Post by Toadbell on Nov 13, 2006 22:48:25 GMT -3
Alright, ladies and germs. We've got the bulk of our party started. Thus far, the only thing lacking is a dedicated meat shield, so, for those who haven't started a character yet, a fighter or barbarian would be a good idea. However, it is entirely up to you guys what you want to play, so make your own choice.
The forum members with confirmed characters begun are:
Jennifer - elf ranger
Leslie - elf druid
willow - goblin rogue
manzer - human ranger
Adam - human wizard
rahlious - human cleric
I've spent the last few days brainstorming the campaign basics, and I feel I've got a pretty good idea of the setting and atmosphere with which we'll be beginning.
With the exception of willow, I haven't had anyone mention their characters' backstory to me (and willow's is more an M.O. than a story), so that's a good next step for everyone. Feel free to be creative, putting in potential plot hooks if you'd like. Mostly, we're looking for a basic background, where and how he/she received the training that he/she has (remember, a first level character, though inexperienced, is far better trained than your average farmer), and why he/she chose the path on which he/she walks. Usually, your backstory will help determine your alignment, but it could work the other way, as well. Feel free to be as brief or as detailed as you'd like; however, at least something would be nice, as I'll be building the world up somewhat from your characters.
It's important to note that everyone is a first level character. Therefore, you are not "the finest [blank] in the land"... yet. A level 1 fighter can not "hack his foes to pieces without breaking a sweat," and he is not "feared throughout the land for his battle prowess" (unless by "land for his battle prowess" you mean "very small town for picking on commoners"). He's lucky if his sword won't break when he uses it to cut firewood, or that he doesn't pee himself when faced with a pair of wolves. A first level character, as mentioned above, has some skill and training, but he/she has a looooong way to go before the countryside learns and respects his/her name. A little embellishment is alright, but no need to go overboard. I may need to make an adjustment here or there, but that can be worked out afterwards.
For example: Chard is a first level human fighter who grew up in a small urban centre, ruled by a monarchy elsewhere in the land. This city had always had a highly skilled contingent of guard set aside especially for taking care of the hobgoblin raiders which lived in the outlying marshlands. Ever since he was a youngster, Chard wanted to be a member of the highly respected group, despite his blacksmith father's urgings against it. He began training fairly young, and was admitted into the city guard at age twenty. He quickly moved up in rank, and his application to the special contingent was accepted. He took part in a number of defensive measures over the course of a particularly violent year, gaining a small amount of experience and a healthy dose of overconfidence. He strongly advocated eliminating the hobgoblins' main encampment. One fateful night, he managed to convince the majority of the force (many of whom were newer recruits, due to an increased loss of life) to make the move. The skilled, but largely inexperienced small army came upon the camp hours later, only to find it abandoned. Upon returning to their city, they discovered it ablaze - the highly organzied and crafty hobgoblins had learned of the attack through a spy, and carefully organized themselves to take advantage of the foolhardiness of the force. The remaining members of the contingent and the regular guard had not had the numbers to resist, and the city had been taken before the men had even reached the camp. They had slaughtered all who they couldn't take as slaves, and looted the entire city. When Chard discovered his father's broken body in his forge, something inside him fell apart. While many members of the contingent chose to hunt the hobgoblins down, he merely took the finest blade from his father's forge (masterwork longsword) and left the city, vowing never to return. He now wanders the countryide, haunted by his terrible, costly decision, hoping to find some sort of redemption.
*phew* That is probably overly detailed, but you get the idea. Don't feel the need to fill in that much detail; besides, more about your character's past can be revealed as the game goes on, if you'd prefer. A cursory glance at Chard's backstory makes it likely that his alignment is chaotic good or chaotic neutral. The story also gives him a reason for owning a masterwork weapon, which you won't just find lying around anywhere at first level. A player would most likely roleplay Chard as somewhat dour and reserved most of the time, with the capability of mood swings and rash decisions.
I'm aware of at least two other people who were interested in creating characters (newfie and hikoseijuro755). If you guys still need help putting together a character, please email me ASAP so I can aid you; if you're already set with regards to that, email me ASAP with information regarding your character. As mentioned in the previous thread, I'm hoping to get this campaign started within the next 2-3 weeks.
As a final note, I've got a little bit of extra information I'd like everyone to tack onto their characters' backstory: why he/she is currently in shackles alongside criminals. Your character could actually have committed a criminal act, or could be falsely accused. He/She could merely be considered dangerous, due to race, appearance, political position, or nature. Regardless, with few exceptions, the first page of this campaign should open with just about every character in chains. Be creative (although something like regicide may make life difficult for you, unless you have a good disguise kit).
