[D&D-5e-2024] In the Shadow of the Dragon

[Admin Bhelogan]

The Hook: The town of Willowrest rests in the shadow of the towering Granite Crag Mountain, caught between two powerful kingdoms that claim it as their own. For years, the border has shifted with the tides of war, and the town’s leadership reflects this constant tug-of-war. Lord Baron Stonehollow, a cunning and ambitious baron, represents the kingdom of Ardenia, while Duke Ellisar Valewind, a stern and calculating nobleman, serves as the voice of Eryndor. Depending on the outcome of the latest skirmish, these two leaders share power in a delicate balance, with one taking the reins whenever their kingdom holds the upper hand. Beneath this political tension, Willowrest remains a vital trade hub, thanks to the dwarven clan that mines deep within the Granite Crag Mountain. The dwarves’ wealth fuels the town’s economy, keeping it alive despite the ongoing conflict. But the town’s true mystery lies in the mountain itself. Rumors speak of an ancient black dragon who once ruled these lands, though no one has seen the creature in generations. The kobolds of Granite Crag, however, still claim to serve as the dragon’s emissaries, returning melted remnants of those who dared to seek its treasure. In In the Shadow of the Dragon, you’ll take on the role of a member of the Opal Guard, tasked with keeping the peace between the warring factions and maintaining fragile relations with the kobolds. As tensions between Ardenia and Eryndor rise, and with the looming threat—or perhaps myth—of the dragon, you’ll have to navigate a web of political intrigue, danger, and uncertainty. The fate of Willowrest rests in your hands, but where will your loyalties lie? Other Information: More detailed information on the setting can be found in World Info, and in the Q&A below Posting Rate - 1x Weekly Settings: Fantasy, fitting a generic D&D Game. The game will feature some scenarios early on that are spaced out between longer periods of downtime. World Building: This game is essentially starting from scratch, coming into existence with just the town, and regions immediately effecting it being loosely defined. Events of the area for the near future, where the game will take place have been designed. Beyond that, if the game continues for a long duration, there will be a fair amount of worldbuilding required. I like to share the worldbuilding process with my players, expecting them to participate. Content: I like to keep my games PG-rated.

Please note, this game is using the D&D 2024 rules. You must have access to the 2024 version of the Players Handbook (either physical, or digital such as from D&D Beyond), and is the only sourcebook it will be using. A limited content version of the rules can be found here: D&D Free Rules (2024) Applications do NOT need a completed character sheet. We will be starting at Level 1. Applications should include: Name: Class: Origin: (Background and Species) Background Story: Tell us about your family, your life in Willowrest, and why you want to join the Opal Guard. (We will start the game with the recruitment process) Give us any other pertinent details. Character Art: I like to make battle tokens for my players, please include an image I can use to do so. This may be a picture of your character, or a symbol that represents them. If not provided at the time of application, then it may be done so during Round 0, where we will flesh out character sheets, and make any adjustments needed to the accepted PCs before the game kicks off. As a Saftey Tool, if you have any Lines & Veils, they should be included with part of your application and will not count against your wordcount for either section. You can choose to make these public or private to the DM. If made private to the DM, we will work to ensure that they are honored during play, without disclosing who they came from. I will start the game when I have enough applications and players that we have a good group together. (tentatively October 11th) I will be giving preference to players I have NOT gamed with in the past. Yes, I know, that means we might have a lot of new members here, and the game itself MAY be short-lived. But, it could also turn into something that runs for years and years. Will see!

Applications
Due Date October 11th 12 pm Eastern:

Character	Player	Class	Status
Progi'dahl Zhun	Azathool	Warlock	Applied
Alton	Kshnik	Fighter	Applied
thamrock	delpinator	Monk	Applied - listed as WIP
Clover Yarrow	Alemar	Paladin	Applied
Enei	A7ice	Monk	Applied
Abigail Stonehollow	Aisede	Cleric	Applied
Thomas Lancaster	jr1v3	Bard	Applied
Mira Valewind	BurrowingOwl	Fighter	Applied
Tasmara Ren	RossN	Wizard	Applied
Suirad	samuelmage	Barbarian	Applied
Claude Quill	purplerook	Wizard	Applied
Melody Sebastine (Cleo Zatwi)	Lentil Sponge	Rogue	Applied
Todbakki Whisenzok	Oakie	Druid	Applied
Asgril Bristleheart	Lazer	Monk	Applied
Emberlyn "Ashfinger" Kaeldra	Osellic	Wiz/Sorc	Applied
Grayson Godwynn	Salvation	Paladin	Applied
Charm	penbeast0	Warlcok	Applied
Galithiel Guenhyisar	The Rat Queen	Ranger	Applied

