[5e] Carrion Crown: The Haunting of Harrowstone

[Xurtan]

CARRION CROWN
THE HAUNTING OF HARROWSTONE

Foreword

Tales are told throughout Golarion of shadowy figures that lurk in dark corners--stories recounted at children's bedsides feature bestial creatures that come out only when the moon is right, and fireside legends speak of otherworldly beings beyond reckoning, whose very existence is more than the human mind can bear to know. These are the legends that explain where the blood of the family cow went, and why clerics spend so much time ensuring the proper Pharasmin rites are observed at gravesites through the Inner Sea. One can write them off as simple, scary stories in Absalom or Westcrown, but in Ustalav, everyone knows the truth of the things that go bump in the night.

In the Carrion Crown Adventure Path, the horrors of the night become undeniably real as the PCs undertake a journey that will decide the future of a nation. Your journey begins in Ustalav, though you need not have originated from the country. From its traumatic history to its superstitious citizens, who struggle to eke out a living while holding back the darkness, you will find much and more here... should you survive it.


Ustalav

The Immortal Principality of Ustalav lies on the northern shore of Lake Encarthan, a grim bastion of civilization amid the barbarian north, where a harsh landscape and a history rich in tragedies inspire a wary population with skepticism, religious devotion, and superstition. A conglomeration of loosely affiliated counties, each run by feuding nobles vying for power and influence, Ustalav is a pitiful shell of its former glory, before it was subjugated to centuries of slavery at the hands of the Whispering Tyrant's undead armies. While the nation's upper classes struggle to compete with the very nations that abandoned them to fend for themselves after the Whispering Tyrant's defeat, the average Ustalavic citizen has it much worse.

Hundreds of years of subjugation and the residual horrors that plague the countryside have left the people of Ustalav suspicious of magic, religion, foreigners, and their fellow citizens. Beyond their eccentric and insular qualities, Ustalavs often have a dour worldview. They resign themselves to lives of suffering, seeing nothing in their people's history to suggest there is any hope for a better life. Despite the physical and psychological strain upon its populace, Ustalv nevertheless fosters extremely hardy and tenacious stock: men and women who firmly believe that no matter how bad it gets, history shows it could always be worse.

Although Ustalav has little to offer its rural peasants, inhabitants of its many metropolitan cities fare somewhat better, and the centers of learning and culture they provide draw trade and travelers from throughout the Inner Sea region. The capital, Caliphas, stands on the banks of Lake Encarthan, and its fog-shrouded streets host some of the nation's most esteemed centers of trade and academia. In the north, the city of Karcau boasts a thriving culture of music, theater, and other fine arts, and its opulent architecture rivals the excess of even the most exotic Taldan palace. Meanwhile, Ustalav's northwestern counties have broken from aristocratic rule and formed their own local, democratic government without nobles, calling themselves the Palatinates and providing a glimmer of hope for the downtrodden people of provincial Ustalav.

It is here, in the Immortal Principality, that the Carrion Crown Adventure Path takes place. As internally varies as a nation can be, Ustalav is your new home, and the possibilities for fame, fortune, and influence are as thick as the fog that creeps across the windy moors at night.


Overview

The Haunting of Harrowstone is the first book in the Carrion Crown Adventure Path, and the story I will be running. It is an adventure for first level characters newly arrived in the sleepy village of Ravenegro, your characters having been summoned for the funeral of the recently deceased Professor Petros Lorrimor, famed scholar, explorer, and teacher. The book will take you to fourth level and should this end up going well we will look into running the second book, possibly continuing through the campaign itself, taking you from simple pallbearer to the potential savior of the nation.

To those unfamiliar with it, this is a story with a fair bit of darkness to it. It is what many would call Gothic horror and all the trappings that come with such a genre are bound to be included. Be warned. 


FAQ

Q: I thought Carrion Crown was a Pathfinder campaign?
A: It is! In this case, the first book has been lovingly converted to 5e.

Q: So this is a system game?
A: Yes. We will be using 5e, and all rolls through will saved through Elliquiy's own dice roller.

Q: Will we be running the other books within the campaign?
A: Possibly! Let's get through the first book and see how everyone feels.

Q: What level does the campaign start at?
A: First level.

Q: What about equipment?
A: Your class equipment + anything your background gives you. If you'd like, you may roll once on the base trinket list.

