The village was not close to any border but was still close enough to the nearby city of Dueggan that many essentials were easily acquirable. There were a few shops, but most everyone in Telas worked in a farm. After all, they were very close to Dueggan.
But darkness and strife often seem to strike during the most idyllic of places.
---
You wake up this evening to thunder, fire, and screaming. Dragons. Your first thought is to quickly find shelter underground. The inn and the church both have cellars, but, as you look out from your house, you see that these are not viable options.
But that's not what fills every fiber of your body with a deep chill. Soldiers are attacking the villagers. Soldiers with no skin. Looking up, you notice that the flying dragons are in an equal state of decay. Five skeleton dragons fly above the village raining down destruction and upon their backs you think you see mages.
But your focus changes once again to the skeleton soldiers on the ground as you see that they have noticed you.
Introduction: Dueggan's Streets
Spoiler
The streets of Dueggan are surprisingly clean and safe. Especially when considering its size and how far it was from the central mainlands of the realm. Perhaps it was due to it being a hub of commerce for many of the smaller villages nearby.
This is not to say that the city was without a dark side. In fact, many enjoyed the ability to disappear in the crowds of Dueggan.
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Quite tall for an eighteen-year old, Ambrose's eyes are sky-blue and look innocent. The bone of his face is bold, his nose large and humped, and his lips thin and long. He has a small patch of blond fuzz atop those lips, as a mustache begins to grow there. He has two hole-shaped scars in front and back of his shoulder, where he'd been injured by a boar in his infancy.
Role in the Village
Ambrose was the apprentice of the village smith, his grandfather. He learned how to make everything from horseshoes, nails and plowshares, as well as spearheads and knives for the militia, a skill his grandfather learned from his work in the military. When not busy at the forge, Ambrose acted as a self-appointed protector of the other village kids, picking fights with bullies to distract them from beating up other children, always keeping an eye out for wrongdoings. This attitude made him well-respected by village parents, less so with other children.
Family and Friends
Ambrose's strongest relationship was with his grandfather, Marlin. Marlin never told Ambrose much about his parents, save that Marlin had sired Ambrose's father out of wedlock. He was a dour and serious man who never revealed much about himself except that he used to fashion arms for the king's soldiers. He also owned a beautiful old harp that he'd play on special occasions for the villagers.
Ambrose had a number of lads and lasses in the village that looked up to him, but few would call him a friend. This was because of Ambrose's habit of always trying to do what was right by people and his family. When he saw something wrong he'd let people know. But that sometimes didn't go over so well, and then people would take the long way around to avoid him. While Ambrose became more of a shut-in as he got older, he cared little, as he through letting wrongdoings go didn't do anyone any good.
Hobbies and Greatest Joy
Ambrose preferred to get up early in morning to watch the sunrise when he was a child, often getting up before Marlin would. Since most of the village kids didn't necessarily like to play with him, he became obsessed with his grandfather Marlin's harp, and took to playing it. He never came close to Marlin's skill, but he's sure he just needs more practice. There's nothing that Ambrose enjoys more than sticking up for other people or facing down bullies. It gives him a small sense of superiority and he's not afraid to back down when a punch is thrown, because he's confident he can take it and give it back in good measure.
Two-Word Description
Chivalrous busybody
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Physical Attributes
Jerrod Talloak fits his name quite well. He is a large man, tall and broad shouldered. His hands and feet are rough and callused, his skin scarred and weatherbeaten. He keeps his brown hair and beard short, it being easier to manage that way. His eyes are reminiscent of a moss covered boulder. He is only nineteen years of age, but has the hard-set look of a much older man. This appearance breaks when he in the village though, his easy smile and wide open body language suggesting a friendly man. He is well-muscled, being physically active every day. Role in the village
Jerrod is a hunter, tracker, and trapper, depending upon season and profitability. He is adroit at surviving in the wilderness, depending upon his massive bow, his knives, his dogs, and his traps. Often gone for months at a time during the warm season, he barters his game with the townsfolk, or occasionally shares it. Sometimes the apothecary will give Jerrod a list of herbs she needs. Jerrod has a working knowledge of herbcraft, and encounters the items more than most. Family and Friends
Jerrod's father, Darren, was a hunter before him, but now spent more time making traps, curing the game, or taking care of the dogs and hawks, owing to a bear attack that left the man lame. Of course, Jerrod brought back the skin of the massive creature, which now lays across the big bed.
