Character Creation & World Building

OK, so here go. Post what you want to play, any details you want to share about your characters.

As I mentioned in the description, the generic plot is that the throne of the kingdom/empire/whatever is vacant. A prophecy says the next ruler will found a dynasty that will last ten thousand years upon the Blood Throne. Beyond that I have no details, we are going to establish them together, through questions and/or play.

The first things I need to know are this:

Why do you desire the Blood Throne? Do you intend to rule? What are your intentions for the kingdom?

Please answer in your character's voice.

So my first question - unrelated to character - is this campaign intended as PvP since we all crave for the throne ? Or are we all trying to attain the throne as a group?

Fair question. I plan on leaving that to the individual players in the end, however, I was thinking more of a friendly rivalry. There are a lot of options. You could reorganize the kingdom so that the throne is shared. Or you could select a member of the party to be the monarch and the rest of you support them.

I plan on sculpting other details around your characters. Note that "curse" mentioned in the game title.

Howdy howdy. I will mention various podcasts I've listened to say that DW isn't exactly built for PvP, though when it happens it is supposed to be instigator triggers move (hack and slash, volley, cast a spell, whatever), defender triggers aid/interfere (as opposed to defy danger, defend, or just waiting for their turn to bash heads). Then there better be some fiction before you really consider triggering another move.

Do you want us to come up with a voice and personality before we pick a class, and settle in on class after a bit of conversation? Because I have the .pdfs, I'm interested in trying out some of the non-standard classes I have from David Guyell, the guy who wrote A Sundered World. Specifically, I like his Witch (traditional or anime, but not necessarily evil), the Psion (TK, Telepathy, and an attack), and the Cultist (Lovecraftian summoner with a cult). If I had to rank them, probably 1 Cultist, 2 Witch, 3 Psion. After that, for base classes, I'd prefer Paladin fourth and Ranger fifth.

If you need, I can put the sheets/books for the first 3 on Google Drive or something for you to look at.

I agree DW isn't exactly meant for PvP, but I think we can make it work, if it even comes to that.

You are welcome to build your character and find their in either order. I have done it both ways. Sometimes I feel the personality first, other times I build it by choosing the class features, deciding who the person is based on those choices.

I would prefer to read the classes if possible, just so I can see where they might be headed as they advance. The Cultist may or may not work depending on group make up, but i don't want to say no without looking at it and possibly getting feedback from the other players.

So I've been thinking and going over the classes in the SRD, I have two concepts that I like but I'm particularly interested with the take on the Warrior. Their signature weapon seems to be essential to the class and some of the moves give it special properties (talking to the spirits etc...). I kind of like the idea of a guy wielding a cursed weapon, do you think it would be possible to work the Blood Throne Curse into it ?

A weapon holding the dead spirits of people that once tried to become kings or something like that. If you have other ideas, throw away.

I always prefer cooperative over competitive games, so will throw my lot in with someone if we don't all work together.

I have no desire to rule, but the one who sits on the throne must be worthy.

LOL, that was almost exactly the route I was going if I go with the paladin!

@Maskcot, the Cultist functions as a summoner for game purposes; I was thinking of going with a last of his kind, hunted and needing to rebuild. The Elder God would be a little less immediate Azathoth craziness or Cthulhu doom, but more in the realm of long seated unknowable machinations like the Hastur or Yog-Sothoth - so for character motivation, not immediately working at cross purposes to the world. Hmm, the more i think on it, the more something based on Yog-Sothoth seems to resonate, master of knowledge, but knowing him drives one crazy, the cult seeks to enlighten humanity to bring about a golden age but the sacrifices required to stay "sane" and survive contact with the god seem "insane" to outside observers.... I'll get my idea a bit more put together once I message you with a link for the classes.

The kingdom is corrupt, as the power is focused on the greedy few. I don't intend to rule, but the voices of the people must be heard and so I'm involved to make sure that happens.

I'm considering a "city ranger". I need to dig up the materials tho.