Q: How are attributes decided?
A: 27 Point Buy or Standard Array.

Q: Can I use...?
A: Anything from the PhB and Xanathar's is open to use. If there is something you'd like in another officially published book, we'll discuss it. Third party content is disallowed.

Q: Is this going to have a sex focus?
A: No. However this is still Elliquiy and it might crop up between characters or, in specific instances, NPCs or monsters. In the latter it will primarily be used to put emphasis on the Gothic horror aspect, and is never going to be frequent.

Q: What is this game about, then?
A: Storytelling. It's about exploration and investigation, diplomacy, trust, morality, death, loyalty, and how far you're willing to go to do the right thing.

Q: Will there be combat?
A: Yes, likely a decent bit of it due to the nature of both the game and the setting but it is not intended to be all you experience. This game is meant to have a nice mix of all of the pillars.

Q: How will leveling up work?
A: We'll be using milestones, and you can expect to be level four by the end of the book.

Q: Do I need any knowledge about the setting?
A: No! In fact I prefer you didn't. The campaign books are strictly off limits to players in order to maintain a sense of surprise in regards to the events. However, you may reference the lore parts of the Carrion Crown Player's Guide to aid in making your background. We will not be using the mechanical aspects in the book.

Q: How many characters will you be accepting?
A: Five. It will not be based on first come, first serve, so keep submitting applications!

Q: Which section of the forums will be this be in?
A: Extreme Small Group.

Q: Will we be using face claims?
A: Due to the fantastical nature of the game we will be using artwork for characters, ideally in a more 'realism' or 'high quality' manner--not anime or cartoony. Let me know if you want examples or have problems finding one.


Rules

• No drama. Seriously. If you have a problem, bring it to me. We are all adults here and able to separate character drama from player drama.
• In keeping with E's rules, characters must be 18 years of age or older.
• The game is all inclusive so if you would like to play a gay, bi, straight, trans or other form of character you may, regardless of your gender as a writer.
• DM posts will be made every five days. If you have not posted a character action within that period, your character will be moved for you.
• If you know you will be absent, please communicate with me and we will work something out.
• Don't control the actions of anyone else. Worry about your own character. IE, don’t godmode.
• Post length is flexible, and by its nature of being a 5e game likely shorter than many people are used to, but try to give people room to react to things without also skipping forward.
• Posts should be made in third person, past tense. Please take into account spelling and grammar.
• Assume RAW, but please don't force me to react to really cheesy builds. 5e has few of them, and the ones that exist are blatant.
• If a rule comes into question, I will make a decision on it and we will move on. I will try to be as fair as possible, but merely by its nature D&D sometimes requires calls to be made.
• Don't look at the campaign books, wikis, forums, or anything else in order to spoil the story for yourself or others.

Still with me? Excellent! If you have any questions about the setting, the system, or literally anything please do feel free to get in touch with me. I look forward to hearing from you, and ultimately this is a game about cooperative storytelling; not a competition. We're here to have fun and explore this world with each other. Thank you so much for your interest, even if it doesn't end up being the game for you.

You may take advantage of the character sheet below or create your own, just make sure it has any relevant information on it including all modifiers, equipment, and traits.

Character Sheet

Code Select Expand

[float=left][img height=450 padding=10]https://media.moddb.com/images/engines/1/1/984/img-placeholder.3.jpg[/img][/float][font=georgia][size=14pt][b]N[/b][/size]ame[/font]

Class:
Alignment:
Race:
Background:
Height:
Weight:
Age:

