Realms Beyond Dungeons

[Sian]

Forgotten Realms Campaign setting places the start date at the day after midsummer (Shieldmeet, leap day, just like 29'th Febuary is RL, once every 4 years) 1372 ... but given that theres a lively Novel market focusing on FR the timeline slowly kept moving forward

[Mardoc]

Law Abiding Adventurers Wanted!
Great wealth awaits
Land, titles, gold, gems
Damara is suffering
Damara Wants You!

That poster, or some variant of it, has drawn each of you to the kingdom of Damara. Some of you are motivated by the promise of wealth, while others are more interested in helping a suffering land recover from its trials. Or in the adrenaline rush of Fighting the Good Fight and pushing yourself to your limits.

As you arrive at the border, an icy gust hits you, reminding you that this is a cold land. After all, it's midsummer, and yet still cold. You hope you've found a reason to leave, or enough wealth to buy furs and massive fires, before winter hits. Looking around, you don't see any guardposts or patrols or anything, just a simple, well-worn sign saying 'We_com_ to Damar_'. Clearly, the government has other priorities than replacing all their signs.

Following the road to the nearest city, you encounter some traders, bringing weapons, food, and tools, and intending to leave with Bloodstones. You also meet a few immigrants, attracted by the promise of free land for those who will work and defend it.

As you approach the gates, you spend a few moments reflecting on who you are, the friends and colleagues you hope to meet, and your hopes for the next few months...

No, we're not starting yet, I just thought I'd give you an interlude before we resume character creation. Although if you'd care to show some of your backstory in character, feel free.

[Tasunke]

By Tasunke, do the other realms only have fools? I've been watching this trade post for weeks, yet I see only incompetents ...

But wait, over there. They look strong ... Yes, useful allies I think. Might as well introduce myself.

[BRickAstley]

Idk if we mentioned this yet, but for combat, how are we handling maps/battle layout? The two ways I've seen for this are a grid map like in a public google doc, or just have everyone give relative positions and keep track of it as we go (with the ability to wing it a bit if needed).

[Lewwyn]

Idk if we mentioned this yet, but for combat, how are we handling maps/battle layout? The two ways I've seen for this are a grid map like in a public google doc, or just have everyone give relative positions and keep track of it as we go (with the ability to wing it a bit if needed).

I think we can easily use a google doc. Mardoc can have it made and put it up as we enter a dungeon. For random wilderness encounters we travel in a preset formation that Mardoc can just plonk down a a random map or something like that. If that is too much trouble then yes the alternative could be simply keeping relative positions in mind.

[Commodore]

No, we're not starting yet, I just thought I'd give you an interlude before we resume character creation. Although if you'd care to show some of your backstory in character, feel free.

I have to shake my head. Gunther is singing in that damnably pleasant tenor again, drawing a crowd of youngsters. Their parents cluster nervously nearby, watching him carefully, shooting me glances as well. I could let it get to me, but what would be the point? Gunther will charm them all by nightfall anyway.

I'm used to it. Back in the monastery, the new acolytes were tested by being placed under my tutelage in the gardens. I'm ugly, I'm fat, and I'm gruff, which would be bad enough...but shoveling manure for a half-orc? We lost a lot of proud would-be-monks that way. I didn't blame them for their views...I look pretty damned orcish, and there are good reasons why half-orcs are hated. Most of my kin are those reasons, save one exception.

I'm still not sure how I came to be here. I liked it in my gardens. It was peaceful, nobody threw any rocks at me, I had plenty to eat, and a group of men who would cheerfully debate with me about tradition and law until the wee hours of the morning. I guess I never had any close friends there, but it's my way, I've been detached from life for as long as I can remember. For as long as Gunther could remember too, apparently.

One of his first memories was me leaving the tribe. I knocked the old man flat on his ass, as he was in yet another of his drunken rants about how strong the blood made us all, about how I would never amount to anything if I didn't embrace my rage. I didn't embrace my rage even then, I just decided to make a point. Never have struck a being in anger, never think I will. When Gunther tracked me down those months ago, he told me he'd always longed for my strength, how I could stand up to the chief even at sixteen and strike him down. I think he was shocked when I told him I hadn't been angry. Just wanted done of all the stupidity.

The monks tested me a long time before I could join. I was good at my forms, able to overcome my clumsiness with the solidity of my ample form. Never cared much for fighting, though. I like plants, and talking, although damned if I can convince anyone of anything ever. Not a problem, I have always excelled at calmness and inner peace.

Gunther came in from no where, all about justice and freedom and redemption. I think I let him down once he actually met me, but hell, I think we both appreciate having family. Family that doesn't try to kill everybody else in the world, at least. Anyway, he heard about the troubles, and got to talking about righting wrongs, and how I could help. I shrugged, I like peace and order but it's not my job to spread it. He switched tactics, and spoke about how wealthy adventures could get. I shrugged, I like money fine but I had plenty of comforts. He spoke about honing my skills, becoming a legend. I shrugged, I'm skilled enough, and legends are all dead. But then I told him I'd come with him.

Why not? It'll be interesting.
-Grouk

[Mardoc]

Idk if we mentioned this yet, but for combat, how are we handling maps/battle layout? The two ways I've seen for this are a grid map like in a public google doc, or just have everyone give relative positions and keep track of it as we go (with the ability to wing it a bit if needed).

I think we can easily use a google doc. Mardoc can have it made and put it up as we enter a dungeon. For random wilderness encounters we travel in a preset formation that Mardoc can just plonk down a a random map or something like that. If that is too much trouble then yes the alternative could be simply keeping relative positions in mind.

Gonna start with Google Docs map, if that gets too annoying, there's a few more detailed options I might try to learn.

[Mattimeo]

Oh, dear. I had assumed they pretty much kept things constant. Well, the reference I have and was planning to use most is the 3e Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting. So let's stick with the date that's set in. Don't have it in front of me, but from what you say Sian that sounds like 1372. My apologies, Mattimeo.

'sOK. I got enough generalities out of it that I can adapt easily enough.
Just, don't be surprised if I run off back home in 2 years time, if the campaign is still going

Law Abiding Adventurers Wanted!

Damnit... I'll uh, be back for the next one, then?

...wait, it only counts as breaking the law if they catch you, right? I should be fine

[Lewwyn]

Mattimeo do you have Gchat? I want to try and work up a bit more backstory with you when you get the chance.

Also how many people have filled out their character sheets? Emailed them to Mardoc even if they are preliminary? And what is everyone's name? My character is Thoven Foxglove.

[Mattimeo]

Finalising character sheet at the moment. Will send it off tonight.

Gmail is Mattimeo144. I should be around for the next few hours.