Game Folder

[Admin Bhelogan]

Q by Kshnik : Opal guards are they Employed by Willowrest? Dwarves? Or the controlling kingdom?
A: The Opal Guard is essentially the locally organized and run Militia (and unofficial government) of Willowrest, and all members work as volunteers. Locals can apply to enter the organization, but they also may actively recruit those with talent when needed. They operate independently of both the warring kingdoms and the dwarves. Their primary responsibility is to maintain peace and oversee interactions with the kobolds in the mountains. While they are tasked with keeping the town stable during the power shifts between the Baron and the Duke, they answer only to their own leadership. This neutrality allows them to navigate the delicate balance of power between the kingdoms and keep relations with the kobolds intact.

Q by HexCurse: What is the possibility that the game will run at a rate of more than 1 post per week?
A: I would be doing any potential players a big disservice by committing to anything faster than 1x weekly. I'm on to chat, OOC talk, etc. daily, but the amount of time it takes to do a decent DM update is more than I can commit at a faster rate.

Q by HexCurse Also, what do you have on the pantheon?
A: Pantheon is currently undefined. We can assume generic FR deities, but I am totally open to creating something completely different, in conjunction with my players if it fits the game better.
PANTHEON UPDATE HERE

A couple of examples from the two games I have run the most here. One, while accepting any FR deity (Dendar was prominently featured as a god of the Yuan-ti), the major religion was focused on a god called Bruhaha, the god of leisure and relaxation. Another game I actively have running has a warlock and a couple of paladins who all have the same patron/diety, an 'absent' king on the mountain who for a time was being impersonated by the Devil Fierna. In this game, the off-screen Black Dragon is viewed somewhat as a protectorate for Willowrest, but we can work out anything that would help make a good story where it would fit.

Q by Toad`: On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being grossly malevolent and 1 being wholesomely benevolent - how would you rate The Opal Guard as perceived by the general populace of Willowrest?
A: The locals would view them as a 3 or 4. Comparatively, they view the Duke and Baron as about an 8 or 9, depending on the day.

Q by Toad`: PG of course involves no sexual content, but I'm wondering about descriptive violence and gore.. could you please clarify that? My subjective opinion may differ from yours.
A: Ok, what do I mean by "I like to keep my games PG-rated". For language, I will generally stick to fantasy swears 'Orc's Blood', 'Goblin Piss', and the like. Sexual content, anything explicit would be off-screen. Violence and Gore, I am probably closer to PG-13, think Marvel Movies. D&D has a lot of combat after all. Bones will break, blood will spatter. If there is something truly gruesome and horrific, I will just tell you that it is, but not go into detail about how or why. Here is an example of what you can expect, where a couple of guards accidentally blew themselves up while destroying a brige.

For my players, I don't hold you to the same standard of what I write. So long as you are within site guidelines, and the players at the table are comfortable with the content, I won't punish you for it.

Q by Aisede: If Willowrest/The Opal Guard were to engage in an exchange (I.e. an exchange program) where would those soldiers come from?
A: The short answer is that they wouldn't. The Opal Guard are not officially recognized by either the Eryndor or Ardenia kingdoms. If they want soldiers from Willowrest, whoever has current claim on the region (based on skirmishes of the border in lands generally further south of Willowrest), they would enlist them the same as they would from any other town or city in their region. The individual members might be part of the Opal Guard, or might not. The Baron and the Duke both have their own guards, assigned to them as Vassals of the region, who are mostly hired from the locals of Willowrest, but not exclusively.