Sorry if I stole your idea, Taej! I was thinking paladin, bard or cleric

You know what? I want to rule. One of us might as well go for it. :-p

Why do you desire the Blood Throne? Do you intend to rule? What are your intentions for the kingdom?

Believe me, I don't want this. The throne does not look good. But my brothers and cousins who think themselves next in line... they're evil shits, down to the marrow of their bones. I was the comfortable type, that never really stood out, but now that things are going south I can't let them have it. I'll get rid of the competition, and gladly dirty my hands. I'll become a regent or something until I find a promising leader to take care of things. Unless someone who's more suitable and willing than I am comes up. I'd gladly give my place - it's just that I can't stand idly by anymore.

But if I must, I'll sit on that damn chair. Perhaps I'll even rule - although I have no clue what ruling is. But if it ever comes to this, know that I did it out of necessity, not self interest.

Nah, that was my if-the-weird-ideas-don't-pan-out option. My main ideas want the throne, but to varying degrees and ends. Imma hold off on questions until I know if Maskcot is cool with the concepts.

Broadly, the first idea is a cult of personality type occultist who is looking for power to rebuild his hunted and persecuted religion (that's the insider version of a Cultist, right?).

Failing that, option 2 is a New England style witch who was an herbalist, sage, and advisor to the throne who needs to seize rulership as regent to prevent the instability of a power vacuum or an unfit ruler.

Last idea is psion scion of a noble house looking to consolidate family power and break the iron grip of the wizarding guilds threatened by those whose power comes from within instead of carefully doled out by the defacto guild hegemony.

Ok. I've read through. I don't have an issue with a cultist. How would you feel if we make it an "old religion" type cult. The Clerics and Paladin's are more popular these days with their healing wounds and diseases left and right. The old ways were more about appeasing them to keep thdm at bay, while the new gods seem to be more open handed with their gifts and magics.

The inclusion will mean more Cthulhu type monsters, so if anybody has issues with that, please speak up.

OK now I'm leaning city thief.

Why do you desire the Blood Throne? Do you intend to rule? What are your intentions for the kingdom?

They never give people like us a chance. We've got the wrong blood and family name. But why should that matter? What makes them better than us? Because they've got all the money and power? What good is that when half the kingdom is practically starving? What is power if all you do is step on the weakest and crush them with your cruelty? No, people like them don't deserve the rule. We need more people like us, like me. I've lived on the streets all my life, and my only means of survival is by stealing as much food and gold as I can from those fat cats who probably didn't even notice. I've fed half the neighborhood with my bounty, dozens of families. Think of how much more I could do if I had the opportunity? I've give the people the voice that they deserved!

What if you have been entrusted (by your family for an heirloom, as part of a knightly order that safeguards a relic, from a mad roadside prophet handing you something wrapped in a dirty blanket before running game off into the wilderness, whatever) with a soul drinking weapon? It hasn't done so in memory, and the spirits within have lain quiescent, until YOU wielded it. But it is still inconsistent, and you have come to realize (or been made to realize) that it is your purpose to puzzle out and unlock the rules that govern the blade's destiny.

Ooo, or better yet, what if you're the blade? You've been through various welders, some simply vessels and others, when you have truly waxed in power in the world, as an ally. Much of your potency requires a willing host developing with you, and much of your wisdom comes from the collected memory of wielders who have died with your hilt in hand, their essence drawn into your everlasting magic.

BTW, is the prophecy about the throne well known to the general populace? Is the curse known, or is that player meta knowledge based on the game title?

Why do you desire the Blood Throne? Do you intend to rule? What are your intentions for the kingdom?

20th Nerul, 3781st Cycle of the Eye, Old Reckoning

Henry, is this a fool's errand, seeking the throne? Old friend, you must know, my back is to the wall. Perhaps our backs have been so, collectively, for years now, though I did not understand. But I feel it in my bone marrow, Henry, that it is time to step from the shadows, Inquisitors be damned. These people have been so restive and myopic with their new gods, magic and miracles given as backhanded gifts to fatten their complacence, I can see that now. I am sorry for the headaches I caused you in my youthful blindness.

