[D&D-5e] Strongholds and Kingdoms: Laerakond

[savoylen]

Applications are closed. Selection Process Has Finished.

Game Name Strongholds and Kingdoms: Laerakond

Game System DnD 5e

Team and Pace Team is selected based on "Best Fit". Posting rate is 1/3 (One post every three days).

Theme Survive, Thrive and Protect-Expand Your Lands

Flavour High Fantasy Adventures in Laerakond with Strongholds and Followers

Plot Summary Flavour Spotlight How did you ever end up here? A boy from the streets of Lusken who happened to have a long-lost uncle that left him a lone keep in this very foreign land. The journey here had been long and adventurous. The plan was simple - travel to the keep, sell it quickly for a little profit and then go home. It turned out that the people still in this place were strong, determined and dedicated to the family name. How could you just sell these lands out from under the generations of people that pledged themselves to this land and your family? It was harder than expected - much harder. It would take hard work to restore the Keep. A lot of it. It would take defending the Lands for the family name. There would be blood. It would take venturing out to the surrounding dark and deep forests, and yielding from its ancient crypts and dungeons bounty to fill the coffers to fund the restoration. As well as the expansion. Dungeons, Dragons and the creatures of the dark, be damned. This is your home now. Game Concept: You play a character as usual. - but here is the twist. Due to your special circumstance, you have a Stronghold; either a Keep, a Tower, a Temple or a Establishment. In the future any of these could be come a Castle! Along with it comes followers that are either individuals or groups (units) of people that you are responsible for - both the care and feeding 'in-game' but also narratively. Each player in this game has a relationship with another player due to proximity of their stronghold to each other or due to relationships. Yes, its true: Not all neighbors, friends and family get along - at least not all the time.   Laerakond (L-AIR-ah-KON-d) is also known as Returned Abeir to the people of Faerun and Sword Coast. This is a land of dragon kingdoms, high mountain ranges, forests, jungles, plains and trading communities, all surrounding a huge bay called the Dragon Sea. The sky is silver-colored due to arambar that the locals call, the steelsky. There is a region south of the Sword Lands and east of the Windrise Ports that is roughly 22,500 square miles of jungle, forest, swamps, mountains that few people call home - and mostly dragon free. Some people call these, The Forgotten Lands. Now, you call this place, Home. Why This Game? I'm a huge fan of the player narrative. Recently I've come to appreciate the stories that can be told best in the PbP format. I have another game called Descent: A Dragon's Tale that really helped me see what can happen when you give one player more narrative real estate then a OTB game can usually handle - like the internal dialogue between a dragon and his person in Descent or between the character and his followers in this game. I recently reviewed Strongholds and Followers and really liked how the system simplifies the old school concept of keeps and followers and realized that these could be yet another way to see the PbP format shine. THIS IS NOT a strategic warfare game and you do not need Strongholds and Followers to play this game. Yes, there will be epic battles but this a narrative/thematic approach that doesn't require that you track unit movements, etc. etc. If you love stories - most likely you'll appreciate this approach. If you like detailed, tactical war games - you may not be happy with how we handle this. How to apply Your application starts from the Person's perspective. The layout format is yours to decide but I'm going to require a bit more than my usual (flavor only) approach. I hope you understand that this type of game is not for everyone so please bear with me if it takes a little longer to select players for this campaign and that I'm asking a bit more from an application. 1. Please read this before you apply: Its my gaming Foundational Principle and FAQ. If you have a problem with what you read there, please stop at this point and don't apply. 2. Character Concept: Tell us the story; how did you come by your stronghold? I'll leave you a few prompts below but please let this be a good example of what to expect from your writing. Tip: Go high on feeling and low on details. * Did the chief of the Barbarian Camp suddenly die in battle and leave you - his heir in charge? * Did you win this Bard's Theatre in a luckey game of Dragon Dice? * Did your god announce that you'd be taking over an obscure Church in the wild frontier? * Did you happen unto the ruins of an ancient Fighter's Fortress and claim it as your own? * Did you win your way through mental and physical contest, entrance to the secret Monk's Monastery just to find it mysteriously abandoned? * Did you receive a quest from your god to reclaim a previously forsaken Paladin's Chapel? * Did your widowed mother have the dream of building her late husband's Ranger Lodge before she passed-on to her next life? * Were you mistaken for the returned prodigal son of the village Rogue Tavern owner? * Did the remote Sorcerer's Sanctum call to you after its master failed to return from the Pits of Lost Places? * Did you sign a pact with the great creature to gain access to an ancient Warlock's Fane? * Were you the last apprentice of the wonderous mage who not only gifted you your first arcane tome but also left you his Wizard's Tower and library? 