[D&D-5e] 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Where Monsters Fear to Tread

[Gaijin]

Game Name Affliction: Where Monsters Fear to Tread...

Game System Dungeons & Dragons 5e

Themes Eldritch Horror, Monsters, Disease, Gritty

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Synopsis "They hated us... Hunted us... Vilified us... And now we are their only hope." ──────࿈────── A mutagenic scourge known as the Monstrum Virus has swept the continent. Those who fell victim either died messily, or were twisted into highly aggressive Type: Aberration (Generally)Flesh Horrors. Those who survived the first few months began to band together in fortified quarantine zones for safety. It still isn't known how the plague started, but it has been discovered that those who have already been afflicted by certain conditions carry a level of immunity to the scourge. Lycans and vampyrs, once seen as an irredeemable menace now stand as the best interface between civilization, and something much, much worse. In exchange for reluctant acceptance by the terrified populace, and special dispensation from their leaders, bands of these corrupted souls have agreed to venture beyond the high walls to secure trade routes and hold the encroaching Flesh Horrors at bay. ──────࿈────── Three years after the initial outbreak, you find yourself in the employ of New Evereska Sanctuary, escorting a windowless, steel caravan to a distant research facility. Hopeful murmurs suggest that a cure may have been found, but this is far from the first time that such rumors have made their way to your ears. You are more concerned about another rumor: The plague is evolving, and your immunity may not last...

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Game Details Character Building   World Building ⠀Starting Level:⠀⠀1 ⠀Ability Scores:⠀⠀ 27 Point Buy ⠀Races:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀See Below* ⠀Classes:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀  Any Published ⠀Alignment:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Your characters don't need to like each other, but they will need to be able to work together.Any ⠀Setting:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀  Alternate Faerun ⠀Progression:⠀⠀ Milestone ⠀Posting Rate:⠀⠀Aiming for 1~2 posts per week, but we may take breaks to accommodate real life.Relaxed ⠀Sources:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I reserve the right to make adjustments as we go along. If you have concerns, ask first.Any Published ⠀LGBTQIA+ welcome and appreciated.⠀New player friendly ⠀Allowed Races: Basic Rules (preferred), E.g. Goliath, Goblin, Aasimar, etc...Alternative (allowed), E.g. Spelljammer, Warforged, Kobold, etc... (Since this game already includes monstrous templates, I would like to avoid too many complicating layers. However, I'm open to being convinced.)Exotic (discouraged) ⠀Creature Templates: Players Being infected is the only known way to survive beyond the quarantine zone for an extended period of time.must choose one of the following templates: Creature Templates Lycan — Claimed by the beast within. As Base Creature, but... Gain: Immunity to non-silvered bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing weapon attacks.Sterling Defense - Bring it on... Gain: (Choose one beast) While in Hybrid Form: Increase a corresponding Physical Attribute by +2, and gain a Beast Trait. Note: The beast trait you gain will depend on the type of werebeast you choose. Lycan Forms - The beast cometh... Gain: Under a Full Moon, or moments of heightened stress, your character may be taken over by "The Beast Within". You will retain control of the character, but will be provided secret objectives to fulfill that may be counterproductive.Curse of the Moon - You are not fully in control of yourself. ⠀ Vampyr — Blood thick with undeath, yet you walk among the living. As Dhampir, but... Gain: When in Dim Light or Darkness: regenerate 1hp per round.Night's Embrace - Fueled by darkness. Gain: Once Per Dusk: Summon a Familiar (Swarm of Bats) or (Swarm of Rats). {Initial Summoning takes 10 minutes in an appropriate environment, after which, they can be called from any shadow as a bonus action while they are still alive.}Children of the Night - Vile Companions. Gain: You have Sunlight Sensitivity and must regularly consume humanoid blood to slake your insatiable thirst.Curse of Eternal Hunger - The natural world rebukes you. ⠀ Harrowed — You are among the "privileged" few to retain your humanity beyond the walls. As Base Creature, but... Gain: Immunity to Fear/Charm EffectsResolve of the Damned - You're already dying, what else can they do? Gain: Exceed your natural limits at the cost of harming yourself. {Up to twice per attempt: Reroll a failed d20 check. If the new roll is successful, take the new result and gain (# of attempts) level(s) of exhaustion in 1d4+1 rounds.} Note: 6 Levels of Exhaustion is instant death.Final Push - Ignore the pain... Gain: Whether inherited or contracted, you are afflicted with an incurable, unpleasant, and fatal illness. You are vulnerable to exhaustion and strenuous activity may cause a flare-up of your condition.Curse of Blood - You are your own worst enemy.

