Players Wanted: 4 more (we already have one player confirmed) Application Deadline: Friday, October 12, 2012 System: Dungeons & Dragons, 4th Edition Setting: Forgotten Realms, 1370
Character Creation:
All characters will be created using the standard character creation rules presented on page 12 of the Player's Handbook, with the following exceptions:
Races: No drow or warforged. Neither of us are big fans of monstrous races, so an application featuring a monstrous race needs to be exceptional to get in.
Background: You may choose one General or Forgotten Realms background benefit. No other background benefits may be used.
Themes: We will not be using themes for this game.
Equipment: One magic item of 4th, 3rd, and 2nd level, as well as 680 gp you can spend in any way you choose.
Allowed Sources: All official content and Dragon Magazine is allowed. I don't own all the material, so I may need to look certain things over.
Holdric wasn't born, he was hewn from the earth like a child of Stoneroot himself. In a fight, he is tough, resilient, and unrelenting, much like the stone from which he was born. Both stubborn and resolute, he refuses to back down no matter the consequences (it is his greatest strength and at the same time his greatest weakness). As a friend, he is as dependable as the sunrise, as everlasting as the mountains. He values friendship not only in this life, but looking forward to his next adventure in the spirit world beyond. He is often seen as a father-figure to other slaves who he brings under his protection. Holdric is also a keeper of traditions looking to keep the old tales of his clan alive by teaching their lessons to those around him.
The aging dwarf has a wild mane of hair that is more gray than its original black color. His full beard, which is intertwined with a pair of thin braids, has turned the same shade of gray and is a source of great pride for him. Holdric stands just over four feet tall with well-muscled arm from countless hours swinging a hammer and pick. His deeply tanned skin is weathered and cracked with age. His ice blue eyes have a welcome warmth to them and he radiates an aura of confidence and conviction.
In better times, he was rarely without a hammer at his side and a stout shield at the ready. But these days, he has had to trade those tools of honor for the layers of filth from working in the mines.
The Stoneborn clan were miners and stone masons in the vast caverns of the East Rift. Holdric came from a long line of clerics that worshipped Moradin, usually at least one per generation. When he came of age and began hearing the calling, an ethereal voice in the back of his mind that assumedwas his clan's patron god leading him to service. It was only during Moradin's ceremonies that the voice in his head held little respect for the dwarven god and that it was something else entirely. The voice finally revealed itself to be the ancient spirit Stoneroot, leading him down a baser, more primal path in tune with the elements around him. He was to be their protector, their shield against the darkness that would despoil the natural balance.
He had hoped to live a peaceful life aiding his clan and guiding them in the ways of the spirit world. Unfortunately, fate intervened and thrust a new path before the dwarf. The clan's miners delved too deep into the earth and broke into an ancient series of tunnels that lead to the dreaded Underdark. Like vermin from the darkness, the drow emerged and wiped the clan off all of Faerun. Most of his kin were killed; better to die with a hammer in your hand and honor in your heart. But a few, like Holdric, were captured and to be used as slaves.
The next few years were a blur of vicious tortures, sunless caverns, and dark magic under the cruel yoke of his drow masters. He was given a small measure of respect, for he was a better, more experienced miner than most of the drow. He also earned the respect of the other slaves by taking beatings when others could not endure more. Holdric organized the slaves and they work more efficiently under his guidance. Although he loathed his cruel captors, it was the best way to keep his fellow slaves from falling under their whip. He longed for a better life, but knew he had to be patient and wait for a sign from the great spirits.
His first goal is to escape captivity. Having already abandoned the possibility that he will ever see sunlight again, he is just looking to escape his captors. He would lead others to freedom, if he could do so without leading them into danger.
Holdric would like some stability in his life. He wants to not only escape but to prosper without the constant despair and madness of the Underdark. This goal might be to establish some sense of community of his own or to find some peace in Sanctuary...assuming that city isn't akin to trading one master for yet another.
Lastly, Holdric looks to help those who cannot help themselves. He has been gifted by the spirits with a strong will and body to accomplish great things and he would be abusing that gift not to use it to its fullest. He would seek to free others who are enslaved and to stamp out corruption so others can also find peace in their lives.
Allies:
Holdric would be well-liked among the slaves. He is a tireless laborer and is looked to as a leader because of his age. He is tough and quick to take punishment for others who may not be able to withstand it. He stands with order and tranquility looking to bring a calmness and peace to his small part of the world.
Enemies:
The drow are cruel and he is not well liked for the modest influence he has over some of the slaves. The drow taskmaster Kelygar has a particular fondness for making Holdric look like a fool. He is also enemy to any who would seek to gain off the misfortunes of others. This would include corrupt politicians or ineffective nobles or petty kings who are out of touch with the sufferings of their people.
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Holdric Stoneborn, level 3
Dwarf, Warden
Build: Earth Warden
Guardian Might Option: Earthstrength
Armor of Resistance +1 Option: Necrotic
Geography - Mountains (+2 to Athletics)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES
STR 18, CON 18, DEX 12, INT 10, WIS 12, CHA 8
STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 16, CON 16, DEX 12, INT 10, WIS 12, CHA 8
ITEMS
Maw of the Guardian Craghammer +1 x1
Heavy Shield x1
Hide Armor of Resistance +1 x1
Moradin's Blessing of Iron (level 3)
Cloak of Resistance +1 x1
====== End ======
I've not enjoyed reading them, they make mine seem as exciting as the boring bits of the cereal box ... "must learn to write better"
They are awesome, and once again a game is guaranteed to be a success with the imaginations and work which has gone into the characters on here ... good luck all
I'm gonna call my app done (Eberk, Dwarf Fighter). I'll probably add some fluff and a link to the character sheet at a later date. With my Eagle Scout project this weekend, I don't have the time to make huge changes so if I do add anything it will be within the last few days before this add closes.