[D&D-5e] Tomb of Annihilation

[jbear]

Originally Posted by Vallesh

Oh Jbear! Why do you tempt me so. You knew you'd get interest from us CoEA lot.

Others if you don't realise yet this is going to be a great game. Jbear is incredibly creative and dedicated though I wouldn't put it past them to kill all players within the first adventure...

Sshhhhh...!

It goes without saying Vallesh, that I would love for you to throw you're hat in, but fully understand if that's not possible.

[Anthrueser]

The Upstanding Cit'zen "It's mate now, ser." Name: Rhett Logan Race: Human Class: Monk (The Heavy Handed Brawler Kind) Background: Pirate (Shipwright - Zhentarim Affiliation) Traits To me, a tavern brawl is a grand way to get to know a new city. Logical thinkin' has never been a skill a' mine. My emotions tend to control me. Ideals People. I'm loyal to me friends, not to any ideals, and ev'ryone else can take a trip down the Styx for all I care! Freedom. The sea is freedom—the freedom to go anywhere and do anything. Bonds Me and my brother are thicker than mom's stew, but we've never seen eye to eye. I like to leave behind my own personal mark when I do a job, little things like that make a man a legend. Flaws I'm a loose cannon. If there's a plan, I'll forget it. If I don't forget it, I'll ignore it. My lust for adventure and fun will surely lead to my own destruction. It was a hell of a time though! Backstory: As a boy Rhett was always a wild one. He cared little for the book learnin' and cheek rubbin' of his momma, much more happy to spend his days making a right mess of his name, rough housing in the streets of Waterdeep and acting like a no good little felon. Whether or not it had been simply due to his boyish nature going unchecked, before long it was well known that Rhett Logan was not an upstanding citizen. It was even said that he was seen hanging about with the Black Fist, some real-time rogues. Eventually, through the joint effort of his momma's pleading and a 'short talk' with his brother, Rhett promised to get working some place so she wouldn't have to worry so much. Not welcome in the guard like his brother, for they knew him well, Rhett ended up as a helping hand around the docks, hauling fish and fixing bits of hulls here and there, under direct supervision of course. As the years wore on he would come to be known as a decent shipwright and his name was starting to get better, though he was still known to get a bit rowdy now and again. That was when his momma died... Now, while Rhett had promised to get a proper job, he never said anything about ditching his friends, the Black Hand, and it was then that that bond finally earned him something other than good fun. The Black had long been known to work for the Zhentarim, mercenary work and that, but thanks to that when his momma died the Zhent heard, as they always do. Offering the rash-acting Rhett a chance to revive his mother, if only he would work for them for a time, Rhett had signed his name on as a crew member of The Wyvern, a Zhentarim mercenary ship, before the Zhent had even finished his pitch. It wasn't until much later that he learned the Zhentarim hadn't needed to make good on their offer, Bernhardt and their father had already brought his poor momma back. Greatly relieved to hear this, Rhett still decided to stay on with the Wyvern despite the Zhentarim's failure to uphold their side of the bargain. Life aboard the Wyvern may have been rough, and the crew were less than good-hearted, but Rhett had taken to this new way of life like a baby in bathwater. Before long all those long years of lawful work and inhibiting himself went out the window. Smashing ports for the Zhent, drinking with his new mates and standing intim'datin' for the captain when he had no clue of the plan; Rhett Logan may not have been the man his momma wanted him to be, but he was the one he wanted to be. Surely his family could see that. When word reached him of the curse, of the dead returning to the grave and his poor mother along with them, the Zhentarim came again. This time he had a different offer... and information.

Anthrueser Knowing jbear there's no way I could not apply! I've never played Tomb of Annihilation and I'm definitely looking forward to it now. Got all the time in the world too! Rhett is a part of a pair of characters that have been withheld for like twenty years now (overstatement). His brother Bernhardt Logan will be played by Maskain if he's got the time, and so I'm leaving his backstory incomplete for now so we can flesh out The Tale of the Brothers Logan later. If he's not into it I'll probably make another guy, can't have one without the other!

[jbear]

That's sounds very cool Anthrueser. Hopefully Maskain has time!

[Quick Ben]

Character Application Name: Valyn Tor Race: Half-Elf Class: Sorcerer (Wild Magic) Background: Faction Agent (Harpers) Trait: I quote (or misquote) the Harpers' tenant in almost every situation. Aspiration: I seek to prove myself worthy of Harper membership by matching my actions against their beliefs. Bond: I owe my life to a Harper who took me in when my parents died and my magical powers manifested. Flaw: I put too much faith in those who wield power within the Harper organization. Personality and Backstory: Valyn Tor is a serious young man focused, some might say too focused, on the goal of one day becoming a full fledged member of the Harpers. The half-elf was found, after his parents died in an accident, by a semi-famous bard named Haryn. Haryn Herric had a much more meaningful second career as a clandestine information gatherer (read: spy) as part of the Harpers organization, and his commitment to that faction wore off on his ward. Valyn's burgeoning magical abilities made life as a bard a non-starter, but he spent much of his youth travelling with Haryn and learning some of his other tricks. Valyn's magic has always been somewhat chaotic and hard to control. Haryn's small skill in this area helped him teach Valyn some techniques to focus the arcane energies, but his abilities in this area are still...variable, at best. Master Herric also has the somewhat dubious distinction of having been resurrected, prior to his time with Valyn. In possession of valuable information, the expense of a resurrection was deemed a fair exchange and Haryn was brought back to life via magical means. The unique combination of Harper allegiance and personal motivation (and relative expendability, although nobody mentions that part) made Valyn a useful candidate to investigate the source of the much discussed curse effecting the area.