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Applicants What I want from you:   Party composition does not matter. Prioritize creating a Have a clear sense of what motivates your character (Other than survival), and what flaws they have (Other than their affliction).compelling character. Do Not Roll Dice In This Thread. Application Character Name: Class: Species: Affliction: Lycan(Beast variant)/Vampyr/Harrowed Description: Physical and Personality Backstory: Who was your character before the pandemic? [FIELDSET="Application"][IMGR]https://i.imgur.com/zELnntb.png[/IMGR] [B]Character Name:[/B] [B]Class:[/B] [B]Species:[/B] [B]Affliction:[/B] [COLOR="Silver"][I]Lycan(Beast variant)/Vampyr/Harrowed[/I][/COLOR] [B]Description:[/B] [COLOR="Silver"][I]Physical and Personality[/I][/COLOR] [B]Backstory:[/B] [COLOR="Silver"][I]Who was your character before the pandemic?[/I][/COLOR] [/FIELDSET] What you should know about me:   About Me This will be my first adventure as a DM on RPGCrossing. I have been on the site for over a decade, and I have been a player in many games, but I have never sat behind the screen in a PbP format. As such, I want to manage expectations and make a few requests: (1) I have ADHD and am building a new seasonal business. I promise to commit to this game to the best of my ability and to communicate clearly when I need to step away temporarily. Please be patient with me, and clearly communicate your own needs, as appropriate. (2) I enjoy reading and writing, but walls of text can be overwhelming for me. I will invest more time into major development posts, but will try to keep the regular updates streamlined. Please write the story your character deserves, but try to do so as concisely as possible. If you wish to add For example: A detailed flashback that only your character experiences.additional flavor text, use Fieldsets, spoilerbuttons, or just reiterating the highlights in OOC are all great options.formatting to make it obvious, so that I can see what calls for an immediate response, and what I can revisit later. (3) This is a learning experience. I will be experimenting as we go along, and asking for feedback. Please participate in the process by providing constructive feedback when called upon. When you have read this, add the comet emoji "☄️" to your application. ──────࿈────── 🙡 Applicant List 🙣 Enlisting 4~6 players total. 2 have been pre-selected for early access. Player Character Species Affliction Class Application Status Gaijin Narrator Chocobo Hungry Dungeon Master Complete✔/Withdrawn✘ Strangemund Marquess Kasper Madsen Human Harrowed Cleric ✔✔ Squeak Xopingthhppth Kobold Harrowed Monk ✔ Touketsu Faust Tiefling Harrowed Artificer ✔ Yoshimi Topha Half-Orc Harrowed Paladin ✔ Arkanis Cain Human Harrowed Ranger ✔ ihinka Divna Siren Harrowed Bard(Creation) ✔ Boss Nadar Sarah Kent Human Harrowed Warlock(Hexblade) ✔ ElderOblex Malaric Wunderfoot Halfling Harrowed Rogue(Soulknife) ✔ Mirasiah Devlyn High Elf Vampyr Rogue ✔✔ Humble Athena Jasmillae Elf Vampyr Sorceress ✔ Azathool Soren Bloodshadow Human Vampyr Cleric(Twilight) ✔ leftyyy88 Thanadon Ashvein Dwarf(Mountain) Vampyr Wizard ✔ Onward Sera Wigglehorn Halfling(Stout) Vampyr Barbarian(Skypony) ✔ TheMagnificentGuy Puck Faerie Vampyr Rogue ✔ Lazer Rance Blonkriss Human Vampyr Barbarian ✔ Stadiumite Sallin Thistlerock Gnome Lycan(Rat) Cleric ✔ Nyx89 Liadan Silverbow Wood Elf Lycan(Black Bear) Ranger(Swarmkeeper) ✔ Togot Togot Fury Human Lycan(Wolf) Fighter ✔ BlackDragon0 Wolfgar(?) Elf(Shadar-Kai) Lycan(Wolf) Fighter ✔ Drifter One Maximillion of Evervale Elf Lycan(Tiger) Ranger ✔ Greatsw0rd Cyril Harwin Fallen Aasimar Lycan(Wolf) Paladin(Oathbreaker) ✔ ProjectLazarus Heilan "Hoof" Taursus Haf-Elf Lycan(Bull) Barbarian ✔ Nomad240 Ravianka Leocopus Human Lycan(Rat) Rogue ✘ Talissen70 Tuskvar Half-Orc Lycan(Boar) Fighter WIP — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

[Gaijin]

F.A.Q. What will the Hit Point progression be after 1st level? Max at 1st, and then you can either roll or take the average, rounded up. How will Dhampir interact with Variant Human? (+Substitutions) Dhampir has a strong set of racial traits, so we will stick with the Ancestral Legacy rules. However, if there is a particular base racial trait that you want to carry over for uniqueness, I am open to substituting it in place for one or both Dhampir Skill proficiencies. (The purpose of this is to improve flavor, not make the character stronger.) Lycan Infection Lore The official lore for Lycans is pretty flexible. The afflictions themselves are quasi-magical viruses, so Lycans can either inherit their mother's condition (Guaranteed), be bitten by an unrelated lycan of the same type (Moderate risk), or have been infected by a corresponding beast that happened to be a carrier of the virus at the time (Low risk). To actually be Afflicted, a victim must both be infected and satisfy some mystical condition that depends on the beast type before the virus can be cleared by the victim's immune system. (E.g. Werewolves being infected during a Full Moon.) Not all beast conditions are known, and not all beasts are confirmed to be eligible. However, predators (and pest) tend to be most common due the higher risk of injury and blood exposure. Edit: Players with unconventional variants are welcome to propose their own mystical condition, or leave it ambiguous. They wouldn't necessarily have put 2 and 2 together, especially if they have had multiple exposures over an extended period of time. [Your Question Here]