If I can grasp the reins (to reign, neh? Sorry, my friend, I can't stop myself, even in these twilight hours), then it will be the Inquisition's turn to quake. They will not be able keep the old lores hidden; I will remind them, modernity is built upon the Old One's endless knowledge. They cannot afford to continue ignoring the old honorifics and rituals. The debts are overdue, and the cosmos is an unforgiving moneylender. The interest will destroy us all now that none are left to pay it down. None? Well, me, I suppose.

I will not lie, Henry. I am deeply afraid to do this thing. And I am selfish. I wish it were you, my old friend, that I had sacrificed myself for you and not the other--

I miss you. I will keep adding to Darkpage, but not just in service to the Old One. You will never truly be gone.

The prophecy that the next person to claim the Blood Throne will start a 10,000 year dynasty is common knowledge. The group will be running into other adventurers who seek the throne and dealing with them from time to time. The "curse" is not known...or not widely known at this time, but will come up once we get into the actual play.

We have two submitted characters so far.
Zoomsilla has an elf Fighter
Moofsalot has a Human City Thief

Submitted my fighter. I think he's somewhat of noble descent or at least from an influential family. He doesn't get along with them, and now that the throne is vacant and they are all infighting for power he hates them.

I like the idea of playing the weapon but in the end I'd rather play the fighter.
It holding the spirits of the dead wielders was kindof what I was going for. I thought it'be neat to tie the weapon to the Throne or the Curse in some way, but we'll see in play when the moment's right I guess.

In terms of bonds should we go with the standard ones proposed with the classes ? I'm feeling some chemistry with Moofsalot's character, our goals are the same but we belong in different social classes which is pretty sweet.

I'm not done with Thomas - been doing bits and pieces as the day goes on - but I thought of submit now so I'm not holding things up.
Wife is driving back from in-laws (2hr drive), so I was able to finish my character sheet. :-)

@Maskcot, quick question. A lot of the moves seem tied up in interactions with the rest of the cult. However, I really like the backstory idea of being a survivor trying to rebuild, especially how it interacts with the chasing the throne story. I had a few ideas for adjustments. Maybe the Initiate move could work with sympathizers? I'll post a few other thoughts as they come.

Sorry i'm so late. I've submitted an elven fighter but if I need to change classes i can. Here's a little back story:

Arras Calanon, Prince of the Elven island nation of Thoronsiire. With two older brothers and a father before them in line for the crown, Arras did not ever expect to rule his great nation. His family had ruled for countless generations and Arras grew up to become a fine young man and represented his people with a sense of morality and justice. His people lived in peace and prosperity.
Then came The Blight. It first began ravaging the forest. The great redwoods and pines were eaten from within by a horrible rot. Not even the great mages could save the trees. The ancient forests rotted and fell. When The Blight was finished with the forests it moved to the elves inhabiting them. Arras' people succumbed to the same kind of rot from within. It took whole families in a matter of days. No one was spared, not even the royal family. Arras could do nothing but watch in horror as it claimed one brother after the next. In a matter of weeks he'd lost almost everyone. Only his grandfather-Calleus Calanon, ruler of Thoronsiire, remained, and he too was stricken by the blight.
In a feverish state and near death Calleus took his only remaining grandson deep into the ancient crypts beneath the high city. There he took young Arras to an ancient burial chamber at the back of the crypt, further into the massive subterranean complex than he'd ever been. Using a key that Arras had never seen, his grandfather opened the crypt. His frail frame wracked with bloody coughs, Calleus told his grandson to open the lid of the sarcophogus before them. When Arras was finally able to pry the heavy lid off he looked inside to find the dry, dusty remains of a skeleton older than time.
On the verge of death Calleus told his grandson, "This is the founder of our great line and that is his spear which he used to bring peace and unification to these islands. Our nation is dead. Our people are dead. Now it is your job to see that our memory doesn't die as well. Take this spear and use it to bring peace to the warring nations across the sea. It is up to you now to restart our lineage and bring unending peace to the lands across the sea."
Arras buried his grandfather in the crypt and took up his ancestor's spear. It's been a long journey across the sea, but Arras now steps ashore on the these foreign lands to claim his rightful place...