OOC I have not played nor read the Tomb of Annihilation adventure before. I do, however, have some experience playing a Wild Magic Sorcerer. It is a little more dependent on DM fiat than other classes due to the Magic Surge rolls (I'd suggest always rolling a magic surge under the right conditions for character reasons, but it is open to discussion on how to handle it). It also introduces some volatility into the game. If that doesn't work here, I completely understand. I like to think I can play it in a balanced way, but obviously the final choice falls to the DM. The post rate, long term, should be no issue.

[Krow Nest]

Application Name: Marben (Nicknamed Mar) Race: Elf Class: Sorcerer (Phoenix) Background: Cloistered Scholar Traits: Has burnt hands that came from his first time using fire magic. My friends know they can rely on me, no matter what. Bonds: I've been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question. Ideals: Knowledge. The path to power and self-improvement is through knowledge Flaw: I am easily distracted by the promise of information. Background: Marben is a scholar. Ever since he was young, he liked the idea of knowledge and learning about the world around him. He was accepted into a college at a young age, as he had been studying for most of his childhood. The college helped him learn about the world of magicn showing he had a knack for using magic as well, though, they learnt it was Phoenix magic too late and Marben had burnt his hands from a spontaneous flame. Eventually, he graduated and traveled to the Island of Chult to study the wildlife and the nature of the island. His fire magic had shown the wildlife not to mess with him and leave him be. After a few years of study, he returned to the mainland with his research. Marben was told that his teacher, the one who helped him learn his magic, had died from a disease, but also heard he was resurrected recently. Exicted, he went to see him but was horrorfied when he saw the state he was in. Shriveled up and weak, he couldn't stand to see his teacher like this and nearly decided to cremate him to ease him of pain. He had stepped outside to take a breather first before being confronted by a Harper agent, regarding a mission that could solve the question on what this curse is. Marben accepted this mission

[Ytterbium]

Notes I have never played Tomb of Annihilation. Life likes to kick me in the face surprisingly often, but I am typically good for two posts per week. If not, you'll have notice of when and why. I need to write a couple more paragraphs in the history to tie things together. Unfortunately, it's going to be Monday night before I can get to that. Still, the basic idea is there.

The Doctor Name: Dr. Anatoly "Doc" Agafonov (sheet) Race: Human (Variant) Class: Bard all the way up. Probably. Alignment: Slidden firmly into CN all the way from LG Background: Hermit. "I had to get away after Tanya died again. To lose your childhood sweetheart and the love of your life once? It happens—even to a doctor, believe it or not. To lose her again? I would have gone mad living so close to her grave. And that's to say nothing of what my patients must have thought!" Trait: I am utterly serene, even in the face of disaster. "What misery can life still throw at me? Monsters? Mad kings? Monsoon? Manure? Feh!" Ideal: Free thinking: Inquiry and curiosity are the pillars of progress. "There has to be some legend I've overlooked. Or maybe a plant I've yet to discover? I do know never to give cannabis in any form to cats now. But maybe something else?" Bond: I'm still seeking the enlightenment I pursued in my seclusion, and it still eludes me. "I will cure this death curse, so no one else has to suffer like I have. Hug your wives while you can, young ones." Flaw: I'd risk too much to uncover a lost bit of knowledge. "You say that way lies only death, do you? That's who I'm here to see."   Young Anatoly Agafonov was going to be famous. A strapping, sprightly lad, he was good with a blade, more nimble than a tiny dog, and smart as a whip, just to name a few of the promising clichés that fit. He and Tanya Saitova, the neighbor girl and his first kiss (at age 6 and then again with more hormones at age 14), had only ever had eyes for each other. The future, shaped by their love for each other and Anatoly's desire to be a great doctor, was basically a done deal, and for a while, all was good. Anatoly's reputation grew as he healed the sick, helped birth babies, and convinced even the most stubborn of the elderly and shyest of children that he was here to help, being one of the first physicians in his region to blend traditional medicine with an extremely minor, but promising magical talent. Somehow Anatoly, or Doc, as he was coming to be known, even found time to take up the drums. The one hole in the lives of Doc and Tanya was a lack of children, but their marriage was strong, and they always enjoyed trying. The day came when Doc was summoned to a I picked a duke at random for the sake of picking something. I'm open to this being any person of importance that would fit the story.duke's palace to assist his wife through the end of what had been a difficult pregnancy with triplets. Thanks to his supervision, mama and all three babies came through healthy, a rarity—and a one-way ticket to great fame and fortune for Doc. But just as Doc was giving final instructions to the Duchess and her attendants, a man on a horse arrived at the castle, yelling for Doc. (To do: Duke pays to resurrect Tanya, life is awesome, she dies again, Doc runs away. WHY IS HE BACK IN SOCIETY?)