[Mirasiah]

Ready! ☄️

Character application Devlyn Character Name: Devlyn Class: Rogue Species: High Elf Affliction: Vampyr Background: Criminal (smuggler) Alignment: True Neutral (started Neutral Good, then fell to Neutral Evil during her rampage, before going True Neutral in the recent years) Personality: Trait 1: I don't pay attention to the risks in a situation. Never tell me the odds. Trait 2: I always expect the plan to go awry. Ideal: Ideals kill people, I prefer to stay alive. When in doubt, I shoot first. Bond: Money talks. Pay me and I'll follow you. Flaw: The rules don't apply to me. I'm too smart and special. Appearance: Knowing the importance of making a good first impression, Devlyn’s appearance is sharpened as much as her other weapons. Her dark, long hair is left free, attaching it would only make it rebel that much more. Her eyes, of a deep blue hue, give the feeling she could stare right into one’s soul if she wanted to. Her dashing smile, capable of disarming the most stubborn of targets. Even her modest height is used as a ploy to make everyone feel safe around her. Beneath that façade resides a cunning individual, eager to show anyone underestimating her the price for such a mistake. The moment you see her fangs, it’s already too late. Backstory:   The rise and fall of Daelya Vestara Lynsworth The small, remote town of Bresiv was a quiet place where humble folks lived peaceful lives. Until some newcomers decided to take residence among them. No one would think to visit Bresiv, it was as attractive as a pile of hay, much less want to move in. Those living here did so because they were born here and had nowhere else to go. To see new faces not only passing by but actually settling in the town was enough to create activity and rumours like never seen before in this part of the world. What was even stranger was that these newcomers were High Elves, with their refined clothes and manners, a stark contrast to the human population of simpler standing whose main preoccupation was their next meal. Aegan and Leanna Lynsworth never displayed the haughty attitude expected from their appearance however, and made every effort to ease the curiosity of their new neighbours. Their daughter was the perfect image of a prim and proper princess from a fairy tale, even her name, Daelya Vestara Lynsworth, was enough to intimidate the easily-impressed. Like her parents, the constant friendliness she exhibited soon granted her popularity and friends. Behind the curtails, the three elves were hiding two secrets. Despite the appearances, their trade involved hiding from the Law. It was nothing nefarious and their amiable attitude was genuine. Their activity involved helping the less fortunate where official matters would see poverty flourish. Extrading individuals trying to flee conflicts and wars, started for the benefit of the wealthy, distributing essential goods to oppressed populations; the Lynsworth name was a symbol of hope in underground talks. The second secret was also one to hide from the Law but would not give hope. The three elves were cursed to a life away from sunlight and battling a constant sense of Hunger. Vampyrs were not welcomed into society, but such individuals should also not be able to beget offspring. In hope of giving Daelya a normal life, as normal as they could, Aegan and Leanna hid their shameful secret, integrating as regular citizens and doing their best to be exemplary neighbours. Alas, universal love was not a precept of this world, and it was only a matter of time before the Lynsworth family paid the price for their selflessness. During one of Daelya’s travels to bring medicine and food to a settlement of war survivors, her parents were taken into custody by the bresivian authorities. Not because their secrets were discovered, the truth was crueller; it was simply the result of basic human nature. There are individuals who would grasp at the smallest morsel of power once they tasted it; for them, jealousy is a potent drive. Mayor Standish and Sheriff Dellington were such individuals, they created a new truth to remove the threat they perceive to the status quo, and soon the citizens of Bresiv had forgotten the good deeds of the Lynsworths, demanding their heads instead. Aegan and Leanna could have fled, it would have been easy for ones with their ability, but imposing a life of running from persecution was not what they wanted for their daughter. So, they came willingly, in the hopes of reaching an agreement. A vain attempt, the minds of jealous men, especially men clinging to a sliver of power, could not be swayed by words. Daelya returned to an unrecognisable town, only escaping retribution from an angry mob thanks to her habit of moving in the shadows. She tried her best to free her parents, but it was not meant to be. Soon, she witnessed the most horrible display of Mankind's cruelty. In the central place of Bresiv, a stage was set, upon which two stakes were raised with a pile of wood and hay at their feet. Daelya saw two figures brought forth to the stage, she knew she should flee but her body refused any order. Fire burning the pyres before engulfing the two victims, under plain sunlight for the crowd to see, in clamour and cheering. Despite the unimaginable pain, none of them ever let any sound betray their feelings, Daelya’s secret would die with them, it was their final gift to her. Unable to move from the shadows hiding her, Daelya lay there for an eternity, her senses too dull to let her feel anything. On the second day of Leaffall, in the year 1362 DR, humans were once again the only species populating the town of Bresiv. What followed would come to be known as the Crimson Fall of Bresiv, or simply Red Marpenoth. It began with a gruesome sighting, a man found in the middle of the street one morning, blood still pouring, guts spilled for everyone to see. Soon, a second body, then a third. Rumours spread fast among the frightened population. After a couple of more deaths, the killer was even given a title, the Angel of Slaughter, for how they descend from the heavens to kill their victim in a gory display, or so it was said. Rare were those who saw the wicked face of their demise, but no one could escape the Angel’s lust for vengeance, not a friend from a previous life, nor a mother pleading for her infant child. Only blood would pay the price for Humanity’s betrayal. Sheriff Dellington was made the last to fall, the cherry on top for the Angel’s spree, the man who started it all deserved such an honour. With his death, the streets ran red, the silence began its reign in blood. On the seventeenth day of Leaffall, in the year 1362 DR, the population in the town of Bresiv amounted to zero. Life of a mercenary Fairy tale princess, Angel of Slaughter, hermit, Devlyn’s past didn’t matter anymore. She forsook her previous lives when she adopted the current one. A Vampyr laughs in the face of her demons, she was the threat that made demons cower in fear. Bereft of a purpose, Devlyn traversed life one day at a time, looking for small pleasures where she could. Over the years, she earned the reputation of an able mercenary. Her list of contacts would appear quite peculiar, even in this line of work, but it provided for everything she needed. The most exotic of her contacts was probably a clan of Werebulls and Minotaurs, unified under the threat of bovine persecution. One would do well to stay as far away from them as possible, which is precisely what made Devlyn reach out. She certainly didn’t pull the same tricks as the ones for the Vampires, she didn’t need to, they were a very friendly bunch once you showed them you could beat them in a contest of stares. You would think a clan of such intimidating presences could provide for themselves, but sometimes a smaller frame and a sneaky approach were what they needed. She was happy to provide, every time it ended with a feast, sharing stories of epic hunts and good laughs. In another life, she would have been very happy getting bitten by a cursed bull. A more glamorous, but much less enviable, business relationship was also made with the House of a Vampire Lord. These ones were everything the Werebulls were not, haughty, certain of their superiority and certainly not willing to share their resources. But a sellsword, or sellfang in this case, cannot always choose their job, and Vampires were still the best source of precious blood, even if all she was getting from these jobs were the scraps left behind. She certainly didn’t let them belittle her and might have retorted with a few choice words a tad too many times, but breaking out of their goals did get tiring after the twelfth time. Thus were spent the days of Devlyn, Vampyr mercenary, no grand design in mind, only trying to find entertaining ways to get her next meal. Always on the move, to the next job, to the next hunt, to the next danger.

