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

[DebiRedHair]

Applications are closed

Game Name Northlands: The Dwarven Watch continues

Game System DnD 5e

Theme Defend the peaceful world to the south from the Chaos forces to the north

Flavour High Fantasy in a Homebrew Setting where Dwarves have a particular place

Plot Summary Game Name: Northlands: The Dwarven Watch continues Dungeon Master: DebiRedHair Edition: 5e Homebrew “We’ve dug our holes and hallowed caves Put goblin foes in shallow graves This day our work is just begun In mines where silver rivers run Beneath the stone the metal gleams And lanterns shine on silver streams Beyond the gaze of summer sun In mines where silver rivers run The hammers chime on mithral pure As dwarven mines in days of yore A craftsman’s work is never done In mines where silver rivers run To dwarven gods we sing our praise Put another orc in a shallow grave We know our work has just begun In mines where silver rivers run” ‘Streams of Silver’; Traditional dwarven drinking song   The talespinner’s tell about the shaping of the world, the Fourteen who moulded the world into shape, and breathed life into the primordial clay. The first of the Gods, Duradonus, the Wise One who rules Time and Fate. Through his shaping, did the Soul-forger come into being – Korgal, the Keeper of Laws, the Father of the Dwarves, called Eldaron or ‘Elder One’ by the Folk. Korgal began to create the world and created stone golems (the 7 Fathers of the Folk) to assist him in his work. Eldest was Durlin, to whom he gave mastery of the high peaks, followed by Relin, who was given mastery of mines and deep places. Third was Khamul, master of the rolling hills, and then two pairs of twins. Balen and Gralen, who were given mastery of the forests and of the world of technology, and Throrin and Dwalin who were given mastery of the plains and of marshes. Korgal, and the 7 fathers, set to work upon his new world, and from his rib, Korgal made himself a bride – Boruna, the earth-mother, the matron of all dwarves. Boruna was to breathe life into his inanimate children, to give the gift of creation to the world, and to create the first Dwarfwives . And yet in his shaping, he inadvertently created the means to end life… Renchar, the god of death. A serious, stern being, Renchar touched all mortals that possessed souls, taking them to his kingdom when their life was ended. Among all the mortal people of the world, he favoured the dwarves most, as they would live far longer than other fragile earthly creations. And from these mighty powers, were other Gods born. Boruna gave birth to three sisters, each taking a fragment of her natural world to rule over. To Torindar, she gave the sea and the moon that ruled the waves. To Zircona, she passed the beauty of nature and the joy of life. And to the youngest sister, Torlin, she gave the power to mend what was broken and to stave off Renchar’s touch. Next came Korgal’s sons, the twins of passion. Zahmen was fair and golden, and he was given the element of fire to share with his people. Steadfast and crusading, his was the anger of righteousness and the urge for justice. His sibling was as dark as Zahmen was fair - the grim Destuvar, ruler of the dark passions that sometimes grip even the most pious of dwarves. Lastly, Renchar and Boruna created a son, and he was given the power of the air and the storms. Embittered at being born outside of the true family, Somonol was placated with the gift of fertility, a gift from his mother to counter the grim nature of his sire. As the dwarven people grew strong and industrious, they built great cities and delves beneath the earth, set into the sides of the most rugged mountains. And with the coming of civilisation, new Gods were born to serve them. Hakar inherited much of her father’s love of Lore, but She was not content with letting such knowledge lie dead in books. She became the patron of industry and invention, of cunning science and what subtle forging-magicks were employed by the Folk. Her brother, Orlanth, became God of War, an art perfected by the Folk like no other. Egar-kol came into being with trade and commerce, patron of merchants and explorers. Finally, came the youngest of the Gods, Drascar, and he coveted the gold and minerals unearthed by the Folk. He came to represent greed and cunning, the avarice that sadly rules the hearts of many among the Folk as they lust after gems and jewels. When the World was finished, the Gods created humans and gave the Folk their charge. They were to watch over humanity and help them to grow in power and prosperity. The Watch had begun. Pantheon Duradonus, The Wise One Ruler of Time and Fate Korgal, Eldaron or Elder One Soul Forger, Keeper of Laws, Father of Dwarves Bride of KorgalBoruna Earth Mother Matron of All Dwarves Son of KorgalRenchar God of Death Daughter of KorgalTorindar Goddess of Sea and Moon Daughter of KorgalZircona Goddess of Beauty of Nature and Joy of Life Daughter of KorgalTorlin Goddess of Mending Son of KorgalZahmen God of Fire Son of KorgalDestuvar God of Dark Air and Storms Son of Renchar and BorunaSomonol God of Fertility Son of Korgal and BorunaHakar God of Magic and Technology Son of Korgal and BorunaOrlanth God of War Son of Korgal and BorunaEgar-Kol God of Trade Son of Korgal and BorunaDrascar God of Greed and Cunning Dwarf Fathers (Stone Golems animated by Boruna) First createdDurlin Dwarf Father of High Peaks Second createdRelin Dwarf Father of Mines and Deep Places ThirdKhamul Dwarf Father of Rolling Hills TwinsBalen and Gralen Dwarf Fathers of Forests and