast as a son. But now that the old ranger has died of old age, the forest no longer felt like home. The outside world beckoned and one day a new home. Having been living in neverwinter wood and guiding caravans and travelers. Beast went to Phandelver, Rumor was there was work to be had and a ranger guide would be useful. Beast figured well if you must start anew might as well be with something you know. This way if not in the wood you still won't get lost.... Beast doesn't drink smoke or use mindaltering chemicals ect . He views them as evil and those who use them as untrustworthy. As they leave one without a conscience. Personality: Feels far more comfortable in a forest with animals ( and small groups) than in cities. Outlander. Loves to kill evil things and things that destroy nature. Relationships:The new dead ranger who raised him. The Rockseeker Brothers. And any pc that would have hired him as a guide before this quest. Up to you guys to let me know. Example post: "Beast. Beast mah boy where is the old ranger. I got a job coming up..." The Dwarf a Rockseeker one of a trio stopped mid sentence. Seeing the dragonborn for the first time in months. "Beast where is the ranger?" HD asked more solemnly. The dragonborn stared ahead at the mound of roots and moss. Where the forest had come alive and cocooned its once protector , now protecting him from the world. For the old ranger had died in the night. "Ohh I see. He's gone now isn't he? the dwarf said. Beast nodded and stood staring. "And now your lost without him." again the dragonborn nods barely. " Well I came to get ya both there's a job for ye. I know you don't wanna go but you can't just stand there like a tree. Evenif you're as big as one." He continues. Try as HD may to lift the dragonborn's spirit. "Look here you know he wouldn't wantyou to bd alone said it offtn' nuff didn't he?" said the dwarf. True enough it was just the other day.... memories came like a flood.. "Beast you know that most out there see you as just that a beast. And you know you can't stay here all alone . That's why we go out on jobs. We don't end them but it helps others see more of you and not just the beat. Like those haughty elves they wanted to kill you. And looked down on you. But when those Goblins had them whooped. There you were saving them. And they saw you as a miracle. And when you burned those Goblins and that one wizardly one added his fire magic do well to yours. Why I thought the forest was done for. But those others used their natural nature abilities to keep it to just the Goblins and the fire got hot enough to melt rock. Poof no more Goblins no more did they see a beast. What I'm getting at is there are others like you out there you can't spend your whole life not ever knowing that companionship. One day you are gonna have to go beyond the lands you know and find them. And I won't be with you. I'm to old for such a journey. See all these jobs they will let you go about not being hunted. People will know who you are. And you can meet more than the few we guide. And have adventure like I did in my youth." Beast had passed it off as idle chat something the ranger did more of now than ever. He looked at the dwarf. His loneliness somehow clar in his eyes. The dragonborn had lost his master his teacher his father. He was lost himself. As sad at losing a friend as he was . He had to be strong for the young dragonborn try and bring out of this loss. Less anger and rage fill the dragonborn and he truly becomes a beast. He walked over and placed something in the toots on ghe mound. A token . He walked back reached up and somehow to the dragonborn's shoulder. And after a moment of morning and silence he pulled the dragonborn close. " The contract office in 3 days. You may find some old friends of make new ones. But no matter you will be away to choose your own path. This is not the end. It's just the beginning and I hope to see you on the road no matter where it keeps or how many folks there are. " and the dwarf was off. Beast went. And got something from his hide away stash. It was a deer antler. A 8 point . From Beast's first kill. His first hunt. His first test of skills. He hadn't went after a trophy no he was left alone in the wilds. To survive by ghe old ranger. He wanted to see how long the dragonborn could last if he could fund his way home. And he needed food . The buck was easy to track and the kill perfect clean 1 shot no lingering pain. Nothing was wasted. The hide tanned the meat butchered and stewed or jerkied. The guts left for a hungry wolf pup. And he took ghe ond trophy so testament to what he was taught. On the next job they ate deer jerky and no jerky tasted better for he had made it him self. He left the antlers on the mound giving back that he had kept. A testament to all his learnings from ghe old ranger. It was as much the Rangers trophy as his. Two days later he entered town. A few mothers hid their kids. But most the town waged or nodded Beast was known here. Although some noticed the old ranger wasn't with him. He squeezed sideways through the door and waited in the back of the line. A strange bird man was squawking up ahead and a few others were ahead of him. But his 7ft mass towered over most so much he felt like he was right behind the birdman

[Onward]

@girlplay: And I've added my interpretation of how the twins would interact with Tia

[BlackDragon0]

@girlplay

The no drinking thing shows some common factors but just cause ale is off doesn't mean wine and others are. If they are off the table as well there's a common link they could use to bond.

Also as Tia is in the area it's possible her group hired Beast and the old ranger as guides before. Just a thought.

