#there is NO chance i'm not bringing a drow to the party

[oflolth]

wanting to add my other somewhat progressed dark urge here and also this one new rogue character with the criminal background and i'm looking at all my playthroughs and like. damn. i play a LOT of drow, don't i

[felixora]

Baldur's Gate 3 Companion!Tav Ask List by @paarthursass 

Please check their List here, it's literally a top tier list

(contains major spoilers for the game, and for some dark urge runs as well)

Had to redo this, but finally I'm satisfied with the result. Here's my drow Soulknife Rogue (please oh please adapt this subclass for the game) Arnafein Rilynghym.

General

1.Where can your Tav be recruited?  Are they first encountered on the Nautiloid, or in the Nautiloid crash region?  Or are they not recruitable until a later act?

He can be recruited not too far away from the Blighted Village area, in the forest outcropping.

He’ll be there with a pair of poorly equipped young tieflings and a group of goblins, trying to cool things down between the two and convince the goblins to leave the tieflings only to him. The player/party members might catch on some details in his facial expression that would be giving away a lie, as well as his attempts to place himself between tieflings and goblins.

As the player’s group comes closer, the player (and other companions, which is important) and Arno are connected through their tadpoles, though much more painfully than in other cases (the narrator might even comment on that). Arno would recognize in you another survivor that escaped the nautiloid and through pain would telepathically ask you to play along. After that with more demand addressing the goblins as “another True Soul came to look for them, so would they finally let them do their fucking job?” The player might choose the Deception/Persuasion route to play along with Arno, to simply attack the goblins (in which case both tieflings and Arno would help out) or attack Arno and tieflings under the guise of him “being the survivor, that Absolute cultists are looking for” (in this case tieflings would die and Arno will be captured and interrogated by Minthara).

2.Do the other companions have special comments or reactions upon recruiting your Tav?

Gale – A friendly drow! That’s a rarity in this place, as far as I can tell. Let’s hope this won’t be a double-crossing situation though.

Shadowheart – Arno seems well versed in dealing of these cultists. I just hope he won’t stick his nose in other’s thoughts – we have more than enough mind-probing as it is.

Astarion – Well that was a spectacle. I hope our newest addition won’t stop to help any stray or poor thing in need.

Wyll – It takes a lot of inner strength to stand by those in need, especially under the weight of your own troubles. Arno would be a good addition to our group.

Karlach – Well Arno seems to know some shit around here. Now we don’t need to blindly walk around in search of the bad guys place.

Lae’zel – The elf’s knowledge of this place seems useful. Can’t say the same of his handling of tadpole’s effects. We ought to be careful.

3.Does your Tav have any comments or advice when you recruit other companions?

Gale – Having a wizard around should improve our chances of survival. Though I’m sure as hell won’t be asking him about any teleportation.

Shadowheart – It’s good to have a helping cleric’s hand with us. However, the choice of name does bring a bit of ominous feel to this acquaintance.

Astarion – The whole knife play was a bit too on the nose for be, but I can understand his reaction. Let’s hope his bloody tendencies will be the problem of our enemies, and not ours.

Wyll – The Blade of Frontiers… Well, the name does sound grand, though cannot say I heard of it before.

Karlach – Karlach’s spirit sure will brighten up our company. I just hope we won’t wake up to the actual hellfire.

Lae’zel – The gith looks like a tough fighter. But don’t expect me to go on errands for her.

4. What sort of general actions raise or lower their approval?

Raise:

Empathy and Compassion towards weaker or struggling.

Supporting freedom, autonomy and choices that align with his desire to break free from societal expectations.

Sharing a sarcastic sense of humor can lead to a bond with him, as he appreciates this attitude. Engaging in witty banter and humor is a plus.

Illegal activities aimed at helping others.

Lower:

Disregarding or belittling others' struggles or doubts, particularly in moments of their vulnerability, resonating with his own past of self-doubt and anxiety.

Yielding to controlling individuals or behaving subserviently in the face of authority.

Aggression towards the weak.

5. Are there any instances where your Tav can permanently leave the party, depending on player character actions?

The first instance is tied to letting Minthara join a party (murdering of tieflings would significantly lower Arno’s approval, but letting Minthara join the party would be the point of conflict, in which Arno will go a separate path).

The second instance would be tied to possible betrayal, around end of Act 2 – a group of drow agents, which would represent the house Rilynghym (Arno’s family), will ambush the party. They are tasked with bringing Arno back home, as well as extracting Githyanki prism.

Depending on the level of approval, the player can persuade Arno to go about this peacefully (understand that there was more at stake and they needed the Gith’s prism), persuade Arno to attack the spies or Arno will turn his back on the group altogether.

6. Do they have any secrets that can be revealed?  What are the prerequisites for this secret coming to light?

The Player would find out in Camp that Arno has partial amnesia, and remembers some parts of his childhood and his family, but not the last 3 months since he left home. As the adventure progresses, he’ll start to remember more and more, as well as start having a repeating blurry dream of his mother calling out to him, but he would understand any of her words. 

As the game progresses, he would remember that his house (a drow house Rilynghym, that settled on the surface, in Neverwinter), that specializes in espionage and infiltration, sent their agents to infiltrate the cult of the Absolut and acquired information about some sort of artefact.  The spies disappeared in Baldur's Gate, and as Nathiira received the news, Arno (who wanted to finally prove to his mother that he is worthy of her trust and can help the house on an equal footing with everyone else) suggested that he could investigate the matter. This provoked the conflict between mother and son, which ended in Arno being put in a cell. He escaped the imprisonment and ventured to Baldur’s Gate on his own.

In Baldur's Gate, Arno found out that the spies were supposed to steal a specific artefact for their house, but they were discovered by the cultists and taken as prisoners. All but one.

The spy, named Tsabran, a loyal servant of Matron Nathiira, managed to avoid the cultists and got in touch with Arno, telling him everything that happened. He explained that the spies, were trying to steal an artefact of incredible power created by the cultists. However, their hideout was discovered, and the cultists caught all the spies except Tsabran.

The artefact was supposed to have a power of a mini-version Elderbrain, allowing its wielder to enhance telepathic influence on intelligent creatures, and even subdue large groups of creatures to their will. It had to work in the hands of those who have psionic abilities, enhancing them tenfold. (Note: the artefact can unlock the ending, where instead of someone becoming an illithid, Arno will use the artefact and his own psychic skills to suppress Elderbrain) Together, Tsabran and Arno devised a plan to steal the artefact and bring it back to Matron Nathiira. They managed to get to the room with the artefact through secret tunnels. However, before Arno could check the artefact for traps, Tsabran lifted it off the pedestal and thus activated the alarm. The two had to flee, but Arno was wounded during the escape. He hoped for help from Tsabran, but the latter left him behind, running away with the artefact. That's how the cultists captured Arno.

7. Do they have their own personal quest that spans the course of the game?  Can it take different branching paths depending on the choices the Player Character makes?

Arno’s personal quest would be focused on him slowly regaining his memories of past months, and in the process fighting the memories of emotional abuse and neglect from his mother, that led to his anxiety and feeling of never being enough. As he would regain memories he would have more and more doubts, if chasing after mother’s approval is really what he wants from life, especially if it goes against his moral code.

Player can help him find confidence in himself, support his attempts to make his own decisions in spite of what was drilled into his head for decades (and became part of his sub-conscious behavior; for example him having a sweet tooth but denying himself any sweet food due to previous prohibitions from his mother)

Alternatively, Player can insist on the notion, that Arno’s mother was right, that he wasn’t ready for any sort of adventure like this, and specifically his lack of skills, patience and knowledge were the reason of his troubles. That Arno’s mother only tried to protect him and their house, to give them a better life.

Toward the end of Act 2, MC with Arno is ambushed by members of House Rilynghym, who were sent by Nathiira to bring Arno home, as well as retrieve Gith's prism with him (when asked, the spies would answer that Nathiira found out about the prism and its influence through telepathic connection with Arno).

At that moment, Arno will remember the captured spies in Baldur's Gate and tell the newcomers that the situation has become much more important and dangerous than possessing some artefacts and gaining more power for their house.

Depending on the Player's actions and the level of approval with Arno, the situation will go in different directions:

Arno confidently tells the spies to go back home, because the existence of the cult threatens their house as well.

Arno and the Player fight the spies to keep the prism. Arno does not approve of this, but is persuaded by the Player to fight on their side.

Arno joins the spies, having more faith in his mother's judgment. He and the spies will die in the battle.

In 3rd act, as the group reaches the Baldur's Gate, during one of the nights, Arno’s mother will get in touch with him via telepathic projection – all of the companions infected with the tadpole will see and hear her as well, as part of their shared connection. She will say that she is very disappointed that he did not return with the spies when he had the opportunity.

Nathiira says “I've been very patient, considering your completely stupid and irresponsible behavior. Go back home, now.” Аrno exhaled, nervously gesturing towards his mother “Can't you listen to me for once? I'm trying to explain, that what's happening in Baldur's Gate is a threat to the entire region. And our family, too.” There is a tense pause. As Nathiira looks at him with her familiar calculating look, Arno looks down, slightly lowering his head as well “Just, listen. I can't just leave, not with this... thing in my head. So I can look for Tsabran and the artifact. Show you that I can do this.” Nathiira is silent for a few moments, closely looking at her son before finally exhaling: “You won't just drop this, would you? Fine. This is your task now. The last time Tsabran sent us a message, he mentioned that he was hiding somewhere deep and wet.” Arno breathes a sigh of relief and Nathiira speaks again: “Arnafein” there is a long pause, where she considers what to say before finally settling on her choice “Don't let me down.”

The group will go in search of Tsabran in the underground part of the city.

When the group finds Tsabran, it turns out that the artifact has begun to negatively affect his mind, making him more neurotic, full of paranoia and hallucinations. Because he was not a psionist himself, the artifact could not find enough power in his mind and his brain literally began to melt from it.

At that moment, Tsabran was obsessed only with the idea that he was the one who had to deliver the artifact to Matrona and receive her recognition and gratitude. The group had fight to get the artifact. In battle with Tsabran, he’ll have control over some civilians and creatures from sewers, all while screaming about how he will prove the Matron his loyalty and usefulness. Arno will recognize some of the civilians from the 1st day they entered Baldur’s Gate.

As Arno defeats Tsabran and takes the artifact, the telepathic projection of Nathiira appears, noting that she felt the artifact’s power through their connection.

The projection of Nathiira comes closer, with fascination looking at the artifact “Incredible isn’t it? Imagine how much influence we might gain with this in our hands. No-one will ever dare to even think of harming our house ever again.” Arno shakes his head “Mother this artifact won’t bring us any good. It breaks people, strips them of their will, it’s not-” Nathiira interrupts him “It’s exactly what we need to survive, Arnafein. This will finally give us the protection we needed. Any politician, any noble, any rival of ours now can be brought under our control. They won’t be harmed, they just won’t think about harming us” Arno exclaims “It will harm them, mother, this is exactly what taking away freedom of their mind is!” Nathiira huffs and waving him away with a hand “Oh, don’t be such a child, they will be fine! It’s better than getting rid of them all-together.” After a moment, she adds, more steel in her voice “You wanted to prove yourself to me. This is your chance. Do as I say - bring us the artifact.”

Depending on Players choice, Arnafein either will agree to bring the artefact home or will say that he’ll give the artifact to the Harpers for protection.

Choice “Arnafein agreed to bring the artefact home”

Arno closed his eyes, battling with his own doubts in his head. But moments later his shoulder sagged down, and he bows his head and finally said “As you say, Matron.” Nathiira looks pleased, relaxed. “Good. I’m glad you saw reason. Now, our agents should be nearby...” Arnafein raises his head slightly, looking at his mother with confusion “What? I... I thought you sent only me.” Nathiira patiently sighs “They were here just in case, to assure that the mission was successful. Don’t think too much about it - it was still all you. And our people will know it as such.” After a pause she continues “Now, I won’t take anymore of your time, the faster the artifact will be brought here, the better. Go.” With a slight pause, Arnafein bows, and Nathiira calls for him one last time. “And Arnafein. I’m proud of you, son.” As the group exits the chamber where they battled Tsabran, the spies meet them right at the exit. One of the agents steps forward “Sir, we’ve just received the message from Matron - we’re at your service. If you’ll need our assistance in upcoming battle, you can count on us ” Arno absentmindedly nods “Good. Make sure that the artifact is delivered as fast as possible to Neverwinter” and he gives the artifact to the agents before adding with more presence “As for everything else - I will call if you are needed.”

