[D&D-5e] Fall of the Frostreaper

[Nasrith]

The Fall of the Frostreaper

Game Update October 22nd Update: Currently Recruiting 2 Players Please see this post for more details.

Theme and Flavor Kill the Dragon, Free Your People. Winter Survival. High Level. One Shot.

The Hook The Windspire Range is an inhospitable land marked by soaring mountains, deep valleys, and severe winters. Few from the outside world venture through it, and fewer still make it out alive. There are those who call it home, though. For centuries untold, seven free clans of Goliath have roamed these harsh climates. Life for these clans was hard, but it bred strength. With strength came life, growth, joy, and the seeds of civilization. This all changed when the white dragon Thalorgarax came. With the arrival of Thalorgarax, The Frostreaper, Winter's Herald, the seven free clans became six. Then, their freedom ended. The Skyreach Clan fell first, wiped from the face of the mountains. Their home in the highest mountain of the Windspire Range became Thalorgarax's throne. The response from the other clans was fierce, but they were betrayed by one of their own. The warriors of the Frostfang Clan fell not to the Frostreaper's claw, but to corruption, a lust for power that turned the Windspire Mountains' fiercest warriors into servants of the dragon. Together, the Dragon and his Fangs, as they would come to be known, brought the other clans to heel. It has been six decades since Winter's Herald arrived in the Windspire Range. Entire generations have grown up never knowing the bracing breath of freedom. Warriors are regularly sacrificed to Thalorgarax's maw. The Fangs have bled the other clans dry of food, resources, and spirit. Yet, not all hope is lost. Sighting of Thalorgarax have become rare in the last decade, and rumors swirl that the Frostreaper is sick, or else was injured in a battle with a rival. More and more work is left to the Fangs, and their grip on the land weakens. There are whispers among the people of a secret meeting, deep in the Iceheart Caverns. Representatives of the five remaining clans have come together with a small group of would-be heroes, bearing secrets that could end Thalorgarax's reign forever.

The Game And you my friends, are those would-be heroes. You hold in your hands (pens? keyboards?) the power to shape not just the fate of Windspire Range, but of my future games as well. This actually wasn't the game I planned on running. I've wanted to run a game in this (very made up) setting for the last four years. It was going to be amazing, incredible, epic! It was also going to take place a hundred years after Thalorgarax's fall. But y'know what? I needed a one-shot to dip my toes back in the DMing water and fill out this setting. Plus, how often do you get to fight play a dragon!? That is how The Fall of the Frostreaper was born. Before we tackle the nitty-gritty of the application process, I want to set a few expectations. First - hey, I'm Nas (he/him). I've been around here on and off for over a decade. I'm in my early thirties, married, settled down, pretty secure. Life is good. But in the process of getting life to be good, I stopped writing and I stopped playing D&D. And MAN do I miss it. So now I'm back, and you're reading this (while hopefully thinking about awesome characters to play). This game is designed as a true one-shot. Climb the mountain, kill the dragon, save the people or die trying. Games always last longer than expected, but I'd love to wrap this bad boy up in no more than a year real-time. I'm also a big believer in the importance of momentum in a game. Posts beget posts beget posts. Slow responses beget slow responses beget dead games. You get the picture. I aim to stick to a reasonably firm two posts per week. I'll also be attempting (sometimes in vain) to write my posts as quickly as possible while still being enjoyable to read and communicating everything they need to communicate. Not as much epic prose. I encourage you to do the same. I'll say more about this a little later. The only thing that might be more important to a good (see: alive) game than momentum? Communication. I'm not going to talk about why this is important because I reeeeally hope it's obvious. I bring it up because I will keep you all updated about what's going on in the game and in my life insomuch as it affects the game, and if you're IN my game, I expect the same out of you. Okay, now on to all of the information you need to actually APPLY to the game.

Application Name: Race: You have two options as seen below - White Dragonborn or Goliath. Goliaths in this setting are akin to taller, stronger humans. With that in mind, and to allow for more build variety, you can choose to use either the human, variant human, or goliath stat block. Dragonborns will be able to allocate their +2, +1 in any way they see fit. Class: Any, but wizards are especially rare in this society. Clan: Which clan are you from? Full list in the setting information below. Mechanical Background: Appearance & Personality: Written Background: No length limit or requirement on this, but if you're going to make it a book, make it a good one. 30 Minute (or less) RP Sample: Remember when I said momentum is important and I wanted to encourage it? Instead of requiring a word limit, I want to use a suggested time limit for posts. Show me what kind of post you can come up with in 30 minutes or less. Yes, you can cheat. Yes, I won't actually enforce this. No, I probably won't even follow this myself every single time. I ask for this in the spirit of keeping the game moving and with the hope that you don't get bogged down trying to write awesome posts, and then end up with nothing at all. Prompt below. Prompt What was the moment you became a hero in the eyes of your clan? Please write this as you would any other game post. Application Part 2: Very informal. About a week before the deadline, I will offer a review and some questions about your application. I will also privately ask which other characters in the applicant pool you would like to play with. I have found so far that when I give other players the opportunity to pick their fellower adventurers, group cohesion goes up.

