Character Generation

Here's a thread for you to discuss your characters as you make them.

There's no rush, since I won't be able to start for a bit anyhow.

So just to get things rolling on this end... as far as my understanding, this is what people have mentioned so far:

Auroran_Sky - Booze-stealing spy (rogue)

IndustrialQueue - Dwarf Bard

Tarrasque -

Jabes_plays_RPG - Acolyte Deep Stalker (Ranger)

XOSkel10 - Stealth warlock

Feel free to use this thread to further discuss your characters. You're welcome to know one another from previous encounters or to be completely brand new.

More specifically, a rogue who is more adept at retrieving information than gold, who just so happens to really like alcohol even though she's a total lightweight.

The info-theft is what I meant by spy, but yes :) Sounds like a fun concept. So far everyone is pretty Dexy, and probably at least decent at sneaking.

Are we generating level 1 characters then? it didn't say, so I'm assuming...

Level 1 is fine. I'm open to the idea of people starting at lv 3, but I'm indifferent. I like the idea of games starting at the beginning and the PCs achieving great heights, but I also know how old it can get to play levels 1-4 again and again.

For now make them level 1, and you can level them up if need be. In the meantime, let me know if you've got a preference.

I'd prefer 3rd, simply because for many classes that's when archetypes come into play, but that's just me. I'm okay with anything.

I love the character-development that happens while in the lower levels, and in a long-term campaign I prefer starting at 1st level.

BUT:
1. PbP is so slow!
2. I've seen so many PbP games fizzle out before the PC's ever got to level.

So I would prefer 3rd level.

BUT I am willing to go with whatever the group decides (or whatever GM Matt dictates). I'm positive we'll all have us some great fun regardless! :-)

I think most people would prefer 3rd, so that's probably what we'll go with unless everyone else is adamantly opposed.

I won't be offput by 1st level, but I'll be voting 3rd as well. Bardic inspiration is nice, but just having that is not nearly as nice as being in a bardic college. It works nice as from the story-side as well.

That sounds like a majority vote to me. Go ahead and build them to 3rd level :)

Character is up. I did the human varient, which is why some of the stats don't reflect standard point buy. Spent most of my starting gold on items as well. Hope its cool! Let me know if there is anything wrong.

Went through the math on things and it all seems good to go!

I didn't calculate gold expenditure or anything, but as long as you're using the 4d4x10 gp that Rogues start with OR the starting equipment on their class page, then we're all good. You can only get the starting gold if you don't take the starting equipment. And one other thing that I'll PM you about :)

Thanks!

Used starting equipment. Hence why I'm basically broke now.

Yeah, that tends to be the case :( Approved, then!

Starting at any level is fine with me. PbP is a lot of RP really anyway.

Auroran_Sky - my character is also from the criminal side of civilization, but she hasn't made the big time. Perhaps we have met, on a job together or perhaps as competitors?

My character does contracting a lot, testing security by breaking in sometimes. Perhaps you have fouled some of my security tips? That could be interesting. I'm mostly espionage and info gathering though...

Based on our party composition, I think I'm going to go with an Elven Eldritch Knight of the soldier background. As for a backstory, I see him as the son of the leader of a mercenary company, and after a botched mission it caused the few remaining to disband. Leading him to find work within the Explorer's Guild, and helping him find his intrigue in the arcane magics.

Are we doing just the level 1 starter pack or do we get any boost from starting at level 3?

Also, do we choose where we want to start or do you have it set out for us. If so,


My Character will be a Dwarven Skald (Bardic College of Valor) and will primarily be interested in gathering the story of the final battles from the underneath. I play in taverns so might know one of you from there? Outside of that, I might be seeking to follow one of you into the dark to witness the feats of a budding hero. But I'm putting my concept out to see if there are any connections one of you would like to make to him.

My ranger will be based out of a local temple. Maybe the Explorers Guild has contracted him (by making a generous donation to the temple) to be the group's guide.

@DM Matt, what do you suggest as my Favored Enemy? I'm sure there will be a variety of creatures down in the depths, but story-wise what would someone quite knowledgeable with regards the local terrain/flora & fauna (and game-wise what won't be utterly useless) chhoose? Thanks!

Sounds awesome! Doesn't get much cooler than an Elven swordmage. :)

Rogue, warlock, eldritch knight, ranger and bard. Solid group!
I spent like 15 minutes earlier today looking for the page in the DMG that has that chart. Finally found it aaaannnd.. no. Levels 1-4 start with the same starting gear stuff.
I had to think this one up based on what it sounded like we were going to be doing. You're free to have joined the Explorer's Guild (or gotten contracted by them) at any location. They're all over. As far as where the game is starting, you'll be just arriving (as a group) to a border city on the edges of the Valkarian Empire and The Fey Court of Winter. For backstory purposes the town is called Bracklewhyte. It'll be an independent border town, and though it's heavily populated by Winter Court Dark Elves that wouldn't mind putting humans in shackles and killing any Summer Court elves, the Explorer's Guild will have worked out an agreement with the Winter Court and given you each a measure of diplomatic protection from such things.
That sounds fantastic!

For this character the starter packages are unsuitable. Do I roll 5d4x10 or can I assume the maximum? Hand crossbows are expensive! :-D

This is certainly plausible. What God(s) does the temple serve? Or just the pantheon as a whole?
First and foremost, I wouldn't let your class feature go to waste. If you picked... Constructs, or something, then you guys would run into more constructs than I had originally intended. The whole Underworld wouldn't be filled with them, but enough to make Favored Enemy worthwhile. If you want something that already fits what I have in mind, then here are some points:

Beasts would make sense just about anywhere. It wouldn't be useless in the Underworld, but definitely not as useful as it would be on the surface.

