[D&D-5e] Northlands: The Dwarven Watch continues

[DebiRedHair]

Originally Posted by Onward

Alright, I've added a history for these characters, I hope they fit now. If not, I can always make changes.

Great start. The city Reeda moved to must be Reginhold as it is the only Dwarven city that is built on a mountain in the northlands. The Watch is not something separate - all Dwarves (the Folk) are part of the watch. The Watch is a task given to the Folk by Korgal - they are to watch over humanity and make sure that they have the room to develop and become great. The Folk are the Servants of the Gods, the first born mortals and they continue their Holy task.

If you can weave that Lore into your histories then your characters would be even more awesome! I love the pairing and the idea behind it!

[gavins38]

I like the idea of the clan leaders but I'm concerned about how posting rates would work between the heroes and the clan leaders? I would assume that the heroes are out engaging in combat and encounters but what would the clan leaders be doing during all of this activity, and how would this equate to the expected posting rate? For example, if the heroes entered into combat that lasted for several rounds, would the player running the clan leader just wait until the combat ended before making any new posts? With each round lasting only a a minute it seems unlikely that the clan leader would need to take that many actions in such a short timespan.

[DebiRedHair]

The Clan leader is a player character and the clan will go on in the background without any intervention - they will follow their instructions. The only time the clan will be involved in 6 sec rounds will be if they are involved in combat for any reason.

So you, as the player, will be like any other PC. You are giving up some levels to control a clan thus having social standing and political/military clout above and beyond even a Hero.

[Onward]

Originally Posted by DebiRedHair

Great start. The city Reeda moved to must be Reginhold as it is the only Dwarven city that is built on a mountain in the northlands. The Watch is not something separate - all Dwarves (the Folk) are part of the watch. The Watch is a task given to the Folk by Korgal - they are to watch over humanity and make sure that they have the room to develop and become great. The Folk are the Servants of the Gods, the first born mortals and they continue their Holy task.

Oh, that makes more sense, I'll edit my app with this new info for tommorow then

[gavins38]

Originally Posted by DebiRedHair

The Clan leader is a player character and the clan will go on in the background without any intervention - they will follow their instructions. The only time the clan will be involved in 6 sec rounds will be if they are involved in combat for any reason.

So you, as the player, will be like any other PC. You are giving up some levels to control a clan thus having social standing and political/military clout above and beyond even a Hero.

So as a clan leader I would still be involved in the same missions/tasks/combats as the rest of the party, just that as a side I would be able to give orders to the rest of the clan?

[DebiRedHair]

Originally Posted by gavins38

So as a clan leader I would still be involved in the same missions/tasks/combats as the rest of the party, just that as a side I would be able to give orders to the rest of the clan?

Absolutely - your clan responsibilities will mean you need to go to council meetings and that you might decide to focus some downtime on working with the clan.

[penbeast0]