Additional Information Accepted Players: 4-6 players. Posting Rate: 2 per week. Discord: Maybe for OOC talk and a faster question/answer cycle. I'll poll the selected group. Starting Level: 8, expected to hit 10 by the end of the game. Starting Gear: Starting equipment for first level - I know, I know. You're not first level but that's still what you get. I won't leave you out to dry, promise. Ability Scores: 27 point buy. Accepted Materials: All official. No homebrew. Keep the setting in mind. Starting Races: Goliath or White Dragonborn. Goliath, for our purposes, are a taller, stronger, more rugged version of humans. White dragonborn are half-goliath, half-dragon sired by Thalorgarax. If you're going to play one of those, you need good reason why they would side with the clans. Application Deadline: I will be making decisions the morning of on August, 16th.

Setting Information   The Windspire Range The Windspire Range is a series of soaring mountains and deep valleys named for the constant, whistling winds that sweep through the peaks. The landscape is marked by towering spires of rock, narrow ravines, and hidden caves that its inhabitants use as shelter from the harsh elements. The region experiences frequent and severe weather, with blizzards and ice storms the most common occurences. Snow blankets most of the ground year-round, and the glaciers carve their way through the valleys, creating breathtaking but treacherous terrain. The air is frigid, and the higher elevations are often engulfed in swirling mists and icy winds that can chill even the native clans to the bone. Despite the harsh conditions, the Windspire Range is home to hardy flora and fauna, as well as a half-dozen goliath clans. For the past sixty years, the range and all within it have suffered under the rule of the Adult White Dragon Thalorgarax, Winter's Herald, Frostreaper. Thalorgarax has made his lair atop the Snowcrown, tallest mountain of the Windspire and the ancient home of the Skyreach Clan. From there, he exerts his control over the region, demanding regular sacrifices of food, treasure, sacrifice, and slaves from the goliath clans. His presence has transformed the once-vibrant region into a land of fear and subjugation, with the goliaths struggling to survive under his tyranny. The dragon's alliance with the Frostfang Warriors, who serve as his enforcers, ensures that his rule remains unchallenged. The oldest goliaths remember a time before Thalorgarax's reign, but for most, life has always been dominated by his oppressive control.   Clans of the Windspire Range The Frostwalker Tribe: The Frostwalker Tribe are renowned for their endurance and adaptability to the cold. Their homes carved into glaciers serve as hidden refuges, where they try to avoid Thalorgarax's wrath. They continue their ice fishing and hunting, but much of their hard-earned resources are taken as sacrifices. The Frostwalkers have become experts in evasion, using their knowledge of the terrain to hide and protect what little they can from the dragon's demands. The Stormwatchers: The Stormwatchers, vigilant guardians of the Stormwatch Cliffs, have developed acute senses and ability to predict the weather over hundreds of years. They use their home cliffs to launch covert operations against the Frostfang Warriors, striving to maintain some semblance of resistance. Their settlements have become fortified strongholds, and their warriors are ever on alert, ready to defend against both natural storms and Thalorgarax's minions. The Pinewhisperers: The Pinewhisper Clan have endured Thalorgarax's harsh rule by retreating even deeper into the forest they call home. Their master tracking and herbalist skills help them survive, but much of their resources are taken as tribute. They live in constant fear and are forced to hide their sacred rituals and traditions, preserving their way of life in secret while under the dragon's oppressive eye. The Iceheart Clan: The Iceheart Clan has made their home in the twisted network of caves and icy tunnels that permeate the Windspire Range. Their expertise in spelunking and crafting has turned into a means of survival, creating hidden caches and escape routes within the icy depths. The dragon's demands weigh heavily on them, but they use their resourcefulness to continue thriving in the shadows, holding onto their rituals and traditions in the frozen breath of the mountain spirits. The Crystalline Keepers: The Crystalline Keepers, custodians of the Windspire's greatest lake, revere their sacred waters even under Thalorgarax’s tyranny. Their settlements and shrines have been rebuilt to blend into the landscape as they try to protect their spiritual practices from being disrupted. The dragon demands a portion of their fish and foraged goods, but the Keepers continue their tradition of ice sculpting and carvings in secret, finding solace in their traditions despite the oppression. The Frostfang Warriors: The Frostfang Warriors, once proud inhabitants of Frostfang Ridge, now serve Thalorgarax as his primary enforcers. In exchange for special favor, they maintain control over the other clans, acting as the dragon’s ruthless troops. Their rigorous training has shifted to focus on enforcing the dragon's rule, using their tactics and intimate knowledge of the terrain to keep the other clans in line. In recent years, the ranks of the Frostfang Warriors have been supplemented by Thalorgarax's half-dragon, half-goliath offspring. The Skyreach Clan: The Skyreach Clan, once proud residents of the highest accessible points of the Windspire Range, was known for their expert navigation using the stars and their deep spiritual connection to the celestial bodies. They interpreted the movements of stars and planets as omens and guidance from their ancestors, building strong settlements that could withstand the harsh winds and cold temperatures of their high-altitude home. However, when Thalorgarax took over the Windspire Range, the Skyreach Clan was the first to fall. Despite their agility and knowledge of the terrain, they were unable to withstand the dragon's assault. Their settlements were destroyed, and their people were slaughtered, leaving behind only memories of their once-great clan. The few survivors scattered, their knowledge and traditions fading into legend as the dragon's rule began. The Clans - Expanded

