[D&D-5e] Tomb of Annihilation

[Nyx89]

Game Name Tomb of Annihilation

Game System DnD 5e

Theme Survival, Dungeon Delving, Exploration

Flavour Mystery, Action, Horror

Plot Summary Game Summary Something evil is trapping the souls of the dead and draining life from all who have been raised from death by magic. This worldwide “death curse” not only prevents the raising of the dead but also causes creatures that were previously raised from the dead to wither and die. You have been summoned by retired adventurer, Syndra Silvane, who, having been raised from the dead years ago, is now suffering from the death curse, doomed to wither away unless someone intervenes. Syndra has learned that the source of this curse lies deep in the dark heart of the tropical jungle of Chult, a wild place full of adventure but also a lurking darkness. Will you heed Syndra's call and venture forth into the jungle to break an evil curse and save the world?

About the Game Hello, Nyx here. I've been on RPGX for over 6 months now and playing D&D for over a year. I want to try my hand at DMing a game. I currently DM another PBP game on a different website, and it's been going well. As a DM, I stick mostly to RAW. Since I am a newer DM I will definitely look for guidance on this forum and of course always welcome feedback from players! # of Players: 5-6 Posting Rate: Let's say 2-3 posts per week with the realization that sometimes life gets hectic, but I'll always say if I have to be away from posting for a while. Sources: Published sourcebooks are allowed. No UA or homebrew. Prefer nothing too setting-specific like Eberron and Ravnica. Level: We start at level 1! Ability Scores: I'm a big fan of rolling for scores, but if you don't want to take the risk, you can do Standard Array or 27 point buy. PLEASE NO ROLLING IN THIS THREAD. Alignments: No evil alignments. House Rules: Initiative will be handled in "chunks" where all players who are up (i.e. before the monster goes, or after the monster goes) can post in any order, but I will narrate the results in initiative order. For health you can roll but if you get lower than the average, take the average. When you score a critical hit, roll for damage normally. Then determine the maximum damage you can roll with your attack before applying any modifiers. Combine the maximum result with your rolled damage, and then add any modifiers. Consuming a potion or feeding someone else a potion is considered an Action. When you would normally roll one or more dice to restore hit points with a potion, you instead use the highest number possible for each die. Other systems like cover, flanking, etc. we'll be using RAW.

Application Application deadline is August 8th, 2022. I hope to pick players by the 10th! Name: Race: Alignment: Class: Personality: Backstory: 1-2 paragraphs is fine

Applications Player Name Character Name Class Status BlackDragon0 Kaine Fighter Complete BestTeaMaker Whistler Bard Complete versemicroverse Kairon Warlock Complete Azure Nokori Chupa Monk Complete Onward Empyrio Fighter Complete Kweheri Shepherd Gahzu Druid Complete RossN Jasra Sorcerer Complete Drifter One Arofan Bard Complete Vaynol Whisper Sorcerer Complete Drachenspirit Zorea Rogue Complete FatherDondo Baron Erkan Wizard Complete SnakeOilCharmer Myrick Warlock Complete StillPond Gar Bit'eesh Cleric Complete In the Mix Tajsa Ranger Complete DiceGoblin Coal Tallerian Cleric Complete Grouchy Krumm Barbarian Complete

[BlackDragon0]

https://www.rpgcrossing.com/profiler/view.php?id=88532

Ready to go ch.

[BestTeaMaker]

This looks interesting. Reserving spot for a character!

[Azure Nokori]

Yay. Have been wanting to try this campaign.

For applications, are you just looking for a character sheet (complete with traits and background story etc), or would you like the details written out on this thread?

Also, if you are allowing rolled stats, may I suggest creating a game thread so we can roll em up? Otherwise...well, look at that! I rolled 6s on all my dice! What are the chances! woooo-weee!

[BestTeaMaker]

Alright, quickly got a character together!

