KarthaRRinari

D&D Founded Story Starter - A Path to Vengeance

((Another medieval D&D inspired RP following 3.5e. Like my D&D Founded Story Starter - A Path to Darkness I am looking to keep this as a small group; no more than three. The general concept involves a character of mine from many, many years ago named Taliman Lothloerian. He is a half-elven half-green dragon male sorcerer who eventually manages to bankrupt an entire kingdom (stole about 25,000 platinum) through prestoing a huge pile of stones into gemstones and selling them all to the major banking build in the kingdom. Afterward, he fled and traveled across the sea to another kingdom ruled by an ancient green dragon. During his time in the city, he 'freed' two slaves and saved a third citizen from losing his remaining hand for theft of food. The original three were a half-orc barbarian, a kenku rogue, and a wood elf ranger. If you like, you can claim one of these characters and mold them yourself or create someone new. The general gist involves your character being saved or freed from servitude in some manner by Taliman and going on to become one of his initial personal guards as he takes up the mantel of an agent for the ancient dragon. Message me with questions!))

World

Name: Alath'zor
Origin: Unknown
Populated Races: All
Global Population: Over Two Billion
Religion: Varied Pantheons
Global Progress Level: Between the Middle Ages and the Age of Reason (dandwiki.com/wiki/MSRD:Progress_Level…)

Global Description
Alath'zor is divided into two continents. The western continent is known by the majority of its populace as The United Empire, though its kingdoms for the past few hundred years have put such a title to shame. The Eastern continent is known as Wer Thaczil Di Zezhuanth Iejir, better known as, translated into the common tongue from Draconic, The Land of Ancient Blood. Between the two continents is vast and open sea approximately the size of two Pacific Oceans. In the other direction, the sea is as vast as the single Pacific Ocean.

Global Economy

Cross-continent trade is highly valued as the Eastern continent posses vastly superior resources in both quantity and quality. However, the cost of such valuables on the Western continent is nearly three times the standard value. A longsword, while priced at 9 gold 9 silver 9 copper for steel on the Eastern continent, costs 29 gold 9 silver 7 copper in the West. A recent economical attack on the kingdom of Zaer'azhul, the core economic support system for the West, by an unknown assailant has caused great unrest resulting in a dynamic shift in costs. Items, materials, equipment, food, and all goods have risen in value in the West by another fifty percent (approximate); thus a longsword is valued at 44 gold 9 silver 9 copper.

Note: If referencing 3.5e equipment and material tables for cost, multiply by sixty-six percent to generate the standard costs for the Eastern continent. For the Western continent, take that number and multiply by 4.5. (i.e. 3.5e values a longsword at 15 gold. 15 x 66% = 9.99 = 9 gold 9 silver 9 copper (Eastern Continent Value). For the West, 9.99 x 4.5 = 44.995 = 44 gold 9 silver 9 copper (Western Continent Value) A dagger is 2 gold. 2 x 66% = 1.32 = 1 gold 5 silver 2 copper (ECV) 1.32 x 4.5 = 5.94 = 5 gold 9 silver 4 copper (WCV). This is a general idea of the current economy.

Kingdoms of Note

Zaer'azhul: The primary economic infrastructure for the Western Continent. Zaer'azhul is also known for its anti-magic laws and hatred for the arcane. The kingdom is very religious, and even makes a firm stand against any technological developments. Oddly enough, this kingdom is not coastal and possesses no docks for cross-continental trade. They pride themselves on their own mines, farms, and other resources versus importing exotic goods. Their political agenda to ride all of the West of arcane arose over two hundred years ago due to a conglomerate of Red Wizards who banded together in an effort to dominate the entire West. With the success of their downfall, Zaer'azhul fell into extremist upheaval. Seeing the danger of the arcane, they enacted laws to ride their kingdom of all sources. Hundreds of thousands of refugees poured into the surrounding kingdoms as arcane artifacts were destroyed during a great purge. However, the other kingdoms made a stand against their desire to enact this purge across the entire West. An agreement as brokered where the surrounding kingdoms would act to contain and restrain arcane citizens from ever entering Zaer'azhul. In exchange, Zaer'azhul would maintain its laws within its own borders.