Choice “Arnafein refused to bring the artefact back home”

Arno closed his eyes, frowning, battling with his own doubts in his head. But moments later he takes a deep breath and looks up at his mother. “I’m sorry, I won’t do this. This is not our way. I will give the artifact to Harpers and they’ll make sure no-one gets harmed anymore because of it” Nathiira looks at him for a long moment, her jaws clenched, her eyes hard and cold. “Just as I thought. You would pass on a golden opportunity to put our house out danger forever, just so you can play a hero.” She steps forward, her telepathic projection getting right in the face of Arno, before she sneers. “You are not a hero. You’re just an arrogant, naive child, who thinks he knows better than everyone else.” She continues looking at him, as Arno meets her stare with his own sudden resolution. Nathiira spits out “Well you don’t.” She takes a step back, turning away from Arnafein and adding, “We'll have a long talk about it when you get home” Arnafein let’s a moment pass, before, with deep sadness saying “No. I don’t think we will” As Nathiira stops and turns back to him, Arno raises his hand and her eyes widen in understanding and shock. Arno sliced the air with his hand and permanently severed their family telepathic connection. As the group exits the chamber where they battled Tsabran, the spies meet them right at the exit. Arno, not expecting to see them, will take a step back before asking “What- What are you doing here?” One of the agents steps forward, slightly bowing his head. “Sir. The Matron ordered us to keep an eye on you and intervene in case of imminent danger to your life” Arno dumbly looks at him, repeating his words “Keep an eye? Aha. Hahaha” He bitterly laughs, rubbing his hand over his face “she didn’t even... Of course she didn’t.” As Arno says with utter betrayal and disappointment he once again turns to bewildered agent, and says “Well, as you see I’m fine and dandy, so you can return home and report as such” The agents exchange glances, before with a doubt in a voice one of them says “Sir, we were also told to retrieve the artifact” Player can choose what to do - “Let Arno handle this” - (Deception) The artifact was destroyed by Tsabran in the battle. - (Intimidation) The artifact stays with us, want it or not. In case of failure or letting Arno handle this, Arno will say: “There was... a change of plans. Matron knows of this, so you’re in the clear. Return home, agents”

8. What do they say when the Player Character asks them to stay in camp?  How about when the Player Character asks them to come adventuring again?

Stay in camp – “You sure? I might hear the danger coming from miles away. Well, the thoughts of danger, more precise.” And after confirmation “Well, suit yourself.”

Come adventuring again – “Knew you’d come around”

9. Does your Tav have any escalating conflicts with one of the other companions, like Lae’zel and Shadowheart’s knife-fight?

No.

10. Are there any unique NPCs associated with your Tav that can show up during the course of the game?

In act 3 in Elfsong Tavern the group can meet Arno’s older sister Maliara, which would be trying to draw as little attention as possible. She’ll tell Arno that she and their uncle went behind mothers back and their uncle made a deal with Lorroakan to open a portal from Neverwinter to Baldur’s Gate and allow Maliara passage to the city. Maliara will try to persuade Arno to return home with her (depending on the previous encounter with the spies Arno’s reaction to this would differ, but he will say that he can’t return yet – not with the danger of Absolute cult behind their backs). Maliara would be gentle with her words, but also vocal about her worries for her brother, even going as far as offering her help in this whole quest, despite Arno’s own worry for her. If the Player invites her to join Camp, she’ll become a permanent addition to it, as an Artificer (trading different alchemical supplies). 

11. Are there any moments in the game that trigger unique dialogue for your character? (Like Gale’s anecdote about the barfight after you save the goblin prisoner)

In Moonrise Towers, while looking at some of the battle and floor plans of Shadowcursed lands, Arno will recognize them. “We’ve had this floor plans for months before the spies went missing...” “My house knew about the inner dealing of the cult. And told no-one. How many people we could have saved if we just warned, I don’t know, the Harpers or the city governments. Instead we were chasing after some stupid artifacts.”

In act 2, when meeting gnolls and other creatures mind-controlled by the other cultists, Arno will express his genuine disgust for this, saying that no-one should go through such violation of autonomy. He might recall going through the same thing, when he was still little and some slavers tried to abduct him and his sister, and how terrified he was over losing control of his body.

Story Specific

1.How does your Tav advise the player character when it comes to the Dream Visitor?

“I can see the advantage we’ll have with these powers, but you always have to pay the piper. And our friend does sound like a skilled musician. Let’s just be careful with the help they are providing.”

2. How do they advise the player character on Raphael?

“One blink – and there goes your freedom in those clawed hands. Not even one story has a happy-ending when it comes to deals with the devil. I don’t think we’ll be the exception to the rule, so let’s not gamble with our lives more than we already do.”

3. How do they react to Astarion biting the Player Character?

“Huh, well that explains all those thought-wishing about having a taste…” “I have no problem with him staying, as long as he remembers his manners”

4. How do they react to the Player Character letting Abdirak whip them?

“That’s um… An interesting… View. Right”

5. How do they react to the Player Character taking their first tadpole power?

“You know, when I said “be careful but curious” I really had more emphasis on the careful part. Although, you seem alright… at least for now. Just give me some heads up next time, I might prepare the knife just in case.”

6. Will they stay with the Player Character regardless of siding with the goblins or the tieflings, or is it possible for them to leave the party permanently?

Arno will stay with Player if they side with Goblins, but he’ll strongly disapprove of this.

7. What can they be found doing at the tiefling/goblin party?

On tiefling’s party: He’ll be staying near Mol, bouncing back and forth with her ideas regarding how to get the most profit from drunk adults (“They leave a lot of their belongings unattended, who’s to say you won’t be the one to find them and be oh-so-kind to return them for a small price for such lost-and-found services.”). The reason for that is partially due Arno wanting to be a bit far away from so many drunk people, as his head starts to be in huge pain from all of their thoughts.

On goblin’s party: He’ll be staying very far away from any possible party participants, possibly in the shade of the trees, closed off and gloomy. When approached, he’ll say that he hopes the lives of all those innocents were worth this “blast of a party” and that this arrangement better pay off with finding the cure. If questioned by the Player further, Arno would admit that there is someone back home who came up in his memories – two small tiefling kids with dark skin, his sister’s kids. He’ll lament that he can’t stop imagining all those slayed kids in the grove as his nephews.

8. Do they have comments on who the Player Character chooses to spend the night with? 

Gale – I see you have your hands full of our local wizard. I’m sure you’ll sleep soundly after his lectures.

Shadowheart – Hopefully we won’t find your cold and lifeless body somewhere in the ditch tomorrow. Jokes aside – do have a wonderful night, I’m sure Shadowheart will leave her poisons for more desirable targets.

Astarion – Astarion is… A spicy choice. I honestly hope I will be far enough to enjoy a quiet night without playing a witness to any… lewd thoughts. Or bloody ones, pick your poison.

Wyll – Seems like our local monster hunter already took your attention.

Karlach – Well someone’s in for a warm night. I just hope you’ll be responsible and all of that stuff and won’t burn our camp in flames of accidental passion.

Lae’zel – You sure do have interesting taste in company. Hopefully, we’ll see you in one piece tomorrow – otherwise, don’t expect me trying to avenge you.

9. Do they have unique dialogue if the Player Character lets them die when they steal the Blood of Lathander?

-

10. How do they react if the PC licks the dead spider in the Gauntlet of Shar?

1st time. No. No-no-no, stop thinking that, stop.

2nd time. Oh for gods sake… Is it only the “Underdark knowledge” to not lick the damn spiders?

11. What do they say if the PC tries to force them to go up on stage with Dribbles the Clown?

1st time “Ha-ha, what a wonderful idea (telepathically “don’t you fucking dare”)”

2nd time “Right, on stage. Dreamed of this all my life (telepathically “you better sleep with your eyes open from now on”)”

12. Is it possible for your Tav to be kidnapped and replaced by Orin?  How is Orin's deception revealed?

-

13. How do they react to the PC either allowing Astarion to ascend or convincing him to spare the 7000 spawn?

Astarion ascends – “So… He did it. Looks quite pleased too. I don’t know why, but it makes so … angry. He did break from his Masters control, found his ultimate freedom but it all feels so wrong… I just hope this finally brought him the life he desired”

Astarion remains a spawn and spares the 7000 spawn – “I don’t think I saw Astarion that sincerely happy and relaxed, like, ever. It suits him. Do you think he would appreciate congratulations? Or am I “biting off” too much with it? Oh yes, that one is perfect for teasing.”

14. How does Tav react to the PC becoming a mind flayer?  Can they offer to become one themselves?  Does their reaction change if they’re romanced?

If not romanced – Arno would be saddened, but thankful towards the Player, accepting this as a necessary sacrifice.

If romanced – still saddened, but determined that he’ll stay by your side no matter what, as you were there for him, and he’ll do the same for you.

He will not offer to become a mindflayer.

15. How do they react when the Dark Urge first reveals their amnesia and murderous thoughts to them?

“Huh. Well I can calm you down a bit, as amnesia seems to be something the two of us share. Can’t say the same about a bit of… murder? Anyway, I’m sure there will be plenty of enemies to release your murderous tendencies on.”

16. How do they react to the Dark Urge killing Alfira?

“Now. I don’t even need to be a mind reader to figure out what happened. Another question is why? And you better start explaining now.”

After explanation.

“Well. Let’s pretend we’re friends again – but from further distance.”

17. If romanced, how do they react to the Dark Urge trying to kill them in Act 2?

When woken up – “Hm? Someone’s in mood for a cuddle?” “Although I do sense a bit more tension in you, than usual, love. Are you alright?”

After confessing to what’s happening – “Oh dear, I knew we should have tried reading your memories… Hey, look at me, it will be alright. Whatever it is, you’re so much stronger”

Trying to help the bounded Player “Focus, dear, listen to my voice – (telepathically) “you can overcome this. I won’t let you fall””

“Save the gratitude and focus. I’ll have your back no matter what.”

Romance

1.Is your Tav a romanceable character?  Are there any specific requirements to romancing them?

Yes.

2. Does your Tav need to be flirted with to start the romance, or will they approach the PC themselves if approval is high enough?

Arno needs to be flirted with to start a romance.

3. Are they a polyamorous or a monogamous option?

Can go Poly

4. Do they have a special romance scene at the tiefling/goblin party?

Yes (note: romance scene would be only on tiefling party). Arno would ask the Player to join him after party for “little rendezvous”. After everyone goes to sleep, they’ll meet on deserted part of the river shore, where Arno prepared a small place for them with blanket, wine remains and some light food. As Player comes closer to Arno, who is using his much more controlled than before telekinesis to skipping stones across the water, Arno would turn to them:

“Much quieter here, isn’t it?”. He’ll throw another stone without his telekinesis.

Player either can

Try throwing a stone themselves (success / fail) – “You’re full of hidden talents / Not as easy as fighting, yeah?”

Comment that they preferred the lively atmosphere of the party – “Oh nooo, we have a party-goer among us. Horrific.”

Simply agree with Arno. – “A kindred spirit”

Afterwards Arno invites them to sit. As they sit, Arno starts talking:

“I “borrowed” some wine from Mol – thought I’d indulge myself, but then thought better of it. Don’t want to create another telepathic mess with so many drunk bodies around.”

Player could try to persuade Arno to share a drink with them, drink themselves or ask about him if that was his reason to stay away from the party (“Well yes and no. It’s good to be part of celebration, but I generally enjoy not being in the spotlight”)

Arno’ll continue:

“When I found this place, I remembered how when I would be overwhelmed I would leave our family house and spend some time near water, just skipping stones. Helped me focus quite a bit. Silly, but I thought I’d help me remember something from past months. Some name, or a place or… something. But there is nothing”

Player can

Ask them about what they actually remember - (and Arno will suggest to share images from his past, where he stays in large room, near a table covered in maps and plans, listening to some women (his mother) giving orders regarding something), and afterwards comment - “Huh. Not as painful this time”

Reassure them it will come back with time - “Perhaps. Never been good with waiting, but I suppose I don’t have a choice”

Say they might never come back. - “True. Can’t say it brings me any comfort”  

“I don’t know what will awaits us in the future. But right now, I’m glad to have “this” in my memories.” And then he would hastily add “I mean, this, your general company. And others of course”

Player say to shut up and enjoy the moment, or that the sentiment is mutual, in which case Arno will nervously laugh, saying “Yup, ok, good, I’m shutting up”

After which they’ll spent the quiet night observing the river water. 