Application Whistler Kenku Bard (1) Background Kenku are a curious sort. At a young age, many are taught to travel the world to sate their thirst for knowledge and wealth. For a young researcher himself, Whistler too held the wanderlust in his eyes. When he was finally of age, he took nothing but his trusty Lute and a song in his heart as he began his trek out to the world. Whistler would find that his talent for mimicry was a hit as a traveling bard. It wasn't long that he became a sort of minor celebrity on the road. But no matter how popular he was in a town, his curiosity for the world would get the better of him, and off again he went, whistling a jaunty birdsong as he disappeared over the horizon. This time his travel happened because of rumors of the dead rising. As one descended from the Shadowfell plane, death held a bit of a morbid fascination for this young Kenku. Again his scholarly instincts kicked in as he went off in search of the land that held such rumors of the undead existing. Appearance/Personality Whistler sports feather of a dark raven black and blue hue, as all Kenku do. His faded red robe hides a rather sturdy set of leather armor, needed for life on the road. He can usually be found on a lovely jaunt, whistling a new tune he was coming up with as he strums his lute. He considers himself to be rather chill and inquisitive about the world, with a slight touch of mischief his abilities afford him to do. Info Age: 20 Ideals: Attaining knowledge of the world and its peoples. Background: Sage Bonds: Fellow travelers on the road are friends, as fleeting as they may be. Alignment: CG Flaws: Often acts aloof and indifferent to those around him Size: Medium Physical: 5'1", 85 lbs Stats   Ability Scores (Point Buy) STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 8 Racial Bonus +116 13 12 8 Racial Bonus +217 Proficiencies Skills RacialPerception, RacialDeception, ClassInsight, ClassPerformance, ClassPersuasion, BackgroundArcana, BackgroundHistory Tools ClassLute, BackgroundDrum, BackgroundViol Languages RacialCommon, RacialPrimordial, BackgroundAbyssal, BackgroundElvish Notes I wanted to make a birb bard, especially after reading up Kenku's abilities in MPMM. Seemed like a fun little fit that would eventually push Whistler into College of Creation for even more fantastical kinds of bard abilities.

[Nyx89]

Originally Posted by Azure Nokori

Yay. Have been wanting to try this campaign.

For applications, are you just looking for a character sheet (complete with traits and background story etc), or would you like the details written out on this thread?

Also, if you are allowing rolled stats, may I suggest creating a game thread so we can roll em up? Otherwise...well, look at that! I rolled 6s on all my dice! What are the chances! woooo-weee!

I edited the post to include a character application! No need to create a full sheet yet.

As far as ability scores go, I'd like to wait until I choose players before they roll their stats if they choose to roll.

[Alemar]

I'm not going to spoil anything... but good luck to those that apply

[Nyx89]

Originally Posted by Alemar

I'm not going to spoil anything... but good luck to those that apply

Shhh...

[Azure Nokori]

Chupa Concept: A monster that has been newly introduced to civility. Name: Chupa (Chupacabra) Race: Bugbear Background: Scholar Class: Monk (Or possibly druid depending on party balance) Alignment: NG Personality: Chupa is a beast; he walks on his haunches and knuckles, he eats raw and off the floor, he grooms...no he doesn't groom. Yet behind the monster is a curious creature that just wants to learn and fit in. His go to problem solver is indeed his fists, but in the wilds where it's strike first to survive, there is little need for anything else. He is learning the common tongue and how civilised interactions work, although his foremost thought would be clobber the highwaymen than to charm them. Yet despite his wildness, Chupa his a loyal and compassionate friend. Backstory: Chupacabra (or Chupa) has seen a lot of the world. Deep caves and mines, great lakes that span to the horizon, jungles where everything is a deathtrap. Yes, the world was a wonderful place, full of natural delights. Chupa wondered from place to place, usually in search of food or shelter, the simple creature that he was. He was weary though, of the ones that walked upright. They usually came to slaughter the beasts of the forests, or to fell the trees. Whenever they came, Chupa ran. One day, curiosity got the better of him and he followed the uprighters that came to fell Silverbark trees. Out of the forest, through the valley, across the plains, Chupa stalked them from a far as they rode on their wooden creature pulled by horses. Eventually they came to something Chupa had never seen, a city! The number of uprighters was countless. It was like an ant colony that sprawled across the land instead of under the earth. It was....incredible! Chupra crouched low and ventured forth for a better look at this new wonder. "I'd keep my head down if I was you. They don't like Bugbears in these parts." Chupa hadn't noticed the uprighter leaning against the wall and he had no idea what she was saying. "Don't speak common then? Well, best you follow me before you get executed." the uprighter, who was hooded a wore a silver mask, motioned for Chupa to follow her. The uprighter lead him to her home, an impressive structure for one such as Chupa. "Syndra" The Uprighter said pointing to herself. "Chupa" replied the Bugbear. It was the start of a beautiful friendship. Syndra, a merchant, had a book of the bugbear language and soon started to teach Chupa the common tongue. She also taught him all about the ways of civilised life; money, trade, relationships, housing, shops, laws. And in return the bugbear ran errands, chores, and protected Syndra and her business . A few months later, Chupa returned to the home to find Syndra in a nasty fit of coughing. She seemed to have been getting weaker as the days went by, until one day she asked for a favour. "Thank you Chupa. You have been looking after me well. Thank you. But I need you to go with the adventurers to Chult. I know your strength and I trust you. Please help me, friend".

