Character Creation

Lunitar, I'd like to work with you to determine what Wild Shapes are appropriate for the world of Talos. Any restrictions? I know some DMs like to limit the amount of Wild Shape forms their players can assume and have their druid PCs accumulate new forms as they adventure. I'm cool with whatever your preference is.

Lenpelletier, did you see my post earlier?

Hey CouchLord, I had in fact missed your post. I like the idea of Baern and Phineas being from the same Circle.

Lunitas said that our party was on a mission to aid Lord Reinhel against a hoarde of orcs in a time before the land was a barren, frozen wasteland. It likely was a land of forests and farms when we started our journey, but during the mission Lord Reinhel sent a wave of ice across his island in a fit of despair, transforming the island and freezing us in time.

I think the reason why Phineas would have embarked on this mission was to answer the call of his people. Phineas retained strong ties to his King and his people, even though they always don't understand or appreciate his choices. He was probably eager to demonstrate that his non-traditional form of magic could be useful to the Kingdom. I can see how the Dwarven leaders would send non-traditional Dwarves who are used to the surface world.

Perhaps you came on the mission for similar reasons? If you would rather have your character 'turn rogue' then maybe you had issues within the circle and saw this mission as an opportunity to leave? Either way, I think it's cool that we left together.

OK, cool!
I think I will stick to the 'turning rogue' idea. The Circle did not want Baern to go, claiming that his role of Guardian bound him to the Forest. But, for reasons which Baern does not readily disclose, he left anyway, rebelling against the Circle.
But, we can still be from the same place! Adds a little depth, which is always good (in my opinion).

That brings up a good point; we are all part of the same unit that was sent at the behest of our king, which means we're all members of the clan in some form or another.

Ulfren works the forge for his king, and in times of war he is part of the spearhead of berserkers that charge into the front lines. He would have been sent on this mission purely to lend his fighting ability. Obviously I'm playing the part of an obedient soldier and willing volunteer that holds the king and clan higher than his own personal regard.

Baern is on this mission because a) he would simply not stay at home b) he hates orcs with a burning passion and c) he has some rather uniquely helpful abilities.

Phineas volunteered to be on this mission to prove himself. He sees it as his big opportunity to make his family see the merit of his unusual choices. He was likely selected because of his ability to operate in the wilderness indefinitely and the utility of his Wild Shape ability (can be sneaky or formidable).

Sounds like Ulfren would be a natural choice to be this unit's commander if you're interested, CancerMan! How do you think he'd feel about commanding these odd Dwarves?

Probably not, as Ulfren is a barbarian and won't make the best tactical decisions in combat nor in diplomacy.

However! If no one else wants to be the "leader" and lunitar approves, I could rework Ulfren to be either a Fighter (Battle Master) or a Monk, either of which would fit the role more appropriately.

I could see a great argument for McDunno's character, Billy, to be the leader. A Cleric has the authority and a Bard has the Charisma to lead.

Really, anyone who wants to could be the leader. Alternatively, we could have had our commanding officer die in the blast.

Honestly with the way this is shaping up I think your last option (commander's death) might be our best option--none of us seem to really be the commanding type, at least not yet. Besides, I think that having lost our commander in the blast and coming out in the middle of hostile territory with no leader makes for a really cool story as well as ammo for some really cool RP moments/character conflicts.

Agreed!

Heh, that probably wouldn't be the best idea. It might be a role he could grow into, but I don't see it being something he'd be suited for at the beginning of the adventure. I've been trying to come up with a reason for Billy to be there. He's not a warrior, so he wouldn't have been sent to fight. It's possible he was sent for support because he's a healer. He's not an irresponsible flake, but he's more free-spirited than the average Dwarf. It could be just as likely that he encountered the group on accident. In fact, that would seem more likely, since there are, no doubt, any number of Dwarven healers better suited to the task than Billy.

I'll allow it, just keep the barrel clear or if you fire after hacking into someone, I might have you roll a blockage check!

lenpelletier I am open to however you'd like to play it for wild shapes as long as you can tie it to your story.

I will get this ball rolling full swing soon, I'm exhausted from work tonight, but really want to pick through your stories to incorporate them into the story line. Great work everyone!

I watch 'em too! Those shows are awesome!
I assume that was for me. :-) That sounds fair.

Since we're getting into backstories: From what I've read so far it sounds like the PC Gunnar would have had the most previous interaction with would be Ulfren.

When I created Gunnar I chose the Folk Hero background and the following trait: "Recruited into a lord’s army, I rose to leadership and was commended for my heroism." But I didn't intend for Gunnar to be the party's leader. The way I see it he was just a crack shot grunt who was at the right place at the right moment and was promoted to leadership despite his reluctance. I like the idea of the unit's leader dying in the blast. Will Gunnar step up and take charge? We'll have to wait and see.

For Ryyrik, he actually melds well with most, if not all, the group.
He is a commendable fighter so that could tie him in with Ulfren and Gunnar.
For his free time, he is an entertainer so that ties him in with Billy the Bard.
He has experience with nature, so that ties him in with Baern and Phineas(?).

I like the blast leader idea too.

Blast leader seems the predominant idea--leaves it open for anyone!

And the saga begins!

Rolling for hit points!