[D&D-4e] The New World

[Enthusiast]

Applications are now closed. Thanks to all that applied!

Game Name The New World

Game System Dnd 4e

Theme Character-Driven Exploration and Adventure

Flavour Heavy Role-Playing; roughly equal parts Combat and Non-Combat Encounters

Plot Summary (The Big Picture) For the better part of three centures, the Erathic Empire has been expanding its influence over the known world. Some thirty years ago, Imperial explorers discovered a previously-unknown continent known as Medrona. The Empire has since gained a strong foothold on the continent, calling it the New World. A small handful of civilized settlements has been established, and Imperial dignitaries and missionaries have been working hard to promote the word and the will of Erathis amongst the continent's savage indigenous people. In the years since its discovery, Medrona has become an attractive destination for explorers and adventurers of all kinds; the lure of uncharted territory and undiscovered treasures has proven too strong for many to resist, while rumours and whispers of what might await discovery in the New World have been capturing the Empire's imagination in the Old World. Despite their wild imaginations, the Erathic Empire's subjects could never have guessed what was truly waiting to be found in Medrona.

Plot Summary (The Small Picture) Morrigan the Bladewitch is an impulsive felon and a known murderer. She has been spared the noose for one reason and one reason only: Morrigan alone knows how to access the Branch of the Ancients. It is a highly sought-after artifact, and the Empire has contracted a disparate group of individuals, Morrigan among them, to retrieve the Branch and deliver it into the hands of the Imperial authorities. The party is currently in the small port city of Olid, and it is going to set out shortly to the temple where the Branch is allegedly located. The journey promises to be exceedingly dangerous, and Morrigan's company could use all the help they can get. Unfortunately, there are few who possess the courage, or perhaps the madness, to join them.

 

 

Medrona has long been inhabited by shifters. They are a nomadic people that roam the plains of the continent, living off of the land (not unlike the Mongol tribes of Asia or certain indigenous North American tribes). Prior to the discovery of the New World, shifters were unheard of by anyone in the known world. Due in large part to their animalistic appearance, but also because of their resistance to the settlement and occupation of their lands, the shifters are looked upon as savages by the Empire.

The Empire, meanwhile, consists primarily of humankind (including halflings), elvenkind (including half-elves) and dwarvenkind, with smaller numbers of other rare races. The Erathic Empire, at least in the Old World, is quite peaceful, and spreads its influence by inspiring awe in the minds of its less-civilized neighbours. Ingenuity and invention are its main means of conquest, although the Empire has been known to subjugate weaker peoples by force when necessary. Because of its relatively peaceful nature, and the manner in which its achievements and great monuments of civilization speak for itself, most of the Empire's subjects are quite loyal.

Imperial subjects tend to worship Erathis, but Moradin and Corellon also have numerous devout followers within the Empire's ever-growing boundaries. Within Medrona, there are thousands of Imperial subjects of various races living in well-established settlements, and despite the Empire's efforts, there are still countless shifters roaming the plains with their clans and tribes. There are even some "savages" that have pledged themselves to Erathis after seeing the glory and might of the Empire, and they coexist peacefully with Imperial subjects from the Old World. (See Character Creation Guidelines below for more information about playable races and classes within this campaign setting.)

Edit: There's a Campaign Setting Thread with more detailed maps and information about the setting, if it helps you flesh out your character concept. Please, if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

 

My goal is to create a well-crafted, long-term, open-ended campaign, and so far, the game's phenomenal cast of players has made that happen.

Ideally, I would like players to post 3-5 times a week, maybe more often if possible, depending on what is happening in-game (e.g., open role-playing vs. combat, etc.).

All players are welcome to apply, from seasoned veterans to new site members. New to RPGX? New to PbP? New to 4e? New to D&D? No problem! Just show me a solid character concept and some strong writing skills and the spot could be yours! I will be looking, first and foremost, for a character and a player that is going to fit well within this game.

 

Characters will start at Level 4 (so don't make them too awesome), with standard point buy and 3 levels' worth of magic items (e.g., a Level 1 + a Level 2, or a Level 1 + a Level 1 + a Level 1, or a Level 3), as well as 100gp starting gold to buy other (common) equipment/items.

Regarding character builds, I'm open to backgrounds (+2 to a skill) and themes, reflavoured however you like. Otherwise, please review the parameters laid out in the Character Creation Guidelines below.

Oh, and you can upload a Character Sheet via iPlay4e if you want to (it's free and easy!), but I don't really expect to see Character Sheets until I've selected the replacement player.

