Hello and welcome!

An avid fan of the Forgotten Realms D&D franchise, I bring to you “Champions of Draydon”! A fantasy D&D questing type role play with a determinable plot outcome. (I.E player decisions influence the story line and flow of the RP.)

Our story is set in the fictional city state of Draydon. A port city loosely inspired by Kirkwall from Dragon Age II and fourteenth century Prague. Players have a multiple options of character paths to take, and various guilds that can be joined. There are six playable races; Human, Dwarf, Moon Elf, Wood Elf, Drow, or Aasimar. There are three primary classes (Warrior, Rogue, Mage) and a total of twelve specialties (Weapon&Shield, Barbarian, Reaver, Spellsword, Assassin, Thief, Arcane Archer, Bard, Elemental Mage, Blood Mage, Illusionist, Conjurer)

Players can choose to weather the RP alone or form parties which will be "catalogued" in the OP. Parties can be edited, disbanded, or formed anytime throughout the RP. This feature is moreso for organization and is not exactly something I will be dictator-like about. Still though, order and organization is nice.

Some quests and story arcs will be related while others are completely independent of the main flow of the RP plot. As stated prior, this RP is set in the Forgotten Realms franchise universe, and lore and worldly rules will apply in full. FEAR NOT! Unfamiliarity with Forgotten Realms will not handicap you from becoming involved with and enjoying this role play in full. Links will be provided for minor material, and I am here to answer any questions without hesitation.

Please note this thread is primarily for interest gathering, Q&A, and open discussion. I intend to have the official RP thread released by this Thursday.

Questions, suggestions, and concerns; vent them all to me!

WARRIOR
Those who would feel the heat of battle and raise their weapon to bloody their foe. Warriors are broken into four classes; Weapon&Shield, Barbarian, Reaver, and Spellsword. Weapon&Shield fighters typically pair a sturdy shield with a weapon of choice, be it a longsword, shortsword, mace, or hand axe. Their physical strength, battle prowess, and stamina are typically well balanced, making for a well all around fighter. Barbarians rely on brute force to punish their foe with heavy attacks, typically they wield battle axes, warhammers, or broadswords. However they usually have limited stamina due to the amount of energy put into their attacks, and after a short while will be forced into defensive stances while recovering their stamina. Reavers are unique types of fighters that rely on rage and frenzy tactics. Harnessing their rage, reavers turn their pain from wounds and their combat exhaustion into a burning flame of hate to drive them into frenzies of endless attacks. Many reaver types are known to be mentally unstable or even psychotic, and douse themselves in the blood of fallen foes. Despite their punishing offense, the wreckless fighting style of reavers leaves them vulnerable defensively, and a skilled opponent can capably fell a lone reaver. Reavers typically wield two-handed weapons or dual wield shorter one-handed weapons such as maces, short swords, and hand axes. And then there are spellswords. Spellswords typically wield enchanted weapons or a single weapon and use their free hand for casting. Most spellswords typically only use supporting magics such as healing, words, runes, and minor illusions. Though some do wield stronger spells. Spellswords are well balanced against magic and non-magic foes however are vulnerable to heavier class warriors and more adept magical enemies.

ROGUE
Clandestine and crafty, foxes and weasels in and out of battle. Rogues are divided into four classes; Thief, Assassin, Bard, and Arcane Archer. Thieves are known for their deft hands and light step, as well as their charisma. While not the best candidate for intense battle, thieves are ideal for infiltration, espionage, and... theft! Assassins share many of the same abilities as thieves, though are not nearly as adept at certain skills such a pickpocketing and other forms of non-lethal espionage. However they are better suited to combat, albeit as support and not direct assault. Assassins can attack from the shadows or lacerate foes from the flank or rear. Arcane Archers are ranger-types who primarily focus on archery and the use of enchantments. Arcane Archers typically use enchantment and rune magics, such as placing runes as traps while retreating and peppering foes with enchanted arrows. And then there are bards, evasive light footed fighters who make use of illusions and minor enchantments to dazzle and disorient their foes, be it to escape or deliver a killing blow.

