[D&D-5e] Tomb of Annihilation

[jbear]

Thanks for the cool apps Tyeal and Cheshire! Okay, so I have also been approached by a former player about rejoining the campaign, so given I now have anough interest to make my decision I am setting off the deadline timer.

A week from now I will make my final decision. If no further interest is posted by Monday, then on Monday next week. If there is interest posted but incomplete, then Tuesday.

[Talissen70]

@jbear, how would you feel about a goblin beastmaster ranger application fitting in this setting?

[jbear]

It would depend on how you sell the backstory - but that is true for any character.

I have no reservations about goblins if that is your concern. What I am looking for is a story that can swiftly and seamlessly integrate with the group.

[Azathool]

Originally Posted by jbear

Many thanks, story hook changed as requested (in my notes), all gtg, here's hoping I get selected in a week for one of the coveted spots!

[Talissen70]

Originally Posted by jbear

It would depend on how you sell the backstory - but that is true for any character.

I have no reservations about goblins if that is your concern. What I am looking for is a story that can swiftly and seamlessly integrate with the group.

Yes, this was my concern, i'll post in the morning for consideration.

[Talissen70]

Yigs Name: Yigs Race: Goblin Class: Ranger (Beastmaster) Background: Outlander Description: Small and scrawny, even by goblin standards, standing three and a half feet tall and weighing about sixty pounds soaking wet. Yigs has mottled green skin but tending towards the darker hues, dark hair which she wears at shoulder length, hidden much of the time under a hood, and large protruding ears. She does have rather striking red eyes and often a slightly thoughtful furrow to her brow. Dressed in leather armour and carrying a scimitar and shield, she cuts a figure with an obvious air of aggression, although this is not her nature, not helped by her assumptions made by those she meets. She is accompanied by her fey companion Rymus in either his land or flight form. Personality: Yigs has an animalistic quality to her personality making her come across as jumpy, suspicious sort in large groups or any more formal company. She visibly relaxes in small familiar groups and when in nature rather than urban settings. Tending to keep quiet and become watchful when she feels threatened, she has a hesitant curiously for other people and cultures. Yigs finds the natural world relaxing, despite its many dangers. Backstory: Yigs was both blessed and cursed by Maglubiyet in equal measures with a sharp mind. Not a significant intellect, but an awareness which belies both her tender years and clan upbringing. She was wise enough to realise this would be seen as a threat to her seniors and particularly Queen Ra-bona-sha, and had successfully kept this under wraps, allowing only the use of it required to give her a modest clan standing as a scout and forager for the last 5 years. Queen Ra-bona-sha had ruled the clan for near fifty years, an exceptionally long time for a Goblin. She claimed this was by the gods own blessing, but Yigs had long suspected some other methods were at play. She was often shielded by retainers, and it did not pay to question the queen. She had begun to suspect her queen had cottoned on to her over the last few cycles as her assignments had become markedly more dangerous and foolhardier in nature. The most recent, to steal a small gold artefact which had been seen close to an alligator nest. Yigs had been the only survivor of the group sent, primarily due to her hesitancy to charge straight at the nest but also as a result of her capitalising on the wild distraction the rest of her team created to acquire the artefact. Queen Ra-bona-sha had been outwardly grateful, but Yigs felt the stare behind that smile and her sense of self-preservation overwhelmed her clan loyalty as she packed her belongings that evening. Before she was able to do anything further, she was called back to the fungal throne. On entering the grove, she noticed all were quiet and when the queen emerged, she was wrought with discomfort, her flesh pale and haggard. Unbeknownst to the tribe, the death curse had come to them. Yigs stood accused of poisoning the queen with the cursed gold trinket she had been sent to fetch. Two of her retainers had died and in a paranoid frenzy, the young ranger was blamed. The queen decreed Yigs would return to the crocodile nest and sacrifice herself to lift the curse. The plan was widely applauded but Yigs disagreed vehemently and under the guise of reluctant compliance, she fled from the group sent to ensure it was carried out. Initially scared and alone, Yigs quickly adapted to an independent existence, finding it much more to her liking than clan life. After a couple of encounters with her clan, she decided she must travel further afield. As she travelled further and outwith the clan territory, she began to hear tales of the death curse and its wide-ranging impact. A plan entered her mind, if she could track down the cause, she could use the information to make peace with her clan or at least stop them pursuing her. A persistent thought remained that the truth may not be enough but what else could she do.