Interested players can submit the following. Please read these guidelines carefully before posting your application. As long as your character is within these parameters, anything available through DDI is fair game (although I might veto it if I've missed something here).

Name: Your character's name, of course!

Race: Choose from any race listed below. If a race is not listed below, then it doesn't exist in this world (at least not as far as you know) or it doesn't fit the type of character required. Feel free to ask about other races; the worst I can say is "no."
- Human, Halfling, Elf, Half-Elf, Dwarf (These races are all common throughout the Empire, in the Old and New Worlds alike.)
- Goliath (There are many Goliaths throughout the Empire, but they typically keep to themselves rather than intermingling with other races. They can be found in Imperial settlements, and some of them are employed by the Empire.)
- Shifter (Shifters exist throughout the New World, some having been integrated into the Empire and others remaining true to their ancestral ways.)

Class: Choose from any Martial, Arcane, Divine, or Psionic classes.

Role: Any.

Alignment: Lawful Good, Good or Unaligned (as long as your character isn't a complete jerk).

Deity: Optional. For a PC loyal to the Erathic Empire, Erathis would be the obvious choice, but Corellon and Moradin could work too. Or, of course, none.

Appearance and Personality: Provide a brief description of your character. Images are welcome.

Background: What brings your character to join this party of adventurers?

RP Sample: Just a quick little piece to show off your wicked writing skills.

Apps submitted to date for replacement players (0):

Player	Character	Race	Class	Role	App Status
-	-	-	-	-	-

The Game Forum is set up and the campaign is in full swing. Feel free to check it out if it helps to guide your character's background development.

Applications are now closed. Thanks to all that applied!

[Doghouse]

Name: Jarrett Mils, Rhett, Oathbreaker
Race: Human
Class: Fighter (Slayer)
Role: Striker
Alignment: Good
Deity: None

 

 

Yes, I know that's Jon Snow. Ignore the wolf

Rhett is tall and powerfully built, but not burly. He has fair skin and a mess of black hair upon his head. He wears no beard, preferring to stay clean shaven, like his father. He is rarely seen out of his armor and never seen without his father's greatsword (fullblade).

Rhett is most comfortable on a mission or in battle. There he works well with others and is a natural leader, easily earning the respect of his comrades. In social situations, he tends to freeze. Rhett spent his entire childhood with his father and rarely interacted with other children. He has a difficult time making conversation with peers and an even harder time trying to talk to a girl.

Rhett has a deep love for Medrona as it is the only home he has ever known. He is eager to assist anyone who names the New World home, be they native or immigrants. For the Empire, he has little love and he is not afraid to share that information. On the rare occasions when Rhett drinks, he has been known to voice a desire to avenge his father's honor on Lord Voss' throat.

 

The tale of Jarrett Mils begins 20 years ago with his father, Lord Mils. Lord Mils was bannerman to Frederick Voss, Warden of the West and protector of all lands beyond the Hills of Strife. Mils commanded a small keep and the surrounding farmland on the edges of Voss' lands. In all ways Lord Mils faith a loyal and faithful servant of the Empire. His life was ideal in all ways but one. He had no heir.

Mils' first wife had given him 3 sickly children who had died in infancy. His next two wives died in childbirth, taking their children with them. It was on a cold winter's night, Lord Mils fourth wife heavy with child, when the story truly begins. Mils guards had captured a band of the wild people who lived beyond his borders stealing crops for a field. Such a thing was not uncommon and the savages were brought to the dungeons to await Lord Voss' judgement. What was uncommon was when the leader of the group, a woman who claimed to be a shaman of some sort, demanded to speak with Lord Mils. Even more uncommon was that the jailer agreed. The woman strode into Lord Mils' audience chamber, proud despite her shackles. She noted what a fine house the man kept, but how sad that no children seemed to occupy it. She then spoke a prophecy. In 5 days hence, Lord Voss would call his bannermen to battle. If Mils refused the summons, she would guarantee that his unborn son would live to adulthood. If Mils marched with the Warden, she would curse Mils and ensure his family saw no further generations. Lord Mils dismissed such foolishness and sent her back to the dungeon, yet he sent no message to Warden Voss of his captives.

Lord Mils had almost forgotten about the strange incident when five days later, Voss' herald appeared, calling Mils to war. Mils dismissed the herald and called all his guard into the keep. And he waited. The next night Jarrett was born. He was a month early, but still healthier than any of Mils previous children. The shaman acted as Lady Mils widwife. Two days later Lord Voss appeared at the gates with two thousand men. Mils could not deny him and allowed him in. Voss was furious. His son had fallen in battle with the savage horde. Warden Voss named Lord Mils oathbreaker, a coward and a traitor. He stripped him of land and title. Because of Mils many years of service, Voss spared his life, sending him and his family to exile in the New World.

