Welcome to the Lands of Arda
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Thirteen fragments, beings with vast power, originating from the Divine Realm, traveled to this newly found planet. These fragments, later known as the major gods, live in the Divine Realm together with other fragments. They called themselves fragments as they believe they all originated from one, all powerful being, that created all universes, but then split. The thirteen fragments were close like siblings and always did things together. The planet when it was found was barren, without life or magic, but it had potential. The one that was first to spot this new planet, named Arda, did not hesitate to detach herself from the Divine Realm and imbue with the planet to give it life and magic. That was seen as a great sacrifice by the other twelve, who knew that their sibling Arda would not be able to return until this planet is no more.
The twelve gods split into three groups, which were later known as Gold (Good), Silver (Evil) and Emerald (Neutral). The groups stayed the same, except from three changes. Dominaria switched from Gold to Silver, Iskar from Emerald to Gold and Oromne from Silver to Emerald. The exact dates of those changes are largely unknown but they are approximated at the end of 1st Era or the early centuries of the 2nd.
From that change and onwards no shifts have been reported. The groups are as following:
| Gold (Good) | Silver (Evil) | Emerald (Neutral) |
Besides the twelve major fragments, lesser fragments travelled to the world of Arda for various reasons. Other seeking to gain followers, other intrigued by events, other simply by curiosity, others banished from their previous worlds or other seeking refuge from forces that want them perished. These Lesser fragments are not as powerful as the twelve gods and cannot sustain themselves by feeding from multiple plains. They are also referred as "local gods" and such local communities or events is what feeds them. They full extent of their power varies, but many estimate them to be equally strong as the first dragons. Lesser fragments are not widely known, even though they'd wish to be. Even if they could be amassing a large amount of followers, they prefer to be more subtle, to not incur the wrath of major fragments for stealing their energy. Some of the Lesser Fragments work as Patrons, offer power to individuals known as warlocks, in exchange of tasks or worship.
Navigate to each category from the sidebar to the left
Backstory
Where did your character grow up? What place do they call "home" now? (could
be the same or different.)
I was born in the mountains of the Wildlands among a Goliath tribe. I’m Aurgun and I was the runt of my kin, even though I stand over 6 and a half feet tall. I was a sickly child but eventually I overcame my ailments and grew strong, though not to the extent expected from my ancestry.
I have wandered Unified Caldar for the past few years seeking some purpose and feeling of belonging. At least among the smaller races my strength can be useful.
Who raised your character and how? What are these people doing now?
In my tribe, the children were all raised communally. I knew my parents but we never had a strong bond.I haven't heard from anyone since I left.
Thavotuk, my cousin. We would sneak out sometimes after dark and throw rocks off the nearby cliffs. When I was 16 he changed. I think he was trying to impress some girl, but he started beating on me just like the rest of them.
Mearoth was my aunt, and was the only one who would nurse me when I was sick. When I was leaving the tribe for good she walked after me and without a word she smiled and pressed something into my hand. It was a small piece of bone, polished and carved into the shape of a lightning bolt.
How did your attribute scores affect your character?
My strength and constitution came later in life, but my tribe never recognized it. I can do manual labor well, especially among the smaller races in Unified Caldar. Years of being ignored makes it hard for me to converse sometimes (low CHA) It can make it hard to find work too.
What made your character obtain the class they have now?
I want to protect those that can’t protect themselves. I was a sickly child and I was nearly abandoned by the tribe as an infant. The thing that saved my life was a lightning strike from a seemingly cloudless sky just as the decision was being made. It crashed down out of nowhere, stunning the elders into silence. That stroke of fate gave me a second chance. Though I was sometimes beaten by the other Goliath children, the most painful part of my upbringing was the emotional isolation. I was treated like dead weight that could never be worth the food I ate or the furs I wore. I won’t go looking for a fight but I’m always ready to defend others. When I see others being mistreated it takes me right back to my childhood.
What your character doing in recent years before the campaign's start?
Since I left the Wildlands I’ve been traveling and trying to find honest work. I help on farms during the harvest season but it’s not fulfilling. I feel a calling for something more so I keep moving.
What motivated your character to leave their previous lifestyle and become
adventurers?