Vaera'dhun: Another kingdom in the West, one which prides itself on its diplomacy and ability to intermediate cross-kingdom tensions in the West. seven-hundred and fifty years ago, representatives of Vaera'dhun were responsible for the creation of a united effort throughout the West to ensure peace across all the kingdoms. However, with the rise of the anti-magic laws over two hundred years ago, efforts to maintain peace have been strained nearly beyond Vaera'dhun's abilities to control. With the more recent economic crash in Zaer'azhul, tensions have risen to a boiling point and the West stands on the edge of a blade.

Achuak Iejir: The primary kingdom in the East, Achuak Iejir has been ruled by an ancient green dragon for nearly four-thousand years. Many of his descendants have spread far and wide, attempting to divide the great kingdom of the mighty serpent, but to no avail. The three adjoining kingdoms are vastly smaller in size and are ruled by his offspring; their existence tolerated by his mercy alone. For their continued exploration of the Eastern continent, they are permitted to exist so that the costs of their explorations are not imposed upon Achuak Iejir. A fine capital agreement to be certain. Who knows what will happen once the entire Eastern continent is explored. With the recent economic attack by Achuak Iejir primary rival in the West, Achuak Iejir has already begun working to dominate the global economy by raising the value of its cross-continental goods drastically. The great serpent seeks to establish himself as the overlord of the economy and, perhaps in time, bring all kingdoms to heel under his banner. Attempts to slay the serpent have been few and far between, with the closest recalled as a spear which fell fifty feet short of his serpents nearly impenetrable hide. Some rumors suggest the assailant still suffers to this day...somewhere.

((more progress coming...)

Initial Story Introduction Concept (will enhance for the actual RP thread)

The air of the port city carries the scent of a fresh sea breeze. The sun bears down from the west across the dunes of a distant Sandscape. The great port city of Allora bustles with merchants, slavers, commoners of every trade, and more personages of interest. A ship freshly docked is unloaded by a mixture of races both from across the sea and citizens of the great city. An Elven looking man of moderate wealth by his guise and wardrobe departs from the ship heading well into the city through the core road along the merchant's path. Stalls are riddled with goods from fine cloth to exotic food. This man flows through the streets as if unmoved by the bantering calls of tradesmen and merchants. The slightly pointed arch of his ears twitches by the calls of a slave or at a betting market. He approaches, with obvious disgust born in his eyes and expression. It is unknown if he is disgusted by the slaves or the slavers, by the culture or the intolerance, or by some other unknown presence. As you stand in the chains of indentured servitude and wait to be auctioned off for some vile purpose or position of service, you catch the eyes of this nearly elven man.

A Path to Darkness

The thunderous crashing of the waves against the ship hurl it with a wrenching tilt to one side almost as if to bring the great vessel to topple. Yet, as it tilts, another massive wave surges from the other direction and slams into the hull hurling it back into balance. Surges of water rush down the stairs once more coupled with the persistent torrential rain managing to pierce through the opening from the deck of the ship into the bowls of its lower levels. The water rushes between the boots of this man, this figurine in the dark, whose white flesh stands out as the very light of the thunder itself. His dark eyes glance around the room with his left leather gloved hand nestled in an idle position upon the hilt of his sword.

In the moments of observation by those within the room, he turns his head back toward the stair with the rising of screams and hollers. Men of the crew previously slumbering below per orders from their Captain are seen rushing past behind him and up the slick, water drenched stairs heading up to help with the challenges of the storm. The hull itself wretches as if coming apart against the crashing waters. The thick wood groans as if in pain; as if desiring an end to its own miserable torment. The man turns his head back upon hearing the words of those within the room. His lips remain stern and solid; narrowed with no emotional state to express.