[spoiler=Background]Please provide a description of your background here. Primarily of import is how exactly you know the good professor, as well as a mention of anything of note your character has in their background--keeping in mind that you are starting at first level.[/spoiler][spoiler=Appearance]Please provide a description of your appearance here. How does your character look, how do they dress? What is their general body language?[/spoiler][spoiler=Personality]Please provide a description of your personality here. Is your character vain and arrogant, kind and mischievous, solemn and quiet? What are the notable traits that tend to stand out to people?[/spoiler]
[hr]
[spoiler=Ability Scores]Strength:
Dexterity:
Constitution:
Intelligence:
Wisdom:
Charisma:
[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Defenses]Hit Points:
Armor Class:
Saving Throws: Strength: , Dexterity: , Constitution: , Intelligence: , Wisdom: , Charisma:
Initiative:
Speed:
Size:
[/spoiler]
[hr]
[spoiler=Skills]Acrobatics:
Animal Handling:
Arcana:
Athletics:
Deception:
History:
Insight:
Intimidation:
Investigation:
Medicine:
Nature:
Perception:
Performance:
Persuasion:
Religion:
Sleight of Hand:
Stealth:
Survival: [/spoiler]
[spoiler=Languages]Common[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Proficiencies]Armor:
Weapons:
Tools:
Saving Throws:
Skills: [/spoiler]
[hr]
[spoiler=Features]Please list any racial, class, or background traits and features here (including any attribute bonuses).[/spoiler]
[hr]
[spoiler=Equipment]Please list what you are wearing, what you own, and where it happens to be on your person. Weight will be kept track of.

Worn:

Backpack:

Total Weight:
[/spoiler]

[hr]
[spoiler=Notes]Anything relevant, particularly about yourself as a writer or that you want to mention about your character that would not have fit elsewhere upon the sheet.[/spoiler]
[/spoiler]

[Intimate Ink]

Interest and intent!

[RedPhoenix]

Potentially interested, will have to weigh whether I have the free time - but question, is this part of any published setting? If not, what are the gods/deities?

[Arcanist]

Definately interested

[Xurtan]

Potentially interested, will have to weigh whether I have the free time - but question, is this part of any published setting? If not, what are the gods/deities?

It is part of what would be the Inner Sea setting. https://pathfinderwiki.com/wiki/Deity is more or less accurate, with some being more prevalent. We're essentially on the planet Golarion, in the Inner Sea region, which is the continent Avistan as well as the northernmost part of the continent Garund, in the region of Ustalav. In regards to Ustalav particularly, the worship of Pharasma, Desna, and Urgathoa are all common in the region--however, PCs need not be from Ustalav, or stick to those specific deities if they are.

Definately interested

Interest and intent!

Glad to see interest! Let me know if either of you have any questions. 

[RedPhoenix]

Okay cool, was thinking of a cleric so will go through that list and see what I can make. =)

[Thorne]

Tempted. I still want to see what 5e can do.

[Ershin]

Very tempted, for some reason I can't help but think of a Celestial pact Warlock (or some kind of paladin, truth be told I'm wavering between the two with the former being my first choice) with the empyreal lord Andoletta acting as their patron. 

[RedPhoenix]

I'm sorry if this is somewhere right in front of my face but is this point buy or standard array for stats?

[Xurtan]

Okay cool, was thinking of a cleric so will go through that list and see what I can make. =)

Clerics are always useful, particularly in 5e.


Cleric

Nomadic Varisians worship Desna almost exclusively, while most common Ustalavs respect her but pay their truest homage to Pharasma. The Lady of Graves' faith is particularly strong throughout the nation and has taken on an insular, fatalistic bent seen few other places. Many of her followers believe that they are fated to experience bad things and that their role is to endure and thus to achieve a fair judgment by their goddess upon their death. Professor Lorrimor was himself more interested in the pursuit of knowledge than matters of faith, but frequently met with religious scholars throughout the Inner Sea, and always took a healer or two on his many archaeological expeditions.

While clerics of any faith may find themselves summoned to Ravengro, priests of Desna, Iomedae, and Pharasma may find they have the closest ties to the events of the Adventure Path.


Obviously, go with what sounds the most interesting to you. I'm not restricting based on faith. But that at least gives you a potential idea of what faiths you're likely to most run into, if nothing else.

Tempted. I still want to see what 5e can do.

5e definitely has its place, I feel. It is neither as crunch heavy as 3.x/PF, nor as original as 4e. It's a bit of a take back to their roots in style, with an almost emphasis on vagueness so that players and DMs can push things their own direction. There are a lot of cases where 'Can I do...?' might come up, and I encourage people to be creative. As long as it has some sort of logical basis I'll likely allow it or ask for a roll.

Very tempted, for some reason I can't help but think of a Celestial pact Warlock (or some kind of paladin, truth be told I'm wavering between the two with the former being my first choice) with the empyreal lord Andoletta acting as their patron. 

Either could be quite fun, I'll admit. :) As far as local lore on the two...