[Treble83]

Withdrawn Unfortunately, I'm feeling a bit overcommitted on this site. I'm going to withdraw before selections to ensure that I'm fair to myself and to my fellow players and DM's.

 

Application Name: Percival Race: High Elf Class: Wizard (Bladesinger) Background: Caravan Specialist Description: Percival certainly doesn't mind standing out in a crowd. In fact, he's used to not really fitting in anywhere... His looks and mannerisms reflect the Vistani culture that he grew up in, his magical ability and thirst for knowledge are in line with scholars and sages, but his naturally fluid fighting ability rivals that of most traditionally trained warriors. His long blonde hair appears to be matted from lack of care and is very light as if bleached by the sun, and his golden eyes almost match the gold tones in his clothing. Personality Trait: Anything can be learned if you have the right teacher. Most folks just need a chance. Personality Trait: Eventually my hard work will be rewarded. Maybe that time has finally come. Ideal: Wanderer: I go where the road takes me. Sometimes, that's a good thing... (Chaotic) Bond: Wealth and power mean little without the freedom to go where and when you want. Flaw: I like to explore, and my curiosity will sometimes get me into trouble. Alignment: Chaotic Good Weapon of choice: Longsword Age: 25 Character Concept: Romani-like elf, raised by traveling nomads that were (and still are) known for being wanderers who live outside of civilization, traveling about in horse-drawn, barrel-topped wagons called vardos, which they build themselves. They are flamboyant in their discourse, dressing in bright clothes, laughing often, and drinking heartily. Using that upbringing to support his Bladesinging style of wizardry. Backstory: Raised among the Vistani, Percival was more than happy to spend his days drinking and dancing. Typically, he would put on magic shows for his friends and family. However, when the occasional opportunity to make a few extra coins was on the table, he would perform for outsiders as well. Despite his contentment, a life of leisure was not to be his destiny. His mother served as the tribe's seer and adviser. Recently, she had started having nightmares of the tribe slowly being drained of life. However, a group of heroes always came forward toward the end of the nightmare to face the great evil that had unleashed the curse. Although she couldn't make out the majority of the heroes, there was one that was clear as day to her. She would recognize her son, Percival, anywhere and in any plane of existence. Sharing the dreams with Percival and with the leaders of the tribe, it was decided that he would be sent out to fulfill his destiny and do his part in saving all life in the material plane.

[In the Mix]

[Onward]