[BlackDragon0]

@ElderOblex

Beast generally hates creatures known for being evil... that being said since illithids are underdark creatures in most d&Dad I've read its likely he's never encountered or herd of them as he really only knows what the ranger taught him.

This means your ch would be entirely new to him. That could help in building a friendship as he wouldn't know anything about the race that the chs don't tell them.

As to connecting idk if you have an idea let me know.

[morgantha]

@All I'm happy to see so many connections being made! Thanks all for putting so much effort forward.

@Blackdragon Your sheet looks fine to me. The Rockseekers will be in the game, but no need to connect Beast back to them if doesn't feel natural.

@Trebel Thanks for the app! Looks great.

[BlackDragon0]

Ohh OK I could have them send him to the contract signing sounds good.

[BlackDragon0]

So any way I can change the short swords to a great sword?

[RossN]

Part 1 About you as a player: I'm a long standing veteran of pbp games here and other sites and always interested in D&D, especially one that looks like it is already an interesting collection of characters like here. My experience here has been positive. Personally I've read mountains of Dragonlance and Knights of the Dinner Table and of an age to have been a devoted fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer in her prime (Buffy is still my heroine!)

Part 2 Name: Tavara Class: Rogue Character concept summary (1-2 sentences): Adventurer reincarnated as a different physical gender and species (male human to female halfling.) Note: I am using male pronouns to refer to Tavaro (the character's previous incarnation) and female to refer to Tavara (the current incarnation) to differentiate between them. The character is probably genderfluid but is still trying to find out what that means and previously presented as male and now female. Race: Lightfoot Halfling (previously human.) Backstory: Tavaro was a travelling charlatan and n'er do well who enjoyed a growing reputation as a successful scoundrel with a silver tongue and nimble fingers. He was not violent (well except in self defence) and had a certain rough code of honour about only stealing from the greedy and corrupt but he was proud of his skills. Tavaro met his end in a forest encounter with a group of far more bloodthirsty bandits where even his gift of the gab failed him. Fortunately he had made the romantic acquaintance with a lady ranger who recovered his body and persuaded a druid to cast reincarnation on the late rogue. The result was that Tavaro remerged into the world as Tavara, a female halfing. Personality: Sly, though perhaps too sly for her own good, greedy and retaining that same 'fleece the bad guys' mentality she had as a human man. Tavara retains a talent for talking and charm even if by necessity the tricks she uses are different from the rakish womaniser Tavaro. Tavara has found the change difficult to deal with. Being treated as a woman is certainly different (though to her surprise part of her mind is rather comfortable with this) and losing half her height and being seen as cute is downright bizarre (though useful in some cons and she does find it easier to hide now for those robberies that can use such skills..) A history of pretending to be someone else has kept Tavara sane and for the moment she is throwing herself into the role but she is looking for a magical way back to her old shape. Description: Tavara is a pretty, auburn haired, hazel eyed female lightfoot halfling in her mid to late twenties. At a few inches taller than three feet she's actually rather tall for a halfling, though naturally she doesn't see it that way! Unless donning a disguise for a con or otherwise she tends to wear blue pantaloons and a white undershirt/blouse along with leather armour and a belt filled with tools and daggers. Character Relationship: A possible friendship with Tia and Edward/Evelyn. With Tia, Tavara can relate to not feeling at home in one's physical identity. With Edward/Evelyn Tavara would be fascinated by their story and perhaps look for some help in thinking through her own change and what kind of person she is now. Example post: The roadside inn frequently attracted visitors drawn by the welcoming smell of spiced stew and the promise of cold ale. Today it was graced by a tired bounty hunter. Dargo was a huge lumbering surly brute of a man with a face not even a mother could love, a crisscross of lurid healed scars across his pale face. Still you didn't need looks or manners to be a successful bounty hunter and Drago was successful. Usually. Right now he was irked. Three months ago the notorious rogue, swordsman, pickpocket and rake Tavaro had been in these parts before his trail suddenly ran cold. This was no good to Dargo who had already earmarked the gold he'd get for turning Tavaro in to to the Zhents. "More ale!" he thundered, pounding the inn table with a meaty fist, belching and following it up with a drunken leer at the pretty auburn haired Halfling serving lass who approached him with a tray containing the promised tankards. "Here you go sir," the halfling said, giving the drunken bounty hunter a charming smile. She handed the tankard over and nimbly avoided Drago's left hand as he reached over to pinch her bottom. Then she turned and retreated, vanishing behind the bar. It would take Drago twenty minutes to realise the pretty halfing lass was not returning. It would take a little longer than to realise his gold pouch had mysteriously vanished... ~~~ Not far away (but well hidden) Tavara sat down on a fallen log, poured out the contents of Drago's money pouch and found herself well satisfied. True a portion would have to go to the innkeeper for his kindness in hiring a new serving girl at short notice but that still left a handsome profit, along with the delight of getting one over on that bloodthirsty oaf Drago of all people! Scooping up the gold Tavara stood up and dusted herself off. As strange as her... condition... was she was forced to admit there were certain advantages. She could pick a pocket or cut a purse string more deftly these days and few people suspected a winsome halfling maiden of being a master (mistress?) thief...