Eregold's Smallest Giant Name: Bran Eidwigsson Race: Throrini (though he thinks he was born to a hill giant despite all proof to the contrary) Class: Rune Knight (fighter) Background: Outlander Patron Goddess: Somonol   I'm driven by a wanderlust that led me away from home. I was, in fact, raised by giants. Honor. If I dishonor myself, I dishonor my whole clan. (Lawful) My family, clan, or tribe is the most important thing in my life, even when they are far from me. There's no room for caution in a life lived to the fullest. Appearance: Standing but 3'3 and weighing a scant 3 stone (about 42 pounds), Bran certainly looks like a Thronini at first glance. What sets him apart is the look he has chosen, which is much more akin to a traditional hill giant than a normal Thronini. His face is tattooed with his clan tattoos, his breastplate is concealed under the tanned hide of a bugbear he killed on his manhood quest, and his neck is heavily hung about with charms and runes, some of which have actual power. Personality: However, he gets along well with other Thronini, and indeed most everyone who isn't hostile. The abuse and prejudice he faced growing up as a midget in a clan of giants has left deep marks in his soul and he rejoices every day that he has found a people and a purpose to his life where he is accepted for what he is rather than ostracized for what he is not. However, this does not mean he denies or conceals his origins. He doesn't. He wishes one day to return to his large and unruly family and clan to show that he did indeed make his mark in the world and hungers for the fame and recognition that that will require. Background: Bran was the oldest of 11 sons of Eidwig the Wanderer, a notorious and widely feared hill giant matron. Why he never grew like his younger siblings is a mystery to any who accept his parentage. Those who claimed he was not Eidwig's son growing up had to deal with Eidwig and no one really wanted to get on the wrong side of the clan matron. AS the clan priestess for Somonol, the Goddess of Fertility, this question crossed religious as well as personal insult lines. However, that didn't mean life was easy or smooth. The other giants, and particularly his brothers, teased, bullied, and excluded him whenever his mother's watchful eye wasn't directly on them and he grew up tough and more than a little mean. But Eidwig herself never treated him any different than any of his brothers, if anything, as the eldest, he had more of everything, both privileges and duties. His mother also taught him the lore of the giantfolk, expressed in the runes of power, a study that none of his brothers had much aptitude for. This made the rest bearable. But not pleasant and when he had grown old enough to survive on his own, Bran packed a pack and set forth to seek his place in the world. His wanderjar lasted 3 years before he was recruited into a dwarven military band. There, his differences were just seen as eccentricities and his fighting ability gained him respect and honor. In addition, he took to heart the special charge of the dwarven folk, The Watch, and made it the guiding star of his code along with the precepts of his mother's clan. Now he is part of the Folk, part of the Watch, he belongs.

[Onward]

Alright, I've edited my app, check it to see if it makes the cut.

[Seekr34]

Originally Posted by DebiRedHair

Reviews

[penbeast0]

Didn't think about having a clan but seriously thought about having a Firbolg sidekick/mentor but when I started writing it up, she sort of didn't fit as well as she did in my mental prewrite.

[Gath]

Name: Strider Greatmane
Race: Elfish Centaur
Sex: Male
Class: Warlock 3/Bard 1 (Pact of the Blade)
Favored Deity: Strider is superstitious and panders to all the gods. He most commonly looks to Duradonus for guidance.
Description: Standing at nearly seven feet from head to hoof, the elfish centaur has primarily a fawn coloring. His hooves have big tufts of white fur about them, and he has a great white mane running from his head down his back. His tail is also white, with gray and white speckles leading onto his rump.
Personality Traits:
I’m always polite and respectful.
I see omens in every event and action. The gods try to speak to us, we just need to listen.
Ideals: Faith. I trust that my deity will guide my actions. I have faith that if I work hard, things will go well. (Lawful)
Bonds: I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
Flaws: I put too much trust in those who wield power within my temple’s hierarchy.


Name: "Ricochet" Ravinicous Barackus Volitarious
Race: Dwalini
Sex: Male
Class: Rogue 2
Favored Deity: Drascar God of Greed and Cunning
Description: Small for a dwarf, Ricochet got his name when he fired a slingshot at a thief and missed, but the bullet bounced off the doorframe and hit the thief in the pate, knocking him unconscious. He’s a friendly burglar who helps his allies access tough to get into places, and his maneuvering on the battlefield has come in handy on many occasions. Mostly he is a loyal friend to Strider and seems to have pledged himself to keep the centaur company for the duration.
Personality Traits: I idolize a particular hero of my faith, and constantly refer to that person's deeds and example.
Ideals: I trust that my deity will guide my actions. I have faith that if I work hard, things will go well.
Bonds: I owe my life to the friend who took me in when my parents died in the war.
Flaws: I tend to gamble.

Background: The offspring of a curious elf and a playful fey, Strider is a centaur of elven descent. He met with his companion Ricochet, a Dwalini, when they were working in the Crusade back at the first battle of Lawton. It was an intense battle, and many friends were lost. Strider was on his way to follow Balen to Reginhold when he found Ricochet hiding in some rubble. The sturdy centaur pulled some of the timbers free and hoisted the lightfoot out of the debris and ushered him onto his back. There, they rode to Reginhold where they witnessed Balen’s ceremony to become Lightbringer.