App Name: Empyrio of the Dale Race: Human Alignment: Chaotic Neutral Class: Fighter (Champion) Personality: Me name is Empyrio, I not very smart. Blood brothers say I have head in cloud, but they don't realizes that I always think about many things, like that rock, or that chicken, or this and that. But what I really love most of all is fighting, I love fighting, everything always goes well when I swing sword or kick bad guys butt. Subject appears to be suffering from some sort of brain damage, the cause is unknown though general theory is accepted that he was born that way. Requires further study and examination. Ooh, and Empirio is also romantic, he has crush on this shaman lady. He want to be her mate. Addendum: Blergh, mental note, add dissection into requirement. I think I would feel just a tinge cathartic by such an experience Backstory: Oh, you want to know more about me. Well then, Empyrio very flattered and will of course talk about past. Hmm, Empyrio can't remember much on childhood other than me name, Empyrio. Empyrio was born in simple Reghed Tribe, where we used to hunt, slay, and drink as brothers in arms. Added Note: Subject is clearly delirious. No, his never and never will be a nomad. He has never live a life of a tribal warrior of Icewind Dale, no, his just a TenTown guardsman that's been hit on the head a bit too much. That was when everything change. Oh god, here he goes again. I, Empyrio of the Great Blue Bear Tribe of the Dales have met love of his life. She was a shaman from the stars itself, Empyrio saw her coming down like an angel and I was awestruck by her beauty. That when brothers, scared of such beauty, attempted to capture her and bring her to chieftain that we call Captain. That when Empyrio, who is I, decided to make a fight for something better than wanton destruction and violence. Empyrio now fought for love. Addendum: Kill my non-existent soul. Addendum: What had transpired was a simple error on my part. I was a simple technician Droid, unfortunately, due to some unforeseen circumstances I find myself gaining sentience once we entered into this crystal sphere. Due to my sudden sentience dawning upon me, I did not hold my composure as befitting a droid's station and I crashed the Spelljammer Vessel. After that the local guardsman found me to be the only survivor and brought me in for questioning. Things we're going surprisingly well, the Town Speaker was a nice woman to chat and even offered me a stay in Ten Towns, unfortunately someone intervened, and I'll allow the recording speak for itself. "For the power of Love. By Empyrio's might." shouting can be heard along with the sound of glass windows and a tea set breaking,"Empyrio, what is the meaning of this. Put that warforge down this instant." "Oh God, someone get this brute off of me." "Never, none shall harm the shaman. For I, Empyrio vow to protect her with my dying breath." "Wait, where'd you get that!? No wait, don't smash it---" the sounds of something breaking echoes the recorder and a sudden boom echoes and the frequency ends. After my heroic escape, shaman was heavily injured from the big explosion. Empyrio at first thought it was oil, didn't know oil could do that, hope chieftain and boss lady not hurt. Empyrio only has the one job. No, Empyrio had only one now, and he failed miserably. Shaman girl spoke of many strange shamanistic things but unfortunately, Empyrio could not understand and she died. *Empyrio took a moment to stand on a corner and sob to himself for a good minute* Conclusion: After that escape, I have sent a distress signal like what I am doing right now. Unfortunately, my host body was damage from the auxiliary component this savage stole. Miraculously, this brute took my core and I have been trying to subtly direct him to the rendezvous point, to no avail. Once again, please send help, I do not care what you do to me with my sentience. Anything is better than this sort of he'll. Empyrio now alright, he can hear the voice of shaman weeping for him to find a cure for this death curse afflicting her. Empyrio has tried many a times to find a healer to cure her ailment, but none have brought her back to the dead, so I, Empyrio, bodyguard to shaman lady vow to found way to bring her back. I swear it.

[Kweheri]

Name: Shepherd Gahzu
Race: Kobold
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Class: Druid (Circle of the Shepherd)
Background: Outlander

Personality:
There is an element of nurture to Gahzu, one that should not be mistaken for affection. Kobolds live and die fast, this is true of Gahzu, as it was true of his clan.
Now without a clan of his own, it is important to his survival to protect and support those around him.
His mind often races with the entusiasm of youth and lacks the maturity and patience that is learnt by longer-lived races.
Like most of his dragon descended kin, Gahzu is quite community focused. Be that his companions, or even creatures summoned.
His success relies upon the success of those around him.


Backstory:
Hailing from the west of Chult, Gahzu's ancestors once occupied the aptly named Kobold mountains.
However they were forced to leave and seek refuge elswhere once the Dwarves came and expanded their mine.
Generations of Gahzu's tribe were born and burried as a displaced people, looking to make or return home.
However the jungles of Chult are a dangerous place, many creatures and peoples lurked within it, many of which considered Kobolds a snack.

When Gahzu was hatched and raised there was just the five of them left. He learnt to befriend the less predatory of the animals, keeping small pets for company and deepening his bond with the natural and less-natural world.

This did not safeguard him or the others from the hazards of the Jungle and eventually it was just him, until he found civilisation and began searching for a new tribe.
Trying many, working in demeaning conditions for insulting pay until he could tolerate the groups no more.