[JohnStone]

Introduction Arterius Vandalay Race: Half-elf Class: Paladin (Vengeance) Alignment: Lawful Good Background: Faction Agent (Harpers) Appearance: Arterius is a handsome man of average build. His mixed heritage shows plainly in his strong jaw and pointed ears. He has a very recent and deep scar running along the left side of his face. Arterius wears the armor of a knight and carries himself accordingly. Personality: Arterius is a serious man with a mission, he rarely smiles these days. The knight upholds a code of honor protecting those weaker than him and helping anyone in need. He has a tendency to be judgmental toward others and himself.

[Elanir]

Ilen the New Moon Name: Ilen Race: feat: Shadow touchedHuman (Variant) Gender: Male Background: Acolyte Class: Rogue (Assassin) 3 / Cleric (Twilight) 2 Deity: Selûne (formerly Shar) Alignment: Neutral (formerly Neutral Evil) Trait 1: I am a stranger to the pleasures of the world and reluctant to allow myself to experience them. Trait 2: Nightmares plague my sleep. It is Shar’s way of reminding me that even though I have left her, she has not left me. Ideal: Redemption - Selûne teaches us that there is light even in the darkest night. I need to believe that she is right. Bond: Serestina Ulbrinter, Senior Priestess of Selûne - In extinguishing her life I was lost to darkness. In passing her light to me she granted me a new life. Flaw: Guilt - As one of Shar’s blades I felt neither hesitation nor remorse. Now my hand is weighed down by conscience.   The sound of the key at the lock made Ilen scamper towards the nearest corner. He had expected them to come much sooner for him - temple guards who would question him or more likely carry out his execution. The room was too small for him to hide from them. Judging from the high-quality furniture, sparse but elegant, and the tapestries decorating the walls this chamber was probably reserved for one of the senior priests or priestesses. It seemed like an odd place to keep a prisoner, but the House of the Moon probably lacked cells, Ilen reasoned. Pressing himself against the stone wall in an attempt to make himself as small as possible, the young man’s grasp tightened around the piece of wood he was holding. He had been stripped of everything but his clothes, as was to be expected, but he had been able to break off part of one of the bed’s boards. It was no true weapon, but it was sharp and could deal significant damage if directed against an unprotected body part like an eye or the throat. In Ilen’s hands, it could be as dangerous as the sharpest dagger. His greatest weapon was another, however, one no follower of the moon goddess could deprive him of. He still enjoyed the favor of the Nightsinger and could feel her soft, comforting darkness within him. Focusing on it he felt it grow and expand, consuming everything around him until he too vanished in the goddess’ embrace. It would probably not be enough for him to escape his captors, but at least he would be able to take one or more with him. It was all he wanted. It was all she required of him. The door opened and Ilen prepared himself to strike. He had expected the harsh sound of iron-shod boots but was met with the muffled whispers of slippers. The one who entered the room wasn't the captain of a group of guards but a lone priestess. The young man grinned. She closed the door behind her but didn't lock it. The goddess was with him! He might escape his prison after all. The priestess took a few steps into the room. She didn't appear surprised by the fact that her captive had disappeared. She didn't even attempt to look for him. Instead, she placed the tray she had been carrying on the small desk next to the bed. She had brought him bread, cheese, and water. His last meal probably. "I have come to talk to you." The priestess’ voice, though softer than velvet, struck him as hard as the blow of a dwarven warhammer. The woman turned her head, looking exactly at the corner where he was hiding. Ilen’s eyes grew wide with disbelief. It- it could not be! He had been successful. He had seen the light in her eyes being consumed by darkness. And yet there she was in front of him as if his blade had never marked her skin. She was the same woman, there was no doubt of that. He didn't have to see the faint scar across her throat, which last night had been a gaping wound. How?, he wondered. "Through the grace of Our Lady of Silver everything is possible", the priestess answered Ilen’s unasked question. Instinctively touching her throat as if to ensure that the lethal wound had indeed healed, she sat on the chair in front of it, her gaze still unerringly focused on the man in the corner. Selûne lets her see through the Nightbringer’s veil, Ilen realized, and he reluctantly allowed the darkness around him to disperse. He didn't let go of the makeshift weapon in his hand, however. He would still need it that night. He was faster than the priestess, he knew. One strike would be enough for her to be consumed by the dark, this time forever. If the woman realized that she was in grave danger, she gave no sign. The serenity of her face was almost unnatural and Ilen felt the urge to tear this perfect face to pieces. "What is your name?", she asked calmly, as if talking to one of the Called, young men and women who sought to join the priesthood in service of Selûne. Ilen didn't reply, glaring at the priestess instead. "You know my name", said the woman. Oh yes, Ilen knew her name. Serestina Ulbrinter, sister of Arthagast Ulbrinter, one of the Masked Lords of the city who had been killed a few years ago. The man was hailed as a hero by the citizens of Waterdeep, which had only made his sister’s voice grow louder. So loud in fact that the Mistress of the Night had called for it to be silenced. "Were you born here, in Waterdeep?" Ilen remained silent. The City of Splendors was all he knew, though, in the eyes of a child who had to survive in its streets, a more fitting name would have been that of the City of Horrors. "Why do you serve Shar? What is it that the dark goddess gives you that you cannot find elsewhere?" The