Arras isn't familiar with this land but is determined to save the memory of his people. After arriving on the mainland and seeing the corruption and fighting among nations he isn't sure he wants such a responsibility, but he does believe that he was spared from the Blight for a reason.

Why do you desire the Blood Throne? Do you intend to rule? What are your intentions for the kingdom?

1.Ruling is in my blood. My lineage has proven worthy for centuries and this afflicted land needs me. I was spared death for a reason.
2. If I am worthy there will be no choice.
3. To reunite the fractured kingdoms of this land and to found an empire of empires.

@zoomzilla I like your backstory! Thomas would definitely be sympathetic to Arras's story.

Ok gang, sorry I was out of touch today, family outings restricted my personal time a bit more than I anticipated. There is a bit of house keeping to do then I will answer those pending questions you asked.
Ok, there is a small issue here. Both Hageru and zoomzilla have submitted Fighters. Now, the rules state that there should be only one of any given class. This is intended to allow those players to shine in their given roles. Fighters wear armor and wield a signature weapon to kill things. In D&D and other games I wouldn't worry about this as customization allows for individualization, but in Dungeon World, especially at low levels, there isn't a whole lot of individualization. "There may be other magic users in the world, but there is only one Wizard" as it were

If one of you wouldn't mind changing classes that would be great. Hageru has mentioned that he is drawn to the signature weapon feature of the class. zoomzilla has written a good backstory, but other than the spear(signature weapon) nothing about it says Capitol 'F' Fighter. A warrior ready to fulfill his destiny, but other classes could fit that. My first thought, is we could slightly re-skin the Paladin. Rather than worshiping a god, you commune with the spirits of your elven people. Yes it says human is the only race option, but the power the race gives you isn't about being human, it's about serving a higher purpose.

If neither is willing to change, I want to make sure you know that there will be overlap in your characters and you are OK with it.
I like this idea as well, if we can resolve the issue of class above.
The Bonds that appear on the original character sheets were designed for fast play, so you can pick it up and go in a matter of minutes. They were written to reinforce the roles your character is likely to fill in the party/game. That being said, if there is something jumping out at you then go ahead and tweak or rewrite it to soot your character. Once the Bond is resolved anyway you will be writing your own anyway.

Just remember the purpose of the bond: You need to be able to "resolve" them and earn XP. To "Resolve" means it needs to come into play some how at some point in the story. For an example, the Ranger has "_______is a friend of nature, so I will be their friend as well." So the Ranger gets XP at the end of the session when they have been a friend to the other character. This could be in combat when they save their ally from being skewered by a orc barbarian, or a quiet moment when that ally is feeling overwhelmed by the tolls of adventuring and the Ranger offers some comfort.
Yeah, so I agree with the idea. The thought that came to me is something I've seen in a few places. I'm a big Arthurian Lit. nut. In Mists of Avalon, the characters of Morgaine and Merlin are representatives of the old faith that is at odds with the more dominant Christianity that is popular with the upper-class. If I remember my Game of Thrones correctly, they use a similar beat with their religions..the Starks hold to "The Old Gods" and most of Westeros worship "The Seven"...and of course there is the "Lord of Light" in the mix.

So your "cult" will have Adherents, pockets of common people who haven't given up the faith in the old ways. I don't like the word Sympathizers, Adherents is better to me...but it's open to debate. Of course your "old gods" will exact a price for not paying the debt owed. I liked your journal entry, it gave me a few ideas that I on the shape of the story.

Sorry guys, been knocked out with the flu. Given how things are shaking out, I'll go with a human cleric. Should create some interesting tension with the cultist.