Paladin

Few locations in Golarion are as in need of paladins as Ustalav. Whether one sets out to vanquish evil and eliminate any remnant of the Whispering Tyrant's long reign or to heal and bolster the downtrodden Ustalavic citizens weary of their years of suffering, there's never a shortage of good to be done in the Immortal Principality. Non-native paladins frequently serve Iomedae and hail from Lastwall, though holy warriors of Sarenrae are also somewhat common. In his innumerable explorations, Professor Lorrimor uncovered several holy relics and was often accompanied by paladins of the aforementioned churches. He also had the opportunity to meet paladins while visiting religious archies throughout Golarion.


Warlock

Suspicion and superstition are rampant in Ustalav, and warlocks often face the worst of both. Seen as cavorting with strange and evil forces, warlocks typically have a difficult time existing within Ustalavic society. Those few warlocks who do live in the region are often hermits living alone in the wilderness or cloistered academics who rarely venture from their libraries into public. Given the nation's varied, unspoiled wilderness and nearness to the even denser wilds of the north, many warlocks in this region tap into the weird powers of the First World, calling forth powers akin to the fey from that infinite potentiality. Alternatively, strange dreamers reach out across the gulfs of space and the planes to command unnameable beings, garnering their service, but perhaps also the scrutiny of other unknown entities. Professor Lorrimor was known to hold a number of warlocks in high regard, men and women he consulted on planar matters, and who in turn approached him with particularly vexing questions of their own.

I'm sorry if this is somewhere right in front of my face but is this point buy or standard array for stats?

27 Point Buy or Standard Array. I'll edit the FAQ to make sure that's mentioned. :)

[Aethyrium]

Local lore on Sorcerer please. For thee, I have the most fun of concepts!

[Xurtan]

Local lore on Sorcerer please. For thee, I have the most fun of concepts!

Always glad for more interest!

Sorcerers

The arcane scars on the land of Ustalav run deep, etched into the very fabric of the nation from centuries of rule by the Whispering Tyrant and his undead armies. As such, it isn't uncommon for children born in the Immortal Principality to develop inherent spellcasting abilities as they mature. Near Virlych, where the Whispering Tyrant remains locked in his prison of Gallowspire, sorcerers often have an affinity for the undead, while the ancient Kellid ruins of Versex and Vieland are often blamed when sorcerers in the county manifest aberrant powers. Elsewhere in Ustalav, sorcerers exhibit signs of celestial influence, perhaps a residual effect of the forces of good that battled the Whispering Tyrant in the Shining Crusade. Many sorcerers manifesting these and other bloodlines travel to Ustalav to plumb its ancient arcane mysteries for some idea of their own origins, and for many years Professor Lorrimor was one of the most sought after experts on the subject.

[RedPhoenix]

Joanna Fielder

Class/Level:  1st Level Cleric, War Domain
Background:  Folk Hero
Race:  Human (Variant)
Alignment:  Neutral Good



Age: 18
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 165 lbs.
Eyes: Blue
Skin: Fair
Hair: Blonde



Stats

Armor Class: 18
Initiative: -1
Speed: 30'
Passive Perception: 13
Hit Point Maximum: 10
Hit Dice: 1d8
Proficiency Bonus: +2

Attributes

Str: 16 (+3) Dex: 8 (-1) Con: 14 (+2) Int: 8 (-1) Wis: 16 (+3) Cha: 10 (0)

Saving Throws

Proficiencies: Wisdom, Charisma

Str: +3  Dex: -1  Con: +2  Int: -1  Wis: +5 Cha: +2

Skills

Proficiencies: Athletics, Animal Handling, Medicine, Religion, Survival 

Acrobatics (Dex): -1 Animal Handling (Wis): +5 Arcana (Int): -1 Athletics (Str): +5 Deception (Cha): 0 History (Int): -1 Insight (Wis): +3 Intimidation (Cha): 0 Investigation (Int): -1 Medicine (Wis): +5 Nature (Int): -1 Perception (Wis): +3 Performance (Cha): 0 Persuasion (Cha): 0 Religion (Int): +1 Sleight of Hand (Dex): -1 Stealth (Dex): -1 Survival (Wis): +5

Stealth at disadvantage while in Chain Mail



Languages:  Common, Halfling
Weapon Proficiences:  Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons
Armor Proficiencies:  All armor, Shields
Toolkits: Cook's Utensils, Vehicles (Land)

Features and Traits:

Rustic Hospitality (Background): You can find a place to hide, rest, or recuperate among other commoners unless you have shown yourself to be a danger to them. They will shield you from the law or anyone else searching for you, though they will not risk their lives for you.
 