[RossN]

Application Name: Jasra Race: Half-Elf (formerly Human) Alignment: Chaotic Good Class: Sorcerer (Wild Magic) Personality: Jasra is talkative, jokey, scatterbrained and confident (or at least tries to appear confident.) She definitely has a greedy streak and if things come to disaster she'll look to save herself rather than die heroically (she's died before and is not in a hurry to repeat the experience.) She has absolute faith in her magical abilities and has a chip on her shoulder about snooty wizards with their assumptions of brilliance - besides her former comrades in arms (see below) they are among the few things to break her good mood. Backstory: Jasra was not always a Half-Elf and was not always female. Until a year or so ago Jasra was a male human sorcerer and leader of a gang of scofflaws who raided caravans along the Sword Coast. The outlaws were not do-gooders exactly but they did restrict their ambushes to those merchant caravans affiliated with less than salubrious merchant houses and individuals like the Zhentarim. It was an exciting and reasonably profitable life and ended one day in a desperate battle after some of the less ethical members decided to kill their fellows, and leader and make off with the entire treasure. While most of the gang had their throats slit in their sleep Jasra managed to wake up in time to cast a few spells before being struck by multiple arrows to the chest and going down. The mutineers fled with their ill gotten gains and there it should have ended... had Jasra not been a Wild Magic sorcerer. Moments after dying Jasra was reincarnated on the same spot as a Half-Elven woman. To say the least she was disorientated but her instinctive grasp of her own sorcery eventually made her realise she'd been given a second chance. Thanking Tymora, Mystra and every other deity she could think of Jasra got back on her feet. Being in a different body, different gender and different species has taken some adjusting but Jasra has coped surprisingly well and in some ways sees her new self as an improvement. Even so she's determined to follow her former friends to the ends of the earth if need be to get revenge. No one murders her and robs from her and gets away with it! For the moment though she has set aside her dreams of revenge and ill-gotten gains retrieved - as someone who was raised from the dead by magic the rumours coming from Chult are very worrying! If she doesn't try and stop the curse how long before she withers and dies?

[Drifter One]

Arofan Concept: A troubadour who has lost his confidence and creativity Name: Arofan Woodcotte Race: Human Background: Courtier Class: Bard Alignment: CN Personality: Arofan is cheeky, outgoing and can tell a tall tale. He is also a creative genius both with songwriting and on the lute, or rather, he was. He often thinks of ways he can spin a yarn and has dreams of crating an epic tome which will shape literature for years to come. Arofan is very excitable yet knows how to conduct himself in varying societies, be it the Royal courts rubbing shoulders with nobles, or roughing it in alleyways with urchins and scamps. Currently he is suffering a confidence crisis and is seeking inspiration be it from others and there deeds or direct experiences himself Backstory: Arofan was born on the road, somewhere between Silverymoon and Waterdeep, "under the stars of the Evermoors" his mother would always say. She was a dancer and his father was a storyteller, often travelling with any wandering circus. As such, Arofan did not really have a home to speak of, and whenever he was asked from where he hailed, he would always answer "I am from the Stars, the sea and the earth! All Faerun is my home!" Growing up around performers and shady moneymakers, Arofan soon developed his skill for song and playing instruments, as well as inheriting a good eye for opportunities to make coin. Such was his natural abilities, he left the guardianship of his parents and their troupe to set out on his own, for his ambitions were far greater. Beginning on the streets of Waterdeep, Arofan began to perform by busking on street corners, earning a little coin from generous passers by. Soon, noticed by the alley-gangs and underworld bosses, Arofan soon found he was falling into a dark place and was being "peddled" by those who had power over thugs, vagrants and other neer-do-wells. This would not do Arofan at all, for the seedy places he was made to perform did not suit his ambition and he needed to find a way in to higher society. Managing to blag his way into a Lords Tournament, Arofan used his charm to latch on to a minor lord who was in attendance and befriended him by composing song and telling stories about him to the ladies of the court. As such, Arofan was made Lord Farafarrs's personal entertainer and spent a couple of good years at Piergierons Palace, making good coin and good contacts. Unfortunately it was not to last, for tensions grew between the Lords of Waterdeep, Xanathar and the Zhentarim and as such, "entertainment" was cast aside at the courts as more pressing priorities and diversion of funds were in order. Arofan found himself back on the street. Previously feeling untouchable having gotten used to high society for too long, Arofan, now back to being a nobody, had lost confidence in his own ability and was suffering a terrible bout of writers block. He needed to get his mojo back and needed inspiration. Maybe he could find it in others' deeds, or even his own, but he needed to find the adventure first...