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Should I apply to this game? A: Duh. Q: Will there be AI used in this game? A: Some. Primarily for rough draft setting descriptions, and to create campaign I'm using Mythweaver v2 for image generation, which pays artists for their images used to train it's modelimages. Q: Will you be only choosing one PC from each clan? A: Nope! Some clans have more heroes. Some have less. That's all up to you guys. Q: Will you be making selections based on party balance? A: Not really. If the best apps are all goliath bards, we're going with all goliath bards. Q: Can I apply if I'm new? A: Absolutely! And if you need extra help fine-tuning your app, I'm a PM away. Q: Will we have access to more setting information? A: Yep, as soon as the forum is approved I'll put all kinds of goodies in there. Q: How does starting equipment work? Will we be able to get magic items since we're higher level? A: Standard starting equipment for your class. The goliaths are heavily oppressed by Thalorgarax's presence, so the clans don't have a whole lot of treasure lying around. Q: Fizban's Treasury of Dragons Dragonborn or PHB Dragonborn? A: PHB Dragonborn please. The Chromatic Ward racial ability in Fizban's is actually pretty freaking strong for this campaign. Cold damage resistance is a solid middleground. Q: Are there clan restrictions for White Dragonborn? A: Not technically. However, regardless of the mother, most White Dragonborn are either born into or inducted into the Frostfang Warriors at an early age.

Player	Character	Race	Class	Clan	Complete?
Seekr34	Mogoth	Goliath	Ranger	The Pinewhisperers	Complete
delpinator	Frothgurder	Goliath	Fighter/Cleric	The Stormwatchers	Missing RP Sample
Red Leper	Kivia Bearkin Vunakukanu	Goliath	Druid	Frostwalker	Complete
Kshnik	Eaggal Stonetwister Veomiala	Goliath	Artificer/Cleric	The Stormwatchers	Complete
Taigains	Mi-Jinx Liersdaughtaer	Goliath	Rogue	undecided	WIP
krossingkhory	Galmath Bharakas	Dragonborn	Barbarian	The Frostwalker Tribe	Complete
EMIW	Palu Icepiercer	Dragonborn	Cleric	Crystalline Keepers	Complete
JohnStone	Morena Moor	Goliath	Warlock	The Iceheart Clan	WIP
kanly	Broken	Dragonborn	Paladin/Warlock	The Iceheart Clan	WIP
AlphaZ	Ghau Coldbone	Goliath	Barbarian	The Frostfang Warriors	Complete
Grouchy	Chimera	Goliath	Fighter	The Iceheart Clan	Missing RP Sample
Jrod	Crystax Glaicierroot	Dragonborn	Druid	Crystalline Keepers	Complete
1Skell	Kotar Rauðljós	Goliath	???	Crystalline Keepers/Skyreach	Complete
Kweheri	Hanyin Ironspeaker	Goliath	Fighter	Stormwatchers	Complete
DemonSlayer	Uthal Iceheart	Goliath	Paladin	Iceheart	Complete
Elanir	Ungalu Darkseer	Goliath	Wizard	Iceheart	Complete
Aisede	Blecking	White Dragonborn	Sorcerer	Frostfang Clan	Complete
Torack	Tabral Kask	Goliath	Cleric	Crystalline Keepers	Complete

[Seekr34]

This got my interest. Especially starting at 8th level. So many games starts between 1 & 4 and only about 10% of the time do I even get to 8th.

[Seekr34]

btw, only races to play are Goliaths & White Dragoborn, ok got it. Now, my question is, since Goliaths are stuck with human stats, does that mean they don't get any Goliaths traits either?