[Drifter One]

Hi, thought i would drop a very old character concept of mine..

About me: I dislike meta gaming and characters that are heroes at everything. Its boring and not creative. I do love interaction between characters and developing relationships through good roleplaying. Been playing DnD since the old days of the red and blue box then had about a 20 year hiatus. I played regularly for many years at what was perhaps the 1st play-by-post site which was roleplayinggames.net. Was in one game that lasted about 3 years. I am influence by some more older books such as LoTR, The Riftwar Saga, David Gemmel, Bernard Cornwell and of course, Mr Martin. Film wise I am more into historical films such as the Last Duel, Ironclad or Arthurian legends. Peter Jacksons take on Middle Earth was of course amazing!

.

Name: Hammer pas Deux
Race: Human
Class: Fighter
Age: 38
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

 

Concept:Hammer, a crest fallen warrior, is trapped in an epic family feud which resulted in him embarking on a life long quest to free the soul of his sister which is trapped in one of his swords. Hammer was also rendered blind at the same final conflict that resulted in his sibling being soul-forged with his weapon, and can only see by means of a magical head band which was crafted by a family friend.

Appearance: Hammer wears a suit of battered armour, a mixture of chain, scale and the odd bit of plate. It is rusty in places, well used, scuffed and worn, even some visible dents in places. He wears a deep red and black tabard, the embroidery on it long faded and barely noticeable. For the keener eyesight, a golden dragon can just be made out on the black half.

Hammer is tall at 6'4" and is well built through his many battles and long weeks on the road. He has a weary look about him but most striking is the odd, red glow from his eyes, particularly noticeable at night or in dark shadows. Matted long, auburn hair flows about his face and he sports a thick leather headband with a strange rune embossed on the front. He often sports a beard, although, when time allows, he will sometimes shave this off.

Backstory Born to a Soldier and a washerwoman in the small town of Daggerford in the Delimbiyr Vale, Hammer had a very modest upbringing. His days mostly spent farming the family small holding during the time when his father was on march, which was not often, or practicing sword play with sticks or blunted weapons. His sister, Sheeba, would spend her time looking after the home with mother, or reading. She loved reading. The lord of the land was Baron Pax Meridian, a family friend for many years who had on a few occasions, helped Hammers' father out of a fix; be it paying his taxes or getting bandits removed from the farm. Baron Pax helped.

So it came as a crushing shock when, for reasons unknown, Baron Pax had lured Sheeba from her reading spot and imprisoned her in his Manor house. With father out crusading, his mother could not understand the reasoning, not that he offered any, and so only Hammer could possibly reason with the Baron to return Sheeba home. Only 21 at the time and full of nerves, he travelled alone to the Barons Manor to plead with Pax to free Sheeba. What Hammer had found was that the Baron had been seduced by promises of a strange cult and Sheeba was to be part of a ritual to give the Baron unprecedented power, or so he was led to believe.

Forced to watch the ritual, Hammer, in a fit of rage and desperation, lunged at the Baron and pierced his gut with his fathers sword as the rituals words were recited. Sheeba screamed and there was a blinding flash and all were knocked from their feet. Head thumping and ears ringing, hammer struggled to his feet. He could not see, his world now just a shadow which would not disperse, no matter how hard he rubbed his eyes. Silence befell him and he fumbled his way from the Manor house, but now the Baron was dead. Or was he...

Personality: Hammer is quiet and withdrawn, known as the "Madman" locally as he his always talking to someone who is not there. He is very quick to anger and has a complete disregard for people in positions of power. He is not a bad soul, just a very damaged one who feels he is trapped in a perpetual circle of doom and is looking for 1 of two outcomes in life. To free Sheeba from his sword, or to die trying.

His desperation makes Hammer seem brash and instinctive and will tend to rush forward rather than think things through if it means he is one step closer to freeing his sister. He is extremely loyal to those that help him and he trusts, although trust is terribly difficult to obtain from him. His glowing red eyes give him an intimidating demeanor (although he doesnt mean to be) and as such ordinary people find it very difficult to deal with him and most just stay away.

Relationships: Subject to change, but anyone from Daggerford or the surrounding area will know of Hammer, either through the family treachery/tragedy or because he is the mad soul who talks to unheard voices.

