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

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by Azathool

Application should be complete.

Great! I'll get you checked in.

I appreciate the effort you put into formatting and tucking things neatly behind spoilers.

[Yoshimi]

Application Character Name:Topha Class:Paladin Species:Half-orc Affliction: Harrowed   Description: Topha is 6 foot 3 and solidly built, with well-muscled limbs that still hold much of their original strength despite her slow degeneration. Her once-chiseled features are gaunt, with dark-rimmed and bloodshot eyes sunken deep into their sockets. Her skin is ashen gray from the ravages of her illness, and her braided black hair is more brittle and less glossy than in the bloom of her vitality. Two fangs protrude from her blackened lips, an inheritance from her orcish ancestry.   Backstory: For centuries before the coming of the green dragon to Lurkwood, the human Uthgardt and orcish Many Arrows existed in a steady-simmering state of hostility. Raids and boundary skirmishes regularly left the dead of each clan strewn along the border between forest and mountain, and any peace was uneasy and short-lived. But the ravages of Achuak'daar, the Poison Wind, led the warring factions to unite under the banner of the Free People. Together the heroes of the orcs and humans ended the threat of the wyrm. The truce of the Free People proved durable as the two sides found they had as much in common as not in their veneration of freedom, strength, and the wilds. In time, a shared territory of small villages developed overlapping the old boundaries, the Commune of Wood and Stone. There the cultures of the two peoples mingled, and it eventually became common for a member of one species to take a mate from among the other. Topha the Healer was a denizen of the Commune, four hundred years after the fall of the dragon. She was devoted to Luthic, the fiercely protective Mother Goddess, who the Children of Wood and Stone venerated in a peace-loving aspect, as befit their life of relative peace. Topha's role was not only to heal, but also to protect the Commune according to her understanding of the goddess, who taught violence as a last resort. Thus although she was well-trained in combat, Topha leaned on compassion and reason to attempt to keep her tribe and family safe. This righteousness and purity of purpose nearly proved a liability during an incursion of gnolls, for despite her faith in negotiation, the demon-worshiping creatures betrayed her trust at the first chance and nearly struck her down. Several members of the Commune were killed in the fight that followed, and Topha herself was forced to fall back on killing to help repel the menace. Then the enemy arrived that no reason, no compassion, and no force of arms could resist. Her husband, a trader, was one of the first to succumb, encountering the infection on his travels far from The Commune. The disease took her two children soon after, transforming them into horrors while she helplessly plied her arts and supplicated her goddess for aid. Yet despite her grief, she somehow remained unscathed by the illness. So she heeded the teachings of Luthic, that when one stopped being a parent to one's children, one must grow into a parent for the community. Topha attempted to lead her people away from the site of her old village, and to bring what comfort and healing she could to the survivors of the first wave. But the scourge followed her tribe, and one by one everyone in her care was lost. As she fled her horror-filled homeland in hopes of finding refuge in the wilds, she felt the first twinge of weakness in her bones. Then she knew that she was not immune to this devastation, but only that for some reason it burned more slowly in her than in others, and death was her destiny rather than transformation. With what time she had left, the servant of Luthic decided to follow the last teaching of her goddess: that as a mother grew in wisdom and knowledge, she should eventually come to be a parent to the world as a whole, nurturing and keeping safe the processes of life itself. Topha turned from her flight and went instead to seek out pockets of the living. She would give her life in service, protecting humanity from the flesh horrors and bringing what comfort she could to the suffering, so that they might one day see a cure. Then when she died, would she come to stand by the side of the goddess, and find a way to bring relief to the spirits of her own family. ☄️

[Humble Athena]

Yoshimi, I think that's the best Half-orc app I've ever seen in all the years I've been on this site.

[Touketsu]