[Seekr34]

Name: Mogoth (Means “Courageous Hunter” in Goliath)
Race: Goliath
Clan: The Pinewhisperers
Class: Ranger
Personality: He gets along well with others, and like the rest of his race, he welcomes others if they can hold their own, then they have his respect. His race doesn’t like weaklings and cowards, but with the dragon and its followers, they come to accept a bit of cowardice, but not weakness, There is a time and place to fight. He first was disgusted with the rogues that he had come across now and then, but he had learned of their uses and had finally accepted them.

Appearance: He Stands at 8 feet tall, green eyes, shaved head. His skin is gray, and his body looks like it has been carved from mountain stone as with most of his kind, making him look like a walking mountain. Dressed in brown and green with a hooded cloak, so he can blend in with the forest. Armed with a handaxe at each hip and longbow at his back. Armor is light, dressed in leather armor.

Background: Hunter
Personality Trait: If one person can do it, any person can do it.
Ideal: Challenge. I want to hunt the most challenging game.
Bond: I respect every animal that I slay.
Flaw: I find other people exhausting.
Backstory: Mogoth grew up knowing only fear of the dragon and being treated like slaves of the dragon’s followers, the Fangs, and to make it worse, it was his own kind. At the table, his grandfather would tell the time of peace between each clan and how often they traveled across the land for better hunting and crops, always picking up to leave when food and other supplies grew low, like nomads. The Dragon came and easily defeated one clan and persuaded the second clan, the Fangs to become its followers. Now they all struggle to survive with most of their food taken and unable to travel for the traitorous Fangs would warn the dragon.

Growing up in the clan of The Pinewhisperers, where most were druids or rangers, sticking to the woods, Mogoth took up rangering. He became a good hunter and tracker, always hunting for food for both his family and the clan. Now and then when he was lucky in the hunt, he would save some for himself and hide it. He would skip the meal with his family and go back out to the hiding spot and feed on the spare food he saved for himself.

It was pretty much this way every day, rise in the morning, do chores, then go out hunt, come back hours later, sit with family, then later head to bed and the next morning, start all over again. It wasn’t always easy though, he and his clan had to watch for Ogrillons, orcs occasional Frost Giant, among other monsters. It wasn’t always easy. Each clan protected their borders, not only for themselves, but for other clans as well.

No one could spy on the dragon, besides the Fangs, there were also winter wolves guarding the area as well and when hunting, Mogoth had to be wary of them.


30 Minute RP Sample: For a while, Mogoth was just part of the clan, no one special, just a ranger doing his duty, then one day, that changed. He heard a yell from a distance, close to home, and he ran to see two Yetis being held off by another Goliath as a few children ran off. Why and how the yetis came to be here didn’t matter. He quickly drew his bow and fired a couple of arrows. The one that was hit turned around and charged at Mogoth. He stood his ground and kept firing arrows one after another. The Yeti was about five feet away when it fell to its knees. He strapped his bow and took out a handaxe and slashed the beast’s neck, and looked to see his fellow Goliath slip and fall and the other Yeti was standing over him. Mogoth quickly charged, both hands now had a handaxe in them and there was a large stump behind the Yeti and Mogoth leaped on the stump and came down on the back of the Yeti with both handaxes down it’s back. The beast turned and it was the two of them going at it. Mogoth’s fellow clan member had sprained his ankle and couldn’t stand on it. The beast clawed him once and he grimaced at the pain but stayed away. He changed his plan of attack, for the beast had long reach, so when it attacked, Mogoth would chop at the claws and he had managed to severe one hand of the beast, making it howl in pain. Not wasting time, he whipped his axes, slashing wilding at the creature, one going for its healthy claw, the other for its neck. What felt like an hour, was only a few minutes and Mogoth finally triumphed when the Yeti fell to the ground dead. From that moment, he became a hero to the eyes of his clan.

[Nasrith]

Originally Posted by Seekr34

btw, only races to play are Goliaths & White Dragoborn, ok got it. Now, my question is, since Goliaths are stuck with human stats, does that mean they don't get any Goliaths traits either?

You know what, in getting ready to answer your question, I'm changing my tune.

I'll allow goliaths to use the goliath stat block, the human stat block, or the variant human stat block for character creation. Regardless of stat block used, all goliaths are similar for RP purposes.

[Seekr34]

Ah nice, had a second question, but you took care of that.

[Kshnik]

Posting interest. I will see what I can come up with.

[delpinator]

name frothgurder(protection against the cold)
race Goliath(variant human)
classfighter 2 tempest cleric 6
Background outlander(clan stormwatch)
traits
1. I feel more comfortable around beasts than people.