"You may wish to obtain your valuables and quickly. More resides within the depths of this storm than mere wind and rain." He comments as if somehow aware of an unknowable threat to the vessel. Suddenly, another boom reaches through the air, but no flash is coupled with this resounding echo. A great crack is heard from above as if a tree has been harshly shattered. More screams and yells rise into the air as the crew calls out in fear and panic. 'Pirates off the aft! Man the guns!' A figure of authority cries out before a sudden explosion of wood rips through the hull of the very room in which the group is residing.

The figure of a man, previously seen as stern and formidable in the doorway, is thrown to the side from the explosion as the air is ridden with splinters and shrapnel from the blast. The assault had streaked straight through the hull of the ship through the room and beyond leaving a gaping hole in both walls. The torrential rain spears through the opening immediately after penetration by the assaulting cannon ball. The man in his fine armor and intimidating garb rests against the far wall, half delved in water with blood upon one side of his face. Despite this, he clambers quickly from his position in a tilting manner, grasping at a chain dangling from the ceiling with the remnants of a lamp now dimmed to darkness by the swift air of the attack and the water of the rain.

"Quickly!" He shouts toward the others in whatever state they may now reside after the attack. "We must get topside!"

A Path to Darkness

Haha! I’ll be making the next posting tonight.

A Path to Darkness

I always leaned toward this image as a close reflection of how he looks in mortal form, though his hair is black rather than white.

Name: Kartha Rolein Rinari
Alias: Kar
Age: Upper 20's
Gender: Male
Species: Human
Class: Cleric/Dread Necromancer...(a conglomeration of various associated classes)

Appearance: Kartha appears as a young human male when taking on a more mortal form. This is, of course, more of a facade showing his much younger self during the early years before he became a deity. In this form, he has long flowing black hair as straight as a board with greyish skin. He is most often seen in studded leather armor with the studs being a mixture of adamantine and mithril. He carries a long sword at his side and often has a rather musketeer style half-cape or a leather long coat. His clothing is always a mixture of dark leathers, fitting his theme as a deity of the undead.

Personality:
Kartha is clever, intelligent, and masterful in both word and tactic. He is not often egocentric but will put others in their place when pushed. As a mortal, this can sometimes come through when his interests or goals are either contradicted or interrupted. He envisions himself as one with a glorious plan to spread the beauty and eternal serenity of death to all that lives. Quite befitting a dark creature of divinity.

Motivation:
Kartha has always possessed an interest in the philosophies of others and finds them challenging. He keeps himself entertained by seeking ways to manipulate those philosophies into a corrupted perspective. Nothing gives him more pleasure than to see a creature pure of heart find the truth of the grave.

History:
Kartha was born to...someone, not of the land within which he grew up. The truth of his origins was never discovered. He was an orphan in a small village serving as a farming source of a local Lord. Through this Lord, the village served the great Warlord Oriaki Shokugan. Oriaki was known well for his ruthless nature and tyrannical form of rule. As a young boy, Kartha often found himself exposed to the cruelties of the Shokugan warriors; samurai of the clan who served their warlord for riches and position.

On one fateful night, Kartha's village was raided and burned. The other orphans he called friends were murdered before his eyes. He fled and managed to secure safety within a local religious order. Here he would find safety as Oriaki was very superstitious and dared not harm any religious establishment. Kartha found himself filled with rage but managed to use the teachings of the elders to temper this rage with patience. In time, Kartha grew into a man of great power and wisdom.

Nearing adulthood, the elders of the sect began to fear Kartha and his abilities. They feared his intellect and ability to manipulate others. In their own fear, a great plot was set in motion to have Kartha eliminated. However, Kartha was already ahead of such concepts. He planned and proceeded with a ritual through which he summoned death itself. Upon Death's arrival, Kartha began to bargain. The result of this exchange ensured Kartha's immortality, under one condition.