I think arcane duelist might work well for zoomzilla. The character has training as opposed to the weapon being mystic, but it would make sense for the weapon to be an heirloom. I think you could swap out the weapon choice for a spear easily, and end up with a Red Viper style fighter, except magic instead of poison. And hopefully you don't get your eyes squeezed from your head....

Though on second thought, it might work well for MaegeruHageru, with the techniques NOT being training, but the powers of the spirits within the blade. The dueling and the noble heritage go well together.

I have no problem changing classes. I'll look into some today including arcane duelist to see what would best fit the back story. I'll try to keep it in the original classes if possible.
Edit: Arcane duelist looks perfect. I would change Arras into a haughty nobleman seeking the blood throne as a path to martial perfection. If anyone has any objections I'll keep looking.

@zoomzilla Cool! One of my players in my face to face DW game is really enjoying it, doing sort of a very bushido take. I'm excited to see angst-ridden elven noble variation!

Can't wait to hear all the nobles whining and angsting. ;)

I don't think arcane duelist works for my character though because I don't actually want him to be able to use the cursed weapon very well, or deal with the spirits. Thank you for changing classes zoomzilla, I didn't know we had to go with different classes each - I should have considered other options more. I owe you one !


First draft of Marrick's backstory :

Marrick is the ninth son out of the twelve children that were fathered by Haerrick of House Palen. It is a fairly known family, but not for good reasons. They have a history of cruelty and unfair judgements. As long as he can remember he did not really like the others. They were all haughty and vain and he wanted to fight and become a knight. He neglected most of his studies, finding them boring and the teachers all arrogant theoreticians. He did practice more than most the dueling and fighting skills but he also spent a lot of his time exploring the streets, countryside and small villages. He thought the commonfolk were much more deserving of the simple rewards of life than his cruel siblings.

One day he fought his own brother Deadrick and took out his left eye because he had tried to "take" an unwilling girl tavern girl. Haerrick was very angry. He promised to Marrick he would make sure he would never be acknowledged as a knight as long as he lived. He laughed at Deadrick's pained expression and cries of rage and told him he wished his tongue was gone instead so he wouldn't have to suffer his pathetic squealing. He then ordered the girl lose both her eyes for taking one of his son's. Outraged by his father's blatant lie to cover for his house and at his siblings for agreeing with him, he remained within the keep of the Palen's but never so much interacted with them again. He hated his father but Haerrick did not try to harm him more than he had already done. His brothers, sisters and cousins though, being all against him, made his life very... uncomfortable.

One day he could not take their cruelty anymore and he left. A few years passed and as he started living the life of a commoner he learned all the gross truths about his family - as well as exaggerated falsehoods. But for him, all the horrible things they had supposedly done were real, because his anger towards them needed fuel and justification. As he heard of the Throne being left vacant and of the prophecy he decided on an impulse to stop his siblings - who were now stirring towards the Blood Throne after their father Haerrick Palen had suddenly become ill and died.

@Maskot: Is it ok to change the weapon from my equipment list to spear?

Yes, a spear can be a duelist weapon...or at least it looked really good in the movie Hero starring Jet Li.

The base spear in the book has the tags reach, thrown, near, 1 weight. This being a one handed weapon, it means if you ever have a need to duel wield two weapons you could. (I'm not sure that is even and option that could be available, just putting it out there.

Alternately, there is the Halbred with the tags reach, +1 damage, two-handed, 2 weight. This might be more in line with your original design. I know a Halbred is closer to an ax, but this is our fiction, so we can fudge it. Call it a Heavy Spear or something if you need to.

Xiara has most likely stolen from Marrick back when he was a noble. Perhaps that's how they met. She will also likely have strong negative feelings towards the arcane dualist who thinks they can just walk into a new kingdom and claim the throne for themselves.

Definitely. Marrick could even have actually let you steal some valuables from his siblings/family as a petty way of getting back to them.

In that case, maybe we also have a con running. This may explain why I have so many precious stones.

