Don't Go in That—! . . . Door

Peter Silverkin the Human Cleric (Ben's Character Sheet)

2009-07-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

Summary:

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
Peter Silverkin, level 1
Human, Cleric
Build: Battle Cleric

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 18, Con 10, Dex 10, Int 8, Wis 16, Cha 13.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 16, Con 10, Dex 10, Int 8, Wis 16, Cha 13.

AC: 10 Fort: 15 Reflex: 11 Will: 16
HP: 22 Surges: 7 Surge Value: 5

TRAINED SKILLS
Diplomacy +6, Religion +4, Insight +8, Heal +8, Arcana +4

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics, Bluff +1, Dungeoneering +3, Endurance, History -1, Intimidate +1, Nature +3, Perception +3, Stealth, Streetwise +1, Thievery, Athletics +4

FEATS
Cleric: Ritual Caster
Human: Human Perseverance
Level 1: Power Attack

POWERS
Cleric at-will 1: Righteous Brand
Cleric at-will 1: Priest's Shield
Bonus At-Will Power: Sacred Flame
Cleric daily 1: Avenging Flame
Cleric encounter 1: Healing Strike

ITEMS
Ritual Book, Morningstar, Chainmail, Mace, Adventurer's Kit
RITUALS
Gentle Repose
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======

I Will be sending the written back story of my character soon, the tl;dr of it is my character's father was a great yet ruthless hero, and my character who is against such violence decided to leave his home to escape his father's name.

Madic's Journal I

2009-06-30T23:17:00.000-07:00

It’s getting harder every day to make a dishonest living. The so-called legit merc groups get bigger and more plentiful every day. With all that competition, even the simplest family can afford to pitch in for a town watch.

I’m not saying the thieving game is out. It’s just that— Higher risk means higher rewards are expected, and things just aren’t going that way. The big payoffs are too heavily guarded. And even if I can get the goods, several of my reliable fences are too afraid of bounties and hired law enforcers to take things off my hands.

I’d be lying if I said I weren’t a little afraid myself.

So, as much as I dislike it, it looks like I’m going to have to go for-hire as well. It’s not my way, but my way is dying around here, at least for beings that aren’t feral or driven crazy by the dark arcane forces in their blood.

(Jarret)

Melvin Tompkins the Half-Elf Swordmage (Wesley's Character Sheet)

2009-06-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

Summary:
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
Melvin Tompkins, level 1
Half-Elf, Swordmage
Build: Assault Swordmage
Swordmage Aegis: Aegis of Assault

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 14, Con 13, Dex 10, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 10.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 14, Con 11, Dex 10, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 8.

AC: 17 Fort: 12 Reflex: 14 Will: 12
HP: 33 Surges: 9 Surge Value: 8

TRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +9, Endurance +6, Intimidate +5, Insight +7

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics, Bluff, Diplomacy +2, Dungeoneering, Heal, History +4, Nature, Perception, Religion +4, Stealth, Streetwise, Thievery, Athletics +2

FEATS
Level 1: Toughness

POWERS
Swordmage at-will 1: Greenflame Blade
Swordmage at-will 1: Lightning Lure
Dilettante: Thundering Armor
Swordmage daily 1: Dimensional Thunder
Swordmage encounter 1: Flame Cyclone

ITEMS
Leather Armor, Greatsword, Adventurer's Kit
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======

My character is a half-elf. His mother's sister birthed a legendary elf hero that assisted an army made up of multiple races in winning a war (legolas, but not really). Once, while drinking at a local tavern, his mom shacked up with a human bartender, which led to Melvin's birth.

Melvin has potential, but is a bit socially awkward with low self esteem. His friends at Elf High School expect him to be a great hero due to his elf lineage. He, however, is not.

The tavern name was The Choking Ostrich.

Shax Dantalion the Tiefling Warlock (Randall's Character Sheet)

2009-06-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

Summary:
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
Shax Dantalion, level 1
Tiefling, Warlock
Build: Deceptive Warlock
Eldritch Blast: Eldritch Blast Charisma
Eldritch Pact: Fey Pact

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 10, Con 13, Dex 10, Int 15, Wis 8, Cha 20.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 10, Con 13, Dex 10, Int 13, Wis 8, Cha 18.