3. A 3rd Level Character BUILD. Please don't do a full character sheet unless you REALLY want to - I know some of you like this part the most. I'm more interested in the build sheet. You may roll for your stats if you are feeling lucky! Use our character workshop and roller room for that purpose using the roll "4d6 drop 1 method."   I like characters with unusual STATS and I highly encourage players to make characters with 'less than awesome' ability scores. You may find out like I have, that they make the characters you really will remember over time - but with that being said; I know that bad rolls keep some players from making the vision for their characters come alive so... If you REALLY HATE the way your ability scores ended up, don't let that keep you from making a character for this game - just take the standard array of 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8 and go from there. Otherwise, use the 27-point buy system which includes the standard array. If you'd like to coordinate with other interested player candidates (we all can't be Tabaxi Rogues with taverns can we?), you are welcome to chat each other up in the Character Workshop and Roller Room as well.   Additional HP for each level beyond 1st is per the PHB. You roll those those out in our Character Workshop and Roller room OR take the average for the die (it will be listed in the PHB with your class). It's considered good form to link to your rolls if that is the option you take. Also, once you decide the method (roll or take the average listed in the PHB) you are locked in to that method. We don't mix and match or decide after we see the rolls. Just pick a method and keep to it. That's all there is to that. * Allowed Races/Classes/etc.? Yes, if its PHB/Aarakocra are excluded.EEPC/SCAG/VGtM/MRoF. No, if its UA/TTP/WGtE/GGrT. * Human Variant? No. * Optional Feat Rule? Not now; but will be available latter with some feats never allowed. * Starting Gear: You get the items from your class and background AND the starting funds from the PHB. You may use the "buy back" at 50% and use your resources for any common items. You may also buy (if you can) up to 1 uncommon magic item and up to 2 common magic items. Include this in your build notes for simplicity. On A Side Note Here is an example of a first level (starting character) build: Starting Stats: 15 12 13 8 17 16 The code I used to generate this is here (using the table feature): Level Source Feature 1 Human Ability Scores each increase by +1 1 Human Speed 30 1 Human Language +Human, +Elvish 1 Cleric +10 HP (MAX) 1 Cleric Armor Pro: Light, medium, shields 1 Cleric Weapon Pro: Simple 1 Cleric Save: WIS CHA 1 Cleric +Persuasion, +History 1 Acolyte + Insight, +Religion 1 Acolyte Language +Dwarf, +Draconic 1 War Domain +War Priest 1 War Domain +Bonus Domain Spells (2) 1 War Domain +Heavy Armor Prof., +Martial Weapon Prof. ... You keep going to level three. You can also include your gear purchases/trades in the same build notes or in a separate table - your preference. Here is a copy of the BB code I used to make the table above. You are welcome to copy/paste it if it helps. [TABLE]Level | Source | Feature 1| Human | Ability Scores each increase by +1 1 | Human | Speed 30 1 | Human | Language +Human, +Elvish 1 | Cleric | +10 HP (MAX) 1 | Cleric | Armor Pro: Light, medium, shields 1 | Cleric | Weapon Pro: Simple 1 | Cleric | Save: WIS CHA 1 | Cleric | +Persuasion, +History 1 | Acolyte | + Insight, +Religion 1 | Acolyte | Language +Dwarf, +Draconic 1 | War Domain | +War Priest 1 | War Domain | +Bonus Domain Spells (2) 1| War Domain | +Heavy Armor Prof., +Martial Weapon Prof. [/TABLE] 4. Your Stronghold banner or Sigil and Words: Your Banner/Sigil: You can describe it or even better - show us! What does it mean? Where did it come from? Does it belong to your forefathers, your patrons, or is it personal to you? Iconography of your character's brand could be the Sigil of your house if you are focusing on your family roots or if your character is focusing on their martial might, perhaps it's a full Coat of Arms. To the cleric or druid types out there, it might your personal version of your god's symbol - your holy item. Again, this is totally up to you but it will be the symbol that establishes your presence in an area and is used for treaty, trade, your follower's and unit's banners, and so on. Be sure it's something you won't get tired of seeing! Your Words: "Winter Is Coming", "The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway" - just kidding with that last one. What is your bannerman's cry? What oath do you swear by as your sally forth into battle? If you need help with your Coat of Arms, Banner or Sigil, see my resource page for easy to use generators - I esp. like the new GOT Sigil/Banner generator. That's all there is to it!! I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with and as always, if you have questions or would like more details, please post them below.