Why not ? First thing that comes to mind : maybe I gave you access to the jewels of my rich sister/aunt/random relative but they're difficult to sell because they bear the seal of my ill-reputed family ? Maybe they're worth more than I originally thought and you are trying to make a better margin without me knowing ?

Just to clarify (or summarize thus far) we have
- Arras the elven magic wielding duelist driven by loss and lost glory
- Marrick the human ex-noble with a haunted sword and a bevy of hateful, entitled relatives
- Xiara the human urban thief, spy, and class warrior (meaning Robin Hood, not a warrior character class)
- Sister Rose, who we don't know but is presumably (from Thomas's pov) a figurehead of the blind establishment that bulldozes humanity toward doom... :D

Here are my bonds. I feel like 4 would be good for Sister Rose, and 2 would be good for Xiara.

Oh, and maybe 5 for Arras, though I don't think the blight was associated with the Old One; rather, a long lived elf who has seen a lot and been through the consequences of not giving the Elder Gods their due (even if he doesn't understand that is what happened) would probably be delicious.

Bonds
1. _____ doesn't trust me.
2. I think _____ would be an excellent asset to my cult.
3. _____ believes in my cause.
4. I want to show _____ that their god is insignificant.
5. My master hungers for _____'s (blood, brain, soul, etc.)

These are mine:

I stole something from Marrick.
Thomas? has my back when things go wrong.
Sister Rose? knows incriminating information about me.
Marrick? and I have a con running.

I'll likely write a custom bond for Arras.

Late, but hopefully still helpful...a short story to introduce Sister Rose. I'll share my sheet in the library as well; I'm off to bed but will work on my bonds tomorrow!

The girl looked up at the building with trepidation. Was this the right decision? Was she really ready to give up her life in service to a goddess? The large wooden door creaked open and a simply dressed woman in her middle age smiled down at the girl. "Welcome, Rose." The girl began to protest, "But my name is…" but was interrupted gently by the woman, "Your name is no longer your name. When you walk through these doors, you become Rose…and someday, if you work hard, Sister Rose." The girl squared her shoulders and breathed in deeply, then stepped through the doorway.

Inside, the entryway was lit only by candles, and became quite dark once the front door was closed behind her. She felt a gentle but strong hand gripping her elbow, leading her through the darkness. Suddenly, she was surrounded by bright light as another door opened before her. Sunlight streamed through a courtyard bright with colour…no, not a courtyard. A garden! Every flower she had ever heard of, and many more that she didn’t even recognize, hung from baskets or sprung from pots all around her. The perfume of so many flowers was heady, yet not overwhelming. Rose breathed deeply…

…and looked at herself in the mirror. The same woman stood behind her, holding a set of sheers. Rose looked at her black tresses and nodded firmly, "I am ready." One year since she first saw the garden. One year of tending the ill and reading dusty books. The woman nodded soberly in turn and began cutting her hair. As the curls fell to the floor she said, "With this sacrifice, you dedicate yourself to Our Lady of Flowers. May she accept your offering." Rose smiled…

…and lifted her head to squint at the sun. The day had passed, so quickly! Her hands stained brown and green from work in the garden, she stood and stretched. No longer the quaking girl that had walked through that door five years ago, she stood with confidence and strength. She smiled as she remembered all that she had learned, and her growing dedication to her goddess. The magic she had been gifted was in service of others, and gave her great pride. Soon, she would be initiated into the final mystery, and learn what the Lady had called her to do. She walked through the archway…

…and down a long set of stairs. Her guide, Sister Dahlia, held the only source of light, a small glowing ball, a divine gift. As they descended deeper into the earth, Rose realized that they were now underneath the garden. She was surprised to hear the clanging of metal, which grew louder with each passing breath. The final door opened before her and she saw all of the Sisters she had grown to know and love…but perhaps not known so well after all. For these kind, gentle, peace-loving clerics were wielding weapons of war, and wielding them with great skill and ferocity. Sister Dahlia smiled at Rose’s surprise. "Come now, sister, have we not taught you? There is nothing better for flowers than blood and bone meal." Rose smiled and stepped forward.