5. Does the romance have different branching paths, or just one route to take?

There are a few different paths, depending on how his personal quest will progress.

6. How do they react to the player character breaking up with them, or choosing another character over them?

He’ll let a small “Oh” and take a step back, as if slapped, lost for words for a couple of seconds. After which, he’ll try to start talking, with a bit of cheer to his tone at the beginning “Well that was…expected. Though I thought we had more time.” After a pause “Can I ask if there was any specific reason?”

As Player confirms, Arno will say “Well. I will cherish our memories together all the same. Thank you, for giving it to me”.

7. What questions can Zethino ask the PC about Tav in the Love Test? 

What brings Arno the most comfort?

What future does he see for himself?

What brings his heart the most pain?

8. If they’re poly, do they have a reaction to the PC engaging in a relationship with Halsin?

“Well that’s definitely one of the times when I’m glad I wasn’t snooping around in someone’s thoughts.” He’ll laugh, but with some discomfort and turn his sight downwards. “I mean, if this is really something you’re interested in…  Halsin is definitely a catch, with all that gigantic wall of muscle and natures passion. Can’t judge you for desiring that.” And after a pause. “Although I must ask – does it have anything to do with us?... with me, more specifically? Did I do… or didn’t do something?” After assurance from Player that everything was alright. “Ok, ok, good to hear” “Well, in that case go right ahead. Just please return to me in one piece after all that throwing around and riding and … Ok I’m shutting up.”

9. How do they react if the PC has sex with Mizora? The Emperor?  Haarlep?

Mizora – carefully curious, might ask to share the memories with him via link.

The Emperor – disgusted, when he tries to connect with you telepathically he winces and says “let’s just never speak of it. Never”

Haarlep – Arno would check up on Player, ask is they are alright and if they just need silent company and support – he’ll be there for them.

10. Will they join in with the PC and the Drow Twins, or no?

No. Arno will be feeling very uncomfortable in the brothel, due to remembering that his mother had to work in a brothel in Amn in the past just to provide him and his sister with some roof over their heads, and was treated poorly by the customers.

11. What are Tav’s plans for the future?  Do they propose to the PC, or is marriage not something they’re interested in?

Depending on how his personal quest developed, Arno would:

Travel back to Neverwinter to become a spy on a permanent basis, always under his mother's control (no matter how many unacceptable things he had to do), helping her take direct control of minds of the nobility and small gangs of the Neverwinter region.

Travel back to Neverwinter and agree with his mother’s plan for him to settle down for a quiet, though unhappy, aristocratic life. He’ll become the public face of the house Rilynghym, but will always feel out of place.

Travel the world and build his own name by helping those in need and captivity.

Stay in Baldur's Gate, help rebuild the city and become the city's protector.

Organize his own web of spies that investigated and sabotaged authoritarian regimes and tyrants.

12. Free space! Share anything from your companion!Tav au!

Arno has nearly perfect visual memory, that helped him memories many maps and images (such as his family tattoos, that he tattooed his skin with after leaving home)

He’ll occasionally would lose control of his psychic powers (that are going sideways due to tadpoles influence) when heavily focusing on something which would lead to him extending his telepathy on others and accidentally sharing his thought with them, or start telekinetically levitate things or even small/medium creatures around him.

In 2nd scene of the romance he’ll suggest to the Player to use their psychic connection and would strengthen it to the point, where they both would clearly feel each other’s emotions and touches as if they were their own.

He would joke to hide his nervousness or uncertainty. 

During conversation with MC, Arno will recall good moments from his childhood. How he was raised most of the time by his older sister Maliara and sometimes by his uncle (a psychic wizard). He will recall how, as a child, when all the adults would leave them and go out to find them food/any money, Arno and Malia would sit on the roofs of houses together, watching the sunrise or sunset and getting used to the burning sensation it left on their eyes.

If questioned, Arno will tell about his family, how all of them are psionists, with special gifts in telepathy and telekinesis.  He’ll tell about his uncle, a Neverwinter wizard who could raise a whole house with only his thought. His sister, who is a talented artificer, working on different kinds of living blobs and explosive concoctions. And about his mother, who learned how to influence others and even bend them to her will, though temporarily.

Arno tells there were very little privacy in their house, as their mother wanted to know everything that was going on. If the MC says that’s messed up, he’ll say “Yeah? I never really thought about it that way, I mean - it was typical for us. We kinda were used to it.” He’ll apologize for snooping in others thoughts, as it comes easier to him than to others. Growing up in a household where your every thought was scrutinized and corrected by his mother did give him an impression, that it was alright with everyone else.

If questioned, Arno will tell that he actually has a sweet tooth, but he was forbidden to eat any sweets or sweet fruits at home. He’ll jokingly recall one scene from his childhood:

"I was really upset over some argument with my mom and as always, when I was like this, my sister Malia, came around and brought a whole basket of peaches. I have no idea where she found them, but we spent the whole evening munching on them until we were sick. Then mom returned home, and we kinda missed that. So when we heard her going upstairs to our room, we panicked and hid al peach pits in the plant pot we had in the room.” He laughs. “It took my mom years, before she noticed a peach tree in the room. She was really pissed.”

Despite his difficult and emotionally charged relationships with mother, he really cares for her and genuinely loves her, his older sister and uncle, feeling deep connection to them, that extends even over their telepathic abilities. Arno often finds it difficult to go directly against someone's opinion and generally tries to please others (unless it is in strong conflict with his moral principles of freedom and helping others). He often doubts if his own decisions, but is sincerely grateful when asked about his opinion or help.

The final scene for their personal quest, depending on the outcomes:

If Arno declined to bring artefact home:

Arnafein is sitting on the roof of the inn. The sky is slowly brightening, preparing for the dawn. MC comes closer behind him, and Arno slightly turns his head to their side, nodding his head towards free space near him with a small smile. MC sits; there is a moment of silence.

Player:

*Stay silent.* - Arno sighs "I thought this would be easier..."

"Are you alright?" - Arno "Yes. Just been thinking."

"Cozy place" - Arno smiles "Good for clearing head after messy day"

Arno continues "I breathe more freely than I did in decades. Actually feel like I can go anywhere and there won't be even a fleeting feeling of a leash around my throat. I'm happy." He pauses, his smile turning sour. "I just hoped mom would be happy for me too."

Player:

"Maybe she'll come around" - Arno "You sound like Malia. Maybe you both are right."

"She made her choice, you made yours" - Arno "True. I suppose I wasn't expecting the consequences of my choice to sting so much."

"Seems like she only wanted to control you" - Arno "I think there was love too. Just, her own version of it."

"It's just. We had bad days. But we had good too. I hoped... that good ones mattered more. That deep down she trusted me and was happy for me to find my own path. But she never planned to, has she?"

Player:

"I'm sorry" - Arno "Don't be. You showed me there is more to life than chasing after someone's approval."

*Hug him* - Arno let’s himself be embraces "Thank you. For everything."

"She might have want to, but was too afraid to lose you" - Arno "Perhaps. But I can't sit and wait for her understanding anymore"

"I found my path. With my choices. And my damned consequences."

(If romanced)

He turns to MC, laying hand on their hand.

"There will be bad days. But there will be good days too. And I hope I'll meet them with you - with all of the terrible choices and consequences that entails."

Player:

"Terrible choices, huh?" - Arno smiles "Absolutely wicked"

"Likewise" - Arno smiles "Good to hear we're on the same page"

He kisses the MC, laying hand on their cheek. Kiss will be meek at first, turning more passionate by the second, before they break from each other, grasping for air. Both brightly smiling, and gently grasping each others hand.

"Maybe that's a bit too early to say" - Arno "Well, we have all the time in the world to think on it. And make our own, considered choices."

And as so, the sun starts to rise, basking them in the dawn light.

If Arno agreed to give artefact to agents and bring to mother:

Arno sits on the bench in the outdoor alcove, shielded from the night and people. As MC comes closer they can see, that Arno uses his psionic powers to fully control rats before him.

Arno absentmindedly says "These ones easy to control. It won't be as easy with smarter creatures..."

Player:

"With more time you’ll get a hand of it." - Arno wryly smiled "Yeah, practice is the base of mastery."

"You ok with bending creatures to your will now?" - Arno "My mother wants me to. She thinks it will be useful, back at home."

"You seem troubled." - Arno "This... Is not the most pleasant thing for me. But I’ll get used to it."

"We have a saying back at home... Ilharess zhaun alurl. Matron knows best. For so long I've been trying to get her approval, to make her see me as an adult, not a child. Yet I continued to behave like one."

He makes the rats stand still, in attention. "But I know better now. I know to trust in my mother's judgment."

Player:

"And you'll be content with that?" - Arno "I have to. I will be."

"She seems to know what she's doing" - Arno "She always did, I was just too stubborn to see that myself."

"And what if she'll be wrong?" - Arno "No-one is perfect. But to survive, one needs to trust and obey their leader."

"Ahh look at me, overthinking stuff again."

He let's go of the rats, making then scatter around. "I didn't actually want to... burden you with my stupid troubles."

Player:

"It wasn't an issue at all." - Arno "But it was. It wasn't your problem to solve."

"Yeah, too late for that." - Arno laughs "True, and yet..."

"You were quite whiny sometimes." - Arno "And I apologize for that, as I’ve said it wasn’t your troubles to deal with, so I’ve been unfair."

"What I'm trying to say is... Thank you. To be of use to my house and mother. To be worthy of being her son. I have it - all thanks to you."

(if romanced) He'll lean his head against the MC, trying to kiss them but then will flinch and nervously laugh.

"Well, ok, she, uh... Seems like that will have to wait for later times."

Player:

"Is your mother still in connection with you?" - Arno "Comes with growing up in family of telepaths."

"Wait, what, who?" - Arno "My mother. Still checking in on me and not really approving something... intimate. Ruins the mood a bit."

"Well that's awkward..." - Arno nervously laughs "Yeah, you tell me"

"We can just. Stay here then. Together."

And they stay sitting there in the night.

[rottenzombrainz]

Tokyo Debunker; Ghouls + DnD (Headcanons)

I just wanted to procrastinate in peace, but inspiration struck me like a... inspiration....

Anyways, I bring you Allister's Headcanons for What I Think the Ghouls are like When Playing DnD™

This is mainly just what kind of characters I think they'd build with a little extra here and there.

also! I'm not the most knowledgeable on DnD, I just recently got into it so please bear with me 🙏

Frostheim

Jin Kamurai - He'd definitely play as a drow, but I don't know if he'd choose to be a fighter or sorcerer though. I feel like he'd also do his "tch" thing whenever the DM is setting the scene or adding in flavor text.

Tohma Ishibashi - Tohma would probably play as a warlock . I bet he plays DnD extremely logically too, focusing everything on strategy. He'd get really into trying finding outs in tough situations.

Lucas Errant - Lawful good human fighter. Next question?

Kaito Fuji - Kaito would have a bunch of different characters he switches between, but he always has insanely bad rolls and begs the DM for a reroll. Even if the situation didn't require a skill check, I have a feeling it'd still end in the DM saying "roll for initiative"

Vagastorm

Alan Mido - Alan would play a half-orc barbarian- because it sounds strong. Except he doesn't know how to rage. Or that barbarians do better with lighter armor. Or that he has to roll a dice to do things. Or-

Shohei Haizono - Sho would play as a warlock or cleric, but his patron/deity is literally just Leo /hj .I feel like he'd keep a good track of what items the party has and any little hints the DM throws in.

Leo Kurosagi - chaotic neutral tabaxi rouge...

Jabberwock

Haru Sagara - It'd be criminal if he played anything other than a druid. Though I could also see him playing as a ranger. Haru would try to appeal to the NPCs instead of stealthing, lying, or fighting. He'd also probably insist that he has to drink if his character does cus it's "more realistic"

Towa Otonashi - I would say druid if it wasn't for the fact that wild magic sorcerers are a thing. Towa would destroy everything and anything if he has the spell slots for it. In a small room with a special artifact? Fireball. Fighting an enemy with good loot near a pit? Thunder wave. An NPC welcoming his character to the town? Acid spray.