Jerrod's mother, Jocelyn, shared in the homemaking, becoming skilled at leathermaking and weaving, though not ever taking the leap to make it a full-scale operation.
Jerrod has two twin younger siblings, Liela and Lonny, female and male. They are only seven years old.
The following are only applicable with the approval of other players.
Rickard: Jerrod wishes he could play like Rickard. The older man seems to really enjoy what he does. A solid and dependable type. His wife, Dayna, is an excellent cook, and the man himself always gives Jerrod a fair deal on good steel for some meat and leather.
Ambrose: Jerrod got into a fight with Ambrose one night after drinking. That blacksmithing must have put some muscle on the boy, because he has nasty punch. Once Jerrod woke up, he sought out Ambrose to apologize, though he couldn't remember what had started the fight. Jerrod likes Ambrose well enough, the younger man one of the few folks able to Jerrod in line when he gets riled up.
Tommany: Jerrod doesn't care much for Tommany. He seems to spend too much looking for ways to get out of doing his share of work. A fantastic drinking buddy though. Hobbies and free time]
The trapping season leaves Jerrod with a substantial amount of free time. He has become a competent woodworker, and has an above average singing voice. The dogs that accompany him like to howl along sometimes. He whistles excellently, it being a useful skill for falconry.
While in town, Jerrod cuts loose, sometimes drinking to excess. He always tries to make amends for whatever he does while drunk though. Adjective and noun
Jovial hunter
What are your physical attributes, gender, and age?
Spoiler
In his early thirties (31), Rickard is of average height and retains his muscular physique from his younger days due to his trade as a blacksmith. Straight dark brown hair tied in a pony tail behind his head, Rickard keeps his beard trimmed short along his jaw. Though able to spot wrinkles near the edge of his eyes from what could be presumed to be from a life of laughter, his demeanour in general is one of stoicism.
What did you do in the village before it was destroyed?
Spoiler
Rickard was the town blacksmith. Having studied the trade under his father's tutelage since his youth, Rickard had taken over the family business upon his passing. Though they originally fared from Dueggan itself, Rickard and Dayna moved to Telas after his father's passing. As Marlin, the local blacksmith was getting on with his age, he and Rickard became partners in the business to keep it running (Ambrose being but a young child when they first arrived. Perhaps a decade or so ago).
Who were your family and friends?
Spoiler
Rickard was joyfully married to his childhood friend Dayna for many years. Though they were never able to conceive a child, Rickard was happy with his lot in life, that was until this night of reckoning. Dayna having gone to visit a friend, whom had moved to a nearby village, has yet to return. To Rickard's apprehension, the village lies further away from Dueggan than Telas, and he worries for her safety.
That aside, Rickard was on friendly terms with most in the village. Though close with few, he was well regarded for the skill in his craft, and his willingness to lend a hand when asked. Of the few whom he considers to be close friends with would be the inns keep Roland Willheim. Perhaps it was their shared interest in music, or that they've known one another and caused their share of mischief around town when they were boys. One of the many reasons that convinced Rickard to move to Telas after his father's death, Roland had already relocated to the village several years earlier. Roland would come by to visit Rickard at his shop on nearly a daily basis for lunch.
As for Rickard's other family members, his mother Celia had passed away when he was but a boy. His father William passed nearly a decade ago, which was when he and Dayna decided to move into the village of Telas. William was in his late 40's when he passed and had died due to a sickness that swept through the city years back that he had never fully recovered from. Rickard and Dayna left the city as near the end of William's life the apothecary's costs had nearly run their old smithy into the ground. They took what little they had left and relocated to Telas, where his friend Marlin resides. Marlin, an accomplished blacksmith and grandfather to Ambrose, was starting to feel his old age. No longer could he toil in the smithy for days on end as he could in his prime, and thus Rickard came to be his partner upon his arrival. Together they worked the forge and taught Ambrose of their craft.