Num	Sigil	Words: Battle Cry	Stronghold	Character	Race	Class	Alignment	Player	Status
1	Skull fress point, Ar	Lead To Light Or Blood	Temple	Picah Verossa	Half-Elf	Paladin, Oath of Vengeance	Lawful Neutral	Odyssey	COMPLETED
2	Sable stylized geometric fess point, purple dexter, gules sinister	Strength, Knowledge, Planning	Chapel	Ysara Darcmantle	Yuan-ti Pureblood	Forge Cleric	Neutral	Rylus	COMPLETED
3	Serpent head cabossed Az, Two inverted sickles in saltire sable, Chevron sable, Honour point Or, dexter and sinister gules	Aim once, strike true	Keep	Lumarth	Half-orc	Eldritch Knight Fighter	Chaotic Neutral	Retry	SELECTED
4	Sigil	Words	Stronghold	Character	Race	Class	Alignment	Olympia	incomplete
5	Sable, Purpure chevron, argent Griffin passant	Who Dares, wins	Keep	Cesheria	Human	Hexblade Warlock	Neutral	Drachenspirit	COMPLETED
6	Harp fess point, vert	Boldly going	Keep	Baralin, the Mirage	Half-elf	Rogue (Swashbuckler)	Chaotic Good	Raizen	SELECTED
7	Gules Sable Dancy, Lion passant Honour point, Argent Gorget navel point	Night has fallen: WE SHALL RISE	Keep	Roem Terengath	Human	Moon Druid	Chaotic Good	Begon Ugo	SELECTED
8	Sigil	Words	Tower	Character	Human	Wizard	Chaotic Neutral	Kuroyama	withdrawn
9	Sigil	Words	Stronghold	Balkas Ethanasath	Race	Class	Alignment	delpinator	incomplete
10	Sigil	Words	Stronghold	Character	Race	Class	Alignment	kymrel	Withdrawn
11	Argent flower fess point, pales Or	For the destruction of evil and the preservation of life	Tower	Valerie	Human	Sorcerer	Alignment	MurderInParidise	COMPLETED
12	Stylized Crimson Feather, Ball of Flame, all fess point, 4 sable Stars in orle, Or	Fire Dies, Smoke Stays	Keep	Jaarl Banstark	Human	Eldritch Knight Fighter	Chaotic Good	Vathe	SELECTED
13	Sigil	Strength of the mountain: Forward the clan!	Stronghold	Nitem Id Nil	Dwarf	Paladin	Lawful Good	Firecat	withdrawn
14	Or Rising Sun Fess point, Ar Crescent navel point, Vert	We are ever Vigil	Keep	Rivondir	High Elf	Monster Slayer Ranger	Lawful Neutral	Torack	COMPLETED
15	Sable rampant Griffin, per bend sinister, Or dexter, gules sinister	No Glory without survival	Keep	Constance Edgewater	Human	Cleric	Neutral Good	Xalnaga	SELECTED
16	A royal blue and black checkered background with a silver hawk in diving position in the middle	For honor and valor	Keep	Zangim Horzu Wrewin Mertix Waryur Orumorn	Rock Gnome	Ranger	Lawful Good	SargntSprinkles	COMPLETED
17	Twany stag rampant fess point, Vert.	Deeds, Not Words	Keep	Ronin Buckman	Half-Elf	Druid	Chaotic Good	Treble83	COMPLETED
18	Mark: A small sphinx, branded in a discreet place on the body	In everything, opportunity	Establishment	Three Coins	Kenku	Rogue/Monk	Neutral	Berith	SELECTED
19	6-sided lantern displaying a flam	In service, we light the beacon for the people	Keep	Ornan Savan	Human	Way of the Open Hand	Neutral Good	Solitaire64	COMPLETED
20	Purpure, Six Bells argent (3,2,1)	A King Returns	Keep	Thorvald	Aasimar	Barbarian	None	tomplum	SELECTED
21	Azure flame fess point, Pointing Hand inset fess point azure, Or	Not all that is gold does glitter; Do not hoard your knowledge, and encourage creativity in magic in all ways and at all times	Tower (or Temple)	Percival	Half-Elf	Cleric	Lawful Neutral	Gualdarrama	COMPLETED
22	Azure dragon head sinister chief, Azure six eye castle dexter chief, Honor point argent, navel point sable, dead tree middle base	Fear Pools in the Swamp	Keep (Barbarian Camp)	Umbrus Fenmire	Half-Orc	Barbarian	None	Numen Wraith	Withdrawn
23	Argent piles, Azure	Ever we defend; Froth the waves, churn the sea!	Tower	Kadulin	Kadulin	Sorcerer	Lawful Good	PopCultureBard	SELECTED
24	Argent peacock fess point, Sable pale, Ar	Words: Battle Cry	Tower	Ritter Quillen	Human	Warlock	Chaotic Good	Stadiumite	COMPLETED
25	Phoenix fess point, a sun emblazoned	Light Shines Eternal	Tower	Jewel of the Mountain	Tabaxi	Illusionist Wizard	Chaotic Good	Lazer	SELECTED
26	Per bend sinister argent and vert, in dexter chief a thistle in its proper colors, in sinister base an open book or	Sow seeds, reap words	Tower	Ryn Khaled	Half-elf	Rogue 2 / Archfey Warlock 1	Undeclared	oztk	COMPLETED
27	Sable dragon head dexter chief, Sable dragon head honor point. per bend sinister. Dexter Vert, Sinister sable	The brighter the light that shines, the deeper the shadow that falls.	Tower	Balinach	High Elf	Warlock	Lawful Evil	Arkaon	COMPLETED
28	Vert, a fox salient sinister argent, on a Quarter a lotus flower vert.	Bloom through Adversity	Establishment	Leslenna	Half-Eladrin	Bard	Alignment	RainbowMagicPen	SELECTED
29	Rules, Honour point phoenix argent, Navel point flame ball argent	We Shall Rise	Tower	Sumashya	Human	Wizard	Lawful Evil	Tydorei	COMPLETED