young man’s grip tightened so much that he felt the uneven surface of the broken wood cutting into his skin. She gives me life, purpose, everything!, he screamed at her, though the voice resounded only inside his head. I was lost and she found me! The priestess looked at him with pity. She didn't need to listen to his words to see the pain in his heart. It was obvious in the expression on his face. "You are free to leave." Ilen didn't move. She was obviously lying. One who had slain a senior priestess of the moon goddess would not be allowed to leave her house unpunished. Even if that priestess had been returned to life. Serestina slowly rose to her feet, though it was grief that weighed her down, not age or her recent death. "No guard or priest will stop you. I swear it in the name of the Moonmother. You are free to go if that is what you choose." Still, Ilen made no attempt to leave the room. Selûnite priests were known to be soft and weak, but could this woman truly forgive the one who had slit her throat? "You are also welcome to stay. This chamber belongs to me, but you can remain here for as long as you like. No one will disturb you. I will regularly bring you food and water and talk to you if you would listen." Seeing the suspicion in the assassin’s hard eyes, Serestina smiled. There was no mockery in them, but neither was there joy. "Worry not, I ask for nothing in return. The moon shines for all, those who bask in her light and those who avert their gaze. You have suffered enough. If I can provide you with peace, even if it’s only for a single night, I will be worthy of the Moonmaiden’s blessings." "You know nothing of me." Ilen’s voice was low but dangerous, like the whistling of a poisonous snake. The priestess nodded. "I don't. But I would like to learn. If you give me the chance." With soft steps, she walked to the door, opening it. "This door will not be locked again. Stay or go, as your heart bids you. May She Who Guides keep you, New Moon." Ilen was left alone inside the chamber, suspiciously looking at the door the priestess had closed behind her. This was surely some kind of trap, only… there was no need for Serestina to lie. She could have had him tortured or executed any time she chose. Why would she play such a game with him? With only a few strides Ilen reached the door, but his hand stopped before touching the doorknob. The Dark Lady didn't welcome back those who failed to do her bidding and even though Ilen’s strike had been true, Serestina Ulbrinter still lived. Would the Mistress of Pain forgive him and give him a second chance? His stomach rumbled and his gaze traveled inadvertently to the tray the priestess had left for him. Perhaps the food was poisoned. Even if it wasn't, he didn't want to touch anything the moon goddess had blessed. Then again it would be wise to regain his strength before leaving this room. His throat was parched. Perhaps some water. Yes, only a mouthful to quench his thirst. There was no harm in that. Slowly Ilen headed back to the desk. For several moments he studied the contents of the tray. Half a loaf of bread, a large slice of cheese, a jug of water. Simple food, but enough to silence his hunger. Turning his head, he looked once more at the door. It was still unlocked. He could leave whenever he chose. Whether now or in an hour. It was up to him. Reluctantly he sat down. Just a few bites to strengthen himself, he promised himself. Then he would leave. His Dark Goddess waited for him. He could not let her down. I already have. He knew it was true. He knew she thought so. He put down the wooden stake he had fashioned and picked up the water jug instead. He could leave whenever he chose. The priestess of Selûne had said so. In this at least she had appeared honest. I’ll finish my meal and go. He would return to the Dark Lady. Even if he had failed her. Even if she would punish him. After all, what other option did he have? What could the moon goddess do for him, a lost soul?   "Shall we stop, Mother? Give you a chance to catch your breath?" Serestina shook her head weakly and glanced at the man supporting her. Her eyes looked huge in her gaunt face, the skin ashen gray and full of wrinkles. She seemed to have aged a hundred years in a very short time. When she entered the chamber where he had been kept captive, Ilen had the impression that she was like the full moon - bright, confident, serene. Now all that remained was the tiniest of crescents, its light so faint that the smallest of clouds could cover it. "No, we are- almost there." Three words. She could only speak three words before pausing for breath, the young man realized. It had been seven yesterday. Ten the day before. Would she be able to speak at all, come dawn? Ilen didn't ask again. He knew it was of no use. Even in her current state, once Serestina Ulbrinter was determined to do something, no one but Selûne could change her mind, and even that was not always the case. Trying to ignore the wheezing sounds the priestess made each time she drew breath, he took very small steps so that Serestina could match his pace. The journey to Baldur’s Gate had not been particularly difficult, for they traveled by carriage and the priestess had been well enough to make jokes to pass the time. The path that led to their current destination, however, was far too narrow and uneven for any sort of wagon or carriage and Serestina was clearly unable to ride a horse, so they had decided to walk there. She had claimed it was no more than a couple of hours from the main road, but it had taken them all day to reach this point and Ilen was anxious that the woman would breathe her last without paying her last respects to her brother. "Mother, would you please reconsider? You are as light as a feather and I could carry you easily enough. I promise to be extra careful." The woman whispered something that Ilen didn't doubt was a refusal. Not unlike the one he had received the last time he proposed it. And the one before that and the one before that. "I need to- do this- on my own." Ilen lowered his eyes so that he wouldn't have to watch the agony written on her