Technology TwinsThorin and Dwalin Dwarf Fathers of of Plains and Marshes When Elves appeared from the Void at the end of the First Age, they were at first met with pleasure and excitement, but some amongst them created orcs, goblins and other races as playthings, then lost control and the forces of Chaos grew stronger. The inherent cahotic nature of elves, and their production of the greenskin hordes, led to the emnity between Elves and the Folk which has become legendary. The Folk fought the forces of Chaos, and the long decline began. Sheer numbers meant that the Folk dwindled in numbers, lost some of their great cities and Chaos gained a hold in the world. The Second Age was one of decline and loss. The Third Age began when Arthur Pendros began to build the Kingdom of Eregold 343 years ago. His advisor, Emrys, brought the Red Legion through the Void and, with the aid of this disciplined and valorous force Arthur managed to take and hold land. Eregold now spans the Southwest of the land, with the Northlands and Eastlands separating it from the Chaos beyond. For the Folk, the Watch continued and 65 years ago their priests were aware that Somonol had blessed the Folk. The ‘Thunder Blessing’ brought the Folk more female children (c1 in 10) and also more twin births, and an increase in population. This was blessing enough but the life of Balen Lightbringer brought more change.   Balen was declared as Lightbringer by his clan after he was hit twice by lightning and did not die. He went prayed for Eldaron's guidance and found Clarin Goldseam in his tent - his personal 'spiritual advisor'. She then used prayer/ceremonies to tattoo his body, with tattoos that moved and which gave him blessings from all the 14. He became a slayer- a berserker. The Clan went to the city of Novograd and discovered that the city was being taken over by chaos forces. They met the Goliaths of ‘Blood n Guts' and the two armies protected a caravan of lawful residents of Novograd that fled to Lawton. At Lawton, they met with other Dwarves and took part in the first battle of Lawton where they lost 85% of their warriors, and 20% of their nonwarriors in defence of the city. After the battle they made an alliance with Evanna, the leader of Lawton, and left for Reginhold to try to join the Exemplar Alliance. Here Balen was accepted as Lightbringer by Regin and Pelin [High Priest of Eldaron in Reginhold] and after many months were accepted into the alliance. Demons attacked Reginhold and were fought off by the defenders including Balen and his clan. Balen took part in the Annual Exemplar Games, losing the Grand Melee and the Wrestling but winning the Marathon. The clan then set off for Lawton and Magdenhiem to train troops and improve their technology. It was at this time that the Banner Guard was established as an elite Guard for the Lightbringers banner (a White banner with a snow topped mountain crossed over by an Axe and Hammer). The clan were at Magdenheim when the Examplars attacked Rockfall for the first time, being badly defeated as they was outnumbered 3 to 1. The clan marched towards the battle and covered the retreat of Exemplar forces to Reginhold, fighting a small battle with a goblin army in the process. Ori Barkskin’s, commander of the Banner Guard, tactics won the battle and he became known as an effective army commander amongst the Folk for the first time. At Reginhold, the Exemplars rested and held the Annual Games. The leader of the Alliance was killed in the Wrestling and Balen fought and slew his killer before going on to win the competition. He also won the Marathon but was defeated in the Grand Melee. The Exemplars decided to form a Crusade to bring the dead leader’s dream of a peaceful Northlands. Balen was made 'Fist of Dwarves' to lead the Crusade, though Ori was the general commanding it. At a major ceremony to pass on the command to Balen, Eldaron blessed him with the Avatar. This is a bronze-coloured translucent simulacrum of Korgal which surrounds Balen in combat. The Lightbringer was also presented with the Axe and Morning Star that had been made for him. The Crusade marched to Lawton building a road behind it and beginning the process of tying the disparate forces into a single entity. Human and Goliath forces joined the Crusade and Balen managed to get the Crusade council to allow them to be trained in all skills and bonuses that the Dwarven armies had - the end of years of Folk Xenophobia and a real change from tradition. The Crusade then marched to Rockfall where they met with allied forces and took the city. Ori was proclaimed Marshal before the attack and his tactics, Balen’s bravery and the obvious support of Eldaron through miracles brought the Crusade and its ally’s victory. As the armies entered the city, Balen called out to all the inhabitants saying that any who surrendered and would live according to Law would be saved and Orcs, Goblins and other Chaos creatures joined Law, another change from tradition. The Crusade returned to training and rebuilding letting Chaos regroup. Balen left the camp and travelled to Magdenhiem and Lawton on a diplomatic mission and some of the Crusade armies set off to build a road to Lawton. The Chaos forces struck, pushing the remaining Crusade armies into Rockfall - the clan fought a rear-guard action to allow the other to retreat, lost 60% casualties and only got into the city when two heroes held the gate before dying. The other Crusade armies rushed back to Rockfall and Balen ran from Magdenheim to the city in a week to join with them. This feat, running a distance that would usually take three weeks, is known as the Great Run. He arrived in time to fight the foe and then to meet with the Elven Queen, with whom he formed a friendship which broke tradition again. Ori was one of the negotiators of the Rockfall Accords, which Chaos promptly broke by declaring Waargh. The Crusade moved to Lawton where it continued training and building. It then marched off to join the battle and finished off the Chaos rearguard. In Lawton Vale, the Crusade and its allies met the Waargh in battle. A giant construct was winning the day for Chaos when Balen and the Raven charged it and destroyed it, the Raven dying in doing so, and Balen disappearing. The fall of the construct, and the consequent destruction of the Chaos forces, were followed by a funeral for Balen and the Raven which brought together all of Northlands. 