[Odyssey]

So, with the rolls I got, I’m going to go with a ‘King Arthur’-esk origin here. The ‘ordinary, nobody pulls the sword from the stone,’ except Picah touched an ancient artifact and it called him to rebuild an old (perhaps forgotten?) order. Picah might pull it off even if he isn't so...Smart...And has no experience. Dedicated, though. Maybe that'll make up for it! Quick! Get an alliance? I also like the contrast that some sweet kid is now apart of some crazy Oath (and a creepy emblem)

Picah 'Jinxed' Verossa Name Picah ‘Jinxed’ Verossa Race: Half-Elf Class: Paladin, Oath of Vengence Background: Urchin Alignment: Lawful Neutral Backstory/Concept: The Black Watch. Warriors of Vengence. Dark Knights. They once had many names-- the order now long forgotten and lost beneath the mountains. The empty temples’ halls and streets whisper the past of these great Oath takers of retribution. Prevalent at their hight of power and at great cost to themselves, these Paladin stood between those who would do harm to those who were weak. At least, that’s what Picha had heard in the stories. These very mountains home to something as grand as that! And now he had found it...By a happy accident! Finally! He was due some good fortune for once in his life! A temple had called to him specifically, like a tug on his soul. Bounding up countless steps, he reached the vast hall where birds called home. Perched in the crevices of the gigantic carved status of warriors past. Picha found a pool of crystal clear water turned blood-red by a deep glow resting at the bottom of the shallow well. He was moved more by curiosity, and the resonance within him. It was like it called to him. It was only when he reached his hand in that a searing, hot pain flashed his sight to brilliant white. A voice boomed inside his head, echoing words that were neither man nor woman. “No mercy for the wicked! Lead those to light or lead them to blood. Picha, Oath-taker of Vengeance. Conquer those who should stand against you, and stand for those who cannot. Bring those who are low up beside you, bring them power. Crush those who should be against you, bring them death.” This is what purpose was. Meaning. This was it. He had been lead here for a reason, certainly, this was no accident. Other’s must have the same calling-- the need for a purpose beyond simply existence, right!? Plus, he could help people too. He would find others like him...He could make this place somewhere safe, a place for people nowhere else to go, and people who wanted to fight for more than themselves.   Listen, I have a story! Me? Hapless? Hah!...Well, ya, you’re right. I didn’t got this 'Jinxed' name nothin’ and no reason. I mean, I am caked from head-to-toe in mud right now, but let me tell ya it worked out for me this time! Okay, so there I was wondering the mountains nearby-- I don’t have anywhere else to go, see-- anyway, I was caught in a storm! Rain was fallin’ and I could scarcely see in front of me five feet. I fell into this hole that qushhh opened right up that wasn’t there a second ago. Lossed my footin’ and fell in. When I woke up I saw the craziest thing, sir! It was an underground city of some sort. But this place, no one was there though. Maybe not for a long time and there was this glowing table-thing. I couldn’t help myself. I touched this bright, glowing thing on it and I probably shouldn’t have...It hurt like that time I stuck my foot in that mole hole last Summer. Then there was this loud voice in my head and said something like, “No Mercy for the Wicked” and I thought I was going crazy and-- Hey, wait! I’m not making this up! Don’t walk away! Fine! I’ll tell you what, though. I’m going to be something! I’m going to be the best, powerful and great and--I’m going to save people. Just you watch! Words: LEAD TO LIGHT OR BLOOD: Make a stand no matter the cost to yourself. Fight the powerful who would be wicked. Make battle against the violent slaughtering of innocence. Dark knights will show no mercy in making right the grievous deed. Battle Cry: LIVE GREAT. DIE BETTER. Final Ability Scores: Str 12, Dex 13, Con 11, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 13 (12,12,11,6,10,10) Level Source Feature 1 Half-Elf Charisma Score increase by +2 1 Half-Elf Two other Ability Scores of your choice by +1 1 Half-Elf Speed 30 1 Half-Elf Darkvision 60ft 1 Half-Elf Language Common, Elvish +Celestial 1 Half-Elf Advantage on saving throws against being charmed and cannot be put to sleep 1 Half-Elf You gain proficiency in two skills of your choice 1 Paladin +11 HP (MAX) 1 Paladin Armor Pro: Light Armor, Medium Armor, Heavy Armor, Shields 1 Paladin Weapon Pro: Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons 1 Paladin Save: Wis Cha 1 Paladin Tools: None 1 Paladin +Persuasion +Medicine 1 Urchin + Sleight of Hand, +Stealth 1 Urchin Tool Pro: Disguise kit, thieves’ tools 1 Paladin Devine Sense, Lay on Hands 2 Paladin +2 1st level spell slots 2 Paladin Fighting Style, Spellcasting, Devine Smite 3 Paladin Devine Health, +1 1st level spell slots: 3 total 3 Vengeance Oath Spells expanded 3 Vengeance Channel Divinity

[savoylen]

Originally Posted by Odyssey

Woah! This is a REALLY COOL idea! I might throw my hat into the ring! (ノ°▽°)ノ

Cool beans! Let me know if you have any questions. I'll be updating post #1 about regional information (I already have a PM on that one).

Nice to meet you!!

- Savoy

[Rylus]

I have wanted to play with the strongholds and follower rules since i was a kickstarter member...still waiting on my hard copy but i have the PDF.

Name:
Ysara Darcmantle

 

Race:
Yuan-ti Pureblood
Class:
ForgeCleric
Alignment:
Neutral
Crest

 

Words:
'Strength, Knowledge, Planning.'

Backstory: Ysara was born in the western jungles of Laerakond to a strong tribe of yuan-ti, her father was the leader of the tribe and for a long time it peaceful coexisted with the tribes around them. When Ysara was born her father wanted to give his daughter the world and so he started to conquer the tribes nearest him with ease. After each tribe was assimilated her father took time to allow them to fit in before taking the next which gave great stability to the tribe as it grew. All of this changed when Ysara turned eight and started to tinker with things and watching the few blacksmiths the tribe had. within four years Ysara began creating weapons and armor of great craftsmanship. Emboldened by his daughter's success her father sped up the campaign to take over Laerakond to give to her as a birthright.

Everything went very well for the tribe for the first six years but soon after that the tribe ran into the dwarves of the mountains and the advance was halted by the stubborn sturdy dwarves. Ysara was told by the god of the forge that her people were destined to be destroyed, that in order to survive she would have to have a place of faith. Ysara told her father that Gond had commanded her to build a chapel at the base of the mountains near the rivers. Her father didn't like that his daughter was taking orders form anyone except him but with pledging she convinced him and he had it built.

After it was built she wanted it to be forgotten by her tribe in order to keep it save through what she new was coming. Through deception and diplomacy she convinced her father to take everyone and leave. She followed and fought side by side with her tribesmen for six more years and in the end the conquest was a stalemate, the tribes won some and the dwarves won some which angered her father. Ysara stopped giving her father advice as was requested by Gond as well as starting to distance herself over the next few weeks. Soon Ysara was at the back-lines of the conquest preaching to everyone who listened and that's where she started to establish herself as a leader.

The conquest ended as many dwarven clans descended from the mountains and just rolled over the tribes without much trouble, killing the tribe leader, his guard, and his most aggressive soldiers and sending most of the rest running back to their old lands. As the dust settled the dwarven army came against one finale group of Yuan-ti but this one was different, this one was lead by a calm and level headed. She and those who followed her held out against three separate attacks without losing a single warrior, which gave them pause. Ysara used that pause to negotiate with the dwarven leaders, and she was able to garner a safe place for herself and her followers on the condition that the dwarves could send people to check in on them whenever they choose. Ysara agreed and took her followers, followed by several units of dwarves, back to the chapel she had her father built the craftsmanship astounded the dwarves who started to regret giving her the land but it was already an agreement that was made.