Any other questions/comments/concerns can be posted here or emailed to me directly!
The forum members with confirmed characters begun are:
Jennifer - elf ranger
Leslie - elf druid
willow - goblin rogue
manzer - human ranger
Adam - human wizard
rahlious - human cleric
I've spent the last few days brainstorming the campaign basics, and I feel I've got a pretty good idea of the setting and atmosphere with which we'll be beginning.
With the exception of willow, I haven't had anyone mention their characters' backstory to me (and willow's is more an M.O. than a story), so that's a good next step for everyone. Feel free to be creative, putting in potential plot hooks if you'd like. Mostly, we're looking for a basic background, where and how he/she received the training that he/she has (remember, a first level character, though inexperienced, is far better trained than your average farmer), and why he/she chose the path on which he/she walks. Usually, your backstory will help determine your alignment, but it could work the other way, as well. Feel free to be as brief or as detailed as you'd like; however, at least something would be nice, as I'll be building the world up somewhat from your characters.
It's important to note that everyone is a first level character. Therefore, you are not "the finest [blank] in the land"... yet. A level 1 fighter can not "hack his foes to pieces without breaking a sweat," and he is not "feared throughout the land for his battle prowess" (unless by "land for his battle prowess" you mean "very small town for picking on commoners"). He's lucky if his sword won't break when he uses it to cut firewood, or that he doesn't pee himself when faced with a pair of wolves. A first level character, as mentioned above, has some skill and training, but he/she has a looooong way to go before the countryside learns and respects his/her name. A little embellishment is alright, but no need to go overboard. I may need to make an adjustment here or there, but that can be worked out afterwards.
For example: Chard is a first level human fighter who grew up in a small urban centre, ruled by a monarchy elsewhere in the land. This city had always had a highly skilled contingent of guard set aside especially for taking care of the hobgoblin raiders which lived in the outlying marshlands. Ever since he was a youngster, Chard wanted to be a member of the highly respected group, despite his blacksmith father's urgings against it. He began training fairly young, and was admitted into the city guard at age twenty. He quickly moved up in rank, and his application to the special contingent was accepted. He took part in a number of defensive measures over the course of a particularly violent year, gaining a small amount of experience and a healthy dose of overconfidence. He strongly advocated eliminating the hobgoblins' main encampment. One fateful night, he managed to convince the majority of the force (many of whom were newer recruits, due to an increased loss of life) to make the move. The skilled, but largely inexperienced small army came upon the camp hours later, only to find it abandoned. Upon returning to their city, they discovered it ablaze - the highly organzied and crafty hobgoblins had learned of the attack through a spy, and carefully organized themselves to take advantage of the foolhardiness of the force. The remaining members of the contingent and the regular guard had not had the numbers to resist, and the city had been taken before the men had even reached the camp. They had slaughtered all who they couldn't take as slaves, and looted the entire city. When Chard discovered his father's broken body in his forge, something inside him fell apart. While many members of the contingent chose to hunt the hobgoblins down, he merely took the finest blade from his father's forge (masterwork longsword) and left the city, vowing never to return. He now wanders the countryide, haunted by his terrible, costly decision, hoping to find some sort of redemption.
*phew* That is probably overly detailed, but you get the idea. Don't feel the need to fill in that much detail; besides, more about your character's past can be revealed as the game goes on, if you'd prefer. A cursory glance at Chard's backstory makes it likely that his alignment is chaotic good or chaotic neutral. The story also gives him a reason for owning a masterwork weapon, which you won't just find lying around anywhere at first level. A player would most likely roleplay Chard as somewhat dour and reserved most of the time, with the capability of mood swings and rash decisions.
I'm aware of at least two other people who were interested in creating characters (newfie and hikoseijuro755). If you guys still need help putting together a character, please email me ASAP so I can aid you; if you're already set with regards to that, email me ASAP with information regarding your character. As mentioned in the previous thread, I'm hoping to get this campaign started within the next 2-3 weeks.
As a final note, I've got a little bit of extra information I'd like everyone to tack onto their characters' backstory: why he/she is currently in shackles alongside criminals. Your character could actually have committed a criminal act, or could be falsely accused. He/She could merely be considered dangerous, due to race, appearance, political position, or nature. Regardless, with few exceptions, the first page of this campaign should open with just about every character in chains. Be creative (although something like regicide may make life difficult for you, unless you have a good disguise kit).
Any other questions/comments/concerns can be posted here or emailed to me directly!