War Caster (Feat):
- You have advantage on CON saves for concentration
- You can perform the somatic components of spells with a weapon or shield in your hands
- When a hostile creature provokes an opportunity attack you can use your reaction to cast a spell at the creature, the spell must have a casting time of 1 action and target only that creature

Spellcasting:
- Prepare spells equal to WIS+Cleric Level (4)
- Recharge on Long Rest
- Can Ritual Cast Cleric Spells

War Priest: When you take the attack action, you can attack with a melee weapon as a bonus action. Uses equal to WIS (3), recharges on long rest.




Spells

Spellcasting Ability: WIS
Spell Save DC:  13
Spell Attack Bonus: +5
Levels/Slots:
1st: 2/2

Cantrips:: Guidance, Sacred Flame, Spare the Dying

Prepared Spells:  (typically)
1st: Bless, Cure Wounds, Guiding Bolt, Sanctuary

War Domain Spells: (always prepared)
1st: Divine Favor, Shield of Faith




Attacks/Spellcasting:

Warhammer: +5 to hit, 1d8+3 damage (1d10+3 two handed)

Light Crossbow: +1 to hit, 1d8-1 damage, ammunition, 80/320, loading, two-handed

Guiding Bolt: 120', 1 Action, +5 to hit, 4d6 radiant damage, next attack before end of your next turn against this creature has advantage

Sacred Flame: 60', 1 Action, Target makes DEX save or takes 1d8 radiant damage, no benefit from cover



Equipment:

Common Clothes
Chain Mail
Shield (Holy Symbol)

Warhammer
Light Crossbow w/20 bolts

Explorer's Pack
Cook's Utensils
Shovel
Iron Pot

10gp




History:

The oldest of seven children, Joanna is a farmgirl from an isolated rural area, her family farm constantly fighting with the local forest for space. Joanna did everything you might expect around a farm and then some. Her younger siblings teased her for being a terrible shot with a sling or a bow, but she never really took any offense to it - it was true after all. She acquired growing up the sort of folk wisdom found in those that may not be able to tell you what a berry is called, how it grows, or how it features in works of literature, but can definitely tell you if you should eat it or not.

Half a year ago or so, during a season when the forest creatures had taken a liking to their crops and needed to be scared off frequently it fell on Joanna to do the job as her mother was hugely pregnant again and her father had injured his back. Being the oldest it was her job and she didn't complain. She built a small treehouse in one of the tall maples overlooking their fields and made a little lookout post of it, hiding there to scare off the creatures that would emerge from the woods.

One stormy night she was huddling in her shelter, hoping the roof held out, when she heard a shout of pain and a battle. A fight spilled out from the woods, armed men and women combating some sort of monstrous creatures. Joanna leaped down from her perch and joined in, using her pitchfork as best she could. Remarkably she was able to turn the very narrow tide and ushered the beaten and bruised men and women into the barn for food and warmth.

One of the adventurers was impressed with Joanna and asked if she was looking for a job. Joanna had never thought about leaving the farm before, but when the man offered her father more gold than the family had seen in years for her services the decision was practically made for her. Joanna traveled as his apprentice, learning the ways of Iomedae and was a bit surprised to find the goddess returned her attention.

A few months after her apprenticeship began, it came to a rather violent end. In a small little farming community not so far from where she grew up, a group of bandits decided to make an example of the do-gooders who were interfering with their criminal enterprise. The party was attacked in the small town tavern, and a bloody desperate battle commenced. At the end of it all, somehow, Joanna was the only fighter left alive, barely holding on as she leaned against the bar for support. Every one of her companions and the bandits and several innocent bystanders lay dead. The story spread like wildfire of the young girl who was the only one to survive the bloodbath, sheltering the few innocents she could as they cowered behind the bar. A bit shocked, for many reasons, Joanna enjoyed a few weeks of being tended to as news spread through travelers while she recovered her strength.