Auwra has a lot of monsters that roam its surface. These would typically be Monstrosities but as the Cut as widened and more magic has been pouring in, Aberrations have grown in number as well. I'd say Monstrosities are more common above ground. Both will see plenty of use in the Underworld. That would make him a "Monster Hunter" of sorts. Or at least an expert that the town would go to in a time of need.

Undead are a topic that you can research somewhat readily on the surface, and it will have use underground.

Plants, as in monstrous plants, are also something that you can find (in about as much number as Aberrations, or slightly more) that will have use in the Underworld.

All of the others will likely still be seen just not as great in number.

You're welcome to roll or take the average (2.5 x 5 x 10 = 125 gp).

Alternatively, you're free to take this alternate package:

- (a) scale mail or (b) leather armor
- one shortsword and one simple weapon
- (a) a dungeoneer's pack or (b) an explorer's pack
- a hand crossbow and a quiver of 20 bolts

Submitted my ranger. For a moment there I toyed with the idea of taking the Sage Background instead of Acolyte - instead of a temple, he would be affiliated with a university. Instead of a monster hunter, he would be a relic hunter. He would fight with a hand-crossbow in one hand and a whip in another. He would wear a fedora... LOL! Would've been fun, but I'm sticking to the original idea. I guess the temple would serve the pantheon as a whole. Still working on Traits and Flaws, as well as the spell list. I went with the alternate starting equipment package MoMo suggested, and bought some extra crossbow bolts. Too bad I can't afford a second hand crossbow yet!

---

Devanis, Monster Hunter
Level 3 Ranger (Deep Stalker)

Background: Acolyte
Languages: Common, Dwarven, Undercommon, Deep Speech
Favored Enemy: Monstrosities
Fighting Style: Close-Quarters Shooter, Crossbow Expert

Concept sounds great, Jabes! On your character sheet, I believe you should have 1 more hit point than you have on there. I can mess up simple math though, so double check that. Also, the proficiency bonus is +2 at level 3.

But it looks good! :)

Fixed. Thanks! :-)

Before I submit my character, I want to see if I can swap my leathers at full price instead of selling them at half price in order to purchase new armor.

starting package gold (entertainer's kit, soldier background): 50gp

Leathers cost: 10gp
Leather sale price: 5gp

chain shirt cost: 50gp

it would only be a difference of me having 5gp or 10gp with which to make any other pre-game purchases.

Go ahead!

Of course! :) Approved!

IndustrialQueue, I am sure I have been kicked out of taverns where you have played. Did you ever find any of your gear missing at the end of the night?

Have we settled on level 3? I need to adjust my character sheet quite a bit. extra abilities and a helpful little friend.

Yep! Level 3!

So how time do you guys need to finish up characters?

Just got off work, so I should have my character finished and submitted by tonight!

Exciting! I look forward to seeing it. Let me know if there are any questions.

(He uses a greatsword though.)

Erran is submitted and ready to go. I'm pretty sure everything is done correctly.

Thanks again for running the game!

I rather like the idea of an, "against the grain," type friendship between a Dwarf and an Elf. As a sword for hire, Erran would definitely frequent the taverns, possibly his elven appreciation for your musical ability impressed him, leading to a friendship spawning.

Ameera is ready I believe.


Broke, so reluctantly ready to go back down underneath.

Character has been posted and possibly approved. I think it's correct if not yet.

Baric Coreon, the Dwarven Bard, last Skald of the below.

You're very welcome! I may be upholding my cool and calm exterior, but inside I am beyond excited to get started.

The only thing that I can see about your character sheet is that I believe you should have 1 more skill proficiency. 2 from your class, 2 from your background and you also get Perception for free, as an Elf. Double check, just to make sure I'm not mistaken. :)

I went ahead and approved him, just make sure to increase your HP to the correct amount! :)

You're correct, thanks! Now I can be somewhat decent at acrobatics.

So everyone has an approved character sheet!

Lastly, there was some confusion with the backstories and the history of this homebrewed world. A couple people sent in a backstory before realizing there was a write-up for the History of the world, and others have asked questions or posted snippets here, but I don't know if that's just a synopsis, or the whole thing.

Auroran_Sky is the only one that I know I got an up-to-date backstory from, so this applies to everyone else. Please send me one of the following things:

1) A PM with your backstory in it, or just tell me "It was in that last PM I sent you," or something along those lines, if there's no changes.

or

2) A PM stating that you aren't going to submit a backstory for this character before the game starts. You'll still be welcome to submit one after.

Once I have these things from everyone, I'll go ahead and start it up! Thanks, guys!

You're welcome! That's the point of having someone cross check it. It's a lot to keep track of. :(

THANK YOU. Now I won't die the first time an orc uses a great axe on me. Just the second time.

Haha, right! But you or an ally might get him between those two times, so that's important!

Indeed. Part of the whole point!

Also, Backstory sent and posted to my character. I'm ready to get this started!

Alright, I've got backstory confirmation from all but one player, who I imagine is sleeping, so the first post will go out after I get that. Everyone's ideas sound excellent so far! I'm going to open up a thread for you all to do a single post with your character picture and a description of what they look like (or you can just describe any alterations to the picture itself). Feel free to include anything else in there that you think the players might know from a glance or within the first moments of meeting your character (not-so-subtle mannerisms, accents, etc).

Thanks for the quick response to this!