[Strangemund]

That's right. I made a human amongst monsters. I like to live dangerously~!☄️

Application Character Name: Marquess Kasper Madsen Class: Cleric (Life Domain) Species: Human Affliction: Harrowed Background: Noble Alignment: Lawful Good Personality Traits: Trait 1: I feel tremendous empathy for all who suffer. Trait 2: The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I can't do it. Ideal: Community. It is the duty of all civilized people to strengthen the bonds of community and the security of civilization. Bond: No one else is going to have to endure the hardships I have lived through. Flaw: I am weak to a kind touch. Description: Marquess Kasper Madsen is the last of the Madsen bloodline, the sole heir to Dark Slough and Castle Mirekeep. A noble soul who struggles with his duty as a man of god and a servant to his king, and the morality in which makes him sympathize with the suffering of the beasts he has always been told to slay. Heart heavy with guilt and grief, he yearns to repent for his past monstrous actions, even if it means he'll never earn forgiveness from those he's burned upon the pyre. Even with his home in ruin, the Marquess is foolishly bound to old habits. How could he forget the mannerisms of a gentleman when it was all he knew, beyond blade and prayer? He is brave for those who cannot be brave themselves. Gracious in word and gait, even when his body aches. And is easily flustered by bawdier personalities, not used to unfiltered voices. His noble nature is the hardest part of him to forsake-- despite the gnawing desire to be close to the blood brothers and sisters he’s made in these dark times. But his want for companionship is no match for his fear towards his own plague. Marquess Kasper fears attachment because his illness is beyond his control. Beyond his understanding. It eats away at his flesh, disfiguring him to such a degree that he now forever hides behind his helmet. Terrified to let a single inch of skin be seen by others, terrified they'd become stricken, too. Distance is the price he must pay for everyone's safety-- to condemn himself to starvation from a kind touch and a warm embrace so they'd never suffer as he suffers. A self-affliction he’s endured for many lonesome years, and he suspects, many more to come. Backstory:   In the Age Before the Plague, the Marquess questioned his duty often. It did not seem right for him to burn the beasts out from a land that very few of his ilk wanted to settle in. A disease in itself, Dark Slough was a bog that offered little beyond serving as a foothold for a war that may never come. But who was he to question the judgment of both his church and his king? Who was he to put the suffering of monsters above the suffering of his people? He suspects his inability to be true to his heart is why he was among the first to be stricken with the plague. His flesh decayed like the woods around him. Those closest to him no longer dared to be in his company. He was no lycanthrope or dhampir but nonetheless shared their burden of being cast aside for the sake of survival. He was a monster in all but name. The disease could not be cured by the holiest of men nor by his own divine gift. Alive but rotting, Marquess Kasper Madsen could only assume he’d been cursed. And with the knowledge of what he’s done and the rivers of blood that paints his dreams, he accepted his twice-damned fate. In the Age of the Plague, Marquess Kasper Madsen is no longer bound to king or clergy but by his heart. And in truth, it is the freest he’s ever felt. He is still haunted by his past, for he cannot escape it any more than the gray rot of his flesh, but his new purpose to aid all who suffer– be they peasant or noble, beast or man– has given him renewed hope in these dark times. That despite the hardship the present holds, the future will be brighter.