2. I treat my alies like new born pups.
ideal I trust the gods will be favorable to those who work hard.
bonds I receive visions of terrible storms to come. Things must change.
flaws don't expect me to save those who can't save themselves. All must work hard so we can survive.

personality frothgurder finds him self in a partial conflict of culture. He strongly believes in self reliance and working hard but a man out in the cold obviously does worse without his tribe this is why the tribes have gathered together. This on top of his belief in thalor who guides the tribe though it must survive the trial only furthers this countering idealism.

backstory frothgurder was born a pup of the clan. His gift was shown as a child from his screaming. He was the loudest of his brothers. He grew up along side the acolyte who taught him to control his emotions and find strength in the storm. He fought along side his brothers along with feats of strength training him in martial training and athletics. He learned to combine the prayers of the acolytes and his martial training using his club and shield as his war drum.

He traveled outside the encampment often to hunt and follow storms to where thalor shares his wisdom. This brought experience and with it power. He learned to help the hunters find prey easier, followed by empowering the wind itself to form that of his club, his most current is calling upon the gales to strike those around him.

Time spent following storms often ment going where others dared not. He learned to follow the animals intuition to storm and bonded with them providing comfort in the storms as the beasts bed down for protection. This brought comfort around beasts as an easier solution than the constant debate about weather to help or let a person find their lesson in the storm as beasts were lesser than Goliaths and relied on them for protection were unable to commune with thalor.

He has recently been called upon to stop the dragon. The dragon that had caused problems for frothgurder since anyone can remember. It was a great honor and part of what his his parents had wished for upon his naming.

[Red Leper]

Bearkin, Wolf-friend and Owl-speaker: Name: Str 14 | Dex 14 | Con 16 | Int 8 | Wis 16 | Cha 8Kivia Bearkin Vunakukanu Race: AthleticsGoliath (Natural) Class: Animal Handling, PerceptionDruid (Favored Forms: Polar Bear, Winter Wolf, Giant OwlCircle of the Moon) 8 Clan: Frostwalker Clan Mechanical Background: Athletics, SurvivalOutlander Personality Traits: -I feel far more comfortable around animals than I do people. Ideal: -The natural world is more important than all the constructs of civilization. Bond: -My clan suffers and they hide themselves away, I won't stand for it anymore. Flaw: -I am slow to trust people, their motives often don't make sense, Animals are simpler. Appearance & Personality: Kivia is tall and husky, around eight feet tall and muscular. From the time of her birth, she was marked, pale white eyes, like the glaciers of her home, different from the others. Her skin was grey like cold stone and marked like her mother, or so she is told as she has never met her. She keeps her platinum blonde locks in braids and ties. She wears a hide loin cloth and chest covering that doesn't limit her movement but it wouldn't anyway since she spends as little time as possible in her humanoid form. She wears the mantle of a polar bear pelt, a gift and a symbol she can only assume came from her mother, her swaddling as an infant. She is passionate and compassionate, she cares more about nature than nurture but trusts that one's natural instincts will see them through. She prefers the wilds of the tundra and the animals that live there, whenever she shares her insights with her people, they express a need to remain hidden which makes no sense to her. As much as she cares about her people, she wishes they would stand up for themselves. When the call of the council came, she knew it was meant for her and she would make sure the dragon paid the price he was due. Written Background: Kivia is said to have been born on the coldest of nights, at the peak of the winter, during one of the harshest storms, and the people say that you could see the winds of that winter storm in her eyes, the winds of Skaddi. What's especially strange was that her mother was said to be the Frostwalker's wise woman, even if she had vanished into the winds, taken by Skaadi's grace when she was just enduring her Winter Trials. Kivia was found in a basket, wrapped in the pelt of a polar bear just outside the chief's tent-flap. Kivia was raised by the clan, spending time with different parents whenever they could watch after her. When she could walk, though, she saw to it that she wandered the mountain passes and snow banks. She had grown more than tired of the glacial refuges and longed for the open tundra. Despite the warnings from her clan about the Frostreaper, she couldn't be talked out of her wanderings. At a young age, she began to learn the ways and voices of Skaadi and how to commune with the animals of the tundra. When the time came for her Frostwalk, She felt her bond with Skaadi bolstered and her connection to nature strengthened. Then the time of her Snow Whispering, she heard the whispers of Skaadi, fortelling of a time when the reign of Frostreaper would end, a time very soon. When she shared these insights with her tribe, instead of recording them in the communal journal, they discouraged the others and warned against such thoughts, warning that this was not their way. From that time on, for some time, she was somewhat outcast and her presence frowned upon so she saw to spending as much time as she could away. The time of her Winter Trials came, she was more than ready, or so she thought. In the deepest of night, her shelter collapsed under the weight of the snow and she began to lose her faith in Skaadi. She knew better than to let herself falter and when she was almost ready to give up, frozen to the bone, out of the fog and mist of the snow came a large polar bear, a male and with him came the whispers of Skaadi. As the polar bear laid down next to her, transferring it's warmth, she felt an inclination in her soul, and she let this instinct guide her, her form shifting into that of a polar bear. She became kin to the bear that night and survived, her winter trials. It was this time, her next several days, she had elected to remain in the wilderness longer than most. In that time, she slept with polar bears, ran with tundra wolves and spoke to the winter owls. Her return to her clan carried with it, the herald of Skaadi, in a way, her insights that the end of Frostreaper were near and this time, they listened. They had gotten the call to the council and knew she would be the one to do this, she would be the one involved in the end of Thalorgarax. She sought not the symbolic gift that all youths were given, she was told by the wisest elder that she had already found her own symbol. 30 Minute Writing Sample: It was the tenth day since Kivia had began her Winter Trials, three days more than was usual but she was thriving in the tundra, even better than she had as a child. She had learned the secrets of the animals and the whispers in the wind. She approached the edge of the village, on all fours, her body covered in a thick coat of white fur, her paws made the prints of a polar bear in the snow. She felt comfortable like this and felt more herself now than she had when she had left the village. Mean the day past, back at the village, they received a summons, a council to end the reign of the dragon. It seemed like fate that Kivia would return the next day. The summons made Kivia's past insights and visions out to be more than just visions, but truths. The watcher at the entrance saw her and at first reached for his weapon, thinking her just a common bear, but as she lifted herself to her hind legs, the hardened warrior saw her to be quite a bit bigger than an average bear and then her form changed to her humanoid form, Kivia, adorned in her polar bear mantle and adorned in little more than a hide loincloth and chest covering. She laid a gentle hand on the warriors chest and greeted him with a fist to her heart, ""Be well and at peace, friend."Bud' zdorov i spokoyen, drug" She spoke to him in the language of the giants, their language. As she entered the glacial refuge that housed and hid her tribe, she entered as a hero, to the cheers of her people. They knew she had gained the wisdom and the maturity to be sent on this summons. Her visions seeming like prophecies made her the only choice and made the elders regret never trusting her.