Ren Shiranami - Ren would be the most experienced out of all the ghouls. He'd probably get annoyed at all the other ghoul's lack of experience. He has the fanciest dice, the highest quality mini figs, and all of the player handbooks. Part of me also feels like he'd DM just because of how much experience he has. He'd be very unforgiving though...

Sinostra

Taiga Hoshibami - Taiga... Taiga is the player that attempts to fight everything. He attempts rolls that don't work for his character too. He'd also be the reason the party gets wiped out.

Romeo Lucci - Romeo would have an extremely charisma-based play style. It doesn't matter what class or race he is, he'll talk his way through any encounter.

Ritsu Shinjo - Ritsu's character would be a lawful good aasamir paladin that he spent 6 hours making a backstory for. And he would definitely try to give the DM suggestions after the session. I could also see him DMing himself and getting really into it with all the reference sheets and notes and such.

Hotarubi

Subaru Kagami - I feel like Subaru would only ever DM. DMing would give him a sense of control that he otherwise wouldn't have if he was a player. He'd put a lot of work into his campaigns and try to make everything as fun as possible for his players.

Haku Kusanagi - Haku would play as a bard, thinking it means he has to do the least amount of fighting. He'd take his chances on bad rolls and would keep himself well-stocked up on items.

Zenji Kotodama - I can't see Zenji playing any class but a bard. And you know he'd insist on playing an instrument every time he casts "bardic inspiration". I think he'd also get really into the roleplay aspect. He'd love doing side quests too.

Obscuary

Edward Hart - Ed would play a character completely different from himself. He'd have a lot of fun with the roleplay too. I could see him making chaotic decisions just to mess with the rest of the party. Like telling a fae his companion's names or making a deal with a devil.

Rui Mizuki - He would definitely play as a Druid, but in the way I do where I just max out my charisma and pray I never need to fight. Fighting would be his last resort in any situation because he's so unprepared in combat. The party could be halfway through a boss fight and he'd still be trying to roll persuasion.

Lyca Colt - Lyca would have a hard time getting a hang of the game and he'd try to follow the rules despite wanting to just go with the flow. He'd base his character off of himself and name them "Lyca 2" or something like that.

Mortkranken

Yuri Isami - Yuri would play as a wizard. He is so absolutely wizard-coded. He'd also max out his intelligence and wisdom with strength as his dump stat.

Jiro Kirisaki - I think Jiro is like Subaru and would only ever DM. I also feel like he'd be surprisingly good at it? The roleplay aspect, the descriptive language, improv when the players do stupid shit. His campaigns wouldn't be very creative, but they'd be super fleshed-out.

woohoo I'm finally done!!! I've been working on this batch of hcs for days, so I hope you all enjoy!!

[ilikedetectives]

I romance Minthara as Tav and in both occasions where my Tav: (1) refused illithid power and saved the city and (2) accepted illithid power and saved the city, Minthara does mourn the fact that Tav refused the power to literally become a god, but understands and quickly looks forward to future conquests. And not only that, she chooses to take Tav's name (huge deal for a matriarch society like drow, let alone the Baenre family name). Minthara is also willing to die along with Tav during the final battle!?!?!? She cares for Tav ok.

So it makes no sense for her to breakup with Durge on the spot for refusing to be a god's slave, when she doesn't break up w/ Tav for refusing to be a god altogether. And this is shown in the Elfsong Tavern ending and the epilogue. Being a god sounds wayyyy more powerful than a god's slave. Not to mention commanding an army of illithids and the power to create more fighters for yourself??? Did I also mention the ability to control dragons if you seize the brain? lol

Minthara: there is nothing we can not do together...But despite everything we gave up when we destroyed the brain, it is good to be here with you.

And even if Durge didn't seize the Netherbrain, her attitude is more of "the past is in the past, I look forward to future conquests."

Given that Larian brought back the writers for the epilogue, they must have looked into the ending with redeemed Durge to write the epilogue, so tbh I'd go with that instead.

Also not to mention if Durge rejects Bhaal, Bhaal instakill Durge but Withers revives Durge, which frees Durge from Bhaal. I feel like that should be celebrated?

TLDR: It is in character for Minthara to be mad Durge gave up their power as a knee-jerk reaction for the first few mins (also Emma Gregory's performance is *chef kiss*), but it is ooc for Minthara to refuse to see the reason why and not give Durge a chance to explain.

Oh and this is if you ignore Minthara's entire character arc with Orin (Bhaal) and her relationship with Lolth and the Absolute. After Lolth and the Absolute, Minthara would never want to be under another god's control again (She explicitly states she prefers to die than be under the Absolute's control again if Tav kicks her out of the party). So if anything she would want to be "The Absolute" herself. The whole point of starting a new house is being free from constraints and obey no god.

Minthara in other words: it sucks you didn't seize the brain as an illithid, because the brain sex we could've had.

Minthara's disdain for the gods and the idea of serving/sacrificing for them is explicitly stated throughout the game. She craves power, but never at the expense of one's freedom/life.

Even with Vlaakith, the only reason Minthara doesn't wanna anger Vlaakith is because Vlaakith can and will floor your entire party instantly. Not because she wants to serve any fickle god. And let's not forget where Minthara wants to go spit on Lolth's statue in Baldur's Gate lower city.

TBH I don't think Larian would add a persuasion check simply because that requires new dialogue and voice lines, as datamine dialogue doesn't show any additional content besides this abrupt breakup. So Larian would need to bring writers and Emma back if they want to do this. Or the cheaper solution is remove it? Either way there's a mod for it already so hail modders XD

Anyway, I'm glad what I have for my Durge and Minthara deviates from the game almost entirely.

[justabitscrewy]

Just want to say I adore your OC Izen! I don't know his whole story but the snippets I've seen are tantalizing and I really enjoy him. Also his design is so cool like, I'm a tiny bit afraid of spiders but he is adorable and epic and utterly amazing.

Thank you for sharing him and your art!

THANK YOU SO MUCH. i know i should've just answered this ask when i received it, but i was so excited at your words that i spent like,,, two weeks drafting a primer? just so that way you'd have more context?? Theres a LOT of lore that provides the foundation for Izen's backstory, so writing a primer of any kind was DIFFICULT. I've parsed it down substantially. The vibes are there, and i think it all tracks, but I haven't broken down any specific timeline or events, because a) it would be way too long, and b) some of those events haven't come up at the table yet.

Summary:

Izen fled the Monks of Mercy after becoming a drider, and found sanctuary with a formless voice that lives deep in the underdark, a voice lingering on the boundary between life and death. This voice would become Izen's undead patron and friend, and provided Izen with magic and means of defending himself. The patron is missing pieces of himself (ancient relics that were scattered to the surface) and Izen has made it his mission to leave the underdark in order to find his friend's missing pieces.

On the surface, Izen first met Phaela -- who would quickly become the greatest friend he ever had. She would offer him safety and transportation (in the form of her truck) and more importantly, a kind hand and an eagerness to show him how beautiful and wonderful the world can be.

Now, Izen and Phaela are traveling with three more people -- and the more people Izen meets the safer he feels. The world is a kinder place, and these people are good. He believes in them, he trusts them, and he wants to help them.

Breakdown of Themes and Lore are under the readmore!

THE THEMES BABY:

Pre-Campaign:

Izen sees his drider transformation as a victory over death — society told him that he was cursed, condemned, and in need of redemption. He refused to internalize the guilt and blame and fought tooth and nail to separate himself from anyone who would manipulate him.

Izen is driven by equal parts hope and fear. Fear of death, fear of captivity, fear of pain — but an unwavering hope and raw belief that life has to be good, that freedom is obtainable, that there must be a kinder and softer place for him out there somewhere.

Now:

Izen is trying so hard to embrace the second chance at life and freedom that the surface has provided him. He has a best friend in Phaela, someone who has proven to him that he was right all along. He was right to never give up, never give in, that the world could be better and kinder than what he was raised in.

Izen is absolutely enthralled by what he finds on the surface. The moon, the stars, the changing of seasons. And he’s torn between being fully enamored with the people he meets while still harboring a paranoia at being found out and returned to the drow. But every person he’s met, from Phaela, to the party, to strangers along the way, has only reaffirmed that the cruelty he experienced in his past was the outlier.

He loves bright colors, clashing patterns, soft blankets, scented soaps, and beautiful candles. Simple and beautiful things that brings such small but profound comfort and vibrancy

AAAAHHHHH Lore Notes:

Enlightenment: The Drow are a culture that lives in division. There are the days of Enlightenment — the days of now, where they have agriculture, cities, infrastructure, mining, industry — and the days of Descent — the days of a previous age, where they were nothing more than primitive warriors who had to fight to survive in a savage time, barely more enlightened than the monsters and beasts they fought against.

Death: The Drow believe that the moment of death is the most important time in a drow’s life. Death is when they return to Lolth, death is when Lolth sees how far the drow have come. For every drow returned to Lolth, her judgement of their entire progress shifts. This is why the Drow believe that it is imperative for each individual to die with pride and dignity — to never fear death and always welcome its embrace. Only animals fears death, and the Drow are not animals. And the individual will be held against the whole.

Drider: The Drow believe the drider transformation is a divine punishment from Lolth. And given that Lolth has not spoken to the drow in generations, it’s the only form of contact she has with them in this age. The Drow believe that the Drider are a lingering scar of the Descent — a time when they had to become monsters themselves in order to survive. When Lolth turns a beautiful drow into a hideous drider, she’s revoking their progress — reminding them that they haven’t grown at all. It’s a warning that they are still no better than their primitive ancestors that crawled in the dirt of the under dark. And worse of all — given that ever drider transformation is given to a drow near death — its a rejection. Lolth only wants to receive the brave and the enlightened. For Lolth to seeing a dying Drow and instead of ending their misery and welcoming them into her embrace — she prolongs their life by twisting them into a monster that isn’t even a drow anymore. It’s a rejection. A guilty verdict. That drow was so fallen that she spit them out and left them to be an example and warning so that others might learn from their mistakes. This is what they believe.

[flowersdaggersviolasandblood]

Fame, Riches, and Music

Name: Nalanthar Arabana (He/Him/They/Them)

Race: Drow Half-Elf

Class: Bard (College of Valour)

Background: Entertainer

Inspiration & Story: Unlike the previous two, I never got to play in a pen & paper or virtual tabletop game with this one. He was originally my Pathfinder: Kingmaker character for that CRPG. During EA (Early Access), I gave the Bard a try and fell in love with the class. Thus, I decided to bring this guy into the mix. The summary of his whole deal is that Nalanthar originates from the Underdark and had a harsh upbringing. He would eventually leave his dark homeland, seeking the pleasures and adventures of the surface world. Upon reaching the surface of Faerun, he fell in love with the various cultures, people, and dangers that it brought. So he dedicated himself to recording such stories and spreading them around for anyone to hear.

WARNING, SPOILERS AHEAD!

Nalanthar was visiting Baldur's Gate simply to enjoy the view and record new stories. So suddenly getting snatched up by a Mindflayer ship and having a tadpole forced into his head was less than ideal. He did save Shadowheart, but when it came to revisiting her, I've decided I wanted to see how far I could get without recruiting her into my camp/party. Story wise, I would explain this as Nalanthar having not crossed paths with Shadowheart yet. (I was able to evade her at the Druids Grove lol).

Right now, he has recruited Astarion, Wyll, and Lae'zel into his fold. Gale would've been a part of this too...But I failed the saves lol (I haver Karmic Dice off, so....). Seeing how Lae'zel has a one-to-one solution to their tadpoles, Nalanthar is on board with finding the Gith Creche. However, he has grown interested in the tension and drama involving the Tieflings, the Druids, and the Goblins and their whole Absolute thing.

This isn't out of a desire to do good by the Tieflings or anything, but he wants a good story. In a almost fucked up kind of way, he only chooses to help the Tieflings in hopes of spreading the story of helpless refugees being liberated from a "low-stakes" threat. And considering that he has Wyll, the Blade of Frontiers, on his side, he hopes to write his next piece about him doing such deeds.

In terms of the Absolute, Nalanthar was able to speak with the captured Goblin, Sazza and gleamed some information about this strange little cult. He even got a chance to meet Volothamp Geddarm as they both indulged each other on their fantastical stories about the Goblins.

Companion Relationships:

Astarion: Once again, doesn't know he's a Vampire, but he see's Astarion as a good lad. Nalanthar doesn't have a huge opinion on him just yet, seeing Astarion as a useful blade for hire.