face. Not for the first time he silently prayed to the goddess. O Night White Lady, why do you torment her so? In your great wisdom, you granted her new life. Why take it back now? Why let the darkness claim her? She has always been true and faithful to you. If you need to punish someone, punish me. Ten times I would give my life if you were to spare her. Her blood is on my hands, her fate on my conscience. I deserve death and she deserves life, not the other way around! Please Moonmother, heed my prayer. For her sake. Please! The dark clouds in the sky parted and Selûne’s face appeared high above the pair, looking down at her servants with radiant benevolence. Ilen’s heart skipped a beat. The goddess had taken notice of him. She would heal Serestina! Closing his eyes, he waited for the miracle. He expected to sense the strength returning to the priestess’ frail body and for her hoarse whispers to turn into a praising hymn, her voice once more clear and melodic. Instead, he felt the woman’s bony fingers on his cheek, wiping his tears. Not for the first time she knew what was in his mind. "Welcome, dear sister-in-law." The strange voice made Ilen immediately raise his head and instinctively reach for the dagger at his belt. Serestina would have stopped him, had she been able to do so. She didn't approve of violence. She had made it abundantly clear in the time they had been allowed to spend together. A low fence marked the location that according to Serestina had been her brother’s favorite place in the world. It was there he had asked his wife to bury him when his time came, though he hadn't foreseen that death would claim him so unexpectedly and so soon. Even in the dark, Ilen could see the place’s beauty, though he could not feel it in his heart. A multitude of cherry trees, low and graceful, seemed to be keeping watch over the ones sleeping in the ground, making the spot look more like a garden and less like a cemetery. At the gate, a woman waited for them, her bronze skin and golden hair with strands of copper clearly marking her as a sun elf. Elegantly dressed in tastefully embroidered robes of deep green, she only wore a few rings and a pair of earrings, none of them ostentatious. She had called Serestina her “dear sister-in-law”, which made her… "Remallia…" Remallia Haventree, Lord Ulbrinter’s widow and mother of his children. She was known to be an accomplished mage and was even rumored to belong to the Harpers. Serestina was always speaking of her fondly, though the two rarely met after Lord Ulbrinter’s death, both trying to occupy their thoughts with other matters in an attempt to keep the sorrow at bay. Next to the elven woman stood two men, Remallia’s friends or servants or perhaps even fellow Harpers, Ilen couldn't tell. At some almost imperceptible gesture from the mage, both of them rushed forward to support the dying priestess. Instinctively, Ilen’s arms tightened around Serestina’s wasted body, refusing to let go. "It’s alright. My journey is- over. I am home." No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! A hole in the ground isn’t your home. Your home is back in Waterdeep, in the House of the Moon. "Shush, child. Don’t cry", she comforted him. "That is- the way of- the moon. It waxes and- wanes. It dies- and is reborn. My light- will be extinguished. Your light- will shine- all the brighter." "There is no light in me, Mother", Ilen protested. "Only darkness." Serestina shook her head and smiled at the young man. For a moment he saw the Serestina Ulbrinter he had known, the senior priestess of Selûne who had saved him from a life of blood and hatred. She was still there! But not for long, he knew. Not for long. "Nonesense. You are- the new moon. My new moon. You will grow- and fill- the heavens- with your radiance. Trust me. Trust in yourself." The words had taken their toll and the priestess collapsed in the arms of Remallia’s men, her eyes tightly shut, sweat flowing down her wrinkled forehead. "Please take her to the resting place of her brother, my husband. Carefully. We don’t have much time." Remallia’s words seemed to verify Ilen’s fears. Serestina would pass away this very night. Ilen tried to follow, but the elf’s voice stopped him. He realized he was standing next to a strange silver coffin that had been elaborately engraved. The coffin was still empty, but not for long. "Where do you think you are going?", Remallia asked, her voice more bitter than poison. "Do you think I don't know you, murderer? Serestina might have forgiven you, but I never will. Had she not insisted, I would have gladly struck you dead and left your corpse to be eaten by your mistress’ crows." Ilen lowered his head. Remallia was right. Her words were in his mind too. "I never…", he started, but the angry elf interrupted him. "What? You never intended for this to happen? You never wanted her dead? I will not suffer your lies. Tell them to her motionless, corrupted body inside that silver coffin. Or rather, no, I will not allow you to sully these sacred grounds with your evil. You will not get a chance to mourn her. Leave! Leave now. If I ever see you again you will wish that I had killed you tonight." Ilen remained perfectly still, his fists clenched, his eyes focused on the ground that would soon welcome the only woman he had ever called mother. "Why?", he asked, his voice little more than a croak. Remallia’s face was full of contempt. "You had better ask yourself that question, Blade of Shar." "Why does the light granted her by the goddess diminish?" The mage looked at the assassin skeptically. Could she use him to break the curse? Serestina seemed to believe that he had turned his back on the Dark Goddess forever, but could she trust him? Why not?, a cold, rational voice asked inside her. He was able to assassinate a senior priestess of Selûne inside the goddess’ greatest temple complex in Faerûn. It is better such skills are put to good use. And if he fails, he dies. Horribly. Just like he deserves. "You seek to redeem yourself?", Remallia asked imperiously, her eyes still full of hatred. "Fine. At dawn, you are leaving for Chult."