Application Character Name: Faust Class: Planning to go ArmorerArtificer Species: Tiefling Affliction: Harrowed Background: CustomBlack Market Artisan Alignment: Leaning Neutral Good, but with severe trust issues to overcomeTrue Neutral Personality Traits: Trait 1: No one can fake a smile, a handshake, or an interested nod like I can. Trait 2: I never raise my voice or lose my temper. Ideal: I kill monsters to make the world a safer place, and to exorcise my own demons. Bond: I will never leave myself vulnerable again. My fate and future are in my own hands. Flaw: I have trouble trusting anyone but myself. Description:   Faust is a red-skinned tiefling with ram horns, bright yellow eyes, and medium-length flowing dark brown hair. His right horn is broken, an old reminder of past torture at the hands of his former employers. There are more features from this period to compliment the missing horn, including a number of scars from old cuts that run across the tiefling’s otherwise handsome face, and a missing right hand, though consistent wearing of gloves and the nature of Faust’s artificer abilities have made it such that only those who have spent a great deal of time with the tiefling are aware of the missing appendage. Faust is slightly tall, standing at an even 6 feet, cutting a distinct silhouette with his trademark coat, an old brown longcoat with a mantle that is littered with small pockets. Beneath the somewhat worn jacket are surprisingly nice clothes; a dark blue vest over a white shirt, with fine black pants and long traveling boots. Amongst Faust’s other accoutrements are his large side bag, a number of tools he keeps at his belt, and a set of goggles that he wears when he’s working... or if he just feels like looking extra dashing that day. Faust is very pragmatic for the most part, preferring to leave ideals for the loftier-minded types. He isn't inherently cruel or darwinian though; he knows that people often must rely on one another to survive, and to that end, he is very good at working with others. He maintains a calm, pleasant demeanor almost constantly. Faust's history has made him incredibly guarded, typically not letting others see what he's thinking or feeling, lest he open himself up to weakness. Deep down though, he harbors hope for the world's salvation. He just hopes that, if that future ever comes, he'll actually be worthy to live in it. Backstory:   Faust's origins are not entirely known to him; the earliest memories he has are of his childhood as an orphan in the city of High Imaskar, where his parents left him before departing for destination and purpose unknown. As one of the premiere localities for Faerûn's sparse population of artificers, High Imaskar was amongst the most technologically advanced cities in the world. As such, when Faust discovered he had latent magical talent, it only made sense for him to begin training in the arcane craft. That is how he began working as a low-level artisan making magic items for The Couriers, one of the city's major crime syndicates, whose influence stretched across all of Toril. Faust did this for a long time, never much caring about the moral aspect of what he was helping do; the tiefling was just trying to get by and keep food on the table. As his skill grew, so did his value to the guild, and thusly, his position. Faust quickly rose through the ranks, gaining access to better materials, better resources, and feathering himself quite a privileged life in the city. Despite his humble beginnings, it seemed as the tiefling's life would only continue to improve... until he learned one day that the organization had started using local street urchins to smuggle his items around and out of the city, selling them to the highest bidders under the nose of the authorities. Faust couldn't abide this. Perhaps it was his own struggles growing up that left him with a soft spot for kids, but for the first time in his life, the artificer felt himself compelled to act in the benefit of another. When he figured out which of his compatriots was behind the initiative, he reported them to the guild master... only to discover she already knew. It was just good business sense to her. Kids are so often overlooked after all... Faust couldn't turn a blind eye to this. After some very solemn deliberation, he eventually decided to try and go to the city guard and negotiate protection for himself in exchange for giving them vital information on the organization. He would put a stop to the underground trade, protect the children of the city, and when everything was over, disappear without a trace. Unfortunately, there was a Courier mole on the inside of the guard that learned of his betrayal, and Faust was abducted before he could be brought in to testify. He was brought to one of The Couriers' many hidden warehouses, where he was tortured for information to see what he may have already told authorities. They cut up his face, broke one of his horns, and cut off his right hand. Faust would certainly have been killed before long... that was, until the plague hit. Hundreds perished in the first wave... and those that didn't were transformed into unspeakable abominations that chased down those who remained. In all the chaos, the Couriers quickly forgot about their hostage, and Faust managed to escape, fleeing the city under the cover of night. ☄️

[Gaijin]

Hi Touketsu!

I have you added to the list, but let me know if you consider your application "complete" and I'll get you checked off.

[BlackDragon0]

Complete

[Touketsu]

Originally Posted by Gaijin

Hi Touketsu!

I have you added to the list, but let me know if you consider your application "complete" and I'll get you checked off.

Thanks! I just added the last bit of info regarding traits. Pending any feedback you may have, I believe it's complete!

[Gaijin]

@Touketsu, Alright, I'll get you checked off and follow up later about feedback!

@BlackDragon0, There is an important detail missing from your application. Once you've reread the application and found it, I'll get you checked off.

[Yoshimi]

I think mine is complete now.

[Gaijin]

@Yoshimi, indeed! I'll get you checked off!

[Togot]

i believe my app is complete now

[Gaijin]

@Togot, Cha-Ching! I'll update your status.

[Arkanis]

I simply must apply, this is one of, if not the, most compelling advertisements I’ve ever seen, my games have calmed down enough to make this viable and I would just simply regret it if I didn’t put my name down for this wonderful looking game . Hope this application is acceptable, if there’s anything there you don’t like or want altered then by all means let me know. And I should absolutely put this ☄️here too.