A traveler came to our camp when I was 17, a human. He was recording the shapes of our mountains on parchment. He had other maps that he showed me, with villages, towns and cities. He said there were even Goliaths in some! I knew I’d never be accepted in my clan so I left.
Which people are important for your character?
I work for a farmer, his name is Hazen. He lets me live in a shed on his land and his wife Liv feeds me well. If I didn't have their kindness I don't know where I'd be.
What connections does your character have to the other player characters? [175 words max]
I met Anders by chance by the port. He hired me to load up some cargo and paid me well for the work.
Ava came to the market when I was helping Hazen to set up his stall. I helped her pick out the nicest tomatoes.
Name a promise you have made to another player character that you would never break. [75 words max]
I dropped on of Anders crates and it busted open. I can't tell you what was in there, it could get us both into trouble!
If nothing happened, what short/long term goals does your character have?
I’m searching for my people. Those who value and understand me for who I am. If I can find them, I’ll be happy. A little money for a comfortable life wouldn’t hurt either…
What makes your character a likeable adventurer that others would be willing
to have to risk their lives for?
[75 words max]
I'm big and imposing. My words might not always be effective but my actions are. I fight to protect my people.
What has your character done in the past, that they now deeply regret?
I miss my old rat friend. He was injured and helpless when I rescued him on the mountain. After I nursed him back to health he disappeared. I just hope he's ok.
More optional plot hooks:
- My character's lineage might not be what I think it is.
Backstory
Where did your character grow up? What place do they call "home" now? (could
be the same or different.) [75 words max]
Kes was born on Blackden, to a large family of Githyanki. The family is proud of their martial history and most are devout Izalith followers.
Kes’s current residence, if you could call it one, is the “Forest of Mist”. He does visit Shadebough Falls when he needs a bit of humanoid contact, but currently doesn’t have a true home, nor does he desire one.
Who raised your character and how? What are these people doing now? [75 words max]
Kes was raised by his father (Vr’a’ac) and his primary wife (J’a’sath). Kes’s birthmother (Jelru) was a concubine, one of many.
As far as Kes knows, the family continues on as usual, although Vr’a’ac may be getting on in years, and an ambitious heir may be looking to supplant him.
How did your attribute scores affect your character? [175 words max]
Vr’a’ac the Black, a somewhat renown pirate, took it to be his duty to raise the next generation of Githyanki by having as many wives and concubines as possible. He was determined that his legacy live beyond him, and raised his children for a live of strife and conquest, and to prepare for the Night of Schemes.
Kes was a quick (Dex 19), and intelligent (Int 16) child who excelled at both weapons practice and class work, but he was not well liked by his siblings (Cha 6), who were jealous of him.
As Kes grew into a young adult, the yearly Game of Schemes became more serious, and after his older brother “Ves” betrayed Kes and almost caused his death; Kes ran away from home and joined a pirate ship crew unaffiliated with the family.
Kes left behind a little sister (Trys’a’an), who he regrets leaving.
What made your character obtain the class they have now? [75 words max]
Eventually, making his way to a Shadebough Falls, Kes made the acquaintance of Arvastan the Druid and his apprentice Leokas. Arvastan introduced him to a hunter in the Forest of Mists (Caleb Villarreal).
Kes found that he greatly enjoys the life of a hunter, the quite stalking, and the open outdoors.
What your character doing in recent years before the campaign's start? [75 words max]
In the past few years, he has continued hunting the Forest of Mists, and started studying nature magic with Aravstan.
Recently after contracting SMS, he has occasionally been accompanying Leokas in the search for a cure.
What motivated your character to leave their previous lifestyle and become adventurers? [120 words max]
Kes one night overheard some of the senior crew plotting to hide some magical goods that were stolen from a recent conquest, and that they had apparently done such things before and where.
Kes wasn’t seen overhearing the conversation, but somehow folks have become suspicious. After barely surviving a provoked duel, Kes realized that his days aboard this ship were numbered, and he left without fanfare when given an opportunity.
Which people are important for your character? [75 words max]
While Kes feels somewhat betrayed by his family, he still holds respect for this Father.
Kes still cares for his younger sister Trys’a’an.
Kes is fond of his hunting mentor Caleb Villarreal.
Arvastan has started to teach Kes nature magic, but it hasn’t quite sunk in yet.