AC: 14 Fort: 11 Reflex: 13 Will: 16
HP: 25 Surges: 7 Surge Value: 6

TRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +8, Streetwise +10, Bluff +13, Intimidate +10

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics, Diplomacy +5, Dungeoneering -1, Endurance +1, Heal -1, History +2, Insight -1, Nature -1, Perception -1, Religion +2, Stealth +2, Thievery, Athletics

FEATS
Level 1: Improved Initiative

POWERS
Warlock daily 1: Prophecy of Zhudun
Warlock encounter 1: Dreadful Word

ITEMS
Leather Armor, Backpack (empty), Bedroll, Climber's Kit, Fine Clothing (3), Flask (empty), Meal, Common (21), Sunrods (2), Rope, Silk (50 ft.), Pouch, Belt (empty), Dagger, Implement, Rod
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======

Character Background:

Cult Escapee
The Tattoo means I was a member of the Six-Fingered Hand.
You'll notice I said I "was" a member.

About the Site

2009-06-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Marie! I created this website because a bunch of my friends and I from the JPAG forums were interested in playing Dungeons and Dragons together, despite the unfortunate circumstance of all of us living all over the United States (and Britain!).

However, through the never-ending possibilities of the internet that brought us together in the first place, it is now possible for us to play without ever being face to face. I have never DMed online and my friends have actually never played. This is a way for both our other JPAG friends, and anyone so inclined, to share in the adventure and for anyone at all to get what tips we learn about playing online.

Thanks for visiting!

*~Marie
Dungeon Master

The Party

2009-06-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

Corino the Human Fighter
played by James

Madic the Halfling Rogue
played by Jarret

Shax Dantalion the Tiefling Warlock
played by Randall

Melvin Tompkins the Half-Elf Swordmage
played by Wesley

Peter Silverkin the Human Cleric
played by Ben

Corino the Human Fighter (James's Character Sheet)

2009-06-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Summary:
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
Corino, level 1
Human, Fighter
Build: Great Weapon Fighter
Fighter Talents: Two-handed Weapon Talent

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 18, Con 10, Dex 10, Int 10, Wis 9, Cha 16.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 18, Con 10, Dex 10, Int 10, Wis 9, Cha 14.

AC: 13 Fort: 17 Reflex: 11 Will: 14
HP: 30 Surges: 9 Surge Value: 7

TRAINED SKILLS
Endurance +4, Athletics +8, Streetwise +8, Intimidate +8

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics -1, Arcana, Bluff +3, Diplomacy +3, Dungeoneering -1, Heal -1, History +2, Insight -1, Nature -1, Perception -1, Religion, Stealth -1, Thievery -1

FEATS
Human: Action Surge
Level 1: Toughness

POWERS
Fighter at-will 1: Reaping Strike
Fighter at-will 1: Brash Strike
Bonus At-Will Power: Sure Strike
Fighter daily 1: Comeback Strike
Fighter encounter 1: Covering Attack

ITEMS
Greataxe, Climber's Kit, Rope, hempen (50 ft.), Sunrods (4), Waterskin (2), Adventurer's Kit, Hide Armor, Bedroll, Meal, Feast (2)
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======

Background:

6'2" - 215lbs

Corino was born into a wealthy family, his father was a famous former adventurer who retired after liberating several mineral mines from horrible monsters. Feeling his son is becoming lazy and obnoxious, Corino's father dispatches him to a "finishing school" which turns out to be the Bloodwolf Mercenary Company.

Corino rode along on his allowance for a few months, other adventurers tolerating his refusal to do any work due to the steady stream of ale he was able to supply. However, now, with the money all but gone, Corino is forced to take an assignment from the company and do some real work for a change.

Madic the Halfling Rogue (Jarret's Character Sheet)

2009-06-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

Summary:
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
Madic, level 1
Halfling, Rogue
Build: Trickster Rogue
Rogue Tactics: Brutal Scoundrel

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 13, Con 10, Dex 18, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 16.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 13, Con 10, Dex 16, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 14.

AC: 16 Fort: 11 Reflex: 16 Will: 13
HP: 22 Surges: 6 Surge Value: 5

TRAINED SKILLS
Stealth +9, Thievery +11, Bluff +8, Insight +4, Acrobatics +11, Athletics +6

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +2, Diplomacy +3, Dungeoneering -1, Endurance, Heal -1, History +2, Intimidate +3, Nature -1, Perception -1, Religion +2, Streetwise +3

FEATS
Level 1: Backstabber

POWERS
Rogue at-will 1: Deft Strike
Rogue at-will 1: Sly Flourish
Rogue daily 1: Blinding Barrage
Rogue encounter 1: Torturous Strike

ITEMS
Dagger (2), Leather Armor, Adventurer's Kit, Thieves' Tools, Shuriken (10), Hand Crossbow, Crossbow Bolts (40)
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======

Personality Traits:
Madic is rather quiet and introverted. He prefers to keep to himself, which works well with his trade as a thief (no one to watch, no one to squeal).