Shadowheart: Once again, I'm purposefully avoiding her, just to see how far I can get without recruiting her lol. As of late, Nalanthar does think of her from time to time, wondering where she went or if she's dead.

Lae'zel: Welp, they fucked lmao. I also hit all the good marks with Lae'zel on this character, however, Nalanthar was a tad bit more willing to clap Githyanki cheeks this time around. Nalanthar isn't looking to make this a serious relationship, only really indulging her because he thought it would be a good story to sing about how he banged a Gith. Speaking of which, Nalanthar's run is probably gonna be "which of you fuckers can I get in my pants and which of you fuckers are willing to share this Drow ass." But aside from the Gith fucking, Nalanthar, seeing how Lae'zel has given him a straight answer on what to do with the tadpole, is willing to trust Lae'zel on this Gith Crech journey. Because of her exotic nature, Nalanthar has been curious of her people and their customs.

Gale: Yeah, so, originally Gale was suppose to be the main guy my Bard would romance...That didn't work out lmao. I failed all the checks that would help Gale out of the portal, so now he's currently MIA. Hopefully, this didn't lock Gale out of me getting that Wizard booty XD

Wyll: Oh they were meant to be! Wyll was the back-up romance option for when I couldn't get Gale. Nalanthar loves to see a famed hero in action, perhaps the first famed hero he's been in physical contact and speaking terms with. Nalanthar hopes to write grand stories of Wyll and his adventures, starting with starring Wyll as the "Blade who Skewered the Goblin Menace!"

Karlach: Haven't met her yet, only has Wyll's word on the matter. However, Nalanthar is eager to meet this famed Devil who has been putting names on gravestones.

[darksynkka]

A little late to the party but this looks fun and I'm never going to say no to gushing about my boy.

Answering all of them in one go for character development reasons.

Meet Anirin, my half-drow sorcerer turned bard durge:

General Questions:

What is their preferred combat style? 

As a sorcerer/cleric, Anirin’s combat style was mainly artillery. Keep him in the back, keep protected and let him unleash all kinds of damage. After re-classing as a bard, he’s a bit more front-line but still mostly support with buffing/debuffing, CC, etc.

What is their favorite weapon?

The Phalar Aluve. The future bard really likes the karaoke sword that uses his DEX instead of his piss poor strength stat.

What (or who) would they do anything to save? 

Strangely enough, Orin. Yes, she’s a bloodthirsty psychopath who needed to be stopped, but so was Anirin. In some ways, he was probably worse. He can’t stopping thinking about what he could have said or done that would’ve helped Orin, how he could’ve given her the same second chance that he got to have. He feels somewhat responsible for how she turned out and he’s not exactly wrong. Anirin is significantly older than Orin and did have a hand in raising her.

What (or who) would they do anything to destroy? 

Anirin would anything to destroy his past. He is deeply ashamed of what he did as the Chosen of Bhaal, of the blood he spilled in his father’s name.

What keeps them up at night? 

The fear and paranoia that one morning, he'll wake up to all of his friends being dead at his hand. It absolutely terrifies him, especially after a certain scene in Act 2.

What brings them peace? 

Playing music brings him a sense of peace and joy and strawberry cake is his comfort food that brings him a sense of warmth and nostalgia that he doesn't fully understand. He also finds that grinding herbs and whatnot in his mortar and pestle, brewing potions and poisons to be incredibly therapeutic.

What is their greatest asset? 

He's a natural leader, quite resilient and a legitimately powerful sorcerer.

What is their achilles heel?

Anirin is stubborn and prideful and has a difficult time asking for help. He’s also terrified of enclosed spaces.

What does their voice sound like? 

Voice 1. I know voice 5 is the standard but voice 1 just suited him more.

What do they smell like?

X

What do they take pride in? 

He genuinely takes pride in his abilities as an alchemist and his power as a sorcerer. It means he’s useful.

How would they spend the last night of their life? 

Haven’t really thought of it but I think he’d went to relax on his last night alive. Relax and just be with the people he loves.

How does someone get on their good side? 

He generally approves of good and heroic acts but you mainly get his respect through shows of dominance and cunning. As well as showing discipline and forethought before acting.

How does someone get on their bad side? 

Ironically, he disapproves of random cruelty. He also disapproves of submitting to others (for example; kissing Crusher’s foot) and giving in to your every impulse. He has to fight with his body and mind at all times just to not hurt someone. So, natural it sets him off when people act without thinking.

In other words, Astarion drives him nuts.

What is the best and worst memory they’ve formed since they escaped the Illithid ship? 

This is a tough one because he has a lot of good and bad memories. I guess the ones that really stick out would be bonding with the owlbear cub and Scratch for good ones, the first night after finding out the extent of his past villainy for bad ones but there also bittersweet ones. Like the night of the tiefling party. All he could think about was that Alfira should be there. Hanging out and drinking with Shadowheart ended up really cheering him up.

If they could change their ancestry and choose to live another life, would they? What path would they take? 

He would love to have anyone but Bhaal as his father, he would love to take back all the lives he took in the name of a father who does not love him. But he wouldn't take back meeting his new friends.

In a world where he never killed his family, I think he would've always become an adventurer. He'd be travelling with his adopted sister and his class would be sorcerer/bard.

If they had the option to restore their lost memories, would they? 

I honestly don't know. I don't think even he knows what he would do if presented with the option.

Which companion was the first to learn of their dark urges? How did this individual find out? 

Halsin was the first person he actually told about his urges. After the murder of Alfira and the appearance of Sceleritas Fel, it became very apparent that the urge is something that he can't just shrug off and ignore. Halsin’s a healer so he thought if anyone could help…

Are they secretive, or open about their dark urges? Why? 

He was afraid to talk about his urges at first. Anirin didn’t want to be seen as a liability to the group. But before Alfira, he didn’t even see the Urge as an issue. A few dark fantasies have never hurt anyone, right?

In the words of our resident bag o' bones (Withers), there are two paths the Dark Urge must choose from: "the heart of a savior," or "the mind of a murderer." Which path does your character take?

The Heart of the Savior for sure. I'm a sucker for redemption arcs (you can just tell that I’m very fond of Xena: Warrior Princess and Vinland Saga and that Zuko is my favourite Atla character, can’t you 😆).

The Heart of a Savior: 

What is the cost of resisting their dark urges? How does resistance impact them over time? 

Resisting the Urge is incredibly draining and downright exhausting. There are plenty of times when he wanted to give up.

How do they find the strength to resist their dark urge? 

Mainly from his friends. Especially Wyll’s support and faith that he is stronger than his urges, that he is a good person, that he is not the man he once was. But also seeing Gale and Shadowheart and Halsin work hard to research what’s wrong with him, seeing how happy the tieflings are to be reunited with their loved ones after escaping from Moonrise, the love that Isobel and Dame Aylin have for each other, and curing the Shadow Curse.

What are their motivations for resistance?

The Alfira incident made it perfectly clear what will happen if he doesn’t. Anirin doesn’t want anyone else to end up like her.

To their memory, have they ever succumbed to their urges? 

I’m not sure if this counts as “succumbing” but early Act 1, he didn’t take the urges very seriously. So he likes the sight of blood, fantasized about ripping Gale’s hand off, and kicked a squirrel. A few morbid fantasies never hurt anyone and Gale’s fine. Though he did notice that something felt truly off when fantasized about getting Arabella killed.

To their memory, have they always taken the path of resistance, or did something change their mind? 

Anirin has more or less always taken the path of resistance with a few bumps in the road here and there. It might seem a little boring but I found it super satisfying.

The Mind of a Murderer: 

Do they succumb to the urge of free will?  X

What do they gain from taking a life?  X

To their memory, which kill did they most savor? 

Viconia and Raphael. Viconia because she robbed Shadowheart of her entire life. Raphael because he subconsciously remembers what he did to Gortash (Gortash didn’t tell him about his past, he found out on his own).

To their memory, have they ever resisted the urge?  X

To their memory, have they ever regretted taking a life?

X

Get to know your Dark Urge!

It's time to get to know your Durge! Below are some "get to know you" questions about the current or favorite Dark Urge of anyone who would like to participate. As always, feel free to skip any questions that don’t strike your fancy or apply to your character by marking them with an “X”.

I cant wait to get to know your characters!

General Questions:

What is their preferred combat style? 

What is their favorite weapon?

What (or who) would they do anything to save? 

What (or who) would they do anything to destroy? 

What keeps them up at night? 

What brings them peace? 

What is their greatest asset? 

What is their achilles heel?

What does their voice sound like? 

What do they smell like?

What do they take pride in? 

How would they spend the last night of their life? 

How does someone get on their good side? 

How does someone get on their bad side? 

What is the best and worst memory they’ve formed since they escaped the Illithid ship? 

If they could change their ancestry and choose to live another life, would they? What path would they take? 

If they had the option to restore their lost memories, would they? 

Which companion was the first to learn of their dark urges? How did this individual find out? 

Are they secretive, or open about their dark urges? Why? 

In the words of our resident bag o' bones (Withers), there are two paths the Dark Urge must choose from: "the heart of a savior," or "the mind of a murderer." Which path does your character take?

The Heart of a Savior: 

What is the cost of resisting their dark urges? How does resistance impact them over time? 

How do they find the strength to resist their dark urge? 

What are their motivations for resistance?

To their memory, have they ever succumbed to their urges? 

To their memory, have they always taken the path of resistance, or did something change their mind? 

The Mind of a Murderer: 

Do they succumb to the urge of free will? 

What do they gain from taking a life? 

To their memory, which kill did they most savor? 

To their memory, have they ever resisted the urge? 

To their memory, have they ever regretted taking a life?

Is there anything else you'd like to share? Feel free to include art or a screenshot of your Dark Urge if available!

Tagging:

@baldursgrave69 , @feraelancunin , @coolseabird , @sleepymrshmllow , @sardoniqueen101 , @xxjester420xx , @taversgate3 , @lilly-frost , @tavsboots , @coolseabird , @yesistolethisurl , @jerirose , @mymilkprince , @haeluin , @whenwindwhispers , @kissupandshutme

And anyone who would like to participate!

Text divider credit @saradika

[keegansakura]

I heard tiefling and I was immediately interested, do tell more about tiefling character :]

Zelda Lysander was a young tiefling noble

Born a draconic sorcerer she was ultimately taken in by a drow in her early years after her village got completely decimated, but that sadly didn't stick as a corrupt noble took her from the drow she called mother.. and it's unclear if her adopted mother is even still alive anymore.

Having fallen into an adventuring party not exactly by choice after setting fire to said corrupt nobles house on accident in a divine communion made out of desperation to the god Hoar to try and escape, she found herself in Barovia where things went ABOUT AS WELL AS EXPECTED. During the entirety of her first key arc she was watching Strahd with a great deal of interest, his magic and abilities catching her attention. There were several late night talks when she took watch, esspecially after he saw where she and the fighter specifically had a great deal of beef

Dinner rolls around and... Yeah they did it in the library and a plan was hatched to betray the party which happened when the group stormed the castle where she betrayed her previous patron and took Strahd as her current patron much to Volentas distaste

Arc 2 consisted of her at first trying to prove herself to Strahd by helping him bring in and deal with a new adventuring party

The cleric upon discovering this almost beat her to death in a fit of rage but eventually she was able to get along with the rest of the group, specifically the party druid.

From there she obtained her chain familiar after accidentally enraging an owlbear and the cleric completely decimating it and finding out it was just trying to protect its chub. The chub would later be named Ku.

Surprisingly.. her story doesn't exactly end with the death of Strahd. In Lore and Lunatics lore, Strahds patron was a primordial goddess by the name of Hana, mother of light and dark. When Strahd took the pact with Hana he was split into two people. Everything that was good about him in the form of Vasili, and the vampiric bastard we know and begrudgingly love.. and Vasili took this news about as well as you'd expect, causing a sorcerer surge and the death of Ismark and a touching moment at the lake. The party then undid the split in half that Hana's pact did which resulted in an EPIC fight with her, and Vasili temporarily dying

Quick backtrack for context:

EN ROUTE TO HELP A SHOP KEEPER AND THE AMBER TEMPLE: The party encountered a huge two headed wolf who tried to stop them, not wanting them to desecrate Hana's resting place, ultimately letting them in on the promise that they wouldn't touch anything

(sidenote this lead to hilarity with mage hand. The wolf found it fucking HILARIOUS)

We then encountered a SIZE CATEGORY FUCK SPIDER WHICH ALMOST ENDED IN A TPK- and the wolf jumped in to help revealing the wolfs name: Skoros.