Over the past several years, Rickard has taken Ambrose as his apprentice. Though Ambrose may have wanted more from their relationship, Rickard never often went past his mentor role. Dayna would often invite Ambrose and Marlin over for dinner, however Rickard always held himself back subconsciously. Perhaps it was guilt from thinking that he is taking away someone else's child, though Ambrose had no one else in his life aside from Marlin, he still considers that relationship a sacred one. But with that said Rickard never held back when teaching Ambrose the trade, and did so passionately. Rickard believed that discipline was important in a man, and hoped that he was able to eventually pass that belief onto the young man. That said, what Ambrose does on his own time is up to himself. Rickard never thought to impose or comment on the lad's self appointment as a protector for the other younglings. That said, Dayna thought that it was good of him to have had done so and had said so to Rickard on a few occasions. There was this one time that Rickard acquiesced to Dayna's nagging and took Ambrose out for an ale at the inn. Rickard did not drink often, and if he did it was mostly with either Roland or Dayna. That was the only night in which Rickard let down his reservations and spoke more openly. Whether that night was as important to Ambrose as it was to himself, he would never know as he had never brought it up for discussion since. (Perhaps told him how well he looked upon the lad for taking up the trade and his fine progression, a tactic or two to how to go under a man's guard when throwing a punch to best the bullies the next time he's in a fight, etc...)
Jarrod is a family friend. Friends with his wife first, then in extension to Rickard after, he would come by their home when he is in town. Dayna would host dinner, and often entertain Jarrod with her lute. Not necessarily fast friends, Rickard has long maintained a good measure of respect for Jarrod, after all the unpredictable life of a woodsman is not easy, and Jarrod has become quite accomplished in his craft. The two men make decent trades when they cross paths. Rickard provides well crafted arrow heads and maintenance on any equipment Jarrod needs and in exchange for choice meats from the hunter's catches and on occasion leathers off their backs.
What are your hobbies? How did you spend your free time?
Spoiler
Love for music was Rickard's calling. Though he knew not how to play an instrument, Rickard would always visit the local tavern with Dayna when the bards came by. Not a musician herself, Dayna was nonetheless well acquainted with the lute. They would often sit in the living room after supper and spend the evening with Richard carving statues of small animals out of wood while listening to her play. Often these statues would find their way into the hands of the children around town, or most often that not to Roland's young twins, to whom the Dantons are Godparents of.
What brings you the greatest joy?
Spoiler
Only three things brought Rickard joy in what he had always thought was a simple life. Of the first and most important was watching Dayna's smile. Secondly was to the enjoyment of music. And lastly, though quite certainly took up equal time to the previous two, the practice of the artistic aspects in his craft. To Rickard's father, blacksmithing was but a profession. It began and ended with putting food on the table and supporting the family. As well versed in the craft as can be expected from a master, he never derived any joy from it. Rickard on the other hand was different. Though it is what keeps his family from poverty and starvation, it is also his outlet for creativity. Some may be gifted by their way with words, and others their focus of mind, to Rickard it was the artistry in which he distils into his craft. Rickard cannot possibly recall the number of times in which he had forgotten the passage of time while he detailed the filigree on rings, or onto the pommel of a sword. And as vexing as it would be for Dayna to sit at home until the dinner was cold on such days, she understood that it was as much a bother as it was a part of his very being.
Using one adjective and one noun, describe your character.
A portly gentleman who is as tall as he is wide often has a pipe in hand. His clothes are well made in patched and carries his leather satchel at all times. His fingers always stained with ink contrast greatly with his pale skin. With graying hair and brown eyes he is a man reaching the peak of his life ... 45, always claiming to be though he is only 35.