[Humble Athena]

Withdrawn

[Talissen70]

Application Character Name: Tuskvar Class: Fighter Species: Half Orc Affliction: Lycan(Boar variant) Description: Affliction aside, Tuskvar is a hulking figure, standing six and a half feet tall. He wears heavy armour and carries a savage looking glaive. Backstory: Tuskvar was the bodyguard of Sirus Webb, adventurer and Cartographer until his untimely death at the hands of a wereboar he had been tracking.

[Drifter One]

Man, gotta stick my name on for this. Small details changed a bit. ☄️

Application Character Name:Maxxine of Evervale Class:Ranger Species:Half-Elf Affliction: Lycan(WereTiger) Description: Trait 1: When I have "changed" to my Were form, I lose control of my conscious mind Trait 2: I will always put others before myself Trait 3: I am a vegetarian (in human form) Bond: I will do anything to gain acceptance back into my family Ideal: Freedom. Chains are meant to be broken, as are those who would forge them. Flaw: Although hired to help the people, I am still considered a monster, and those in power of my home town will not stop to see me destroyed (Mother) Maxxine is a kind hearted individual, or at least, she was. She spent her life rubbing shoulders amongst the Nobles of the town of Evervale, for her parents were deeply embroiled in the politics of the community. Brought up to adhere to good manners and be eloquent and hospitable to both her peers and those deemed beneath her, it was embedded in her from an early age that her family must do everything for the good of the people. She had the charm inherited from her silver tongued mother and the hunters' prowess from her father, Forest-Master of the Swifts-of-the-Vale; protectors of Evervale. She soon became enrolled in the Swifts-of-the-Vale herself, showing a keen eye for hunting and shooting, often winning local competitions held on a seasonal basis. Upon graduation, each Swift is invited to "The Pens" where they can choose their companions, but for Maxxine, her companion chose her; a tiny tiger-cub came and sat on her foot, creating a bond that could never be broken. Samoku became her best friend and never left her side, accompanying Maxxine on hundreds of expeditions with the Swifts in the name of Evervale. This of course, was before the plague. Maxxine, long before the plague had really taken hold, was accidentally bitten by Samoku as they played in a Moon Pool together. It was unintentional, but Samoku became a little over excited. Maxxine had been nipped and scratch many times by her beloved companion, but this time was different. It was a new moon in the sky and unbeknownst to Maxxine, a New Moon altered the magical properties of a Moon pool. Normally, this would not have any unusual affects, but as the saliva of Semoku mixed with the moonwater and her blood, her cells mutated and she had contracted Lycanthropy. It took several months for any affect to take hold; starting first with a fever, hot and cold sweats. Then an insatiable thirst that could not be quenched by conventional means. Her parents could see the disease taking hold of their daughter and, for the good of the people of Evervale, banished her from the town to live her days in the Forest. Her Father would visit her often and helped her by bringing animal carcasses to her cave where she now resided. Her father stayed true to his word until the very day nature took him and Maxxine was left all alone with her Semoku. Her mother took a radically different approach to her father, and after she became established as Evervales Mayor, she began to send regular hunting parties to Maxxines cave to try and "remove the threat". Today, Maxxine, although still good hearted, has become more Feral and struggles to control her beast within, sometimes when the moon is new, she takes form of a large Tiger and goes on the hunt, even taking children when fully grown townsmen are scarce. Samoku is old and dying and the hunting parties are becoming more and more frequent. Dressed in tattered leathers and mangy, old furs, Maxxine looks like she has been lost from civilisation for several years. Beneath the dirt and scraggy hair is a once healthy woman who was quite pleasant to admire and even more so to engage in conversation with. With a good bath and some good clothes, Maxxine could return to the elegant woman with deep red hair she once was. Backstory: The cool wind blew and howled around the cavemouth, echoing down the hill, the rain developing from a light sprinkle to more heavy, sustained droplets. The sky darkened and Maggios found it difficult to traverse the steep slopes with his men as the dirt became more muddy underfoot. As the light began to fade, he struggled to ignite his oil-drenched torch against the wind and rain, yet light it he did. He took a deep breath as he approached the yawning maw of the cave. "Maxxine! Maxxine!" he called out, his voice struggling to carry as the wind picked up. "Maxxine!" There was no answer. "Men, encircle the cavemouth!" he called, waving his free arm in a circular motion. The six or so men that had followed him did as instructed. "MAXXINE!" he called again. The voice reverberated around the cave, drowning out the constant drip, drip of the rain. Maxxine sat on her haunches upon a rock, surveying the scattering of bones around the cave floor, many animal bones, some human. In contrast, next to the bones sat a cold cooking pot suspended over a long doused fire. The half-elf sighed and looked down at her hands which trembled in the evening chill. She had not "changed" for some time now, yet she knew it would come soon. Samoku lay next to the rock upon which she was perched, his breathing rapid and shallow. Her heart sank, for she knew she had to expect he would depart anytime soon. Her only friend. Maxxine was not sure she could cope without him. "MAXXINE!" bellowed the voice again. "Once more, old friend?" Maxxine whispered with a sigh and she slid from the rock, slowly and silently moving towards the cavemouth. Samoku stirred from his slumber and looked up at Maxxine and growled briefly before resting his head back upon his paws. "I know why you've come!" Called Maxxine in reply. "I have no quarrel with you nor the townsfolk! You must stay away!" "And nor I with you!" came a husky retort. "I..." there was a pause. "We have come to parle." Maxxine raised an eyebrow, her form still hidden in the darkness. She looked back at the sleeping Semoku and smiled empathically. She turned back to the caves maw, the darkness of the evening rapidly descending. She could see the flicker of several torches. "How many?" "Six, seven including me!" "You bring six?" she hissed. "For protection, you surely understand? The New Moon is due soon." Maggios said. "Armed?" "Of course." Maxxine felt the deep pang of sadness in her heart. She once moved freely about Evervale, and often engaged in merriment with Maggios and many others. Her mother once loved her dearly and she had a good life. And now? And now she was reduced to this. Hunting parties coming every week t end her suffering. That's what they told her anyway. "Maxxine, we are just here to talk. "Maggios called. That was most unexpected. "Talk? You want to talk? Three years, by my reckoning, you have tried to end me. I have taken many lives - not by my own choice, and you have come to...talk?" Maggios felt uneasy himself at such a peculiar notion, for Maxxine was right of course. "Times have changed Maxxine. Evervale is in peril. We are all in Peril. We need your help!" Maxxine nearly choked. They wanted her help? The beast they hunted? What help could she possibly give them... "The plague. It has ravaged the land and the people suffer. They turn. Turn Maxxine! Turn into unspeakable horrors! We cannot combat this evil. But you? You can!" She detected a tone of desperation in the mans' voice, a wobble that was uncharacteristic. Maxxine swallowed hard, how could she help? "Why me?" she said simply. Maggios was not at all comfortable with the situation, but the orders came from the top. "You are Lycan." The word itself made Maggios feel physically sick. "You remain resilient to the plague. Word is to gather those who are resistant to aid combating this curse. A special mission." "Special mission?" "Need bodies to escort a caravan. The townsfolk cannot for they a too vulnerable. Not sure what the caravan holds, but it is destined for a research facility. Maybe a cure? Nevertheless, we need you to help protect this caravan." "Who is sending such word?" "New Evereska Sanctuary..."