I'll note, both Kindgoms try to avoid sending troops directly to Willowrest. They fear that doing so might anger the Dragon. It's a legend that tends to keep the area safe from outside influence (think of like how Dracula's reputation worked to keep invaders away)

Q by BurrowingOwl: What's the religious situation in Willowrest like? Is there a particular deity or pantheon that's widely worshipped? Is there one main church or temple, or are there multiple religious institutions? Do you have a strong idea of how that looks, or is that something you'd want me to flesh out in my backstory if I were to create a cleric?
A: I don't know if you had a chance to read what I posted for the Panteon just yet (since I posted links to it about 10 minutes before your post, but check that out. The Abbot in the region worships, very diligently, the Nameless Gods. Beyond that, there might be small 'study' groups of faithful who worship other beings, but none important enough that we will list them initially.

Q by BurrowingOwl : I was thinking about playing the rebellious daughter of one or the other of the two rival noblemen. Willful and idealistic, she rebels against her calculating and ambitious father - first by taking her vows as an acolyte in Willowrest's church/temple/whatever (which handily ruins her father's chances of marrying her off for political advantage), and then, just to rub it in, by joining up with the Opal Guard and committing her loyalties to Willowrest itself, rather than her father's patron kingdom. (For extra funsies, I was also mulling over the idea of a relationship between her and the son of the other rival nobleman - maybe friends, maybe rivals, maybe a Romeo and Juliet thing, depending on what he's like.)

Would that work, or does that step on ideas and worldbuilding you already had?
A: So, small spoilers here, my initial plan for the Recrtuiment class to the Opal Goard was going to be complicated by having a member from each family (one from the Duke, and one from the Baron) also try to join, which would be a first-ever. The Opal Guard has decided that this can only work if BOTH are accepted, to keep the numbers even. Thus, the enemies would have to work together. So, if you were to play one of these characters, then you would be filling in for an NPC idea I had. IMO, I think its a good idea. We would adjust need to fill in the details of who the rest of the family is around your character (which shouldn't be an issue).

Q: Can I play a Kobold
A: No

[Azathool]

Azathool Application - Progi'dahl Zhun Created with DALL-E 3 Name: Progi'dahl Zhun(D&DB Sheet) Class: Warlock L1 (Aiming for Celestial, not expecting to m/c) Background: Acolyte Story   A disciple of the Worldbuilding; a temple of learning in the Granite Crag MountainsCelestial Temple, on his eighteenth annual celebration of coming into the world, Progi' was summoned by master Joe. "Far down in the foothills below these Granite Mountains, the town of Willowrest sits. It is time you expand your horizons beyond the temple walls. The Kobolds are agitated, they stir. Go help the towns-folk, when the kobolds chatter about dragons, you take them seriously." Progi' gathered his few belongings and his bound prayer scrolls, and headed out for the town of Willowrest. Species: Human Abilities: 8 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 13+1 | 15+2

[Kshnik]