Level	Source	Feature
1	Yuan-ti	Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.
1	Yuan-ti	Speed 30
1	Yuan-ti	Darkvision 60ft
1	Yuan-ti	Innate Spellcasting: You know the poison spray cantrip. You can cast animal friendship an unlimited number of times with this trait, but you can target only snakes with it. Starting at 3rd level, you can also cast suggestion with this trait. Once you cast it, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
1	Yuan-ti	Magic Resistance. You have advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
1	Yuan-ti	Poison Immunity. You are immune to poison damage and the poisoned condition.
1	Yuan-ti	Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, Abyssal, and Draconic
1	Noble	Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion
1	Noble	Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set
1	Noble	Languages: One of your choice
1	Noble	Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a signet ring, a scroll of pedigree, and a purse containing 25 gp
1	Noble	Feature: Position of Privilege Thanks to your noble birth, people are inclined to think the best of you. You are welcome in high society, and people assume you have the right to be wherever you are. The common folk make every effort to accommodate you and avoid your displeasure, and other people of high birth treat you as a member of the same social sphere. You can secure an audience with a local noble if you need to.
1	Cleric	Armor: Light armor, medium armor, shields
1	Cleric	Weapons: All simple weapons
1	Cleric	Saving Throws: Wisdom, Charisma
1	Cleric	Skills: Choose two: Insight, Religion.
1	Cleric	Spellcasting, Divine Domain
1	Cleric	Cantrips Known: 3, 1st: 2
1	Forge Domain	Domain Spells: 1st Identify, Searing Smite
1	Forge Domain	Bonus Proficiencies When you choose this domain at 1st level, you gain proficiency with heavy armor and smith's tools.
1	Forge Domain	Blessing of the Forge At 1st level, you gain the ability to imbue magic into a weapon or armor. At the end of a long rest, you can touch one nonmagical object that is a suit of armor or a simple or martial weapon. Until the end of your next long rest or until you die, the object becomes a magic item, granting a +1 bonus to AC if it’s armor or a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls if it’s a weapon. Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.
2	Cleric	Channel Divinity (1/rest), Divine Domain feature
2	Cleric	1st: +1
2	Forge Domain	Channel Divinity: Artisan's Blessing Starting at 2nd level, you can use your Channel Divinity to create simple items. You conduct an hour-long ritual that crafts a nonmagical item that must include some metal: a simple or martial weapon, a suit of armor, ten pieces of ammunition, a set of tools, or another metal object. The creation is completed at the end of the hour, coalescing in an unoccupied space of your choice on a surface within 5 feet of you. The thing you create can be something that is worth no more than 100 gp. As part of this ritual, you must lay out metal, which can include coins, with a value equal to the creation. The metal irretrievably coalesces and transforms into the creation at the ritual’s end, magically forming even nonmetal parts of the creation. The ritual can create a duplicate of a nonmagical item that contains metal, such as a key, if you possess the original during the ritual.
3	Cleric	1st: +1, 2nd: +2
3	Forge Domain	3rd: Heat Metal, Magic Weapon

[savoylen]

Originally Posted by Rylus

I have wanted to play with the strongholds and follower rules since i was a kickstarter member...still waiting on my hard copy but i have the PDF.

Nice! If we can survive long enough, perhaps we can even work in the sequel, Kingdoms & Warfare.

I hope you'll consider applying!

Please let me know if you have questions.

- Savy

[Retry]

This looks pretty darn fun!
Going to put a place holder here and should have something fleshed out come Monday.
What is the deadline for apps?