OK, thanks for getting the ball rolling on Bonds. Looking good so far, but Moofsalot...could you just change the "I stole something form Marrick" to "I stole something from Arras."? I don't have an issue with your characters having deeper history, you could have stolen from Marrick, then he found you so you started working together, but you should only have one bond between characters since they are meant to gain XP. It would be unfair to give you two avenues of approach when the others only have one.

And to Taej, thanks for summing up the party for me as well and making sure everyone is on the same page.

Please finish filling out Bonds, but I am going to start asking more questions of your characters based on what I've got so far.

We have two characters that jump out at me as influencing our setting. Xiara the city thief and Arras the elf...who has traveled from his homeland. We will be set in a the capitol city of the empire, the seat of power resides here. It also happens to be a port city, surrounded on three sides by ocean.

Kijanbu is a city of many facets. Built on the eastern cost of a large contenant. Perched on the end of a peninsula it is surrounded on three sides by ocean. To the north is an immense mountain range, it's passes are haunted by travelers lost in the labyrinth passes and valleys. To the south, a vast swampy jungle that is known to swallow travelers who enter it unprepared. To the west there lies some gently rolling plains, much of it converted to farmland, but they are constantly at war with the fens that are constantly creeping in trying to overtake them.

The city is divide into three strata. The Low City that touches the ocean is home to the poor and low classes. This ward is hot, it smells of rotten fish and burning tar and the sourness of the slaughter houses. The noise is nearly constant as merchants and foundries work to amass more wealth on the broken backs of this ward.

From Low City, a brutally steep incline leads to Midward. The area of Kijanbu at the top of the hill sprawls outward for many miles. Toward the center is where the few middle class merchants and tradesmen make their home. They fair only a little better than the denizens of Low City because the lords and ladies have to spend their coin somewhere, or it serves no purpose to have it. As the roads advance west the cramped city gives way to walled estates in a multitude of sizes, ranging from ten plus acres down to a mere quarter of an acre. Here the petty lords and ladies jockey for power and influence over one another in a great game. Little do they realize their conflicts are all the machinations of their betters who live higher still, on the Spire.

The Spire turns back toward the sea. It is a gradual slope that extends a mile or two into the air. It cuts the Low City ward nearly in half as it approaches the sea again. It climbs high enough that it can look down on every other part of the city. From there the high lords and ladies treat those beneath them like pawns in some great game. The seat of power rests at the end of The Spire. The palace at Kijanbu is a marvel to behold. The stories claim that no one person has ever set foot in all the rooms of the structure, granting it the title of Infinity Palace.

Within Infinity Palace rests the Blood Throne. The prophecy claims that the next person to claim the throne will start a dynasty that will last ten thousand years.

Arras only has a couple bonds that i feel fit at this point:

Rose broke up a fight I was involved in. I was probably going to lose, but they don’t need to know that part.(Maybe we met in Kijanbu this way)

Marrick and I are regular training partners. (Maybe Marrick was the one I was fighting)

Some questions: How do I insert the name of my character below my own name? It's getting difficult to pick apart characters and people.
Also, how do we want to handle fiction and triggering of moves once we get to gameplay? I've only done one other pbp and for that one we write our fiction then roll within the same post IF it's an obvious DD or H/S etc. We kind of decided that it would bog down the action if we were waiting for the GM to tell us the obvious, especially if the GM can't respond for a couple days. We've had to retcon a few things but not many. I'm down with whatever, I'm very new to pbp and maybe there's better options I'm not aware of.
How do we handle edits where a roll is part of the post? Sometimes I write my fiction then roll, then forget something I want to put into the fiction, but don't want it to look like I'm cheating the roll. Just roll in a separate post immediately following?