Role in the village
Spoiler
Acting as both scribe and Chronicler for the town. Early in his life he had been a traveling tinker with a fascination for the multitude of folklore each town had. As he aged he began to slow down and tried to find a place in which to settle down. Finally he stopped in the town of Telas, they had posted that they town was in need of a recorder for the taxes and storage for the shops. He was also in charge of setting up any of the towns meetings or events and acting as the Master of Ceremonies.
Family & Friends
Spoiler
Having been abandoned by his family early in life and lacking any form of training he set himself as a tinker and began his travels. He meet many people an made plenty of friends for making enemies would have been bad for business. He knows at least the leaders in every town within a few leagues and the other tinkers that traveled the roads. For in his case he was more of a messenger than a tinker. Having learnt his letters from his master he found he had a natural talent when it came to writing. So he would set up booth in either's the towns inn or a person's home and record and deliver messages for them.
Hobbies & Greatest joy
Spoiler
Now he enjoys just finding any tales and stories of his new home and recording them, considering himself the person to be their historian. He practically loves any legends and myths, going out of his way to find anyone who knows a tale or two. As a hobby though he has begun to take up designing a new building for the town. A place to serve as both sanctuary and trade center for the people.
Tommany Miller known as Tom is a lanky lad of his seventeenth summer. His hair is thick, unkempt and light brown in color. His eyes however are less common, a shocking blue and often have a mischievous look. As mentioned he is fairly tall with a lean build, his time in the field have given him some muscle definition but he still looks twig like.
Role in the village
Spoiler
Before for the aforementioned event Tom was a bit of a slacker, growing up he helped out his father in the fields and often was found day-dreaming and never quite did the same amount of work as a young man his age should have. He enjoyed selling goods at the nearest City when his father went to join the fathers market, his silver tongue often got him into trouble but helped sell at the best prices.
Family & Friends
Spoiler
Tom never knew his mother and his farther Jefferson Miller avoided the topic often. His father was a short but well-built man, a true grafter who rarely laughed and was often serious. Jefferson had been a strict but fair father but found it hard to control his wayward son as he got into mischief. Aside from Jefferson Tom doesn't have any other family he knows about.
Tom thought of himself as a ladies man however many of the local girls had known him growing and wasn't swayed by his charms. Many of the local village thought of him a trouble maker as he was almost always at the bottom of pranks and lead the other children into mischief.
As far as people his own age went there were few other boys near Tom's age in the village. Ambrose Smith was always someone he respected but also found a bit of a drag, when they were both younger Ambrose had stood up for him when some bigger lads had taken a dislike to him and his cheek. Jerrod on the other hand had almost been his idol, an older lad who had shared drink with him and lived a more exiting life hunting and the such.
Hobbies & Greatest joy
Spoiler
As briefly touched upon earlier Tom considers himself a ladies man and likes nothing more than trying to woo members of the opposite sex. Despite his father trying to keep a hold of him he enjoys the excesses in life including drink and gambling although he doesn't get much chance in the small village he’s lived his life.
Adjective and one noun
Spoiler
Lovable Rogue
Last edited by My Life Lags : 04-19-2013 at 06:43 AM.
Ok, it looks like everyone has posted their character sheets. I think I need some time to work out some details before starting the IC. So look for it in the morning tomorrow (GMT 12-14). Also, what is everyone's time zone? Mine is GMT -4.
@mr1135, you said you were going to edit your role in the town? I noticed that your background is still the same. Unless I missed something and you and Archpaladin Zousha decided to do something different with your backgrounds.
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Oh I left most of the character relations between myself and the others back on the other page. Hadn't transferred it onto this thread's post. I'll do that in a few mins. I'll be sticking with blacksmithing and with Ambrose as my apprentice. Furthermore Jerrod and Rickard will be acquaintances (good friend of his wife and in extension to him as well).
Oh I left most of the character relations between myself and the others back on the other page. Hadn't transferred it onto this thread's post. I'll do that in a few mins. I'll be sticking with blacksmithing and with Ambrose as my apprentice. Furthermore Jerrod and Rickard will be acquaintances (good friend of his wife and in extension to him as well).