Zelda later explained that Skoros was an old god that her adopted mother worshiped, and she later took on as her next patron after that fight as Skoros wanted to give her a chance to fix things.

I say Vasili temporarily died

DESPITE THE SHIT THE STRAHD HALF PUT HER THROUGH. LYSANDER FUCKING COULDN'T LET THOSE FEELINGS GO. And evoked her first divine comunion under Skoros to bring him back to life because to her it wasn't fair that she got a second chance, and he didn't.

The druid ultimately took the pact with Hana. There was not a dry eye with that last session.

Vasili/Strahd and her right now are waiting at Bread Store pastries run by a cleric and wizard couple for another warlock of Skoros to come find them so they can work out what to do next.

And that is her story thus far and I am so sorry if I'm all over the place with this formatting

[margridarnauds]

oc asks relationship edition: self, care, social circle, fate, exit, and future. tell me about your b3 girl!

Thank you!

Self: How is your OC's relationship with themself? Does your OC like who they are? Is there anything about themself that they would change?

I don't think she hates herself. (Honestly, given the type of OCs I tend to write/characters I'm drawn to, this is ASTONISHING.) I think that she's...alright with herself, though with dialogue options I tend to not choose Paladin options mainly because I think that they can be too arrogant. She isn't Lae'zel, she isn't even Dame Alyn, she's a very cautious, secretive paladin. She takes her oath seriously, but she's very quiet about it even though she will put her foot down when needed. I don't think that she would wish that she was fully elf or fully Drow, but I do think she has a complicated relationship with her birth just because, for various reasons (mainly related to some dub-at-best con between a priestess of Lolth and a captive intended for human sacrifice), her birth, her conception required her father to suffer. Does she wish that she didn't exist? No, but I think she wishes that things were *different*, absolutely; it's partially why her Dream Guardian is her father, or at least the image of him in her mind.

He's handsome, he's warm, he loves her and wants to save her...it's very different from someone who, even if he'd lived...he wouldn't have been WRONG for it for obvious reasons, but he'd have very likely not wanted her.

And she knows it, because she reacts to him with this mixture of distrust and longing. "He would not fucking say that but I wish that life had been different enough that he would have."

Care: How does your OC engage in self-care, if at all? If they don't, why not?

She likes candles -- the Underdark is quite cold, and the only light that they get has to be manmade, and so she very much values candles, especially slightly higher quality ones, especially paired with a long bath (not that she has much of a chance for it during the events of the game.)

Social Circle: What's your OC's social circle? Are they obligated to spend time with others in their circle, or are they happy to be there? Has their social standing and social circle ever changed, and if so, how did your OC feel about it?

She didn't really partake that much in Drow high society, especially given there was a notion that her blood was impure.

I love Minthara. Such a pity that this was the exact moment that Kitye decided she had to die. (She now wears her armor at the moment. Which a part of me wants to swap with something lighter to suit her color scheme, a part of me wants to keep because I think it suits her.)

She went to parties, she attended rituals with her mother, she was a part of Drow high society, but I don't think she remembers literally any of her former acquaintances' names now.

A big part of her development is giving her steady companionship for the first time. (I have a crack headcanon that she's modern!Margrid's DND OC...with Margrid being oblivious to the parallels.)

Fate: Does your OC believe in destined meetings? True love, soulmates, hearing the bells? Have they ever experienced this?

She doubleclasses paladin and cleric, I don't think that she believes there's NO such thing as fate. But I do think that...what does fate mean? I've thought about it professionally, and now I'm bringing it here. Like, what does it REALLY mean? We use this term a lot but it describes what I think can be a massive spectrum of possible predestinations.

I think...she has some notion that the things that happened in her life happened for a reason, that she was meant to have this life. I don't believe that she believes in soulmates, though, and I especially don't think that she thinks that her relationship with Raphael is an example of it. She thinks she can change him, at least at first (she ends up deciding she can't change him but being dine with that) but she's very Crysania about it at first -- not that it's a matter of "I'll change you because we're soulmates/we're meant to be", but rather "I'm a paladin of redemption, my oath says I have to try to save you and, honestly, if I can redeem a Devil with my pussy, that would be SUCH a massive thing for my goddess."

Exit: Has your OC ever had someone important leave their life in a way that was unremarkable, unintentional, or clumsy? How do they feel about it? Is there any chance they'll meet again?

I don't know everything that went down with her mother when she left, I think I'll figure out more when I'm in the Underdark, but I think that SHE left her mother quite quickly and suddenly, without really giving much in the way of an explanation. When I was first thinking about the Dream Guardian, I actually considered making the Guardian her mother, not her father...specifically a version of her mother who'd never existed, who loved, supported, and protected her.

Future: Is there anyone your OC is looking forward to meeting or to seeing again? Who? What might that meeting or reunion look like?

Kitye's never really HAD someone to look forward to meeting. A big part of her journey in this run through is learning to trust people, so there's a massive sense of a bittersweet ending when she has to say goodbye to some of them. The world's been saved, Baldur's Gate is still standing, she did EXACTLY what she was supposed to do...and some of her friends are dead and some of them are going away, and she doesn't know when she'll see them again.

That being said, post-canon Shadowheart is the only one who leaves open the option of getting back in touch, and I think that Kitye WILL make her way back at some point, visiting her on the farm with her parents. She's going to see Shadowheart, still sometimes feeling that pain in her hand, still haunted by everything that's happened, but in a much calmer place, at ease with herself, surrounded by a loving family. She'll stay, maybe for about a month or so, and...it's nice. She's surrounded by animals to pet, she doesn't want for a meal, she has a nice bed to sleep in...but she knows it isn't really what she wants. Shadowheart was able to build that kind of life for herself, but I don't think that's where Kitye's going.

[we-are-a-dragon]

~the next dinner after Billie's ultimatum~

Godric (fairy warlock): *deep breath* Hey guys... You know how the drow fortune teller said I'd been offered a deal and time was running out to make my choice? Well, I'll come clean.

Billie (gnome ardent): *thumbs up*

Godric: Do you remember back when we were dealing with the witch hunter situation, before we even knew Demogorgon was involved, I reached out to my patron King Ellidir for guidance? And he told me it was a demon-

Billie: Oh yeah! He was right!

Godric: Yeah, and he pretty much ordered me to deal with it, and also implied there might be something good in it for me if I did. Well, I had another conversation with him after we defeated Demogorgon, and he offered me the chance to become an Ageless King.

Party: ...

Kjell (half-elf barbarian): Is that... good?

Godric: I don't know. He said it'll make me loads more powerful, but we'll also be more... connected. *shivers*

Thaddeus (khajiit paladin): Like some kind of possession?

Godric: That's the thing, I don't know.

Seraph (siren sorcerer): What does 'ageless' mean in this context?

Godric: I don't know. Maybe I'll become immortal. I've only got about nine years left to live otherwise.

Seraph: Is this what you want?

Godric: *helpless* I don't know. Sometimes I think I have plenty of power so I'll say no - look how I fucked Rodric up! But then there are things like, we fought the beholder and Kjell almost died. So maybe I do need more power. And I'm too stupid to get it a safer way.

Seraph: *gentle* Don't sell yourself short. You have a great many talents. Wizardry didn't work out for you and then you got contracted to a devil - that doesn't mean you couldn't have succeeded at another branch of magic.

Godric: *looks at hands* I'm mostly afraid that if I say yes to this I'll lose some of myself. That I won't be me anymore.

Kjell: That's really understandable.

Una (genasi artificer): We need to find out more about this deal.

Godric: But apparently I don't have time.

Bille: What exactly did Ellidir say?

Godric: He offered me this and I said I needed to think about it and he told me there was no rush. But with what the fortune teller said... maybe he's getting impatient.

Thaddeus: Maybe he has other warlocks now and he's only going to bond with one of you. It sounds like he wants more agency to go out in the world.

Una: Can you ask him directly?

Godric: I'm scared that if I bring it up again he'll expect a decision.

DM: Galwyn says, "Agreements between warlocks and their patrons are very serious. If he wants to renegotiate terms, you can ask for as much clarification as needed."

Godric: *nods uncertainly*

Kjell: *to Galwyn* How do you know so much about pacts?

DM: He says, "I've never been a warlock, if that's what you're asking."

[itsbenedict]

Two-Faced Jewel: Session 2

Zero and @eternalfarnham are Looseleaf and Saelhen du Fishercrown, a mothfolk animist and a half-elf conwoman. A botched heist forces Saelhen to keep up her fake identity and embark on a quest to places unknown, with Looseleaf to keep a watchful compound eye on her. This time, they prepare to set out for the jungle city of Thunderbrush.

[Campaign log]

It's less than a week after the incident with the pit under Yoshimimoto Plaza. Looseleaf returns to school with Saelhen in tow, and Looseleaf's roommate Oyobi spends some time training them up in basic monster self-defense- the two of them are now level 2! Saelhen gains a Cunning Action, and Looseleaf embarks on the Path of the Mutable Spirit. (There's no combat this session, so more on that later.)

In spending some time with Looseleaf's roommate, Saelhen picks up on... certain nuances.

looseleaf: what you know about your roommate is that she is very friendly and outgoing. the reason she's barely home most of the time is that she's always out partying or fighting or otherwise living it up on campus, and she's pretty well-known and popular amongst the student body. she's technically Martial Arts but takes a few Natural Arts classes, including your archaeology class. she wants to be an adventurer and join the Deathseekers' Guild, and she's taking multiple periods of Severe Zoology to learn to fight monsters. she thinks you in particular are adorable and has probably invited you to various social gatherings. she seems kind of spacey and unreliable, though, and doesn't seem to take you seriously.

saelhen, what you know about looseleaf's roommate is that she a freak nobody else seems to pick up on this, since there's not a lot of other elves at Blacksky, but you can tell from the way she wears her clothes and how she interacts with strangers to the uninformed observer, her fashion sense is sort of rugged and sporty and normal to an elf, her usual outfits are the equivalent of going around dressed in torn booty shorts, a spiked choker, and an ahegao t-shirt she is very obviously making a statement, and that statement is "i can do whatever i want, and if you have a problem with that you can [insert grossly offensive euphemism here]" her super-smiley friendly attitude is clearly part of this- she is breaking every single rule in the elf book, going right for the friendship throat in every social interaction and ignoring every single nicety that's supposed to precede friendly contact she acts a little different around you- like, she expects you to be in on the joke she's playing on everyone around her. she'll say something seemingly innocuous that's a actually a horrendous boundary violation in Kanzentokai, and then look at you with an expectant smile, to see if you appreciated the hilarious prank she just pulled. being around her is like being in the studio audience for a cringe comedy sitcom

Why are we learning so much about Oyobi? Well, partially because I can't help but overthink every single bit character, but also for reasons that'll become clear shortly.

After a few days, Saelhen and Looseleaf are invited to the Provost's office, up at the top of Blacksky Tower. (Ominous sort of place, for a faculty building- hewn out of a single chunk of sparkling black stone, oldest building on campus.) They are not invited to sit- the office contains no chairs.

Provost Hamori Los has good news for them! The people she's had secretly monitoring Saelhen for the past few days- did she forget to mention that?- have determined, by triangulation, that the arrow on Saelhen's bracer is currently pointing in the direction of Thunderbrush, deep in the giant-spider-infested jungle. So that where they'll be going, on a fun field trip!

Looseleaf could not be happier about this. Or less happy. She's really got precisely the amount of unhappiness that she's obligated to feel about giant spiders, being a giant moth.

Luckily, they won't have to trek through the jungle- Hamori has arranged for transportation via the ferry at the town of Cauterdale, which should allow them to bypass a treacherous trek into the depths of the Remoline Rainforest. They'll each be provided 100gp as funding for this academic enterprise- and Headmaster Goodcrest of Thunderbrush Metropolitan University has agreed to provide lodging for them on arrival. Everything is handled for them- so there shouldn't be any problems!

There is one more thing, though- all the different schools want in on this trip, so one school doesn't get all the credit. They're required to bring along a representative from the School of Arcane Arts and the School of Martial Arts, on top of Looseleaf from Natural Arts. And on top of... the representative from the School of Restricted Arts.

This dude is named Vayen, and he's not much for conversation. Or explaining what he's even doing here. Or doing anything besides skulking a careful distance away from the party, staring and listening. What does the School of Restricted Arts even study, again?