10 years later, the Banner Guard and Balen’s clan are building Lighthold in the north of Lawton Vale, and the Cult of the Lightbringer have grown to be a force in the land. Led by Clarin Goldseam, and based in Lawton, they expect the return of the Lightbringer and the completion of the task of removing Chaos from the north. What kind of characters am I looking for: The characters are a group of Dwarves and their Lawful allies who continue the Watch. They are in the Northlands, a border region to the north of the human kingdom of Eregold. To the south, the lands are rich and the people of Eregold grow strong under the leadership of the half-elven King Arthur II and his advisor, Emrys. To the north the mountains are full of chaos followers who wish to destroy Eregold and between them lie a small number of Dwarves and their allies who continue the ages-long Watch that is their reason for existence. The game will start in Lawton. I aim for a mixed party which has a range of powers and skills. Character level for the game: There are three types of player position available: a) Hero – A single 6th Level Character b) Hero and Sidekick - A 5th Level PC and a 4nd Level Sidekick c) Clan Elder - A 4rd Level PC and a 3rd Level Sidekick; part of the Council of Elders of a Clan and have a Clan to run. Races for the Game: (Note all PCs are Lawful) Dwarf: There are 7 Tribes of Dwarf. These all use the Dwarf basic features and the features of a subrace: • Khamuli - Hill Dwarf subrace features • Durlini - Mountain Dwarf subrace features • Regini- Duergar subrace features • Baleni - Forest Gnome subrace features • Graleni - + 2 Int Rock Gnome subrace features • Throrini - Stout Halfling subrace features • Dwalini - Lightfoot Halfling subrace features Notes: [list] *All Dwarves have inherent magical resistance 2 (i.e. any arcane spell which is targeted at them will fail if they roll a 19+ on D20) *There are no Gnomes or Halflings in this world. Graleni are known as 'Gnomes' *Dwarves are all part of the Folk. They share a lot of culture (more details in the game forum) and a purpose in the world. Even loners like Slayers are bound to the Kings of their Tribe and to the High King if one has been elected + Bugbear, Centaur, Elf, Firbolg, Goblin, Goliath, Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Hobgoblin, Human, Kobold, Lizardfolk, Orc. Warforged are only playable as Sidekicks to a Dwarven Artificer. Character Classes Available: All PHB classes, and Gunslinger, are available, but Artificer and Gunslinger are only available to Dwarves, and Dwarves cannot be Sorcerors, Warlocks or Wizards. Dwarven Barbarians are Slayers so ask before you run one. Geasa needed! Gods available: The 14 + the Lightbringer Amount of gold allowed per character: PHB for level. Ability score method: PC 30 Point Buy; Sidekick 20 Point Buy (and 2/3 exp.) No Dice rolling in this thread Attributes: Max 16 before racials for PC and 15 for sidekicks. Hit points: Maximum +Con Bonus for Level 1, either standard + Con or Roll (with advantage for PCs) (in Game) for each level. Once chosen, you take the outcome of the Tumblers of Fate Homebrew rules included: See above for Races and Character Classes. I will allow most alternate features on request. Alignment is simply Lawful, Neutral and Chaotic. Downtime rules will be used to allow characters to train proficiencys, feats and new classes. Training will be needed to uplevel as well. Player characters (not sidekicks) will have additional feats or proficiencies from training since they started adventuring as below: HERO PC: one feat and one proficency Pair's PCs: will get 1 feat or two proficiencies Clan's PC: One proficiency or 300TP towards a feat Post Rate and Type of Players: 2 posts per week on average, and players who are willing to work with me to make this world come alive. Posts that inspire a response from me, or other players, would be really welcome! Applications: Hero: PC: - Name; Race; Class (with subclass); 2 Traits, Ideal; Bond; Flaw; Personality; Background. Hero+:PC: - Name; Race; Class (with subclass); 2 Traits, Ideal; Bond; Flaw; Personality; Background; Link to Sidekick. SK: Name; Race; Class (with subclass); TIBF Clan: PC: - Name; Race; Class (with subclass); 2 Traits, Ideal; Bond; Flaw; Personality; Background; Position on Council of Elders; Link to Sidekick. SK: Name; Race; Class (with subclass); TIBF. Clan Name; Race; Type of Warriors; Main trade good produced; Goal. For all characters a backstory that fits with the setting would be useful. Please note that main characters do NOT need to be Dwarves though their backstory will need to explain how they came to be working alongside the Dwarves in their Watch. Applications reopened. Current players are in this table. Will add applications to it