Mils, now called Oathbreaker, made a new life for himself on Medrona. His skill in battle and mind for strategy were in short supply in the New World in those days and he became a respected guide and leader. He spent nearly all of his time with Jarrett, who he called Rhett, and taught the boy all he knew. When Rhett was 10, his father left on an expedition that would last 5 days but provide the family with enough gold to last a year. 10 days later Mils men dragged him back to his home, burning with fever. A vicious lizard had bitten off half his thigh and the beats poison was making short work of the man. Mils held on for another week before he succumbed to his wounds.

Rhett continued to grow, learning from the men who had called Mils friend. By the age of 15 he was joining expeditions. By 17 he had earned the respect of the toughest sellswords in port Calia. The men began calling him Oathbreaker due to his uncanny resemblance to his lost father. Jarrett did not mind the title despite the implications.

 

in process...

 

Rhett was returning from running errands for his mother when Grig flagged him down. Grig was the largest man Rhett had ever seen, when he ran it was if the earth shook. Rhett was glad the man loved Mils as much as Rhett did. Panting, Grig spoke, "He's asking for you lad. By the gods he's a tough one. I've seen that poison fell a man in 5 minutes. Your father's been fighting it for 5 days." Rhett said nothing as he followed Grig. He knew what a summons at this late hour meant.

It took Rhett a moment to adjust to the dim lighting as he entered his father's room. It already smelled like decay. His father's voice was like a whisper, "Rhett, sit, time is short." He strained to reach for a chair which elicited a fit of coughing. Rhett grabbed the chair and sat close to his father. When Mils recovered he slowly reached behind him. Rhett leaned forward to help but that brought a grunt and dismissive wave of the hand from his father. "I can get it myself!" It was the first time he looked a live in 2 days.

With difficulty, Mils brought the massive blade up and layed it on Rhett's lap. "I'll never wield this again boy. It belongs to you now. This blade was my father's and his before that back before memory exists. It was forged when steel meant something. Our ancestors called it Dawnstar, but that is an Erathi name for an Erathi blade. It is no more. As the Warden of the West named me Oathbreaker, I name this blade Grudgebearer. I did what was right. Lord Voss had no right to take my land, take your land. Medrona is all you have ever known, but it is not your name. Your land lies in the west, beyond the Hills of Strife. Promise me you will return. Promise me to will avenge my honor. Promise me you will right our name." Rhett was shocked, he had not expected this. His father nearly shouted, "Promise me Rhett!"

Rhett sighed, "I promise father."

[dpbj602]

Posting interest placeholder.

[Enthusiast]

Doghouse, I'm glad you're excited! I am too! Yes, you can definitely create a Slayer. Sounds awesome! But please take a sec to check the Character Creation Guidelines in the original post first, just to make sure your chosen race and everything fits in with the campaign setting.

dpbj602, thanks for your interest. I'm looking forward to seeing your app!

[Berliad]

Hi,

I'm very interested. I'm new, but I've been looking for a 4e pbp game for a while (even before I found this site) and this one sounds fascinating. I love the idea of exploring a new world.

I'm thinking about a Hunter (the Essentials Ranger Archer, which is a Controller), leaning Elf. Seems like it would fit very well with your setting. That said, the class is listed as a Martial/Primal class, and many of the powers post-level 1 are primal powers. My thinking is that he could have been among the first children born in this new land, and has acquired some primal abilities during his time in the wilderness. Development of his primal abilities could even potentially be worked into the plot, as nothing overtly primal is available until level 2.

Could this work? If not, let me know and I'll put something else together.
-B

[Enthusiast]

Berliad, I love the way you're thinking. The "Ranger (Hunter)" class is great, and you're right, it's listed as Primal. Your post is an excellent example of how you can convince your DM of just about anything, as long as you make a good argument. Given that Medrona has been settled for a good 30 years, there's no reason why children born on the continent couldn't dabble in Primal powers. An elf or human could make a good living as a hunter in the New World. I like what you're thinking. Can't wait to see your Ranger (Hunter) app. I just started playing a character with this build in another campaign, and I love it.

[c12sprint]

How do you feel about someone who only has limited knowledge of 4th ed. I have played in maybe 2 4th ed sessions total and don't know that I have a solid grasp on the rules.