MAGE
Those who harness the forces of magic, mages are treated in a diversity of fashions across Faehrûn. Various societies and cultures of all races have different outlooks and opinions in regards to mages. Of course, the types of magic one delves in also is determinant in how they are viewed by society. There are four playable mage classes I this RP; Elemental Mage, Blood Mage, Illusionist, and Conjurer. While all mages can summon on the forces of nature and the elements with proper tutelage and training, elemental mages specifically specialize in element based magics. The four elements of magic being fire, wind, water, and earth. These mages have adept knowledge in more advanced elemental spells and can manipulate the elements around them with ease and mastery. Blood mages typically have diverse magical talent, their powers ranging from element based spells to illusions. The key to blood mages’ power is their use of life energy, or blood, to fuel their power. Few blood mages dare draw upon their own life force, and instead leech away energy from living beings around them. Blood mages are among the most feared of magic users in Faehrûn, and rightfully so. Blood magic has held a sordid history over Faehrûn, and there are many tales of blood mages sacrificing friends, family, or even entire settlements to further their power. Those who dabble in blood magic are marking themselves as pariahs for life. In truth anyone may touch into blood magic, but those who focus all their time and study on it are what you could call true blood mages. And then there are the illusionists. Those who specialize in illusions can use this magic as to disorient and stagger an opponent. Erecting an imaginary wall or summoning forth a contingent of soldiers who are naught but enchanted smoke. Or creating an apparition of one who is not there. Illusion mages are fine as combat support and can even aid in combat with non-illusionary spells. And finally there are conjurers, mages who specialize in summoning rituals and can conjure forth allies from other plains, be they spectral, spiritual, or demonic even. Conjurers can also bind spirits and lesser entities to an extent. Like blood mages, conjurers in general are looked upon with distrust and even terror due to their capabilities.

HUMANS

Proud, fair skinned, and ambitious, the Illuskan humans of the Sword Coast rule the city of Draydon as the majority race. The city does however have a small population of Calmishites, caramel skinned humans from across the Sea of Swords, hailing from the desert kingdom of Calimshan. Over two thirds of the city population is of Illuskan human descent.

WOOD ELVES

Calm, noble in spirit, and proud of their ancient history and culture, Wood Elves (or the Ortel-quessir to their kin) are among the most common of the elven races, spread enmasse across Faerûn. Quick, cunning, and dexterous, wood elves are fine hunters and their prowess as archers is legendary. Like most elf folk, they also have a natural aptitude for magic, and wood elves as arcane archers and mages is practically cliche. Despite their natural aversion to enclosed cities and complex civil structure, many wood elves live and function amongst humans, referred to by their forest bread kin as “city elves”. Draydon has a large wood elf population, who are diverse in their talents and crafts.

DWARVES

The dwarves of Faerûn are fierce, hardy, and proud as a mountain. Some might even call them haughty. Dwarves are known to be fierce warriors despite their small stature, and are often sought after as mercenaries or personal vanguard by the humans of Faerûn. Aside from their prowess as fighters, dwarves are also skilled as miners, smiths, inventors, and even sailors. Dwarves are also shrewd in nature and quick thinkers, and make for fine merchants as well. Dwarves typically shy from magic, and dwarf mages are beyond uncommon, as dwarves do not trust magic.

DROW/NIGHT ELF

The Drow, or night elves, are typically mistrusted or even outright hated for their dark, sadistic society and outlooks and their cruel religious rites and teachings. Slender, athletic, and swift, Drow are typically gray or black skinned with piercing red eyes and either silver, snow white, or black hair. Slightly shorter than wood elves, the Drow are remarkable as swordsmen and are fine archers as well. Drow however can make keen mages, and their society is heavily structured around magic, particularly blood magic, conjugation, and shadow magic. Few Drow live in Draydon, and those who do are viewed with suspicion and fear.

MOON ELVES

Tall, slender, elegant, and attractive to the eye, moon elves (or Teu-tel-quessir) are descendants of half-blood elves from centuries past. This explains why unlike other elven races moon elves are taller and more akin to humans. Though stronger and broader in build than other elven races, they lack the speed and endurance of pure blood elves, as well as the sharp eyes and natural magical aptitude. Also called “high elves”, moon elves are more sociable and open with human society, and intermingle quite well with the human folk of Faerûn. Draydon has a noteworthy populace of moon elves.