Application Name: Alton Class: Fighter Race: Human Background: Guide Origin Feat: Tavern Brawler Abilities: Str 12 | Dex 14 + 2 | Con 10 | Int 8 | Wis 15 + 1 | Cha 13 Background Story Alton stood between the trees as he looked down at Willowrest an ax in each of his hands. He preferred the ax with the dagger or curved blade but he still had to practice with different combinations. A few pieces of armor located in strategic locations for protection and freedom of movement covered his body. His location, this exact spot, paraded a bunch of emotions and memories within him. On the emotional aspect this was Alton’s favorite time of day. He tried to make sure he was at this spot during this time whenever life allowed it. He had just watched the morning mist rise from the ground to its now resting place, hovering at the top of the tree-lines and house tops allowing clear sight horizontally across the ground. The fresh sweet smell of earthen decay filled the forest air. The sounds of the forest coming alive. The mist will last maybe another finger width movement of the sun before it fades. His memory of his father comes to mind. His father was the one who showed him this location five years ago. It was just a day after his mother had passed. The disease had come on suddenly and she only lasted a few days. Alton’s two sisters, both recently married, had moved out a few months prior into their own homes within a small section of Willowrest. This left his father to take care of Alton. He brought Alton here and discussed the future. Alton’s memories of his father shift. He recalls his father discussing his arrival to Willowrest. His father, in his mid twenties, very unhappy, traveled from Ardenia, for Ardenia and within the first hour of arriving met Alton’s mother. His father, soon after, left the service in Ardenia and made Willowrest his home. Asked for his mother's hand and became a beloved ranger for the village. Another memory shift. Alton and his father came back to this spot multiple times. The two were never home, always out in the wilderness surrounding Willowrest. His father continued his work as a liaison between the Opal Guard and the Crag Kobolds. He would serve as a guide, or scout, for the Granite Dwarves and their caravans of wagons. Never would his father do any work for either Ardenia or Eryendor. Alton knew his father hated both kingdoms but never the reason why. These were happy years for Alton. He was, from his fathers training, well versed with weapons of all sorts. He could move silently through the forest almost as well as his father, and was taught a bit of nature’s magic. Alton smiled. The smile turned to a frown as other memories surfaced. Two years ago Father was “recruited” by Ardenai into the now three month long skirmish with Eryendor. Alton was almost “recruited” but his father, still with a few connections, was able to get him out of it. The war ended three months later but his father never came back. Presumed dead. Alton shook his head as he thought about what followed. Alton spent the next two years in taverns within the roughest poorest part of Willowrest. The Shambles. Anger was all he knew at this point. Anger against Ardenai. Anger against Eryendor. Alton didn’t drink much. Just fought. Alton sighed as he recalled how a year ago things changed. He changed. He never told anyone what had happened to cause the change. It allowed him to let go of the anger. Even though he never told anyone they all agreed it was for the good. Alton began re-training everything his father had taught him, using the weapons the two had hidden away in small caches, for emergencies, within the wilderness. Six months ago Alton began doing the same work as he and his father did prior to the six month war. Alton would still visit the shambles but only to bring food he gathered from out in the wilderness to the needy. No more visits to the taverns for him. Even though parts of him missed it. Alton shuddered as the final thought arose.This morning Alton received a missive to report to the Opal Guard Building in the center of Willowrest. Apprehension rose as the dominant emotion as he had no clue what this was about. Alton remembered his father saying he liked the Opal Guard. Alton assumed his father never became a member since he was not a born resident of Willowrest and had too much history with Ardenai. Alton, shook his head, shaking away most of emotion, peered outward. The mist was still there, barely, clinging in a few spots. Alton flipped his axes, placed them within loops on his belt and meandered downwards to his home; Willowrest.   Concept Guide: Magic Initiate (Druid), Guidance, Starry Wisp, Goodberry Origin feat (human): Tavern Brawler Fighter (Battlemaster) 6 Feats: Dual Wielder, Defensive Duelist Weapon Master: Handax, dagger, scimitar Maneuvers: Bait and Switch, Disarming Attack, Open (Ambush possibly) Lvl 7-10 Elemental Monk 3, Warlock 1 (pact of the blade (dagger)) Unarmed attacks 10 ft reach. Lvl 11-13 Thief Rogue A level of sorcerer? Rest ???

[delpinator]

name thamrock
race dwarf
class monk
Background guard
backstory

 

Way of the hammer: thamrock grew up a town guard under the Dwarven martial art of the hammer. A simple weapon given to most Dwarven teens before they began work in the mines. Maintaining use of the hammer the dwarves saved themselves from Cave trolls securing their home and monastery.

The scars of war

For king and country

Honor

We are called to defend the weak those that refuse may stand aside.

[Kshnik]

Opal guards are they Employed by Willowrest? Dwarves? Or the controlling kingdom?