[Kshnik]

App Name: Eaggal Stonetwister Veomiala Race: Goliath Clan: The Stormwatchers Clan Class: Artificer (Armorer) 6, Cleric (Twilight) 2 Background: Giant Foundling (Cloud) Appearance Eaggal is four fingers width above eight feet, has a huge bald head, held in place by a very thick neck, sitting on wide shoulders. He has monolid eyes, blue-ish gray with tiny flecks of purple, that peer out below a wide forehead. He has prominent cheekbones, a bulbous chin and a strong jawline. His gray skin matches his eyes and is decorated with many black tattoos containing running lines up and down his face and body. The colors of his attire matches the landscape; brownish and stone grays. A well used composite longbow peeks over his left shoulder and rests against a backpack, held by quick release straps, bursting with his belongings. His powerful lean torso is protected by armor which combines the mixture of scales of steel on top of leather. Two full quivers, sprouting black feathers, along with a few bulging pouches and handles of a couple of weapons, rest on his hip supported by a thick wide belt. On his thick limbs he has secured multiple sheaths containing various tools of his trades. Well designed gauntlets protect his hands etched with the symbol of Thalor, Spirit of Thunder. Personality Eaggal is a passionate individual; charitable with his laugh and smile, and easy to shed tears; mainly towards events that deal with animals and the young rather than with adults. Though slighted, Eaggal can become Ill-tempered and aloof and only help those that he knows has put in the hard work. No free meals from me. Except if there are children involved; he has a soft spot for them. Children and close friends will always have a spot at my table. Eaggal enjoys listening and telling tales, slightly embellished, of course, while drinking multiple mugs of fermented milk. Eaggal is a man of action, an individual of relentless motion. If he is not talking, he is moving about cleaning, or crafting; most often doing both. Eaggal will judge people on their actions over their words. The tools Eaggal possesses have been handed down through multiple generations which he carries around, and uses, as a reminder of his past and of his family’s humble social rank. Written Background Eaggal’s family has always been into crafting; just never seen as elite. So not one of the top families. Moderate. Acceptable. Only claim to fame is the rumored cloud giant blood. Family members are tall. Eaggal as an infant did not play with toys. Not that he didn't have any. Eaggal gravitated to the tools. His family's tools became his toys. As he grew his training was similar to all the others in the clans. Eaggal though had something special about him. His craft was just slightly better than the others. In other aspects he was moderate. At the aging ceremony, he was accepted into the Lightning Forge. Here his training took on another element as he was introduced to the magical arts. Unknown to others, even his family, he was contacted. A recurring dream every night. Eventually he accepted and he was again introduced to a different element, this one to the divine essence. During this period of growth, raids started by the Frostfangs increased in number. Squads were formed to help in the defense of the cliffs. Rotations were scheduled His squad was out when a larger number of the Frostfang Warriors made, what they thought was, a surprise attack. Eaggal squad had been vigilant. Fought back. Above, hundreds of feet, the form of Thalorgarax's was seen. Yet the lay of the land, with the deep ravines and gullies, made it difficult for the Dragon to fly down to participate. It didn’t matter. Frostfang numbers were too great. The squad was being overwhelmed and was on the verge of chaotic retreat. Eaggal stepped forward. United the others. Called for their resilience. Halted the attack. The strength of the squad held the Frostfang at bay. Eaggal called for a slow retreat, one in which they never turned their backs. Reinforcements arrived and the retreat became an attack. It was the Frostfang’s who were forced back. A roar from Thalorgarax caused Eaggal to look up. Even though the dragon distance was great Eaggal knew the dragon had marked him and would stop at nothing to see him dead. Or even worse to become a meal. After that day, Eaggal, and his family, the Veomialas, were seen in a different light. Elevated. 