[Arkanis]

Gaaahhh, this is another one. I want to apply, but my schedule is pretty full right now. Argh….

[Gaijin]

Can't wait to learn more about these characters I'm seeing! Keep it up! (I'll get you all added to the chart once they are more fleshed out.)

@Arkanis, If you're feeling inspired, go ahead and give your idea some life with an application and make a note of being "Game Saturated". That way, you'll have a foot in the door if things change over the next 22 days. I'm also expecting to add or replace a player or two down the road, so the application pool will give me a list of players to tag in later.

[Stadiumite]

Application Character Name: Sallin Thistlerock Class: Cleric Species: Gnome Affliction: Lycan (Wererat) Description: (Physical and Personality) Sallin has the haggard look of a man who has lead a hard life. Despite his small stature, he is quite muscular. Many years have been spent in isolated religious contemplation. Part of this study included training his body for strength, though his agility is quite poor. His years have study have made him wise and he can be charming when he needs to be. Trait: I see omens in every event and action. The gods try to speak to us, we just need to listen. Trait: I trust in the gods. If I work hard and follow their guidance, things will go well Trait: I own my life to the church that took me in despite my afflicition Trait: I judge others harshly, and myself even more severely. Secret: In times of despair, I feel that I am but a plaything for the gods, and I resent their remoteness My temple was a peaceful but very remote place. Far from civilization, and populated by druids. Backstory: Sallin was raised by his parents to follow the goddess Mielikki. As he reached adulthood he became afflicted with a lycan curse, causing him to exhibit rat-like features and sometimes lose control of his own actions. He confessed his condition to a priest in the Mielikki temple. The source of Sallin's lycan curse is a bit uncertain. He had, in fact, been bitten by a rat as a small child. But the rat was small, and the wound not severe. When he first began to exhibit symptoms, he overheard a conversation between his mother and grandmother about a curse long ago in the family bloodline. He only heard part of this hushed conversation, and it was never spoken of again. The priest saw to it that Sallin's condition was kept a secret. The temple found refuge for him among a circle of druids deep in the woods. There he could do little harm if his affliction got out of control. He spent the next several years there in contemplation, learning the teachings of his religion, and pondering his fate. Why had the gods allowed this affliction to take over his life? There must be a reason. The emergence of the virus felt like an answer to this question. He has been afflicted, and called to the temple for a reason. And now the reason has presented itself. He did not hesitate to volunteer for the special dispensation when it was announced. D&D Beyond Sheet☄️