[Alemar]

Application Name: Clover Yarrow Class: Paladin Origin: Infernal Tiefling Farmer Background Story: Clover grew up tending to the small herbs and vegetables that sprouted forth from the soil of her family farm. Raised to see the value of hard work and perseverance, she appreciated her parents roles in the town of Willowrest. But secretly she has always dreamed of achieving more than just the next patch of carrots and potatoes. She wants to explore the world outside the fields of her little patch of dirt, experience love, pain, all of the emotions and things that make people feel alive... And if she can somehow accomplish these things, she may even be remembered for more than just a few plants. Being the only Tiefling in her family, and thus having few examples of what she actually was; Clover did her best to dig in to what exactly her life was going to be. Dedicating a small part of every day to visiting the small library and chapel in town, she began reading everything she could about the various Religions and their relationship with Demons. From what she has been able to piece together, she is somehow connected to the Nine Hells, and the eternal war that rages below. Whether through some deal in her parents past, or the pleasure of some meddling trickster, Clover is blessed (or cursed?) with a hellish legacy all her own. Deciding that it was better to prepare herself for the coming conflict, Clover has tied her newfound interest in Religions with a desire to learn the ways of the sword and become a Paladin. The Opal Guard is the first step of many on her path towards her dreams, and whether her new abilities are to be fueled by the Gods, or from her own Infernal damnation is a question yet to be determined.

[Admin Bhelogan]

Originally Posted by Kshnik

Opal guards are they Employed by Willowrest? Dwarves? Or the controlling kingdom?

The Opal Guard is essentially the locally organized and run Militia (and unofficial government) of Willowrest, and all members work as volunteers. Locals can apply to enter the organization, but they also may actively recruit those with talent when needed. They operate independently of both the warring kingdoms and the dwarves. Their primary responsibility is to maintain peace and oversee interactions with the kobolds in the mountains. While they are tasked with keeping the town stable during the power shifts between the Baron and the Duke, they answer only to their own leadership. This neutrality allows them to navigate the delicate balance of power between the kingdoms and keep relations with the kobolds intact.

[A7ice]

Enei Name: Enei Class: Monk Origin: Human Scribe Background Story: Enei's earliest memories are of the cold winds that swept through the desolate mountain pass where she was raised. The crumbling remnants of an ancient road, long buried by a rockslide, led to nowhere but the forgotten heights. Her home was a small, weathered hut clinging to the rocky mountainside, just beneath the shadow of the towering Granite Crag. It was a place of isolation, far from Willowrest and any other living soul. Master Aldric, the old monk who raised her, lived like a hermit, away from the politics and bustle of the town below. He told her stories of how the pass once connected the kingdoms, a vital artery of trade and war, but now it was closed—sealed off by nature’s fury. In that quiet, dangerous place, Enei grew up with the mountains as her only neighbors. Aldric was a harsh and demanding teacher, molding her through discipline, focusing her mind and body on a singular path: to become a martial artist, one who could survive the darkness of the world. From dawn till dusk, she trained, mastering the swift, graceful strikes of hand-to-hand combat, learning how to move silently over the jagged rocks of the mountainside. Aldric drilled her relentlessly, yet it was all in preparation for something greater—a purpose she didn’t yet understand. Though he never spoke much of her parents, the truth came to light seven years ago, after his sudden death during a raid on their home. Bandits, she assumed. She buried him among the stones of the pass, stoic and cold, as he had taught her to be. In the ruins of their hut, Enei found a hidden box, containing a letter that revealed the full story: Aldric had been her parents' master, and like him, they had been Warriors of Shadow. They had died serving Lord Baron Stonehollow, and now Enei was to continue their legacy by seeking refuge at a monastery in Willowrest. Life at the monastery was a sharp contrast to the rugged isolation of the mountains. The clerics welcomed her, surrounding her with scrolls and texts, and teaching her to observe the world with sharp eyes. Instead of the physical training she had known, her days were now spent learning how to notice the smallest details, to discern truth from fiction in the words and actions of others. Her mind was honed in different ways—investigating old records, uncovering hidden meanings in ancient documents, and quietly watching the subtle movements and gestures of those around her. The monks emphasized clarity of thought, teaching her to analyze every situation and every person that crossed her path. But while the knowledge was valuable, the monastery's routine could not contain her free spirit. At night, Enei would slip away, drawn to the vibrant life of the city that sprawled beyond the monastery's walls. Willowrest was a web of intrigue, and she quickly found herself thriving in its shadows. She made friends easily, her sharp mind and quick wit earning her the trust—and sometimes suspicion—of traders, tavern keepers, and even the town's less savory characters. She learned how to read people, to tell when someone was lying or hiding something, and she reveled in the challenge of it all. Enei was playful, her spirit untamed by the rigid teachings of the monastery. She loved testing her boundaries, enjoying the thrill of sneaking past the watchful eyes of the monks or teasing the merchants into revealing more than they intended. Flirting came naturally to her—she liked the power of it, the way it made her feel in control, and how it disarmed those who thought they could see through her. In the streets and alleyways, she became adept at bending the truth when it suited her, navigating the city with a subtle grace that made her hard to pin down. She toyed with the people she met, sometimes just for the fun of it, always enjoying the challenge of keeping her secrets hidden while extracting theirs. Enei’s life became a careful dance between the studious scribe of the monastery and the mischievous shadow that drifted through the city, learning its secrets and playing its games. Her free-spirited nature, laced with a touch of darkness, was growing ever stronger, shaping her into something that neither the monks nor the city’s inhabitants could fully control. Through these dual lives—one of discipline and one of freedom—Enei honed her skills. She could blend in, disappear when needed, or twist a conversation to her advantage, all while mastering the quiet art of observation. There was a playful edge to her actions, a sense that life was just another game to be won, and she relished every challenge it threw her way. Yet, beneath the lighthearted charm and the fun-loving façade, Enei remained deeply aware of the shadows that loomed over her past, waiting for the moment she would have to confront them.