---

Application: Lumarth Name: Lumarth Race:Half-orc Class: Fighter, Eldritch Knight Background: Outlander Alignment: Chaotic Neutral Appearance: Not the tallest or most muscular among his tribal-kin. On the contrary, he's fairly small and lean in build. Just enough muscle to be considered average and handle typical tribal work but not enough to take down a wild boar on his own, no. Cloaking himself in dirty grey and tan wolf pelts to give the illusion of bulk to his body and hiding the numerous scars his weakness have earned him through the years. His salt and pepper hair is quickly starting the thin and recede on his slightly wrinkled scalp as the years are beginning to catch up and show on his light green half-orc skin. Both of his tusks snapped off at his jaw line causing his lip to puff out ever so slightly at both sides of the mouth encompassing the stub of where the tusks once were. One soft brown eye peers out from a face that seems to have a permanent scowl, the other eye coated in a cataract causing it have a murky brown hue about it, not seeing a thing in years. Backstory/Concept:   Rise of Lumarth It was while Atugal was trying break down the old wooden door that I finally looked down at my younger brother, the life quickly fading from his body. Malozar and I created a make-shift gurney to carry him after that viper struck him in the neck. The fates love their cruel jokes indeed. The rain falling around the four of them wasn't helping either, holding tight to the pelt serving as a gurney I looked to my tribal brother shouting "Get that door open before I use your skull as a battering ram!!" the spittle flying from my mouth as I tried to hide my panic behind the rage. That was the way of our tribe, don't panic, be steadfast, and strike true; like a viper - just like the viper that struck my brother Zasad, our tribal leader. With a loud CCCRACKK Atugal succeeded in knocking the door off its hinges. "C'mon!" I heard his deep grizzled shout behind me but there was no need as Malozar and I began to charge forward as soon as we heard the crack. I felt my back push into Atugal's shoulder as we moved through the doorway. Had he not have already been moving out of the way I wouldn't have been able to push him at all. There was no out-muscling the tribe's champion. Feeling the soft sediment of the forest floor become hard and slick told let me know I was inside as I walked backwards aimlessly. My leather boots offering very little protection from the cold of the stones we tread upon. "Where's somewhere to set him!?" I shouted trying to look over my shoulder as I walked backwards sensing death on our tails after my brother's soul. "There brother, to your right!" Malozar called out from the other side of the gurney with Zasad's limp foot bouncing free from the pelt and hanging over the side. Spotting what appeared to be an old wooden table with iron bands attached to the legs we continued our charge and damn near threw Zasad's fading body onto it. "One of you get a light! We can still save him!" I commanded coming around the side of the table and attempting to look at the bite on Zasad's neck. The ability to see in the dark that we were so proud during our hunts was of no help here as I couldn't make heads or tales of how bad the bite looked. All I saw was the puncture wound. "Lumarth.." I heard Atugal calmly say my name as his footsteps were almost drowned out from the rain falling outside. It was the tone he didn't want to hear, it was the tone he's used a dozen times over for different members of the tribe! Please, not that tone! This was Zasad! If he were to die it were to be in glorious combat! Not by some damned lucky viper!! Malozar managed to light a torch and brought it over casting light onto Zasad and bringing color to my vision. My younger brother laid there, pale, motionless, with eyes half opened. We were not fast enough, Death had taken yet another brother from me, this time it was actually my own blood-brother. By tribal tradition that meant - "Zasad has left us. Lumarth is our new chief." Malozar spoke up holding the torch over Zasad's now cooling body. The words he said were meant for me to accept my fate, its what we did for the family of each fallen brother or sister - but to hear it for one so much younger than me, so much stronger, and with far more leadership skills. I'm not ready - I'm not meant to lead! I've never been a warrior! We all knew that! What is a warrior tribe to be if their leader was one of the physically weakest amongst them?! Exasperated I looked around at the stone room we took shelter in. It looked mostly dwarven in make, just heavily worn down. "After the rain stops bring the others." I finally managed to say something "They need to say their goodbyes and..." I left my brother's side. I had to tell myself he wasn't here anymore and forced the pain down into my stomach, the position I hoisted onto brother after brother has finally fallen in my lap. I looked at the empty broken room feeling the cold air taking hold of my wet skin and burning my lungs. This was my punishment for shirking my duties as the eldest member for so long - it was finally time for me to take charge "Welcome their new home and Chief!" My reign has, sadly, begun. Concept My aim is to have what would be considered a reject in a warrior tribe unwillingly take charge and lead his tribe to (possible) prosperity and hopefully shed their nomadic bloodthirsty ways. It will likely be a hard up-hill battle for him to keep his tribal brothers and sisters in check, but it sounds like an amazing story I would love to see play out. Words:Aim once, strike true. - Everything has a tender point. Everything. Even the tallest mountain or most fortified keep. The key to victory is learning that point and striking before they knew what hit them. Just like a viper. Banner:   Attribute: STR +2 from racial13, DEX 10, CON +1 from racial12, INT 16, WIS 15, CHA 12 {the rolls} Build:   Level Source Feature 1 Half-orc Ability Scores: STR +2, CON+1 1 Half-orc Speed 30 1 Half-orc Darkvision 60ft 1 Half-orc Language Common, Orcish 1 Half-orc +Intimidation 1 Half-orc Relentless Endurance, Savage Attack 1 Outlander +Athletics, +Survival 1 Outlander Tool Prof: Horn 1 Outlander Language: +Goblin 1 Outlander Wanderer 1 Fighter +11HP (Max) 1 Fighter Armor Prof: Light, Medium, Heavy, Shield 1 Fighter Weapon Prof: Simple weapons, Martial Weapons 1 Fighter Tool Prof: None 1 Fighter Saves: STR & CON 1 Fighter +Insight, +History 1 Fighter Fighting Style, Second Wind 2 Fighter +1d10 HD 2 Fighter +1 Action Surge 3 Fighter +1d10 HD 3 Fighter Martial Archetype: Eldritch Knight 3 E. Knight Spellcasting, Weapon Bond 3 E. Knight +2 Wizard Cantrips 3 E. Knight +2 1st level Spell Slots: 2 total For fun!~Extra: Theme Song

[Olympia]

Whoa! Sounds awesome! Very intrigued...

Can I ask what the general posting expectations are? Both in terms of frequency and length?

[savoylen]

Originally Posted by Retry

This looks pretty darn fun!
Going to put a place holder here and should have something fleshed out come Monday.
What is the deadline for apps?

Thanks - I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens with this too!!

I'm going to Aim with have every one selected and tucked away in their new homes by April 26th. I'll update the first post with that info. - so thanks for bringing that up!

If it becomes obvious who the selectees are before then, we'll get started sooner... and if it gets crazy and hard in might be a bit latter.

I'll be sure to keep this thread updated so there are no surprises for anyone.

- Savoy

[savoylen]

Originally Posted by Olympia

Whoa! Sounds awesome! Very intrigued...

Can I ask what the general posting expectations are? Both in terms of frequency and length?

Good one! I'll be sure to update the first post. I like a fast-paced game (in PbP terms)... so that is 1/3 - one post by the end of the third day. Depending how that rolls out, that's two week day posts and one over the weekend - ish. Of course, if you've already posted 3 times that week - take the weekend off!

As for length... that's a hard one. Quality is paramount. I'm looking for people who like to tell stories. You are largely going to be writing about your stronghold even while we are adventuring elsewhere. That's going to take a few words - but your writing style is your own.

I'm find with breaks - so be sure to let the team know that your disappearing and we'll cover for you!

In the summer, there will be about a three week break - toward the end of July. I do humanitarian relief projects in various places. This year, I'll be in Asia (normally I'm in the USA).

I hope that got your question. I hope to see an app from you!

- Savy

[Drachenspirit]