Bonds for Sister Rose

Thomas has insulted my deity. I do not trust him.
Arras is a good and faithful person. I trust him implicitly.
Marrick is in constant danger. I will keep him safe.
I am working on converting Xiara to my faith.

Sister Rose is likely quite a bit older than Marrick, and perhaps has known him for a long time. She sees a lot of her younger self in Xiara. Arras seems like a decent sort, but Thomas is gravely misguided.

Looks good to me. Perhaps Xiara or Thoma seems like they would fold at the first sign of trouble? You don’t trust them? Maybe? It doesn't mean they will, just that you have perceived them as being weak.
The one about having killed a relative seems out of place since you just got to the mainland/city recently. If you want to make one up I'm fine with that.
Left side of the screen, just above the reply box you should see a drop down that says Player or your character's name. Select character name and their portrait and name will appear with your avatar slightly above it.
Dungeon world is a little more straight forward than other PbtA games. I give you the option to roll if you feel a roll is necessary. However, if you choose to roll your character will have to live(or not depending on their HP) with the consequences. I do not demand a roll every time you take an action. As an example, you find a sword in a treasure chest and immediately roll a Spout Lore about it before you ask me to describe it, and get a 6...I'm not going to tell you that it is a +5 Holy Avenger like I might have if you had waited just stated you were going to look it over.

I believe Gamers Plane will not let you edit rolls. If you go back into a post to edit it, your original roll will remain. If you change something in your fiction that negates the roll, just use the OOC tags to make a note about why you are changing it. Or you can post a brand new reply as you describe, it is up to you.

Ok, here are some of those questions I promised your characters. Please answer as your character...I want their response.

@Thomas(Taej) - Your lore claims a cult secret lays buried beneath Infinity Palace. What is that secret? Someone from Marrick's family was a high ranking member of your cult. Who were they and what position did they hold? What happened to them?

@Marrick(Hageru) - Your father died the same day as the former Emperor of Kijanbu. How do you believe your father died? Your brother Deadrick has one treasure that he prizes more than anything else in existence, possibly even more than his pride. What is it?

@Xiara(Moofsalot) - A Kijanbu noble wronged you. Who was it and what did they do? What did you steal from Arras? Does he know you have it?

@Arras(zoomzilla) - The elves of the mainland are descendants of your people. How do you feel about them leaving? How will they feel about you? How do/did you/your people view the old gods? What about the new gods?

@Sister Rose(marithyme) - You kept a trinket from your former life, a violation of your sect's rules. Your godess knows, but has not punished you for keeping it. What is it and why is it significant? What is it that your goddess(and her pantheon) offers that makes it more appealing than the old gods?

You kept a trinket from your former life, a violation of your sect's rules. Your goddess knows, but has not punished you for keeping it. What is it and why is it significant? What is it that your goddess(and her pantheon) offers that makes it more appealing than the old gods?

Ah yes, the stone. It's polished now after all the years I've held it. My sister gave it to me, long ago. She left this world long before I joined the order, so my Lady doesn't see it as attachment to the life I left behind. It's more a reminder of why we must stand together, and why we must fight evil wherever we find it.

That is why I love my Lady. She understands that true power is found in unity and love, in sacrificing for others, not for some dusty old unknowable god. The Five know we are all One, and that is our strength.

I'm cool with this. How do you want to have known each other? I'm thinking perhaps you took a job from unknown employers to smuggle someone into a place to get access to a book or item or perform some ritual. I was the someone. Some of the magic could have spooked you, but I also proved myself good to my word - when the mission went south at some point, I didn't save my hide and leave you to take the fall, but endangered myself so we both pulled through. We've worked together other times as well, and one time when you being hunted, I hid you (maybe under auspice of the cult, or maybe just myself.

Thoughts?

Thomas could take this one. I kind of like the idea, perhaps, that Marrick doesn't know much about Thomas's background, and so just assumes he is an academic magic dabbler, not a full mage. That will probably resolve pretty quickly when he finds what Thomas can do, so it'll be interesting to decide how he takes the revelation of the beings Thomas can summon.