Example Post:

"You know they look at you funny?"

"I don't suppose there are many around here who talk to a damn sword!" Hammer grunted at Sheeba as he walked through the cobbled streets of Dwo Baz, looking for the damn agent known as "The Source", or so he was told.

Sheeba tittered in his ear.

"But the conversation is a delight, dear brother. I just wish you offered more of it." she quipped. Hammer stopped abruptly outside a tanners yard.

"Sheeba! For the sake of the gods, I cant just keep having conversations with you! I need to think!" he bellowed, his frustration and tension colliding in one loud outburst. The commotion around him stopped suddenly, and Hammer became immediately aware that all eyes had silently fallen upon him. Sheeba immediately hushed apart from the low vibration humming quietly. Hammer could feel her embarrassment but he began to feel his own anger boiling up inside; his eyes now glowing that fiery red. Hammer gritted his teeth and leather from his gloves creaked, his fists clenched into tight balls as he felt the judgmental gaze of the bystanders. One woman even ushering her children indoors.

"Hammer..." Sheeba said softly. "Not now. Try and stay calm. Lets just find The Source."

Hammer let out an audible growl to let his internal ferocity dissipate as he continued through the town to find his contact. Passing by a bakery and several ale houses made his stomach rumble, for he had not eaten since breakfast and the decadent odours reminded him of that.. It had taken most of the day to reach Dwo Baz and it would soon be dusk. He was tired and weary which just added to his foul mood. Hammer retrieved the pamphlet from his pack and looked at the words again.

"Between Green Acre and Croft, behind The Cask and Cauldron"

"Hammer. There, on the right." Sheeba said softly. Hammer looked up from the parchment he held and noticed the street signs and the alleyway which ran down the side of the Tavern. After a moment or two Hammer found himself at the frontage of an old, small building, papers plastered all over the walls. Taking a closer inspection Hammer could see various requests for all sorts of jobs. It had to be the place. Stepping inside the dingy lit office a musty smell invaded his nostrils.

"What is it? "Sheeba asked.

"It stinks." Hammer responded simply. The woman behind the counter at the far wall looked up briefly before returning to her conversation with a feathered customer. Hammer took his place behind.

"Look at all these faces, i suppose each of them famous for something or other.
"
"I ain't here to be famous. "Hammer retorted.

"Wait your turn!" The woman behind the counter called. Hammer blushed a little.

"I wasn't....bah, doesn't matter." Sheeba giggled again.

Eventually the Kenku in front turned and almost pushed past Hammer as it made for the door. Hammer sighed and stepped up to the counter, behind which was a short, bespectacled woman with her brown hair in a bun. She asked Hammer several questions about his skillset, which equated to him hitting and killing things.

"Perfect." She said and shuffled some papers in a drawer before spreading them out on the desk before them.

"Okay, so this one here is aaaaaah protecting a cart on the way to Phandalin," she says as she checks her copy of the contract. "You’ll be working with a party of other adventurers. If the terms here are acceptable, please write your name here--" she points with her pen "and sign here." She points again and then passes the pen over. "Any questions?"

"Hammer, this is babysitting duty. You are better than this. besides, you know how bad you are at it! Remember that time when we... "

"Sheeba!" Hammer cut her off. "I need the money!" he hissed.

The woman behind the desk looked up from the papers at Hammer, her eyes peering over her glasses. "Don't we all, darlin'. Don't we all..."

Hammer took the parchment and left the eclectic building, stuffing the contract in his pouch. He sighed heavily.

"Hammer..."

"I know." He grunted.

"But....escort duty?"

Hammer scratched an itch on his shoulder, a stubborn itch which would not disperse. He hoped desperately that this job might provide an opportunity.

"I'm just hoping we can meet some folk who are...I don't know...willing? I need you back, Sheebs."

[Jennifer]

A couple things:

1 - If you are heavy on rogue applicants I can easily swap her into sword/board fighter. Just let me know. I don't even have to change anything about Mayve's personality except replace some of her natural cowardice in combat into cavalier/recklessness in combat.

2 - Competition looks good out there! Liking some of the other submissions, will be rereading some of them for hooks that interface well with Mayve, maybe use those hooks to better entrench her with potential party mates.


PS: Until applications are locked, I reserve the privilege to make wild alterations to the character as she forms in the ether. :P lol. No seriously, I've had characters go from dark shadowy gruff types when I first post, to dancing brilliances of insanity (like Spike's girlfriend Drusilla, only less sane and way more crazy.)

What I'm saying, @Morgantha, if you like something or dislike something or just want to alter something, just let me know. This is your world, I just want to fit my character into it somehow.