One of the travelers in the tavern when the fight broke out was a student of the famed Professor Petros Lorrimor. She was carrying several relics that had been dug up which, of some value, would likely have been stolen away if the bandits had succeeded - sold and lost to history as beyond their small value in gold the value in knowledge was priceless. The bandits had made it clear as the fight intensified that they would kill everyone there who did not aid them, and Joanna saved the student's life as the girl cowered behind the bar with the other survivors in fear of what might come. This student helped to tend to Joanna's wounds afterwards and said she would take news of what had occurred back to her Professor, although Joanna didn't think much more of it at the time.

A few weeks later she received another important visitor, a higher ranked battle cleric who informed her that the estate of Professor Petros Lorrimor had, surprising everyone, requested her to be present at the reading of his will. Joanna listened with wide, unbelieving eyes as she was told the Church of Iomedae had accepted on her behalf and that she was going, no ifs ands or buts. But she would not be going into battle with her apprentice's gear. The battle cleric provided her with armor, weapons, and all she would need for the trip. Still not believing that this was real, Joanna hitched a ride in a friendly wagon in exchange for working her way up north, and now travels to see what Iomedae has in store for her.

Personality:

Joanna is straightforward, simple, down to earth, and tireless. She doesn't complain or gripe and considers very little beneath her. She has a very genuine smile that tends to light up the room when it comes out, and takes joy in very simple things - folk songs, folk dances, folk tales, really anything starting with folk.

She is about the least fussy person in the world, having grown up doing farm work and helping to raise six younger siblings, she is, if anything, uncomfortable when being pampered moreso than when getting her hands dirty. She is a bit self-conscious about being lower class, but it only comes out around the especially well off or noble. She also has become aware in her travels that a lot of folks have much more call for book learning than she does and her lack of any real knowledge about the world can make her come off like a bumpkin. She tries to keep her mouth shut when this feeling comes up.

Still getting used to the idea that she is an adventurer, Joanna can be a bit timid speaking her mind when she disagrees with the consensus opinion. She has a very rural sense of manners, especially when it comes to being rude to hosts or guests. She believes in fighting fair and doing what she can to make up afterwards. She has an inherent distrust of 'city folk,' the more citier the less trustier.

Joanna just assumes she'll marry a man and have a ton of babies with him someday. She hasn't really ever thought to consider whether this is something she actually wants or will enjoy. She also figures it will be near where she grew up and she'll go back there when Iomedae doesn't need her anymore. She gets very homesick, but tries not to show it.

[Intimate Ink]

Just as an fyi so you know what to expect, I am planning on submitting a bard application.

[Xurtan]

Just as an fyi so you know what to expect, I am planning on submitting a bard application.

For the local lore on Bards...

Bards

Much of Ustalav's countryside consists of rural farms and tiny villages, but it also contains some of the largest urban centers on Lake Encarthan. The antiquarian archives in Ardis; noble courts and aristocratic intrigue in Caliphas; Karcau's world-famous opera; and other academies of theater, dance, comedy, and song all draw bards from across the Inner Sea region. But even in rural areas, wandering performers, swindlers, and storytellers are common, and no Sczarni caravan is complete without someone to distract a mark while the rest of the crew lightens his purse. In his travels abroad, Professor Lorrimor often sought out lorekeepers when conducting researach, and had bardic contacts in nearly every city in the Inner Sea on the off chance he needed a social introduction while in town.

<character sheet snip>

I like it! Sounds like a fun character to run Gothic horror with, and I appreciate the rural, country bumpkin slant to things. The only thing I'd request is to write in a few encounters with Professor Lorrimor somewhere; they don't have to be big defining events, but in large part the setup behind this is based on him dying, and the adventurers being contacted for his will reading and funeral. He was a bit of an eccentric man, so it needn't be that you were particularly close to him, it could just as easily be that he saw something in your character, some quality that he respected, even if it was only that one encounter. Anything from him actually knowing your family and being your godfather or family friend to a meeting or two during your character's 'apprenticeship'--Lorrimor did request work from the oddest of people--to simply contacts within the church and having you there for one of his expeditions or digs for holy relics would work, though obviously there are quite a few possibilities. Other than that, it looks good, and should fit right in.