[Azathool]

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Azathool's Application - Complete Character Name: Soren Bloodshadow Class: Cleric (Twilight) Species: Human (base) Affliction: Vampyr (Dhampir lineages overrides human.v racials) Description (Physical and Personality) Image created with DALL-E 3 Soren is short, scrawny and pale, with a rather unremarkable and completely forgettable face. At five and a half feet tall and a hundred pounds in weight, he looks like a "completely normal, if short human", until the tell-tale sharp incisors show when he smiles, and his pale skin shows as an indicator of his sensitivity to the light of day. Wearing reinforced leather armour with a deeply hooded robe to shade his face, it is rare to ever see a weapon of any kind in his hand. In combat he usually likes to keep a distance, using magic summoned from the gods to harm his opponents. Soren is direct and pointed in almost everything he says, not holding back when something needs saying. Whilst not cruel or biased, when something goes wrong, he will say so, and when something needs doing, he will do it. Always calm to the point of annoyance he will explain carefully yet succinctly his position. He rarely lies, as when he does, he cannot help fidgeting to the point of distraction, something he only does when lying. Backstory (Who was your character before the pandemic?)   Born into the Bloodshadow clan, he knew from early life that the clan's elders were different, special.. "Not his real father, rather the head of his clanFather" was said to have lived for centuries and was unassailable in power. Worshippers of Bhaal, the clan kept itself to itself, quiet and unnoticed as to gain notoriety would bring ruin from the "normals". Being initiated to the Bloodshadow rite was only for the adults, and he was as his older sister jokedbarely out of nappies, still several years away from the privilege. Soren's life was safe and boring, helping to "Buy and sell stolen goodsfence" for the clan. He grew skilled at ascertaining people's intent and keeping out of trouble, but grew to be disliked due to his direct, often pointed statements when speaking. He had a particular dislike for appeals to his better judgement or emotions from those selling their "treasured possessions, however, they acquired them". Business was business as they say, and so he was fair and honest, even if he was cutthroat in his manner and ruthless in his outlook. He still remembered the day the Monstrum Virus hit the city, as chaos rippled through the streets, killing or warping those afflicted. But not his clan, at least not the elders. His sister, ten years older and so initiated was similarly unaffected by the virus. But Soren was not so immune. Lying on his bed, the virus having taken him to the brink of death, Soren felt the Long Bite of clan initiation, years earlier than he should have. The effect was immediate, unintended and disastrous. Becoming one of the Vampyr saved his life, purging the virus like a burning flame, but causing him to lash out in a blood lust, the only person with him being the one who had saved his life… his sister. The blood flowed like a river, her life draining as his life resurged. He fled with nothing but the clothes he wore and his slain sister's ring of initiation, the A skull surrounded by a ring of bloody dropletssymbol of their god, Bhaal enamelled onto a raised bezel. That was three years ago, a world and an age ago, and he had grown used to his "problem", as he lived (if he could be said to be alive), and he had not been warped into some abomination. His occasional lust for blood could usually be sated without issue due to his employ with the New Evereska Sanctuary, which handled such things for the services he and the others of his ilk provided. Today that was escorting a caravan outside the safety of the high walls of the town, and hopefully assuaging the boredom of city life. Tall tales of cures or deteriorations in the virus were spreading, and whilst he would now always be one of the Dhampir, he felt there was more to investigate with these rumours. Personality, Hooks & Stuff   Alignment: LE God: Bhaal (As an example. Vampyr's and crime after all.) Trait 1: I am always calm, no matter what the situation. I never raise my voice or let my emotions control me. Trait 2: The first thing I do in a new place is note the locations of everything valuable—or where such things could be hidden. Ideal: Honor. I don’t steal from others in the trade. (Lawful) Bond: I’m guilty of a terrible crime. I hope I can redeem myself for it. Flaw: I have a “tell” that reveals when I’m lying. Starting Gold:5d4 x 10gp = 5x2.5x10 +(Background=15) = 140 gp. Hooks He fled the Bloodshadow clan, so are any still alive ? He left his sister for dead, is she still alive ? What is the signet ring of his clan that he took from his sister? He was never "initiated" to the clan, so atm has little formal training (L1 after all !) As an uninitiated cleric and 1st level, he doesn’t really know "how" to be a cleric, which for L2 is important with Channel Divinity. Could be part of the journey. Consequently he will use spell components instead of a symbol, accounted for in spend. He likes being a Vampyr, and despite the virus his life is far more interesting now. But the rumors of a cure, or worsening or the virus is niggling in his mind, as it will affect his current "elevated" status in society. Additional Notes   Dhampir overrides the base race,; Taking 2x skills, +2/+1stats bonuses and new racial abilities. Dhampir Hunger: (1) Blood Dhampir Origins: (8) A radical experiment Being initiated to the clan changed your body, making you reliant on others for vital fluids. Light armor & shield, DEX build (low STR), Tasha's swap Twilight Cleric's L1 Bonus Proficiencies of Heavy Armor and Martial Weapons for Tool: Thieves' Tools. Little to no healing, rather mostly a ranged combat cleric. 3 cantrips ([Guidance, Sacred Flame, Toll the DeadUnholy Flame). D&DB PDF/Sheet OOC - Example Post Footer   Actions Action - HP: 10 (of 10) | Status: Good | Conditions: None AC: 17 (Studded Leather=12 | Shield=+2 | DEX=+3) 1st Level Spell Slots: 2 (of 2; Long) Eyes of the Night: 1 (of 1; Long) Fanged Bite: 2 (of 2; Long) Children of the Night: 1 (of 1; Dusk) Memorized Spells: (4; Long) Guiding Bolt, Healing Word, Inflict Wounds, Protection from Evil and Good