I am very intrigued by the game itself and especially by the way you are running it jbear. Please forgive the length of the application, but I wanted to present the character’s backstory and hook as two different scenes so that you would be better aware of the contrast between the character’s past and present outlook on life.

I wasn't sure whether you required a character sheet in order for the application to be considered, but this shouldn't be a problem, since I know what the character should look like.

Any and all feedback is more than welcome if you have the time to give it.

Thank you for considering the application.

[jbear]

Hey everyone,

thanks for the very cool apps that have come in.

Just a quick update. I see that JohnStone has begun an app but it doesn't look complete. So as I mentioned earlier, I will make my final decision on Tuesday (tomorrow) instead of today.

[Cheshire]

There are some great apps here. Good luck all. And good luck jbear having to pick from the lot.

[jbear]

Thank you to everyone who made an application. There were a lot of great options.

I have decided to welcome to the campaign:

Azathool's 'Leatherface'

and

Elanir's 'Ilen'

I am also welcoming back Bhelogan's 'Svaly.' That brings the cast to 7 which is perhaps 1 too many already so unfortunately I can't include anyone else.

Please head over to the campaign and add your characters to the Character Thread. I will be in contact with you via PM regarding the timining/scene of the incorporation of your characters.

Thank you again to the others who took the time to apply.

[Cheshire]

Congrats to the winners! Put me on a waiting list just in case you need anyone. I am interested.