That said, I am posting my interest at least.

[Enthusiast]

Elementalist, I see that your post is deleted, but if you're still interested, I'm open to the "Foulborn Heritage" Bloodline Feat, as long as it's written into your character description/background.

[Berliad]

Great! I'll start putting it together. Thanks for the quick response! -B

[Enthusiast]

c12sprint, I'm very open to having players with limited 4e knowledge. I'm not much of an expert myself, so it's all good. Having said that, I'd rather not have a party composed entirely of new-to-4e players, because that could get a little cumbersome. But please feel free to submit your app. The real driving force behind my selection will be the development of interesting characters. I'd like to see some characters with a little depth; I'm hoping that this will become something more than a basic hack-and-slash campaign, so if you can give me an interesting character, I'd love to have you on board!

[dpbj602]

Name: Yang

Race: Half-Elf

Class: Centered Breath Monk.

Role: Primary Striker/Secondary Controller by the looks of it.

Alignment: Good-ish? (I prefer the 3/3.5 alignment system a BIT better...According to that he'd be Neutral Good, borderline Lawful.)

Deity: He likes what the Elven God is about, but doesn't particularly claim a deity as his own.

Appearance and Personality:

 

Yang stands about six feet high and looks a mite intimidating to the unknowing eye with an incredibly muscular/athletic build from spending his days training in an effort to perfect himself. He has the slightest hint of elven blood, but to a non-elven eye he looks entirely human. He doesn't give much thought to "worldly" matters, but rather spends his time finding bigger and better challenges in an effort to achieve inner harmony. He firmly believes in the pillars of his brotherhood "Preserve good. Judge only what you can see of a man's heart (Consequently, meaning don't judge others unfairly), Never attack an innocent in anger" for these, in his mind, are the keys to unlocking your true balance.

Background:

 

Yang was born to two monks, an elven woman and a human man in the same monastery he grew up training in approximately 30 years from the present day. He had a childhood similar to any other half-elven child (With the exception of being guided towards the ascetic life of a monk), learning at the imperial school. He really had nothing against anyone so long as they did nothing overtly evil in his sight (In which case he would....attempt...to deliver a whallop of virtue. Sometimes this ended in his mother having to pull him off of another child, which always resulted in a stern scolding from his father on what was considered unreasonable force). Yang is drawn to Olid by the promise of powerful creatures to test his mettle against. Indeed, Yang barely even noticed the fact that the Baron wanted them to find this thing-a-ma-jiggy somewhere in some new world--he wanted the adventure and ascetics hardly had the money to afford such trips usually.

Potential Connections to Other Characters: wait for it......

RP Sample: I'll get one up eventually...I just have to get where I posted the sample XD

His background wouldn't necessarily have anything too exciting or earthshattering in it (Woke up...sparred with Father...sparred with mother...trained with brother so-and-so...) but I hope that helps you get my picture for the character. My inspiration was that pic I posted -- THAT is a freakin awesome moustache he's got. If you'd like, I could work on a RP sample that fleshes out a specific point in his life or something like I did with the one I was going to post anyway.

I think his total-focus mentality would mesh well in an RP setting with a jokester character XD I could have fun with that.

[elementalist]

Cool, I'll write something up soon.

[Nikolasthe17th]

Name: Isaac Bren

Race: Half Elf

Class: Bard

Role: Leader

Alignment: Unaligned

Appearance and Personality: If courage could be sold Isaac would be the richest in the world, he's never met a challenge he had to back away from. Also if courage could be sold Isaac would sell it. If flair was a crime Isaac would be hanged, and if stories were free Isaac would never stop talking(he never stops talking). Isaac always wears something flashy and loves attention, but if he must be subtle then he can suck it up and suffer through it. Isaac is blond with a beard connecting his neatly trimmed hair kept tied into a short ponytail, and he is battling his greatest foe of limited wardrobe space on this expedition.

Background: Isaac comes from a very privileged family, the hardest times he ever experienced were when his personal servant broke his leg, and he had to feed, dress, and even plan events for himself. He's never been exposed to anyone who openly disagrees with him, and as such has a hard time believing he could be wrong. He's grown up knowing everyone connected to the government, and is expected to to go into the field himself, this expedition is to get himself a foothold.

Potential Connections to Other Characters: Any other character involved with the government is a possible connection, especially a fighter type could be sent as a guard possibly.

RP Sample: Soon

[Gulielmos]

Posting interest as a dragonborn warlord or dwarf artificer.

[elementalist]

Is there any format you want the application in?