30 Minute Writing Sample 48 minutes.. Started at 10pm. Had to look up various spells to make sure had them right. Wanted to write more. Eaggal was stationed on a large boulder, near the entrance to the ravine with cliffs, fifty foot high, narrowing towards the top. This was one of the few passages to their settlement. The broadest and easiest pathway. A breath. Eaggal’s incredible night vision saw the movement, in the distance, moving stealthily through the crevices, ahead, towards them. If it had been any other on guard duty the force would have been within sixty steps of them before being spotted. Eaggal, however, caught them over two hundred steps away. Another breath. He blew on the bird whistle, a sound that imitated the numerous great horn owls of the region. This would alert the squad. One would run back to inform the others. Eaggal steadied his next six breaths as he raised up a large bow, one he had recently learned to use, along with many others in his squad, and fired it at the lead enemy. Another six breaths, another shot. His squad now fired alongside him even though they could not see. They did not need to see. Every single one of them had this terrain memorized. Every rock, boulder, twists and turns of the ravine. The enemy upon the first arrow, stealth no longer needed, had dashed forwards. A hundred and half steps now. Above a large form obscured the moon for a second. Another six breaths, another shot. The enemy is now less than a hundred steps from them. Another six breaths, another shot. The enemy forty steps away. His squad members could now see the numbers. Another six breaths, the longbow forgotten. A shrug of his left shoulder and his shield now in hand. In his right hand, no weapon, just his Gauntlet. A twin to his left that holds the shield. Gauntlets he made, one with the symbol of Thalor etched upon them. His right hand grabs a small, finger length, thorny vine hanging on the inside of the shield. A few words. A movement of his hand. A thorn whip exploded forward grasping the lead enemy, with a few arrows puncturing his body, and pulling him towards him. The enemy collapsed bloodied to the ground. Another six breaths. Eaggal’s shield catches the blow from the man in front of him. Eaggal ignores this man, speaks a word, and then sends a punch towards a man in front of the squad mate to his right. Thunder echoes off his gauntlet into the man as magic flows behind it from a different source. A shiver of magic envelopes this man. His squad mate shield knocks the man back causing this thunder magic to explode. Another six breaths, Eaggal’s shield catches another blow. The ravine only fifteen strides in width was getting crowded. He notices his squad, now seeing the numbers against them, begin to panic. A few in the back turn to retreat. Rather than panic himself; calmness overcomes him. Eaggal yells Stormwatchers! Hold! Together we are Strong! Eaggal's hand does a familiar movement, his mouth states the words and a thunderous wave rolls forward, coming from deep within his chest out of his outstretched right hand and into those in front of him. The magical wave knock them back multiple steps into those behind. Another six breaths, Eaggal yells Full Turtle defense! Slow step retreat. Eaggal being the lead person, the most likely and easiest for the enemy to attack, calls upon one of his divine spells. This uses the last of his magic but is needed. His right hand pulls the small mirror hanging on the inside of his shield. A few whispered words. A slight movement of his gauntlet and Eaggal could feel the divine ward surround him. Character Concept   Goliath Take as much Thunder damage as possible to go with Thalor, Spirit of Thunder. Artificer (Armorer) 6, Cleric (Twilight) 2 Giant Foundling (Cloud Strike - Thunder) - Customized (Replace intimidation with Animal Handling) - Leatherworkers Tools Feat - Telekinetic Ability 27 points 7 7 5 5 3 14 14 13 13 11 8 Race +1 +1 +1 Feat +1 16 14 14 13 12 8 Str 14, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 8 Skills Athletics, Perception, Nature, Animal Handling, Survival Spells Spell Slots: Level 1 4 spell slots, Level 2 3 spell slots, Level 3 2 spell slots Cantrips: Cleric 3: Mending, Guidance, Spare the dying Artificer 2: Thorn Whip, Booming-Blade (Thunder) Telekinetic 1: Mage Hand Spells: Cleric (Known Wis Mod + 2) = 4 Cleric (1): Healing Word, Sanctuary, Bless (con), Guiding Bolt Twilight: Faerie Fire, Sleep Artificer (Known Int mod + 3) = 6 Artificer (1) Absorb Element, Feather Fall, Tashas Caustic Brew (con) Artificer (2): Aid, Web (con), Vortex Warp Armorer (1): Magic Missile, Thunderwave Armorer (2): Mirror Image, Shatter Artificer Armorer for Gauntlets for Thunder damage Infusions: Enhanced Defense Repulsion Shield Radiant Weapon, +1 atk, dmg, 4 charges/long reaction blind Boots of the winding path Open but considering: Repeating Shot Bag of Holding Armor: Light armor, medium armor, shields Weapons: Simple weapons Tools: Thieves’ tools, tinker’s tools, Smiths Tools Saving Throws: Constitution, Intelligence Features: Magical Tinkering Armor Model Armorer Spells Guardian Extra Attack Tool Expertise Cleric Twilight Twilight Spells Bonus Proficiency: martial weapons and heavy armor. Eyes of Night Vigilant Blessing Channel Divinity: Twilight Sanctuary