Anyway, Looseleaf has someone in mind from Martial Arts, so she leads the party to the School of Arcane Arts to do some recruiting! After being chewed out by Two-Brains for trying to post notices outside the official student notice board, she puts up her ad:

It's not long before she gets a bite!

Orluthe Chokorov is a cleric-in-training, under Diamode, the Goddess of Family. He's been enrolled in Arcane Arts at the insistence of his family... but he seems to think he's a "fake", and is desperate to go somewhere, anywhere, as long as it means he passes his classes without having to actually... be able to do whatever it is he's taking classes in. He says he can fight, though- in fact, he's eager to fight! He once beat Bud Chestplate, did you know?

There are perhaps less delinquent candidates they could go with, but there's something nice about a party member with secrets Saelhen could use as blackmail.

Saelhen du Fishercrown: "...rest assured that I shall be the soul of discretion. As will Looseleaf." "Though I fear that deception of this sort does not come easily to me..." Looseleaf: "Noeru, if he doesn't want to get into it, he doesn't have to- oh my god."

Having recruited Orluthe, the party heads back to Looseleaf's dorm to ask Oyobi about the Martial Arts students- maybe she has some idea as to who would make a good candidate for the trip!

(This isn't me foisting her on the players, though I did suggest it- after the party of two squishies got wiped in the first encounter, I offered them the chance to put together two NPCs who they'd get to control in combat. Their character sheets were more or less created by the players, and I matched their mechanical requirements to NPCs. We may end up having multiple characters per PC, later- this is sort of a trial run.)

With a cleric(?) and a ranger on the team, plus whatever Vayen is that he won't tell them, they're feeling ready to hit the road- right after a shopping trip.

Saelhen buys...

1x bag of 1000 ball bearings

1x traveler's clothes

1x hooded lantern

15x doses of insect repellent salve (much to Looseleaf's great offense)

2x uses of sealing wax

1x tinderbox

fuck it, 4x more bags of 1000 ball bearings

Zero: 'what are you going to do with five thousand ball bearings' 'when the time comes, i'll know'

Looseleaf buys...

1x pint of oil

1x bag of 1000 ball bearings also

5x healer's kits, to distribute to the party

1x pouch of various plant seeds

1x map

Notably absent is any food, since they have Oyobi in their party- she's a ranger with the Goodberry spell. (I've reflavored it to just mean she's good at foraging and always has rations on hand, because holy crap, Goodberry rules-as-written is totally worldbreaking- why would farms exist?)

During their shopping trip, Saelhen manages to get Oyobi alone, without the rest of the party. Oyobi's shtick has been fun, for her, as someone with very little regard for elven rules of politeness, but... it's still a little much. She asks Oyobi to tone it down.

Oyobi Yamatake: "I mean, I thought you had to no-sell it to keep up the fake noble act- I didn't think it was actually getting you!" "That's priceless, oh my god." "What's there to take a 'break' from, anyway? What's wrong with just living?" Saelhen du Fishercrown: "Primarily, the fact that I really need not to twitch in front of the Provost's silent murder goon." Saelhen jerks a thumb over her shoulder, then belatedly checks to make sure that Vayen is not in fact literally right behind her. Benedict I. (GM): Make a Perception roll? Saelhen du Fishercrown: aw, hell, he definitely is, isn't he

She rolls a 13, and no one in particular rolls a 17. So, everything is fine. They keep their voices down, anyway.

Oyobi Yamatake: "I mean, is it really a problem? Can you really not keep a straight face?" Saelhen du Fishercrown: "I mean, I can." Saelhen sweeps a hand over her face and is the picture of serenity. "Why should the lady Noeru de la Surplus concern herself with small lapses such as these?" "Surely someone shall find it in their hearts to forgive all trespasses." Oyobi Yamatake: She snorts. "Okay, I get your point." "But really, don't you think it's weirder for an elven noblewoman not to react?" "You don't think he thinks it's suspicious that you take it all in stride?" Saelhen du Fishercrown: "The character is admittedly kind of a freak. I'm making allowances. I mean, this is fun and all, but if no one sees through the bit at all and I'm stuck in it long-term, which it seems like I am, it's like..." "Just being back in Kanzentokai, except worse, because no one is making me." "And drow catch a lot of crap anyway. They don't need me to teach them that elves can be assholes." Oyobi Yamatake: She frowns. "You can't make me try to keep up with the rules, y'know. I'm not going to put up with that garbage ever again." "But I can tone it down with the..." "Y'know, the stuff I'm going out of my way to do, if that helps." Saelhen du Fishercrown: "The wink-and-nudge, yeah. That would help." Oyobi Yamatake: She sighs. She seems a little put out by all this, but pretty quickly puts her happy face back on.

Meanwhile, Looseleaf and Orluthe seem to have lost track of Vayen. It doesn't take them long to find out where he went (well, after Looseleaf rolls a nat 1 on investigation and accidentally pisses off an old lady she mistook for Vayen). Turns out... he's hiding behind a statue of Ccorde, spying on Saelhen and Oyobi.

Looseleaf doesn't buy his crappy excuses, but also... she isn't altogether opposed to the concept of spying on "Lady Noeru de la Surplus", who really ought to have someone keeping an eye on her. So, she just hands him a medical kit- a kit she happens to have used her animist class feature Soul Link on, so she knows where it is at all times. (She's done the same to the bracer.)

Now, with the shopping done, it's time to hit the road! They have a couple options: go on foot, or requisition some giraffes.

(In this world, they domesticated giraffes instead of horses. Why? Because it's a fantasy world and why not?)

The city's main giraffe rental is run by the Ecumene of Understanding, based out of the Temple of Andra. You can rent giraffes for free, as long as you're willing to serve as a courier for the Ecumene- their convoluted legal system requires them to send mail between cities frequently, and they've only got so many clerics on hand. So, anyone wanting to travel the roads can receive a delivery quest from the Ecumene, and rent mounts for free in exchange!

They meet with the Bishop of Understanding of Oyashio, Sarat Aerens.

Aerens has a simple request for them: in addition to visiting Thunderbrush's Temple of Andra with a mail delivery, they're to bring back a report from said temple on the whereabouts of the Siren's Arraignment, a ship that departed from Oyashio and never arrived at its next destination, Snowhold. There's suspicion that the Siren's Arraignment never departed from its supposed origin of Thunderbrush to begin with, either- so the Ecumene put some clerics on the job to investigate, and the party's job is just to relay their message.

With that, they're given giraffe passes, and directed down to the stables, where they find the stablehand, Updraft, having some difficulties.

Benedict I. (GM):There's no one at the pickup window, but there's a sparrow aarakocra just behind, trying to get a giraffe several times her height to get up and out of the damn water trough. Updraft: "...not a bath, ye stubborn git!" "Ye drink from that, lackbrains!" "Y'really want t'be tastin' yer arse?" Looseleaf: OH I CAN HELP WITH THIS FINALLY, A PLACE WHERE I CAN APPLY MY ADVANTAGE ON ANIMAL HANDLING

Looseleaf uses her Soul Read ability to tune in to the giraffe's feelings and recent history, and discovers that someone fed it a hot pepper and it's in, um, anal distress.

Orluthe volunteers to do some healing to the giraffe, with his Lay On Hands ability. Is... that a cleric thing? Do clerics do that? Probably. In this world, clerics perform magic by inviting their god directly into their mind to borrow their brainpower and work miracles directly, and it sure looks like he does that when he does his healing. He channels a god, for sure!

Benedict I. (GM): As he touches the giraffe, you see his body begin to glow, and his facial features are overlaid with another face. "...A giraffe?" "A waste, I suppose, but... perhaps it'll win us some favor." The voice he speaks in sounds more feminine, somehow.

Some religion checks reveal that this doesn't seem quite right for a cleric of Diamode, the goddess of Family. But hey, healing's healing, right?

With that, they're able to get their giraffes no problem- and next time, they'll be on the road to Thunderbrush!

[lunacanis99]

Mantle Short Story

Warning: good bit of cussing

Also Warning: might be small spoilers for my group? Idk I just really wanted to write this and though I tried to keep it vague it might give a few small things away. (Y'all are too good at guessing my plot twists anyways)

Bit of a weird one for this update. So I was thinking about random stuff from my game, to help flesh out characters and bring plots together, and one of the questions I asked myself was "who is the most likely character to say "fuck the gods""? And though a lot of obvious answers came to mind like Canary Kyo or Neer, I found a more interesting answer I liked better. So.... I ended up writing this... yeah, enjoy. (It's noncanon by the way.... well maybe. Maybe it just hasn't happened yet? :) )

"Can we really face them though? ...Should we?" Haldriia's consistently quiet voice cracked through the silent room. "I mean... they're gods..." It was a terrifying thought, to be terrified. But they all were. And despite her seeing herself as a coward, Driia was just the only one brave enough to say it.

Even Kyo felt his own fur prickling up his spine in fear. He was a demon, how could he not fear gods. And now, to try and face them, to defy them... without them. His ears folded back on their own as he silently conceited the drow might be right, and he could see the same look reflecting in the eyes of many of the others. But not everyone, and from their place at the head of the table he could already see the sparks of determined responses burning in the eyes of Church and State.

But they aren't the first to speak, as a voice called out, sudden and strong from the corner of huddled teenagers, cutting off the adventuring party.

"Fuck the gods."

Kovu and Tazd both shuffled back, giving the astonished group a good look at the source of the voice. Lent exhausted against the wall next to Lilith with Grendel still asleep in his lap: Mordred slowly lifted his eyes from the half elf in his lap to flicker around the room.

"Mordred!" Jet began. But Kovu cuts him of with a glare sharper than his daggers before encouraging his friend to continue with a gentle hand on his arm.

Mordred was silent for a second before slowly shifting Grendel off his lap into Lilith's grip and stands, shakily. His eyes didn't focus anywhere, they couldn't, but his gaze was still hard as ever.

"This is our world." He hissed. "Not theirs."

"Mordred... they made this world." Carric mumbled.

But the young guard narrowed his unfocused eyes and glared in the vague direction of the cleric. "No. They might have originally made it but it's our world now, this world is what we made it."

A stunned silence follows his proclamation before he takes a deep breath and continues.

"Our choices shape this world. Every choice we make changes everything and everyone around us. It's ours to build and after all we've gone through to build it... all we've done and all the changes we've made.." he hesitated at this line, reaching down to rest a hand on Kovu's shoulder lightly. "All the mistakes we've overcome, and... the lives we've changed... and the ones that have changed us... I'm not prepared to just give that up because some creature thinks it's better than us!"

"That's all very nice Mordred." Lilith begins softly, the words striking home coming from a young follower of Bane. "But she's right. They're gods. We can't win."

"Not alone." He snapped it so quickly, words none of the group were expecting from the fiery independent Mordred. But what he did next really drove his words home, as he slowly moved around the room, each step both cautious and hesitant, his hand tracing the smooth edge of the long table till he finds himself at the head of the table, in front of Church and State. "Luckily we're not alone..."

The group all exchange looks, surprised and confused by the once hateful Mordred now gazing evenly in their direction before Alistair finally finds his tongue, sneering at the young guard.

"And you think we can win? Against gods?"

"I don't know." He admits lowly. "But I do know we don't have any chance if we don't work together. And I do know I'm not willing to let them have this world easy. And if I go down, I'm going down fighting." Mordred hesitates again, before holding out a hand towards the paladin. "Even if it's at the side of someone like you."

Alistair blinks before giving an exaggerated sigh with a sharp grin and reaching forwards to take Mordred's hand. "You know, I think I can deal with that."

I had fun writing this so I hope y'all enjoy it.

Also, I really really love Mordred.

[pussyandpetrichor]

Lost the question prompts but heres a thing:

1.) Game Master, Player or both? Why?

I play both, but I'm willing to GM, so I GM pretty often

2.) When did you start role playing? How old were you?

I started roleplaying when I was yet able to read playing 3.x

3.) What was the first role playing book you ever owned?

Something in the 3.x range of Dnd

4.) Describe the first game you ever ran or played in.

I dont think I literally could, but one of the earliest I *can* I was playing a Drow Sorcerer in 4e who would eventually develop into one of my main player characters a Drow Ranger/Cleric multiclass called Eilthaea Waeglyl. It was a very rotate in and out sort of game because it was mostly an excuse to go over a friend's house in high school and smoke weed. The game itself was secondary or even tertiary to just hanging out

5.) Which system did you grow up with?