Kes certainly wants to support Leokas in his search for cure to SMS.
What connections does your character have to the other player characters? [175 words max]
Recently, both Kes and his mentor Caleb have contracted SMS in the Forest of Mists. Kes will support Arvastan and Leokas in their search for a cure.
Name a promise you have made to another player character that you would never break. [75 words max]
Kes has promised to assist Leokas in the search for cure to SMS. Both for his own cure and that of his mentor Caleb, who is both older and human and thus there exists greater urgency.
If nothing happened, what short/long term goals does your character have? [75 words max]
Even without the spider apocalypse, Kes would have learned what he could being a hunter, and moved on. Growing up Githyanki, he has never expected a life free of conflict and turmoil, and only through increased aptitude could he achieve some measure of contentment and self-worth.
What makes your character a likeable adventurer that others would be willing to have to risk their lives for? [75 words max]
Kes doesn’t know it, but he is searching for a “family”. He has always wanted someplace to belong, but first his siblings betrayed him, and then he fell out with the pirate crew.
I suspect in the beginning, his ties with Leokas, and their mutual search for the cure to curse of the “Forest of Mists” will be the reason he is with the party, but if they can earn his trust and respect, Kes will certainly reciprocate.
What has your character done in the past, that they now deeply regret?[75 words max]
Kes regrets leaving his sister Trys’a’an behind when he left the family.
Are there any people that would wish harm to your character and why?[100 words max]
His old pirate crew would like Kes dead to insure their secret.
Some of his siblings may not care for how he left the family.
More optional plot hooks: [Choose one]
- I know information about an expensive famous item, that others want.
Pirate Treasure
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Overview/Backstory
Raven - a Shifter with Were-Raven genes - spent most of his time with their tribe, which consisted mostly of Were-creatures and shapeshifters of animalistic origin. When not training under his panther-shifter of a mother in the ways of a Scout, Raven would often travel to a nearby settlement to deliver missives & reports from the tribe elders to his father, a Were-Raven Stalker. His father would then provide Raven information to take back to the tribe.
In between acting as messenger, Raven would spend much of his time at inns & taverns, conversing with the settlement's people, learning their culture, as their own tribe lacked much in the way of diversity. Eventually, Raven would meet their fated one - An emerald gem dragonborn by the name of Midesh "Mindbiter" Delmirev - at one such tavern; the most beautiful creation in all of Arda to Raven. After much conversation and many repeated visits over countless months, learning magic with the help of Midesh's understanding of their innate abilities and intellectual mind, Raven revealed their true feelings & was both relieved & excited to know that it was reciprocated.
A month later, after having exchanged personal gifts between each other, Raven's activities were discovered by their father. Having been exposed to their tribe's elders of having broken sacred rites & traditions - bonding with a mate from outside the tribe's races - and refusing to take another spouse, Raven was banished from their homeland to prevent future generations of shapeshifters adapting the same mentality. Upon their banishment, the elder shaman placed a curse on Raven, preventing them from either communicating with or approaching Midesh, directly or indirectly.
6 months later, Raven has continued his studies of the arcane in the hopes of one day either finding, or creating a spell that will rid him of the curse placed upon him, so that he may one day return to his love, all the while drafting maps and keeping a journal of his adventures to eventually share with Midesh, adopting their name as Raven Delmirev.
Events
Woke up from "The Great Sleep" after 300 years had passed.
Came across objects of divinity & necromancy in Owlreach.
"Secured" an artifact in exchange for entry inside the home base of a particularly strong faction.
Met with a dryad in search of her sisters, to which he promised to look for.
Performed a ritual and became a follower of a religion from a far off land.
Saved a unique creature from an unfortunate fate. Brought them back with us to our home.
"Rescued" an informant from an opposing faction.
Went on a large-scale offensive and defeated an imposing threat in an old mansion. Lost an ally in the process.
Solved a murder mystery that led to a crazed cultist. Was unable to take them alive, unfortunately.
Went on a mission to find the potential ring leader of the cult, where ultimately, Raven fell in battle.
Status
While on a mission to rescue some kidnapped citizens, was defeated and eaten alive by a divine messenger/beast of The Hunt sent to kill him by the Fragment Oromne, after a group performed a ritual sacrifice.
Entry Date
As of 03/27/2023.