[Seekr34]

Starting equipment, is it Low Magic Campaign, Standard Campaign, or High Magic Campaign?

[Nasrith]

Originally Posted by Seekr34

Starting equipment, is it Low Magic Campaign, Standard Campaign, or High Magic Campaign?

Great question. Standard campaign from a magic perspective, but you won't have magic items starting out. Basically all treasure, magic or otherwise, belongs to Thalorgarax.

Starting equipment is truly starting equipment for your class for first level. Who knows though, maybe you'll be able to get magic items other ways

[krossingkhory]

One quick question, if you will please.

The only option for Dragonborn is White. Is that the White from the Player's Handbook, or could we pull White from Fizban's Treasury of Dragons? The only major difference that I can see - and I am blind when it comes to reading material, so I could be wrong here - is Chromatic Warding, which gives you the ability to become immune to the damage type associated with your ancestry for 1 minute. Once used, you have to finish a long rest before you can use it again.

One other quick question, which isn't major but I figure I'd throw it out there anyhow (with full knowledge that you are probably going to say "Stick to the options I gave"). Can it be assumed that you are using White for Dragonborn due to the white dragon and the cold? If so, is there a reason that Dragonborn can't pull Silver for their ancestry? I'm guessing that there is some meta-plot reason for this what with the major antagnoist being a White Dragon (if I read that right), but I figure it doesn't hurt to ask!

Beyond that, I've got an idea to flesh out for a character...but I need to nail down where to split the levels. Starting at 8th level gives all kinds of options!

[Nasrith]

Originally Posted by krossingkhory

The only option for Dragonborn is White. Is that the White from the Player's Handbook, or could we pull White from Fizban's Treasury of Dragons? The only major difference that I can see - and I am blind when it comes to reading material, so I could be wrong here - is Chromatic Warding, which gives you the ability to become immune to the damage type associated with your ancestry for 1 minute. Once used, you have to finish a long rest before you can use it again.

Good question. I'm going to ask you to stick to PHB dragonborn in this one. Normally, Dragonborns are pretty meh, which is why Fizban's gives them the power up. However, because you know this is going to be a cold-damage heavy campaign and Chromatic Warding gives you immunity to cold damage... Pretty freaking strong. Can you imagine facing down Thalorgarax - which I hope isn't too much of a spoiler - and you've just completed negated his breath weapon as a racial ability?

Hope that seems fair.

Originally Posted by krossingkhory

One other quick question, which isn't major but I figure I'd throw it out there anyhow (with full knowledge that you are probably going to say "Stick to the options I gave"). Can it be assumed that you are using White for Dragonborn due to the white dragon and the cold? If so, is there a reason that Dragonborn can't pull Silver for their ancestry? I'm guessing that there is some meta-plot reason for this what with the major antagnoist being a White Dragon (if I read that right), but I figure it doesn't hurt to ask!

White dragonborn are half-goliath, half-dragon sired by Thalorgarax. There aren't any other dragons hanging out in the vicinity, nor have their been for a long time so it's white or bust.

Originally Posted by krossingkhory

Beyond that, I've got an idea to flesh out for a character...but I need to nail down where to split the levels. Starting at 8th level gives all kinds of options!

Cool! Looking forward to what you come up with. Ask if you've got more questions.

[Seekr34]

Originally Posted by Nasrith

Great question. Standard campaign from a magic perspective, but you won't have magic items starting out. Basically all treasure, magic or otherwise, belongs to Thalorgarax.

Starting equipment is truly starting equipment for your class for first level. Who knows though, maybe you'll be able to get magic items other ways

Ok, no problem. Was curious. So no magic items. No biggie, although might need one if we have to face the dragon later on. Now, Standard Campaign, do we get the 500gps plus 1d10gps as well?