Applications

Player	Character name	Tribe	Class	Position Type	Status
Onward	Reeda AleSwallow	Durlini	Cleric/Cleric	Pair	Playing
penbeast0	Bran Eidwigsson	Throrini	Fighter	HERO	Playing
PapaHuck	Rotten Bhargda	Khamuli	Druid	HERO	Playing
Talissen70	Telorin Stormbrow	Durlini	Barbarian/Rogue	Hero	Playing

Applications are closed

New Applications 2023

Player	Character name	Tribe	Class	Position Type	Status
Seekr34	Orsik Rockfist	Durlini	Artificer	HERO	Accepted
John Stone	Lizzy	Kobold	Ranger	HERO	Accepted
purplerook	Jalatin Swordbreaker	Graleni	Artificer/Fighter	Pair	Accepted

[DebiRedHair]

Reserved for responses to questions that will definitely be asked.

1)

Originally Posted by penbeast0

So PHB (+ artificer) completely or can we use a PHB class (like fighter) but a 3rd level specialization like Rune Knight?

Any PHB class with any subclass I am happy to accept depending on your race. Rune Knight is fine, and would be acceptable for Dwarves.

2)

Originally Posted by justsujoy

Nicee.... Liked the concept, loved the lore.

I am a bit curious as to how the Clan elder concept plays out. I mean in game mechanics terms and in general role playing.

I have seen such leadership gameplays die a couple of times, that's why I am asking.