Application Name: Cesheria Race: Human Class: Warlock, Hexblade Gender: Female Physical Description: Cesh is a bit hard to pin down on looks alone. At first glance some may think she's of the Shou ethnic group, but her larger build and height, combined with her dusky to olive skin tone suggests Tethyrian ethnicity. She has a warrior's athletic build at six foot tall, combined with a beautiful face, deep honey colored eyes, straight black long hair and a disarming smile. It is rather easy for most to follow her if they like what she's saying. When about her business she wears decorative, but quite functional medium mixed plate armor and a helm, polished and adorned in purple. The look is topped off with an elaborate helm, and a deadly looking Glaive.   Cesh is not what she seems, or at least she didn't used to be. It's a bit confusing to her as well, but she views it all as a matter of her Patron looking out for her. Cesh started out under the tutelage of a War wizard as he was thinking her to be the kind learned person, though a bit too pretty for the life, who had a knack for the arcane. Early on he saw through her guise of pretending to be a wizard who would scribe, memorize, and cast spells. He never asked who her Warlock patron was, but treated her like it was less than desirable, and probably evil. Still, he allowed her to hire out like his war wizards from the Isles, and she began to learn her own craft and ability to cast magic. It didn't help that some wanted her more on missions than her Benefactor's prized war wizards, due to her unique or different approach to such things. She's made mistakes aplenty and was never more than a hireling or follower in reserve, or simple cannon fodder on more than one occasion. Her last mistake was a big one, and several warriors died over what she failed to do, or was supposed to do with the arcane abilities at her disposal. She had been distracted by a vault of treasure, and this had been her downfall. She was told to wear the armor she found, and had it altered to fit her in a custom manner, and taught how to wear it as a sign for all in her merc unit. Sent on a fact finding mission, a violent storm had the crew mutiny against her, feeling she was the cause of their bad luck. They sent her ashore to the place they were nearest to, having no clue where they were. Marooned, she was. She followed a path inland away from the stormy coast, looking for a settlement, with just her gear and provisions, and while going through a narrow pass, came across a tower. It was dark and stormy, and she made her way inside, noting some kind of disturbance was taking place. She quickly realized there was a downright battle going on inside this tower. She had left one mutiny for another. It seems the wizard of this tower had locals and such working for him, and they were revolting against him. She quickly saw they didn't have a chance, which meant she didn't have much of a chance, and she was tired of running. So, she used what she knew and quickly went to his side. Using intimidation and deception, she distracted him, saying she was from his friends in the North and there to help him escape or slay his opponents. It worked for luck or who knows what, and she turned on the mad mage, slaying him with her Glaive and Hex warrior abilities. She became an instant hero to those in the tower who served the mad mage, and they have now made her their new liege. They rally around her banner, and she goes along, not sure how to take it all at first. She makes a decision to start anew, and never go back to her old life. She will... be Lord of all - or whatever ladies are called who hold a tower. Truth be told, she has no idea what the words on her armor and helm mean, the banner inscribed upon it. She's asked a few, and they did not know. (The words are actually Celestial and say "Courage and Faith.) She explained to those at the tower that she was a Far Traveler, and her ship was wrecked off shore during the storm. When asked why she came to stand up to and slay the mad mage, she said the first thing that came to mind; "...who dares, wins." She had heard it somewhere, and had dropped off the "he" in front of the phrase as she wasn't a he. Those at the tower now used it as a rallying cry, or when asked why they are following Cesheria.   Ability Scores after Adjustments: Str 16, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 11, Wis 15, Cha 18 Level Source Feature 1 Human Ability Scores each increase by +1 1 Human Speed 30 1 Human Language +Human 1 Warlock +9 HP 1 Warlock Armor Pro: Light 1 Warlock Weapon Pro: Simple 1 Warlock Save: WIS CHA 1 Warlock +Arcana + Intimidation 1 Warlock Equipment: Light crossbow (selling), Arcane Focus, Dungeoneer's pack, Leather Armor (selling), Simple Weapon, 2 Daggers 1 Far Traveler + Insight, +Perception 1 Far Traveler Language +Elvish 1 Far Traveler Tool Prof, Musical Instrument: Vocal/Voice 1 Far Traveler Equipment: set of traveler's clothes, wrought maps from your homeland that depict where you are in Faerun, a small pinky ring worth 10 gp in the style of your homeland's craftsmanship, and a pouch containing 5 gp 1 Far Traveler Feature: All Eyes on you 1 Warlock Otherworldly Patron 1 Hexblade Expanded Spell list: Hexblade's Curse - 30', +2 damage, If dies, gain 6 HP, Hex Warrior 1 Hexblade proficienct with medium armor, shields, and martial weapons. Use CHA modifier for Attk & Damage 2 Warlock +6 HP 1 Warlock Pact Boon: Pact of the Blade 2 Warlock Eldritch Invocations: Devil's Sight - See normally in Darkness, magical and non magical to 120', Improved Pact Weapon - +1 attack and Damage - can be a shortbow, Longbow, Light 3 Warlock +6 HP 3 Warlock Cantrips: Create Bonfire, Eldritch Blase 3 Warlock 2 Spell Slots 3 Warlock 4 Class Spells Known: Hellish Rebuke, Cloud of Daggers, Hex, Mind Spike 3 Warlock 4 Pact Spells Known: Shield, Wrathful Smite, Blur, Branding Smite   Words: Who Dares, wins Tower/Keep: As described above First Day on the Job: Cesh was taking a much needed bath, and to top it off it was a huge vat-tub filled with hot water. Soaps and perfumes were arrayed on a table next to the tub, along with a huge robe. Another older woman came in and placed a brush on the table, opening her mouth to say something. Cesh held her hand up and canted her head, looking away. This had been the upteenth time that someone had come in and disturbed her and she was getting testy. The woman left without a word. "Now that ought ta do it", she said aloud and began scrubbing herself. She chuckled slightly, in disbelief of her luck, but knowing it could change in a moment. She glanced at her large crossbow, having freaked all of them out when her halberd disappeared with but a word from her. She tried to get them to leave her armor and garments be, but they took them to get cleaned and polished. She smiled again, and sighed contentedly. A song came to mind and she began to Signing Proficiency +6. No rolling in dice thread though.softly sing it. She changed the words to suit herself. "Hail to the Queen we have chosen for the tower, Hail to the Queen! We salute her, one and all. Hail to the Queen, as she takes a bath, no shower She slayed the mage while running from the squall. Hers is the aim to make her life much grander, This she will do, after scrubbing to be clean. Hail to the one they selected as commander, Hail to the Empress! Hail to the Queen!" As she began the second stanza, she leaned back and closed her eyes. Finishing the last line, holding the note for a long time, she ended it abruptly. She took a deep breath and exhaled. "Empress Cesheria. Do you have evening-" Cesh jumped up and stood in the tub, showing her full nakedness as she yelled out, "CURSE A KOBOLD ON A KRAKEN! What in the nine hells... Are you trying to scare me, the first night of our freedom?" The woman bowed and apologized profusely, as Cesh slipped back into the water. She finally spoke and said, "I think you were about to ask me what I wanted to wear for the evening and to sleep in? Surprise me. And something nice if you can find it. And please, feed and care for yourselves. I'll be fine." The woman bowed and made to leave. As she reached the door, Cesh spoke with her eyes closed. "Oh. And I like the Empress thing. Spread the word."