I grew up with DnD 3.x. We had a couple of 2e books we used with no distinction. But it was just my siblings and I playing action figures with a little bit of random chance and basic math thrown in.

6.) Which system do you play now?

I am currently playing Pathfinder 2e and Vampire the Masquerade as well as a couple very loosely ruled play by post rps

7.) Longest campaign you’ve run or played in?

A nonsense descriptor. I bring aspects of old stories into new ones at any time. Tommy Baker/McDonnell has a huge story across multiple game systems and genres. But most of my games are generally pretty short

8.) Where did you meet your current gaming group?

Vamplr. Both my current Pathfinder and VtM games are with the same general group of people

9.) Strategic combat or dramatic plotlines?

I like both. When I DM, I often leave the drama to the players because my DM style is basically to have fun playing a war game but when I'm a player I often prefer to do dramatic plotlines

10.) Favorite RPG genre?

I like some fantasy/horror. I would really like to play a gaslight fantasy game in Pathfinder with maybe some cosmic horror elements, but I dont think I could DM that. If anyone wants to run something like that, hmu

11.) Your first character.

A human rogue who always wanted to talk the monsters down. It never worked

12.) Your favorite character.

Hard choice... I think in a lot of ways I've outgrown Tommy, but he has been a lot of fun to play. I also really like a Half-Drow Oracle I made for PF1 who didn't port very cleanly to PF2, but I don't think I ever actually got to play her in a game so I don't know if she counts.

13.) Your most ridiculous character.

Gohma Waeglyl. Eilthaea's Spider Animal Companion blessed by Eilistraee and transformed into a Drider Paladin who picked up where Eilthaea left off when he got killed in a den of Vampires. She has a 6 intelligence (which is fucking genius for a spider, by the way) and she's a lesbian (does spider have puspuss?)

14.) The best in-character line you’ve ever had.

I don't know, but I remember bringing my brothers to tears a couple of times.

15.) Your most epic death.

Eilthaea holding off a group of Vampires in a cave during a TPK allowing his animal companion and an NPC (who became the new party) to escape and continue the mission (after some time where the NPC awakens as an Oracle and the spider animal companion goes into a cocoon and metamorphoses into a Drider

16.) Your most disappointing death.

Probably generic human rogue #84 dying yet again because he tried to talk to a goblin

17.) Something that shouldn’t have worked, but did.

Oh, probably something from the Tampa by Night Chronicle... instance after instance of "we shouldn't have survived" exacerbated by a failed homebrew merit that just kept making bad shit happen

18.) Something that went hilariously awry.

When we tried to have a pool party with the Lasombra Primogen and our coterie's Lasombra frenzied and tried to deathroll the chap

19.) Your most memorable in-character moment.

Plenty of memorable moments between Tommy and Hazel... but honestly Eilthaea's death has to take the cake

20.) The coolest item you ever got and how you came to possess it.

My games never have a huge focus on items and gear.

21.) Your favorite NPC and how the party reacted to him/her

MEEPO and adopting him (oh actually I did get to play Ghuanerel once. But she was a little nerfed. Unable to be deaf as she should be)

22.) A game you wish you could run or want to run someday.

That Gaslight Fantasy Cosmic Horror game lbr

23.) Something you made up on the spot.

I made up an on the spot consequence for getting multiple crits taking down the cursed tree at the end of Sunless Citadel (when I ran it) where the tree and its roots completely disintegrate taking the entire citadel down around them (they had all recently earned a boon from Pharasma so they had a 1up in the bank.)

24.) Your most successful game.

Probably the PF2 game currently (ish) going on. I need to get that back up and running (one of my player characters got a small dose of brain cancer and we had to go on hiatus for a bit)

25.) Your least successful game.

When I tried to be a PC in sunless citadel

26.) The craziest thing your players have ever done, and how it affected your plans.

I ran a chronicle where my players fled the city and went to England to avoid the BBEG of the chronicle and I had no idea what to next and had to end the game

27.) Your favorite setting or game location.

I really like Golarion/the Pathfinder setting and I want to play some games in Absalom

28.) Your creative process when you plan a game.

Right now, I'm kind of playtesting the Pathfinder 2e rules a bit so I took existing modules and strung them together using player backstory as hooks.

29.) The best / worst character concept you’ve ever heard.

Vegan Carnist (House Carna Tremere with the Farmer predator style. That's the whole concept)

30.) What makes GMing fun for you.

Seeing my players excited to find out what's happening next

[warlock-enthusiast]

you take the shape of everything that I'm drawn to

A small filler moment of our last D&D session featuring my Veldarin and @feylen ‘s Arcelm

The party is in the Feywild and is followed by something that plays with their minds and this totally happened

Veldarin’s head spun.

He’d too much wine, the sweet flavor of berries and honey still on his lips, and his steps a bit crooked. His visits to the Feywild seemed far and inbetween, but Veldarin remembered this Court and the hidden paths beneath a canopy of flowers and trees, and the smell of snowdrops and crocus. A second home, filled with light and hope. 

Catching up with Amalthea, always ended with wine and laughter, some kisses from an immortal mouth and closeness. Veldarin would never understand how a High Lady of the Fey took interest in him. She’d found him bloodied and beaten and on the brink of death and somehow saved him. How to repay such a debt? Servitude for the rest of his life and a place at her side, if he’d ever chose to leave the mortal plane behind? A Drow in the Court of Spring. What a strange thought and yet, here he was. 

Amalthea’s mood changed within minutes, but she’d never treated him unfairly or asked for favors, which he wasn’t willing to give. She loved to tease him, yes, mocking his choice of friends. 

He rubbed his head. At least, the crown of flowers was finally gone. Instead she’d summoned some blossoms around his wrist and he endured that with quiet dignity. Or tried to. Everything seemed better than a crown of snowdrops atop of your hair.

Veldarin walked quietly and greeted some of the remaining Court. Just a few guards, tired satyrs and centaurs, leaning on their weapons.

What caught his interest was the form of one of the other visitors. One of those, who’d stumbled into his life a few nights ago. As honorable and polite Alces appeared, he had a knack for bringing outcast to his doorsteps and demanding help for hopeless cases. And Veldarin never said no. He blamed Alces and his puppy eyes for this. And the urge to pay for his past actions. 

The worst aspect of the whole journey was the fact that he started to like them. The stubborn ranger, the sad fighter, the sweet cleric, the shy paladin, even the foul-mouthed bard. Felicitas reminded Veldarin of himself in his younger years, loud and full of mockery and arrogance. 

“Arcelm?” He sat crouched against some roots, body moving slightly, eyes on the ground. Something was off. 

He didn’t react. “Is everything alright?” Pale skin flushed a bright red and a sheet of sweat covered his forehead. 

So, obviously not.

“Arcelm”. Veldarin got to his knees and touched his face. Small moans broke the silence between them. He seemed to be lost in some far away dream and what Veldarin first thought to be sounds of pain, exposed themselves as … moans of pleasure? 

Veldarin felt heat rise in his cheeks and blamed his wine filled body. He thanked his obsidian skin for not showing any sign of discoloration. 

Some unseen creature followed them through the Feywild, fuelled by their dreams and hopes and nightmares. Veldarin was relieved that he hadn’t heard the laughter of his daughter again, considering that his heart would simply break anew. Torn edges open and vulnerable and asking for a killing blow.

Instead it haunted Kethra and Jaro with visions of a happy family and a lover that died. Arcelm with something completely different.

“Arcelm. Wake up.” Still no reaction. Slender arms grabbed his shirt, tugged at the fabric, and brought Veldarin closer to his body. Panic rose in his throat and he cursed himself for drinking too much and thinking himself safe in Amalthea’s Court. The creature had clearly followed them and ignored the magical barriers and protections.  

“Stop. Whatever you are. Stop.” Black tendrils crawled from his fingertips and a dim light engulfed them both. Magic whispered into his ear and crackled on his skin. His spell showed no effect, though. Arcelm still kept him close, pressed his body against him. Moaned. A strange sound from someone as shy and quiet as Arcelm. Too loud in this night. Too pretty and too young to be this close to him.

And Veldarin’s body reacted.  

Shit.

“Arcelm.” Veldarin slapped his cheek. “Come on. Whatever you’re dreaming of, it can’t be that good.” Or maybe it was. Arcelm’s arm snug around Veldarin’s neck and showed a surprising amount of strength. “Shit. Arcelm. Wake up.”

He heard the rest of the group then. They’d entered the Court, calling out for their missing companion. FInally some help. Not that Veldarin seemed especially keen on them finding him and Arcelm in such a position. So close to a kiss.

“Last chance, or we’ll have to think of something else.” Maybe the the calming presence of Dawn broke the spell, but Arcelm’s eyes moved behind closed lids, and he opened them slowly.  Arcelm reacted like some frightened animal, pupils shining with a red gleam. Unnatural. A sign of something hiding beneath his face, crawling beneath his skin. 

Veldarin decided to ignore it, but with this and the vision that Amalthea shared, the picture became clear enough.

Arcelm’s skin seemed flushed and his lips red and swollen from a mere dream. Veldarin put some distance between their bodies and still found himself unable to offer the right words. Dawn’s sweet voice offered comfort, though. 

He took a step back, only to find Arcelm in his arms again, clearly looking for someone to hold on to. 

Veldarin needed more wine. 

[flowersdaggersviolasandblood]

Fame, Riches, and Music

Name: Nalanthar Arabana (He/Him/They/Them)

Race: Drow Half-Elf

Class: Bard (College of Valour)

Background: Entertainer

WARNING, SPOILERS AHEAD!

Let's get Nalanthar to ACT 2! So where we last left this guy, he was at the Goblin Camp. I thought there would be a chance where we could misdirect the leaders and send them to a different location. While there are options like that, ultimately, we gotta kill them. Before we did that, I wanted to finish some side quests first because I'm a silly silly. We first went to the Risen Road and decided to get that stuff out of the way. We rescued the Zhent agents who were suppose to deliver their package, but they got held up by a pack of Gnolls. After dispatching the Gnolls and even commanding one of them to eat themselves, we were able to get on the good side of the Zhent. Unlike Pero, who helped the Zhent because she didn't know they were a evil organization, Nalanthar has a inkling of what they are. But because he's a storyteller who enjoys manipulating events to weave a story he sees fit (heroic stories brings more crowds and money than those with dour endings), he opted to rescue them and get in good with the Zhent.

After doing that, I tried to do the Waukeen's Rest side quest, but I accidentally Long Rest a bit too close to the quest and only accessed the outcome after the fact. The councilor was dead and only a few Flaming Fists were around as they tried to look for Wylls' father, Grand Duke Ulder Ravenguard. This is when we learn of Wyll's history as a noble born of the Duke and agree to continue the search for his father under the possibility that he could be alive.

After qsudo-failing the Waukeen's Rest quest, we bee-lined to the Githyanki Creche thing where we meet the Gith harassing the Flaming Fist and learn of the location to the Creche. After doing so, I made a bee-line to help save Mayrinna from Auntie Ethel! Before continuing, some companion stuff!

Nalanthar is getting around homie! 2 out of 4 of the camp got that good good with Nalanthar. Meanwhile, Nalanthar has a cute moment with Karlach and poured water on her so that he could kiss her ^3^. Nalanthar also learns of Astarion's tattoos, noticing that they're written in Infernal of all languages. As for Shadowheart...Oof, not looking good for her. While the other TAVS have grown to like and sympathize with Shadowheart because they traveled with her for a while, Nalanthar has not gained that same sentiment. Especially after the whole thing with the artifact and knowing that the whole world is looking for this item, he's getting a little peeved with her secrecy. At this point and time, it's a little late to be feigning innocence, regardless of her religious standing. I was able to get the cutscene where Shadowheart and Lae'zel are duking it out, and I had it where Nalanthar sided with Lae'zel to kill Shadowheart. However, I encountered a glitch where it wouldn't register that combat is suppose to commence. This likely might be the result of the Hotfix 4 crisis, but that has recently been updated and fixed by the time of me writing this, so it looks like Shadowheart won't be staying with the party for long.

Edit: Welp, I accidentally won the Persuasion check lol. I know I could've just let Nalanthar attack Shadowheart from the get-go, but he's not a action first type person. He much prefers to use his silver and trickery tongue first before putting on fist cuffs. So she's unfortunately still with us lol.