I will work up the complete details with anyone interested in playing one but I am thinking of giving the clan income, population in terms of warriors, craftsmen, merchants and producers, attributes and the ability to take 3 actions per month to develop the clan. Clans might be nomadic or based in a town or have a stronghold. There will be d6 elders of which the PC will be one. My aim is to allow party adventures, clan adventures and any mix that the players want to allow.

If you want to be a clan elder, then we can start to flesh out the mechanics once the game forum is open.

3)

Originally Posted by Jrod

You mention only PHB classes are allowed.
- does that mean only PHB subclasses as well?
- does that mean no Tashas ranger variants?

How many will join the party?

What will the ideal party composition be in regards to lvl6 hero, Lvl4 hero, Lvl3 clan elder? For example will there only be one Lvl6 hero and everyone fighting for that spot?

Tashas Subclasses are fine.

Party will be 6 players with a range of classes.

No limit on any position type as I can adapt the setting/adventures to meet the needs of any range.

4)

Originally Posted by anamiac

Will experience be based on milestones - thus meaning the clan leaders will always be exactly 3 levels behind the heroes? Or is everyone getting experience based on combat meaning that the clan leaders will generally close the gap? Afterall, level 3 and 6 have 13,100 xp difference, but at high levels, the difference between one level and the next can be 30,000 or more.

I will use experience so that the PCs level up at some point

[penbeast0]

So PHB (+ artificer) completely or can we use a PHB class (like fighter) but a 3rd level specialization like Rune Knight?

[justsujoy]

Nicee.... Liked the concept, loved the lore.

I am a bit curious as to how the Clan elder concept plays out. I mean in game mechanics terms and in general role playing.

I have seen such leadership gameplays die a couple of times, that's why I am asking.

[DebiRedHair]

Originally Posted by penbeast0

So PHB (+ artificer) completely or can we use a PHB class (like fighter) but a 3rd level specialization like Rune Knight?

Any PHB class with any subclass I am happy to accept depending on your race. Rune Knight is fine, and would be acceptable for Dwarves.

[DebiRedHair]

Originally Posted by justsujoy

Nicee.... Liked the concept, loved the lore.

I am a bit curious as to how the Clan elder concept plays out. I mean in game mechanics terms and in general role playing.

I have seen such leadership gameplays die a couple of times, that's why I am asking.

I will work up the complete details with anyone interested in playing one but I am thinking of giving the clan income, population in terms of warriors, craftsmen, merchants and producers, attributes and the ability to take 3 actions per month to develop the clan. Clans might be nomadic or based in a town or have a stronghold. There will be d6 elders of which the PC will be one. My aim is to allow party adventures, clan adventures and any mix that the players want to allow.

If you want to be a clan elder, then we can start to flesh out the mechanics once the game forum is open.

[justsujoy]

Originally Posted by DebiRedHair

If you want to be a clan elder, then we can start to flesh out the mechanics once the game forum is open.

Much appreciated but I'll leave that aside for now. Maybe sometime down the line, I'll be more comfortable to take up that responsiblity.

For now I want to explore the gunslinger.

[DebiRedHair]

There will be the chance to develop into that responsibility in play - if we get enough interest to start and people stick with me!

[justsujoy]

Originally Posted by DebiRedHair

There will be the chance to develop into that responsibility in play - if we get enough interest to start and people stick with me!

You'll get players... sticking is all up to you.

[DebiRedHair]

I have been working on this setting for 30 years so I am excited at the chance to run it!. Just hoping that there are enough people interested in what I have to offer. There is a lot more lore hidden away that will come out in play!

[Jrod]

Interested

Do you want to see Dwarf PC’s or are you equally as happy with the other races you listed as well?

[DebiRedHair]

Any race listed is fine. I am hoping for some Dwarf PCs or there will be a need to have a load of NPCs to make the story work! But I hope to allow players ro come up with concepts that fit within the setting

[Jrod]

Is your intent with 30point buy to have abilities above 15 starting before racials? Or to spread out the love and make more rounded out characters?

[DebiRedHair]

Max 16 before racials for PC and 15 for sidekicks.

[auntmousie]

Tagging for interest. I'm at work and it is not conducive to thinking about options.