AASIMAR

Aasimar are humans who are descended of celestial beings of good, virtue, and moral nobility. Aasimar in a sense could be considered demigods of a sort, bearing rhe blood of an angel or good spirit of a non-mortal plane. Aasimar are powerful beings, their lifespan breaching far past a century. They are resilient against the elements of this earth and magic alike, although they are just as vulnerable as any to physical damages. A sword to an Aasimar’s heart would kill them as easily as any mortal creature. Despite being born of good nature and virtue, not all Aasimar are good hearted noble beings. An evil or corrupted Aasimar can prove a walking nightmare should they prove powerful enough. Aasimar in general are both respected and feared, and many do not trust them. Aasimar are easy to identify, due to obvious traits. All Aasimar are notably taller than humans and walk proudly towering over those around them. They typically have bright glowing eyes of various colors, from solid white to bright green. And skin that could vary from sickly gray to emerald green or a light blue even.

Due to their planetouched blood of heavenly realms, Aasimar have some connection with realms beyond the world, and often have dreams and visions from spiritual and heavenly planes. Unfortunately, many Aasimar are also tormented by nightmares and evil visions from demons and evil spirits that wish to corrupt them.

Aasimar as a race of their own are extremely rare. There are in fact only two known Aasimar in Draydon at current; the Arch Mage of the Academy of Magii and the knight commander of the Knights of The Red Griffon.

What was once a small fishing village coupled with a trading post is now arguably one of the most critical hub cities on the Sword Coast. Draydon was first settled roughly eight hundred years ago, at the foot of the Sword Mountains, south of The Mer of Dead Men and just leagues north of Waterdeep. Developing into a large town, it soon became a pivotal trade stop and relay position. Miners also frequented the city from mining camps in the Sword Mountains. And the establishment of the various guilds and arrival of nobility over the passing decades inevitably saw the coastal town develope into a sprawling port city. A centre of trade, commerce, politics, and innovation. Draydon is said to rival Waterdeep and Baldurs Gate as the mightiest and most vibrant city in the north.



Ruled over by Baron Darrick of House Wengale, Draydon is a city of firmness and justice, albeit justice in harsh forms in some cases. Marshaled by the Draydon city guard and protected by the Knights of the Red Griffon, Draydon has many who would protect the city. The Knights of The Merciful Sword, the Holy Paladins of Ilmater, and the Crimson Knights of Torm are also three religious based crusaders of justice who protect not only Draydon, but it’s people, peasant and noble alike.

Despite this, Draydon faces many threats from outside and in. The Sword Mountains to the east are the lands of tribal orcs, who when not warning amongst themselves can prove a great threat to miners and explorers. Local mine lords regularly hire mercenaries to defend their mines and workers from hostile orcs.

And then there is the foreboding Mere of Deadmen north of the city, a cold water swamp filled with decrepit ruins, vicious and bizarre creatures, and the walking dead. Many expeditions over the decades have been charted deep into the Mere though few have returned with tales of the dreaded swamp.

But perhaps the greatest dangers to Draydon are within the bowels of the city itself. Covens of witches and blood mages, thieves and murders, pirates and slavers. Corrupt nobles and rogue guardsmen. A city of possibility and problem

Draydon is divided into six districts; the Commons District, the Harbor District, the Market District, the Emerald District, the Foundry District, and The Temple District.

Trumpeting the call for adventurers, vagabonds, and seekers, the Questers Guild has only a small handful of members, and is the smallest of Draydons’ guilds. Funded by a collection of noblemen and scholars, the Questers are those who are called upon when standard expeditions or mercenary escorts simply will not do. Questers are hired for substantial fee to journey to some of Faerûn’s most dangerous places. Ancient ruins, collapsed temples and sanctuaries, abandoned castles and estates and so on. Questers can be given any sort of missions from locating ancient artifacts or tomes to securing an ancient ruin of it's dangers for a research expedition. The Questers Guild is very particular, and will only accept those of high repute and experience into their guild. The Questers guild hall is based in the Emerald District. Formerly a lavish estate, the nobleman who founded the guild had no heirs, and in his will granted his estate to the guild. Over the decades it has been expanded upon, including housing, an armory, and a training arena.