In other news, I'm at -8GMT Pacific Time.
Is Ambrose's grandfather still in the picture?
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I designed a new system: Basic LEEP.
Let me know what you think
Hmm well I guess we'll figure out if Marlin's still alive first then.
Otherwise I'll change it so that instead I had moved out of Dueggan after my father's death and into Telas. Since Marlin is getting on with his age, he most likely could no longer handle working as strenuously as he would used to in the smithy, so Rickard became his partner.
edit: I've changed my background to one that assumes Marlin's still up and kicking :D Shouldn't have any more contradicting problems anymore.
ah can i also note that my father wasn't int he village when all hell broke loose, this doesn't mean he's safe having set off to visit an old relative only half a day ago leaving me to hold down the fort. Hope this is ok, would rather play the worried son trying to make the best of the situation than a character that see's his old man die thus neglecting his cheeky wit.
im UK time i think thats GMT0 but i'm not 100% sure its 11.40 at night as of me posting this.
Edit: night all, will try and get a post up tomorrow if we've started
Last edited by My Life Lags : 04-18-2013 at 05:42 PM.
ah can i also note that my father wasn't int he village when all hell broke loose, this doesn't mean he's safe having set off to visit an old relative only half a day ago leaving me to hold down the fort. Hope this is ok, would rather play the worried son trying to make the best of the situation than a character that see's his old man die thus neglecting his cheeky wit.
im UK time i think thats GMT0 but i'm not 100% sure its 11.40 at night as of me posting this.
Edit: night all, will try and get a post up tomorrow if we've started
Hmmm, I see what you are saying. The initial premise is that you all do lose your homes and loved ones.
There is a bit if a dues ex machina to get you all to the same place, and if you all have family possibly alive in other parts of the land, that can break the narrative. Especially if there is a drive to see that they are alright, or at least inform them that you are alive.
Let me know if the sight of his dead father truly breaks the character in a way you really don't like and we can try to work something out.
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I designed a new system: Basic LEEP.
Let me know what you think
Currently working on tweaking my backstory to make Marlin less significant, but just so you're aware, Ambrose's dad is still out there. Marlin sired him out of wedlock, but this guy married Ambrose's mother, so Ambrose himself isn't a bastard. I leave the rest of the details up to you.
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THE TEN-MINUTE BACKGROUND Based off of the Minimus RPG engine, copyright 2008 Ad Astra Games, used with permission. Minimus is donation-ware, if you like it, please contribute as per the instructions in the file.
Grey Warden avatar courtesy of Dorian Soth. Many thanks!
Currently working on tweaking my backstory to make Marlin less significant, but just so you're aware, Ambrose's dad is still out there. Marlin sired him out of wedlock, but this guy married Ambrose's mother, so Ambrose himself isn't a bastard. I leave the rest of the details up to you.
This works for me, especially since you aren't close to him at all.
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I designed a new system: Basic LEEP.
Let me know what you think
Zousha and I have resolved the back story between our characters. Should be all good on my part now. Let me know if you find any further discrepancies.
Hmmm, I see what you are saying. The initial premise is that you all do lose your homes and loved ones.
There is a bit if a dues ex machina to get you all to the same place, and if you all have family possibly alive in other parts of the land, that can break the narrative. Especially if there is a drive to see that they are alright, or at least inform them that you are alive.
Let me know if the sight of his dead father truly breaks the character in a way you really don't like and we can try to work something out.
ye i can see what your saying, i can work with my dear old farther been here for the carnage.Also going to add that my character has no other family he knows about.
Last edited by My Life Lags : 04-19-2013 at 02:43 AM.
THE TEN-MINUTE BACKGROUND Based off of the Minimus RPG engine, copyright 2008 Ad Astra Games, used with permission. Minimus is donation-ware, if you like it, please contribute as per the instructions in the file.
Grey Warden avatar courtesy of Dorian Soth. Many thanks!
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A Life Disturbed: OOC
they killed Roland the innskeep!