Kartha was granted an Orb. Black and filled with the powers of death. If Kartha should be slain, his soul would meld into the orb and after a weeks time, he would be reincarnated. However, if the orb should ever be destroyed while Kartha lay within its confines, Death would claim his soul for eternity. Using the powers of this orb, Kartha survived the elder's attempt to kill him and began a campaign which, after a few years, resulted in the complete domination of his homeland.

The great Warlord Oriaki himself fell by Kartha's hands and became an undead servant, as did many of his warriors. Eventually, after many more years, Kartha's power grew to the point of divinity. He used his divine might to re-craft his world into a new domain where all that was dead became normal and all that was living became a pestilence. Some positions of good managed to remain within his domain; a chain of islands bearing a brood of ancient gold dragons persisted and warred against him to return the world to its former state. However, they have never earned more than a stalemate against his eternal armies.

Equipment:
- Adamantine and Mithril studded leather armor
- Masterwork Longsword
- A satchel of standard gear and supplies
- A pouch riddled with platinum, gold, and silver coins

Weakness:
Good-Aligned Spells: Holy spells of a good-aligned deity can cause him discomfort. A passing cleric or paladin is merely an annoyance as flies at dinner.
Good-Aligned Religious Establishments: Should the power of a deity's attention be directed toward him, this will cause quite a different reaction than a passing priest or paladin. In cases where they deity bears more rank than he, he will easily be driven back.
Unwavering Beliefs: Kartha truly believes that anyone can be convinced to see the truth of death, no matter their philosophies or perspectives. Failure to secure their...transition to this truth may cause him great aggravation.

Relationships:
Unknown

D&D Founded Story Starter - A Path to Darkness

Is this gonna be like Ravenloft? How about a half orc slayer? Slayer is Pathfinder class like a fighter with sneak attack

@7achary

No, this will not be like Ravenloft. I pull my concepts from 3.5e. I never moved into 4.0 or 5e; didn't care for either personally. I've also never played in the Pathfinder universe, but I am not against anything from those sources! :)

A Path to Darkness

I think I am going to let her grow into the full blown sorceress.

@Meleck

Sorcerer was always my favorite class; I have one character who took on the draconic heritage and he was awesome. My references are 3.5e though. I never got into 4.0 or 5e.

Have another person working on a character and waiting on the initial post of one of our original three players.

A Path to Darkness

Going to work on that post right now :) Hopefully my Tiefling is up to par LOL

@Soulstrifer

Haha, perfect! I like the Tiefling. Read the character bio. Looking forward to this!

Both characters are very well done and thought out. This is going to be fun!

A Path to Darkness

Okay, I’d like some input.

Most of the forms talk about the thief/sorcerer combination as something hard to play. I suspect that it is due to mechanics.

I am wondering if I should have her as a Magic Initiate (feat) and later pickup the ritual caster. The dmg talks about feats being able to be given out by deities as rewards instead of treasure.

That would let her focus on being primarily a thief.

@Meleck

This can be explored as the story progresses, sure. I played a rogue/sorcerer before, though I played it with rogue/sorcerer/warmage for some more combat oriented abilities.

D&D Founded Story Starter - A Path to Darkness

Thread created!

roleplayerguild.com/posts/4920235

D&D Founded Story Starter - A Path to Darkness

Im thinking about either playing a Druid or barbarian right now. I had thought my tiefling rogue but i'll happily use my druid instead and or make a barbarian or warlock :D . I suppose it'll depend on what others choose! Gotta love a balanced Party

@Soulstrifer

I quite agree! I think a druid or barbarian would work wonderfully. A barbarian would seek the opportunity to travel to a new continent as a challenge or adventure, and I am sure a druid would find interest in seeking new forests and natural remedies. However you wish to conceptualize, I think either would work great!