[HexCursed]

Posting disinterest Hi Bhelogan. What is the possibility that the game will run at a rate of more than 1 post per week? I would like to apply but am majorly turned off by the slow pace. Also, wbat do you have on the pantheon? Asking for a cleric..

[Admin Bhelogan]

Originally Posted by HexCursed

I would be doing any potential players a big disservice by committing to anything faster than 1x weekly. I'm on to chat, OOC talk, etc. daily, but the amount of time it takes to do a decent DM update is more than I can commit at a faster rate.

Pantheon is currently undefined. We can assume generic FR deities, but I am totally open to creating something completely different, in conjunction with my players if it fits the game better.

[Kshnik]

Originally Posted by Admin Bhelogan

The Opal Guard is essentially the locally organized and run Militia (and unofficial government) of Willowrest, and all members work as volunteers. Locals can apply to enter the organization, but they also may actively recruit those with talent when needed. They operate independently of both the warring kingdoms and the dwarves. Their primary responsibility is to maintain peace and oversee interactions with the kobolds in the mountains. While they are tasked with keeping the town stable during the power shifts between the Baron and the Duke, they answer only to their own leadership. This neutrality allows them to navigate the delicate balance of power between the kingdoms and keep relations with the kobolds intact.

Thanks!! App completed!

[Toad`]

Originally Posted by Admin Bhelogan

The Opal Guard is essentially the locally organized and run Militia (and unofficial government) of Willowrest, and all members work as volunteers. Locals can apply to enter the organization, but they also may actively recruit those with talent when needed. They operate independently of both the warring kingdoms and the dwarves. Their primary responsibility is to maintain peace and oversee interactions with the kobolds in the mountains. While they are tasked with keeping the town stable during the power shifts between the Baron and the Duke, they answer only to their own leadership. This neutrality allows them to navigate the delicate balance of power between the kingdoms and keep relations with the kobolds intact.

On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being grossly malevolent and 1 being wholesomely benevolent - how would you rate The Opal Guard as perceived by the general populace of Willowrest?

Asking for a possible rogue friend.

-Grave

[Admin Bhelogan]

Originally Posted by Toad`

On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being grossly malevolent and 1 being wholesomely benevolent - how would you rate The Opal Guard as perceived by the general populace of Willowrest?

Asking for a possible rogue friend.

-Grave

The locals would view them as a 3 or 4. Comparatively, they view the Duke and Baron as about an 8 or 9, depending on the day.


Also note, updated the Q and A, a bit more info given there on some questions. Also linked the game folder, where I have opted my generic (but somewhat updated) game rules thread, and started a World Info thread, which I will be slowly adding too.

[Toad`]

Game content rating question:
PG of course involves no sexual content, but I'm wondering about descriptive violence and gore.. could you please clarify that? My subjective opinion may differ from yours.

Examples in cinema or other media may help?

-Grave