Sit tight and once we have more applications I'll make final selection, should it be needed. If you have any other questions or want information on specific places, views, etc, just let me know. :) 

[Guancyto]

Ooh, interested. What's the local lore on Druids?

[Thorne]

Debating fighter or rogue, myself.

[Xurtan]

Ooh, interested. What's the local lore on Druids?

Always glad for more interest!

Druid

Ustalav is not a land known for its nature-priests, though their presence is more pronounced the farther from civilization one goes in the mysterious land. While native druids are less than common, adherents to the Green Faith often travel to Ustalav to examine the nation's wastelands, both the residual taint of the Whispering Tyrant's reign and the war-scarred expanse known as the Furrows. Many have the idealistic hope of ridding the nation of the foul stain of its former subjugator. These crusaders of the natural world are most prevalent in the southwestern region of the nation, in and around the Hungry Mountains. Savage druids also find themselves drawn to the ancient standing stones that dot the nation and the varied deadly beasts of the Shudderwood. When Professor Lorrimor had questions on various mysteries and oddities of nature, his druid acquaintances were often the first people he consulted, and many of them became close friends over the years.

Debating fighter or rogue, myself.

Fighter

Capable fighters can be found across Ustalav, whether as members of local militias, guards, bodyguards in the service of nobles, or trained hunters. Especially along the land's border, members of the country's wary military keep careful vigil, knowing that the greatest threats to the land's people come from beyond, not within. The famed dueling fraternities of the University of Lepidstadt are also renowned for their traditions and the pride with which they train some of the most capable fencers in the Inner Sea. Mercenaries make a decent living because their talents are in such demand, whether as guards, caravan escorts, or personal bodyguards. Professor Lorrimor often found the need for protection or hired muscle, and over his long life, he held many fighters in his employ, both locally and abroad.


Rogue

With as many Sczarni on the streets and highways of Ustalav as there are, it's not surprising that the nation teems with con artists, pickpockets, thugs, and thieves. No Sczarni caran is complete without a number of rapscallions ready to play their role in separating their mark from his money, whether through deception, quick fingers, or violence. Despite the myriad problems plaguing the people of Ustalav, many citizens see the actions of the Sczarni as a pressing concern, and view members with warranted suspicion. At the same time, with as many mysteries and secrets as haunt the country's nights, it often falls to skillful investigators, detectives, courtiers, and common folk familiar with the ways of the shadowed streets to bring the truth to light. Sometimes, in the course of exploration or research, Professor Lorrimor would hire a rogue or two to help defuse traps or procure difficult to obtain information, the most efficient of which he remained in contact with after the job was done.

[Azuresun]

I would be interested, except for a lack of time. But I'll keep an eye on this one. 

[Thorne]

Hrrmh. Well now.
I think I can make this work; might have to sort some details, but.. I think I can make this work. How much space do I have to customise my character's equipment?

[Xurtan]

Hrrmh. Well now.
I think I can make this work; might have to sort some details, but.. I think I can make this work. How much space do I have to customise my character's equipment?

If you would rather go the route of custom gear, you may start with the rolled gold for your class (p. 143 in the PHB) instead of your class' starting equipment (thus, forfeiting it). If there's something specific you would like related to your background/story, I'm open to discussing it.

[Thorne]

If you would rather go the route of custom gear, you may start with the rolled gold for your class (p. 143 in the PHB) instead of your class' starting equipment (thus, forfeiting it). If there's something specific you would like related to your background/story, I'm open to discussing it.

I'm not a fan of chainmail, never have been.
So, if it isn't a problem, I'll run with custom gear. Little sorry I can't afford /all/ the gear I'd like, but I'll make do; a longbow can probably be picked up almost anywhere.

[Xurtan]

I'm not a fan of chainmail, never have been.
So, if it isn't a problem, I'll run with custom gear. Little sorry I can't afford /all/ the gear I'd like, but I'll make do; a longbow can probably be picked up almost anywhere.

Fair enough! Yeah, absolutely feel free to go that route instead. Once y'all get some cash going it shouldn't be hard to find a longbow, no.

[Andi]

Considering something myself. Waffling between a Wizard and a Warlock...

[Isengrad]

I feel a dwarf might be a good addition here. Just have to figure out if I want to Make him a Forge Cleric, or a Fighter(Edlritch knight, maybe rune scribe if you allow it later)