[Raizen]

This seems like a really cool game. I have a character concept in mind, but I'm not sure how detailed you need us to be. The character I'm thinking about is a marine whose led a successful career, but one full of controversies and run-ins with their superiors. She pretty much carries out her orders using tactics a pirate might favor and is rather controversial herself.

My idea for how she ended up with a keep is that she gets assigned to maintain it as a sort of pseudo-punishment and to keep her out of her superior officer's hair for a while. But she is not the sort to take to something with half-measure and dives into the assignment with full gusto.

Would you say this fits in with the theme you're going for? How much information are you looking for? I've been known to get a little zealous at times. >.>

[savoylen]

Originally Posted by Raizen

This seems like a really cool game....

Awesome... thanks!

Originally Posted by Raizen

My idea for how she ended up with a keep is that she gets assigned to... Would you say this fits in with the theme you're going for?

Absolutely. The classical pirate ship is considered to be something like the Barbarian's Camp.. but unlike them, the ships get faster as they get larger!

There are so many options here (good job!). We should consider...
* Pirate ship assigned to the Forgotten Shores as a mobile base
* The Pirate Fortress
* The Inland Garrison
* The Hidden Keep

It really depends on how you'd like to interact with the others and how you see her struggling with her own internal conflicts.

I think any of those would be a blast - but don't limit yourself. If you have another idea, run with it!



- Savy

[Begon Ugo]

Roem Name, Race, Class: Roem Terengath, Human, Moon Druid Alignment: Chaotic good Backstory:The cracked grey cobblestone rambles on through twists and turns, the sagging structures on either side wilted and casting grasping shadows along the path. The stomach turning stench of rancid flesh hangs heavy in the air and you can hear the gentle lapping of brackish water splashing against the rotting dock obscured in the mist ahead. You pause in the middle of the broken path, and slowly turn around in an attempt to get your bearings. A loud creaking sound erupts in protest from beside you and you whip back around, startled. Before you is a decrepit, hunched over old man. His long greasy hair drapes over an impossibly curved back, while he wrenches open a partially collapsed rusted iron gate. He cackles at your evident discomfort and tosses a wooden bucket full of offal in your direction, the waste splashing on your weathered boots. Welcome to Terengath...indeed, you think as you emphatically shake the filth from your legs. The once grand trading town on the coast of the sea is no longer. After the Tremors had catastrophically reformed the land, Terengath has become landlocked, now wasting away on the banks of a huge fetid swamp. In the years since the last tremor, the city has begun to be abandoned to the elements, all those with sense beginning to leave for more hospitable climes. As civilization and justice retreat headlong from Terengath, those of ill repute stay and try to set down deep roots of greed and bile that threaten to spread throughout the region. A slightly acidic mist fills the air of the city, drifting in from the depths of the Bogamir, irritating any exposed skin while making your chest reflexively heave in great rattling coughs. Your face covered, you continue walking down the rambling pathway, knowing that the deserted city before you is a charade. The rundown time worn buildings themselves look to be empty and devoid of life, but the underground labyrinth of flood pipes and sewage tunnels teem with activity. The scurrying sounds echo from below and are clearly audible on the streets above. Whatever it is that calls the moldy depths its home makes no attempt at subterfuge. There is no reason for it to do so...it belongs here...you do not. Your family, royal though they were, perished in the cataclysm. You did not belong then… what makes you think you belong now? The half sunken black stone tower, leaning as if gasping for air, lies ahead in the distance... your families seat of power. Will you... or can you claim it? Words: Night has fallen. Nature does not lean towards life or death... She is neutral... the scales are balanced. If you wish to survive... do so... Act! To do nothing is to accept the inevitability that is death. The city of Terengath has recently accepted its fate. No more! Now we shall act... we shall bend no longer. We will survive. Bannerman Cry WE SHALL RISE!" Final Ability Scores: Str 10, Dex 15, Con 17,Int 11, Wis 17, Cha15 (16,16,14,14,10,9) Level Source Feature 1 Human Ability Scores each increase by +1 1 Human Speed 30 1 Human Language +Human, +Elvish 1 Druid +11 HP (MAX) 1 Druid Armor Pro: light armor, medium armor, shields, no metal 1 Druid Weapon Pro: clubs, daggers, darts, javelins, maces, quarterstaffs, scimitars, sickles, slings, spears 1 Druid Save: Int Wis 1 Druid Tools: Herbalism kit 1 Druid +Perception, +Arcana 1 Noble + History, +Persuasion 1 Noble Language +Orc 1 Druid +Druidic Language 1 Druid + 2 Cantrips, +2 1st level spell slots 2 Moon + 2x Combat Wild Shape 1CR / Short Rest 2 Moon +1 1st level spell slots: 3 total 3 Moon +1 1st level spell slots: 4 total, +2 2nd level spell slots: 2 total

[Raizen]

Thanks for the quick feedback, Savy! What do you mean the application starts from the Person's perspective. Are we supposed to apply in character?

[savoylen]

Originally Posted by Raizen

Thanks for the quick feedback, Savy! What do you mean the application starts from the Person's perspective. Are we supposed to apply in character?

No worries... that's what I here for!

You certainly can - I'm being very flexible with the format though Begon Ugo's off to a great start in the previous post if you'd like to see what I'm impressed by.

Use the prompts I gave as inspiration but feel free to go your own way on the presentation of your vision.

Truely, as long as the info is there, you can't make a mistake on formating.

If you are interested in selection criteria, I always go with story, then mechanics.

I hope that helps!

- Savy