Application Character Name: Cain Class: Ranger Species: Human Affliction: Harrowed Description And why fight it at all? Is it that you derive pleasure from this nothingness of an existence, trapped as you are in this body that, over time, will become nothing more than a decaying temple of flesh and bone? Is it that you seek a door into a world that you could never hope to understand and are truly not worthy of? Cain’s appearance is manufactured. It is manufactured into what he wants it to appear to be. Loose brown hair, falling shoulder length, whips in the wind as he stand there, the very picture of the honourable, brave warrior dressed in gleaming armour. He wishes to be perceived as such, because it suits him to do so. This is who he appears to be, who he wants to be seen as. Courageous. Just. Strong in arm. Fearless in battle. Yet this is not the truth behind this complex and conflicted character. Cain is a survivor, and he is adept at using anyone and anything that he can to prolong his miserable existence. And if that involves masquerading as someone he is truly not, then he is not beyond doing so. The true irony of this indisputable fact is that by doing so, Cain unwittingly traps himself inside his own self-perpetuating cycle of a life he truly has no love for, but perpetuates because in doing so he shouts his own defiance at a world and gods that in his eyes have abandoned him so. It is this lack of self-awareness that ultimately dooms him to his own lonely, empty life. At a surface level, Cain is both manipulative and devious, putting himself first and foremost in all situations. To a certain extent, Cain sees other people as puppets and playthings -- objects to be manipulated for his own amusement and entertainment. As long as he gets what he wants out of a situation then Cain is perfectly content. Yet there are also levels of depth and nuance to this near indecipherable individual that persist beneath the twisted bitterness that has defined his existence. There are those precious few who have taken the time to truly get to know Cain who can attest to the fact that hidden underneath, this strangely tormented individual is more complex than they could possibly even begin to imagine, and this is a trait that manifests itself in the strangest and most random of ways. An act of genuine kindness to a lost child, helping them to find their way home. The sparing of coin to a starving beggar to allow them to eat -- only Cain truly knows what drives Cain, and to most others he is a puzzle wrapped up in the finest cloth. It is entirely feasible that Cain joined the caravan escort out of fear that his immunity to the Monstrum Virus was beginning to wane, it is certainly not beyond this selfish man to look to preserve his own worthless (in his eyes at least) self to survive yet another day. However, there is that small kernel of light inside Cain that persists regardless, and perhaps it is that small piece of him that still exists that genuinely seeks a cure for the betterment of all. And in doing so, perhaps he will in turn be granted a release from this world knowing that he did something good, just once in his selfish life. Backstory Cain lifted a finger up to touch his lips as he turned his look to the woman asking him about his past. Fixing her dark eyes with his own, the corners of his mouth turned up in a slight, almost ghost-like smile. As precious seconds slipped like grains of sand in a hourglass in this dying world, the young man started to wonder if things would ever go back to the way they used to be. Finally, with a small sigh he bowed his head slightly, looking to the ground as he opened his lips, and the slightest of whispers broke the silence, "My, but aren't you the curious one. You wish to know the me that existed before this world began to die. You know what they say? That it was curiosity that killed the cat in the end." His voice trailed off in a small chuckle as he continued, "I was born here into this world in a life of riches and luxury." Looking around him, Cain gestures to his meagre surroundings. It hadn't always been like this, scraping around for survival with ambitions nothing more than to live and breathe one more day. "Ironically, I remember as a young boy thinking that there was more to this life than this.....incessant nothingness. Being born into wealth is not as easy as you might think it to be. Each and every day being given everything that you ever wanted, never having to fight or earn anything. The strangest thing was....." Standing, Cain walked over to the door. A trembling hand reached out to touch rotted timber, and his eyes took on a faraway look. They were tinged with a deep sadness that despite his best efforts, he could never truly vocalise. "......I remember from a early age I'd wished for something more. Adventure. Excitement. All things that I lacked aside from manipulating and turning the poor bastard sycophants who came seeking my favour against each other." Sighing softly, Cain turned back to regard her, "Strange as it is to admit that, in some ways, as much as I wasn't ready.....I wanted this life we now lead. I asked myself why. Why did I out of all survive, when everyone around me started to die, or worse still, twist and turn. Why me?” He laughed. A sound tinged with bitterness. “The truth is, I’m not so sure I was allowed to retain my humanity. I’m not sure it was there to begin with.” Cain shook his head. “But I digress. There were many who wanted me to be their friend. There were many whom I took as lover. But even so, there were none who wanted to be with me for me. All they were interested in was the riches associated with my name and my family. Strange to say, but even as much as I was never alone, I was at the same time the loneliest person in the world. Sad to admit isn't it?" Cain sat on the wooden floor. He crossed his legs, leaning down and propping his head up in his hands. His eyes went misty, almost as if he was remembering a time far removed. "I travelled, for a time. I'd actually only just came back home when the world went to hell....." His eyes glistened with moisture, held there for a second removed from eternity before he brought his hand up, wiping away the tears. “And then one day I woke. I woke to screams and blood.” Closing his eyes, Cain pictured the scene almost as if it were one unfolding in front of him right now. Standing, Cain walked over to the girl. He drew her in, holding her close, almost as if she was his only link.....his anchor to reality, to stop the horror of the world around them destroying him. "The screams stopped. When I went out, I found them all......I've -- I've never seen anything like it. They were all.....twisted.....contorted." Holding onto her, he tightened his grasp around her. "There was blood everywhere. They, they had been tearing at themselves." As the images flashed in front of his eyes, Cain's voice broke, and he could not bring himself to say what he had seen with his own eyes. They had torn great furrows into their own flesh. Torn their own eyes out in unspeakable agony. “I travelled once more, but for different reasons. I go from place to place, never stopping longer than I need to, hiring myself out where I need to. Doing what I need to to survive. It is my way. It is the only way.” Trembling as he relived memories that were so so painful, Cain let go of the girl, severing that link to humanity. It was only then that he realised that she too, was already dead.

[Gaijin]

Hi, Arkanis!

I'm glad you were able to find space in your schedule to submit an application. I'll get you checked in.

[BlackDragon0]

Better?