Sounded two centuries ago, the Academy of Magii is the single largest academy of magic in all of Faerûn. The Academy tower sits amidst the common district, surrounded by thousands of highly suspicious locals who mistrust the academy and its mages. The tower is built solid like a massive stone keep and is protected by the Mage Wardens. Skilled soldiers taken from the ranks of the city guard trained as security and defense for the tower. In decades past this proved effective, as more than once in history has the Academy been marched upon by an angry mob bearing torches and rustic iron swords and farm tools.

The Academy is as much of a place of magical research and mentoring as it is a place of students young and old learning of magic. Masters and apprentices alike come and go as they will once registered at the college, honing their talents and studying the arcane arts and histories of magic. However, the Academy has rather strict rules, and some magics such as necromancy, blood magic, and shadow magic are all outright banned by the Academy and outlawed by the city. Many rebellious apprentices and headstrong magic adepts have been slain by the blade of a Mage Warden, who are just as vigilant of rogue mages as they are of those who would threaten the Academy.




The Crimson Blades have “graced” the streets and waters of Draydon for nearly twenty years now. After the disbandment of the decaying Mercenary Guild, a former member named Teague Arion founded the Red Blades, cobbled together from former guild members and local brutes alike. Beginning with only thirty men, a single beleaguered brig, and outdated armor, the Red Blades have evolved into an organized private army of over three hundred men. Originally they were only swordsmen and cutthroats, but now mages are among their ranks as well. They also command a small fleet of ships which they regularly use to hunt pirates and brigands at sea. Recent accusations have been made against the Red Blades of harboring blood mages and shadowmancers, though this has remained unproven. The Red Blades’ compound is located in the Harbor District, a large walled-in collection of bunkhouses, warehouses, and shipyards, where they moor their fleet when not out on contracted duty.




Only a decade old, the Thieves Guild took over the Draydon criminal underworld when the Shadows of Mask were driven away. The Shadows were a religious based thieves guild, and had desisted in Draydon for four decades. However, internal strife and implanted city guard agents saw the Shadows decay from infighting and indecision, and their guild hall was raided soon after. Nearly every thief was slain in self-defense, save for a few who escaped. Their vault was found empty. Forty years of stolen treasure and wealth vanished.

Several months later, rumors began to spiral about of a new guild of thieves. Since then, the guild has grown in size, having nearly fifty members, less than half of the previous guild and holding none of the respect nor influences of the Shadows. Something the current Guild Master looks to change.

The guild hall itself is located in an underground cellar of an abandoned Harbor District warehouse. And there are various secret entrances via the use of sewer drainage tunnels.

THE SWORD MOUNTAINS

The Sword Mountains are a towering and vast range of mountains that span the eastern horizon of Draydon. Home to numerous isolationist tribes of orcs and little else more than trolls, bears, and wolves, only the bravest would venture here. In decades past Draydon faced the terror of many orcish attacks and even a great horde when Wund Many Arrows United the orcs. Many battle have been fought at the foot of the mountains and to this day farmers still uncover bones and decrepit weapons in their fields. The mountain has little in regards to ruins, however it’s mountains bear deep veins of precious metals. Many mines have been opened over the years, yet time and again orcish attacks have seen the expeditions wiped out and the mines abandoned.

THE MERE OF DEAD MEN

The Mere of Dead Men was given its name for a terrible and bloody massacre that occurred in the massive swamp. Many years past, this treacherous marshland was a kingdom of humans, dwarves, gnomes, and elves. However, a great orcish horde invaded, plundering the kingdom and slaughtering thousands. All were brutally killed by the orcs, and during the battle, powerful elemental magics were used. The sea rose and flooded the land, swallowing the fallen kingdom.

The water eventually receded, but the land was forever flooded, and the cold water Mere of Deadman was formed, a dangerous swamp of one hundred miles. The great marsh is filled with ancient ruins long forgotten with treasures aplenty to be plundered, even after so long. However, the Mere is riddled with dangers. Restless ghosts and terrible spirits, giant leeches, giant toads, hydras, aballins, zombies and skeletons, sivs, and legends tell of a penanggalan. A hideous vampiric she-demon from The Nine Hells that lives in the Mere. This has never been proven though, only acclaimed sightings and wild tales.

Questers from the guild and other adventurers regularly venture here in search of lost treasures and artifacts. Many never return.