Mannerisms and Appearance:
Madic has short, shaggy, dark hair. He is rather clean for a Halfling, as to avoid a stench that would hinder stealth. He even keeps his leather armor neat, which is a rather tedious task. He is extremely athletic.

Companions and Allies:
He joins up with adventuring groups only when it benefits him. He has a short tolerance for anything he sees as foolishness and folks who try to get closer to him will probably be met by a tight lip and a cold shoulder. Despite his lack of social skills, Madic is completely loyal in battle. He fights to the death for any compatriots he has (carefully) chosen to group with. He often put himself in harms way to protect his allies.

Background:
Madic was raised in a traditional Halfling home, which is a little redundant. As he grew up, he became more and more disenchanted with his quaint home and the wholesome ideals of his family and neighbors. He began training in secret with a few friends. They developed their fighting, pick-pocketing, sneaking, and other skills away from the prying eyes of the other Halflings.

As the years progressed, Madic found himself training more and more alone, as his “friends” pursued love, farming, or other interests. As the dreams of adventuring with his small band of rogue brothers faded, Madic silently vowed to never let anyone get close. Friends are a liability. Love is a weakness.

When he felt ready, he set off on his own, not even leaving word with his family.

Character Portraits

2009-06-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

The character sheets of all the current players will be posted soon, in the meantime we're going to discuss character portraits! It's not required for anyone to play, but I think the other players appreciate a bit of a visual. You can draw your own if you're so skilled or motivated or the official D&D site has a whole archive of character portraits that they used to put out in groups as a feature.

You can look through them here!

Famous Last Words

2009-06-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

One of the most common DnD internetisms are "Famous Last Words" lists (i.e. the last sentence uttered before the party wipes).

Check out this list for some laughs. Here are a few of my favorites:

"Was that thunder, or were you rolling damage?"

"I open the coffin...SLOWLY."

"A wish? Okay, genie, make me a ham sandwich."

"Wait! What's deathspell do?"

"My character WANTS to go out in a blaze of glory."

"There's no such thing as a bottomless pit. Everybody knows that."

"Well, we know he's LAWFUL evil, so he should keep his word when he promised not to betray us."

Some Tips for Creating Your RPG Character

2009-06-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

People new to role-playing games tend to view character creation as they would in a video game. That is, pick a race and other attributes towards making a character with the best stats possible. But there's a reason for playing role playing games beyond getting to play a game with your friends face-to-face, and that's, of course, your opportunity to role play.

Experienced players tend to be concerned with making an interesting character over a powerful one. Pick a race and class that are at odds with each other, or put a spin on a typical fantasy stereotype. Make your character fun to play.

Someone I know in a Star Wars campaign once played an alien who could use the force, but was afraid of being discovered for it, so he disguised his actual powers as cheap magician's tricks, going so far as wearing fake arm gadgets to hide the source of his force lightning.

Another friend in the same campaign played a disgruntled line cook with force sensitivity and unlimited amounts of random knowledge gleaned from hours in front of the holotube.

I myself once made a Shadar-Kai who, due to her race's tendencies for prophetic birth readings and omens and such, believed that she was actually Vengeance incarnate. Thus she refused to help anyone unless it was to take vengeance for a wrong done, e.g. she wouldn't keep someone from being assassinated, but she would kill the assassin once the deed was done.

Make a fighter who's a coward, a half-elf that's racist against humans...you get the idea. Now remember, on the other hand, it's not fun to make a character too weak and constantly fail die rolls. Work with your GM (Game Master, a more generic term for DM), who's generally willing to help out any attempt at creativity. Like maybe you're a frail gnome fighter, but you have an enchanted sword that makes you mighty. However, if that sword is taken away...

Just remember, a character sheet is only the beginning of character creation!

Useful Programs for Running a Campaign Online

2009-06-17T08:30:00.001-07:00

This will be a repeat for anyone who's coming here from JPAG, but the following are links to programs useful for running combat online:

http://www.rptools.net/

http://gametable.galactanet.com/

http://www.battlegroundsgames.com/index.html

https://www.fantasygrounds.com/home/ (not free)