Strider and Ricochet enjoyed the quiet of peace for a time and delighted in the Exemplar Games. Though the struggle with Demons was relentless and they joined forces to defend Reginhold with Balen’s clan. When Balen lost the Grand Melee and the Wrestling, Strider felt it was an ill omen. ”Duradonus must have been tipping the scales of these battles.” He said to his companion. Ricochet replied, ”Perhaps he threw the fight, allowing the other fighter to become champion and boost his confidence enough to marshal his own clan.” But then Balen won the Marathon, and they were elated! Ricochet had placed a sizeable bet on the Marathon, and also the Melee and Wrestling, so he was excited to make his money back. But Strider knew that this dwarf was destined to be a hero.

Ricochet held a Lightbriner banner as he rode aloft Strider while they marched with the clan to Magdenheim. The Crusaders followed the clan to meet the battle at Rockfall and secure the retreat of the Exemplar forces. Strider employed ranged and melee tactics to subdue the goblin army. With his eldritch blasts and massive eldritch maul smiting goblin forces, the centaur looked up just in time to receive a nod from Ori Barkskin, commander of the Banner Guard, for a job well done.

Back at Reginhold, the duo enjoyed more games. It was an uproar when the leader of the Alliance was killed in his wrestling match. But Balen exacted vengeance and justice by slaying the killer and winning the competition. Ricochet’s wagers paid off more than imagined, as Balen went on to win the Marathon as well. Strider still felt it an ill omen that the great leader could not or would not win the Grand Melee. Though he did slay Alric the Intrepid’s killer during the wrestling match. Perhaps balance had been struck.

Still, Balen was made Fist of Dwarves and intended to lead the Crusade, which Strider was very excited about. Under his leadership, he suspected that morale and bravery would increase exponentially. Ori was still there as the general, and as they began their march to Lawton Strider got another nod from stoic Ori, which made him swallow butterflies. The centaur considered it a powerful omen to be recognized by the great commander.

When Balen was bestowed another blessing from Eldaron, Strider was particularly awe-struck to see that Balen had bene gifted the Avatar of Korgal, father of Dwarves! Such an incredible honor that he would have this going into combat. Now he was becoming a mythical hero and his people would follow him anywhere. And so, being among his people, Strider and Ricochet worked hard to build the road to Lawton. And they were well rewarded by being able to meet humans and goliaths for the first time. It was wonderful having them join the armies and train alongside them. Strider was quick to learn the language of the goliaths, having studied some texts that the elves had kept, and was integral in the process of helping to train them.

They marched to Rockfall and combined forces with allies to take over the city. ”This is going to get messy,” muttered Strider, as he summoned his maul. But Ricochet pointed as Balen found a prominent location and called out to the inhabitants, ”We have come to bring peace to this land! Any who surrender and vow to live according to Law will be saved!” There was a hush across the city as the words were carried by all of the people and creatures occupying it. Then, a goblin dropped his jagged sword, and then a wave of other goblins and orcs dropped their weapons. After that, there was a massive wave of calamity as all manner of weapons were dropped to the ground. Balen had saved the day yet again!

Strider touched a talisman that hung around his neck as he watched Balen leave camp for Magdenheim and Lawton. It was a dwarfish coin that had been corrupted in its forging. The coin was hexagonal inset inside a silver frame allowing the front and back to show. Instead of being pure electrum, there were waves of mithral, gold, and copper within. On the front there was a portrait of Duradonus, ruler of Time and Fate. On the back was the portrait of Korgal, keeper of laws, father of dwarves. He knew that someday his fate would rest in this coin. But he was reminded of the subtle twists of fate through life and reached to the coin for guidance.

”This is not good,” he said to his companion.