[Togot]

Application Character Name:Togot Fury, the lone wolf☄️ Class:Fighter Species:V human Affliction: Lycan(werewolf) Alignment: Chaotic Good Personality Traits: I can stare down a hell hound without flinching. If someone is in trouble, I’m always ready to help Bond: My friends and family mean everything to me. there is nothing I won’t do for them Ideal: My lot is to lay down my life in defense of others. Flaw: I carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. Every life I fail to save haunts me Background: Folk hero. Description: Togot is a fit man of average height with ear-length sandy brown hair. He has a vertical scar over his right eye along with many others on his body. He has fierce brown eyes brimming with confidence. Togot is confident to a fault. The words “I can’t” are not in his vocabulary and it has gotten him in over his head more than once. The bigger the challenge, the more driven he is to meet it. He pursues his goals regardless of how much pain and suffering he must endure, and every obstacle he overcomes he takes as proof that he was right. Due to the loss he suffered in childhood, Togot has a very black and white view of right and wrong and devoted his life to protecting the innocent and punishing the wicked. The rigid mindset causes him to suffer crushing guilt every time he fails to save someone regardless of whether it is his fault or not. He is a man who has put the weight of the world on his own shoulders, and it’s crushing him. Backstory: Togot’s early life was very typical. Born and raised a farmboy, his world ended at the walls of his small village. He had a strong and reliable father, a loving mother, and a baby sister. Life was hard but peaceful. That all ended when the raiders came. Waving a flag bearing a black trident, they slaughtered the villagers and put the town to the torch. Togot was only eight years old, but he tried to defend his mother only to be swatted away like a fly. When he awoke, he found the village raised and he the only survivor. Driven mad with grief and having no goal other than revenge, Togot picked up a sword left by the raiders, and began following their tracks. Rather than find the raiders, he found a woman warrior who was impressed by his fierce unyielding fighting spirit in his eyes, and so she adopted him. she was Mourns Her Kill, the chief of a small tribe of werwolves who lived in the woods not too far away. Among them, Togot dedicated his life to training in the hopes of hunting down the raiders and avenging his family. Full of pain and loss, Togot was very abrasive. He had no patience for caution and never held back. He threw his all against any who stood in his way and pushed his body to its breaking point on a regular basis. His uncooperative attitude earned him the nickname Lone wolf, which he accepted with pride. This earned him several enemies, but he welcomed them all as practice that would only make him stronger, and they did. Fortunately, his unyielding spirit also earned the respect of others, and in time he grew to appreciate these bonds and learned to let people in, making friends and learning the value of teamwork. His closest companion was a woman named Parmock. The two spent a lot of time together. one day while out patrolling the pack’s territory, they were attacked by a dangerous beast. Togot was mortally wounded. To save him, Parmock gave him the bite, and turned him into a werewolf. Now stronger than ever, togot began going out to hunt down the raiders. He has yet to find them, but what he has found are plenty of people in need of help. He offered aid to all he met, and it wasn’t long before the plague spread through the land. Taking advantage of his immunity, togot was one of the first to offer his protection to the survivors.

[Gaijin]

Update I've updated and sorted the applicant list by Affliction type. This is only to make it easier to read, not to encourage Affliction diversity. A surplus of one type or another changes the party dynamic in equally interesting ways. I've updated the F.A.Q. with a new question about building Vampyr. The dhampir species is strong, and racial features such as the Variant Human's feat don't carry over. However, for the sake of the character's integrity, I am open to allowing the dhampir's skill proficiencies to be substituted out as though they are each worth ~1/3rd of a feat. (The purpose of this is to make the character more flavorful, not stronger.)

[Togot]

i see i'm listed as wip, is there something i'm missing?

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by Togot

i see i'm listed as wip, is there something i'm missing?

I believe at the time your Fieldset said WIP, so I listed it as such. However yes, there is one important detail you've missed that I'm going to ask you to reread the advertisement to discover on your own.

It isn't hidden, but it is easily overlooked.