[Maskain]

Knight Errant, ser! "It's ser now brother..." Ser Bernhardt Logan Human Paladin and Knight of the Order of the Gauntlet Personality Traits-- I have gained a habit of structuring myself to befit the narrative of my now fellow knights, clean, orderly, and always ready. I never really grew out of my wonderment about the tales of grand heroics and can retell quite a few without slipping up as I commonly would. They light a flame that my own words cannot. Ideals-- Laws are the shield I try to but can't always be; a structure that allows the citizenry to feel safe. Following these tenets is absolute. Bonds-- If I can remedy the pain of the sick, I will, to the fullest extent I can. My family is tight as chain mail even if we don't always see eye-to-eye. Flaws-- I am overzealous and will overwork myself if I believe that it will help. A Tale, Written by the Steady Hand-- His father's son, Bernhardt loved to follow the man around and listen to his tales of grandeur. Stories that had men make names for themselves, pulled evil from the shadows and pushed it to light. He even got to play swords with him, of course with a small wooden one, but still it was like nothing else Waterdeep offered. Following this, practice with his brother was always the joy of his day. While not knowing the proper way of sword fighting, Bernhardt tried his best to teach what he'd learned to his brother. Even if he played a little rough. After a few years, the young man became an assistant at the guard barracks, working under his father. Unfortunately, this was also the time that their mother started getting sick. Even though their parents worked so hard, it always seemed like they were without money and medicine couldn't come quick enough to save her. Ledgers in the barracks later told him why: Rhett. Fortunately the captain of the guard, a paladin of the Order of the Gauntlet, held a deep favor for their father and was able to curry holy revival for the woman. After a talk and the third man of the house finding a reliable job, the family was back together, a bond tying them stronger than ever. Even when Rhett had to go on long trips or the guardsmen had obscene hours. They were a family - whole. Training beside his father and later being accepted to squire for the man who had truly saved his mother, Bernhardt's life began to truly look up again. Years of labor as the squire of Ser Blackthorne, the paladin, and Bernhardt became both a guardsman and fully fledged knight as well. Twin dreams that even now, the Logan brother feels he needs to fill the boots of. Sinister deeds lurked outside Waterdeep however and for some reason their mother once more became sick. Her life once returned to her slowly being drained away again... it was a nightmare that only came back worse. Given the order from his once teacher to become a knight-errant and seek the reason for the Order, Bernhardt was ready. With their father being too old by now, it was left to the brothers to pursue why. To save their mother now that they truly could.

Notes Gimme a break, who wouldn't find time for a jbear game!

[jbear]

Awesome! I'm stoked. A pirate and a knight as brothers - that's fantastic. I love it.

Looking forward to your application Ytterbium. I don't have any issue with your lack of familiarity with 5e. Obviously your experience and dedication to the site far outweigh any concern about any adjustment period you might need while you make a slight shift as you learn the rules.

[Krow Nest]

Guess my application doesnt count :c

[jbear]

No offense intended Krow. Thanks for your application also, of course.

Context of my 'being stoked': I know both Maskain and Anthrueser (co-creators of the 'brothers apps'), from another game we are involved in (for nearly a year).

[Dakkon]

Alright, Dragonsabin has told me his game won't really start until this summer at least, so i am going to throw in the hat. I'll get something drafted within the next 24 hours. Even if not accepted, since i see there are many applicants, at least i've tried

jbear is freaking amazing, guys. Tried recruiting him for my Callhill game unsuccessfully Who ever gets in is in for a real treat! 10/10

[jbear]

Thanks for your kind words and your enthusiasm Dakkon. Let's not build it up too much though! *Drop of sweat drips down forehead*

[Ytterbium]

Originally Posted by jbear

Looking forward to your application Ytterbium. I don't have any issue with your lack of familiarity with 5e. Obviously your experience and dedication to the site far outweigh any concern about any adjustment period you might need while you make a slight shift as you learn the rules.

It's mostly up. I'm out of time to finish it today. Playing my sax at Easter service tomorrow means I have to be up super early.

I think I've gotten the hang of 5e's basics except the actions available during combat, but that's mostly just more study, I think, and if I'm accepted, I'm sure someone will correct me as needed if I mess up the first couple times.

[Tad]

Did the Mariner fighting style make into SCAG or is it strictly UA? (sorry, I don't have a copy of the book)

[jbear]

The Only SCAG fighter is the Purple Dragon Kinght I think. I'm guessing you mean Xanathar's Guide to Everything anyway which is where a lot of the UA material was recently published - let me check...

Arcane Archer, Samurai and Cavalier only in that book unfortunately. We are talking about a fighter? Edit: Ok, found it. No, I don't think anything like that made it into an official publication that I am aware of.