Ricochet nodded, ”Aye, he should be bound to stay with his people at all times then? He goes where he is needed.” Said the wise dwarf.

”I suppose you are right.” Replied the centaur, uncomforted by his friend’s words. ”Come on, we’ve more road to build on the way to Lawton.”

They were on their way to Lawton when the Chaos forces attacked. Some Crusade armies were pushed into Rockfall, while the rest of the Crusade armies rushed back to Rockfall to give aid. Balen was not there to lead the Crusade! Strider muttered prayers to Orlanth asking for blessings over this battle that they should be triumphant after all they’d been through.

Strider saw the Goliaths and Bannerguard moving in to fight as an auxiliary unit. ”Climb on!” he said to Ricochet, as they charged into battle. The centaur blasted Chaos creatures while they closed in. When they arrived, he summoned his maul and crushed the enemy. The auxiliary unit, with the Bannerguard and Goliaths of BloodnGuts, formed an anvil against which the chaos threw itself while human and Elvish forces flanked then destroyed them.

Balen’s heroism was elevating beyond mortal standards. Balen solidified his position as winner of the Marathon by running from Magdenheim to Rockfall in just a week. He made it in time to join the battle and then to forge a friendship with the Elven Queen, a moment that Strider greatly cherished.

The duo marched to Lawton with the Crusade, then, in Lawton Vale, they met the Waargh in battle. Strider and Ricochet had grown weary of fighting goblins and orcs, creatures of Chaos. But when the massive construct appeared, morale dropped, and hopelessness began to settle in. Strider broke off from the goblins and made way for the construct. From a distance, he continued blasting it with force rays, though it didn’t seem to be doing much. The centaur, moving and dancing about the battlefield to get a good line of sight, caught the attention of Ori once again. They witnessed Balen and the Raven charging the construct and the big flash of light as it exploded into oblivion.

Strider was quick to get up and moved over to Ori and held out a hand to help the commander to his feet. Ori smiled. ”You’re a great warrior, even if your methods are unorthodox. I’m glad to have you on our side. Now how quickly can you get me over to that blast site?”

The centaur smiled and hoisted Ori onto his back, then rushed over to the blast site. But the blast ended up consuming Balen Lightbringer and destroying the Raven in the process. Balen disappearing shook everyone to the core. This was a mythic hero and the confusion of the event indicated that he just vanished, while the Raven had died fighting the same construct. Ricochet rode Strider to the funeral for Balen and the Raven. Things would never be the same.

Ten years went by, and Strider and Ricochet had continued their service in the Watch. They followed the Lightbringer Banner Guard and were doing what they could to assist Balen’s clan building Lighthold. After such a tenure of service in the Crusade, it felt like it was time to retire…

That’s when they were assigned to continue the Watch to protect Eregold from the Chaos to the north. They arrived in Lawton a day ago, hungry and weary from travel. But they were welcomed by Ori and the Lightbringers and given food and a place to stay. On the morrow their service begins anew.

[DebiRedHair]

@Gath. Nice use of the background BUT a Centaur cannot be Dwarf and Warlock. To think you are, maybe, but traditionalists would see that as something that would need trial by combat. A Centaur Warlock with Dwarf Sidekick is fine. A Centaur(with Dwarven parentage) Bard is also fine though you will face some opposition. There are one or two things in the background that I will.get picky about if you are chosen.

One issue I will raise. Were you at the Battle of Lofton Vale and if not, why not?

[Onward]

@DebiRedHair

My app is now edited, try checking it. If it's all good, mark it as complete.

[Gath]

Oh, you got me there. I crossed wires trying to be dwarf descendant and warlock centaur. They were independent thoughts that never connected. I will address that. Thank you. I will go ahead and shift to human centaur then and say that he's a union of curious human and playful fey, if that's alright.

Although, it did appear that elves were friendly and welcome at first. Before the chaos came. Would it be reasonable to be a half elf centaur?

[DebiRedHair]

@Gath. Half-elf Centaur is fine.