🌞 F O R G O T T E N R E A L M S 🌙 ~Darkest Horizon~ (INTEREST GATHERING)

[Scrivener]

🌞 F O R G O T T E N R E A L M S 🌙

~DARKEST HORIZON~

"Only the most indomitable minds dare to look upon the malevolent thoughts and forbidden secrets bound herein. This corrupt tome is filled with deplorable wisdom, malignant ideas, and descriptions of creatures, rites, and practices most foul. Evil permeates every word and image inscribed within it."
— Orcus, Demon Prince of the Undead

Legends tell us of an ancient tome first penned by a Vasharan wizard many millennia ago; The Book of Vile Darkness. A grand volume of dark magics, twisted philosophies, prophecies of doom, and a vault of forbidden knowledge. The most unholy writ known to all of creation.

Since it was first inscribed, this wicked tome has sewn much darkness and corruption across the realms. Originally a single book composed over time by a variant of writers, five perfect editions of the book have been scrivened as well as a multitude of flawed and lesser copies.

Over the many centuries the tomes have been used, sealed away, and used again. The lawful evils of the realms ensuring that the unholy texts will never truly be forgotten. Not while those who seek power and ultimate knowledge, no matter how profane, continue in their quest.

Even now, shadowy and wicked forces are at work intent on finding this tome for themselves. The Church of Bane. Since their rapid decline nearly two decades ago, the followers of the Lord of Tyranny have desperately sought a way to revitalize their dwindling faith and lapsing power base. And now, they may have finally found their answer.

A High Inquisitor of Bane, hailing from the church of Mintar itself, uncovered texts indicating that one of the six original copies of the Book of Vile Darkness is somewhere in northwestern Faerûn, along the reach of the Sword Coast.

It has been one year since the High Inquisitor began his search, and the agents of tyranny have spread far and wide across the Sword Coast, burrowing like worms into the settlements and metropolises of the west. They infiltrate government and civil offices, manipulate the various guilds and organizations, and influence and recruit the populaces.

While still pursuing the Book of Vile Darkness, the High Inquisitor forwards the agenda of the Church of Bane in other ways as well. But the tide of evil must be stemmed, and even now heroes and champions of the just are rising to the occasion. A great conflict of the lawful good versus the lawful evil is on the horizon, and both sides must herald their champions to see who shall prove victorious in the days to come.

~INTRODUCTION~

Welcome Dungeons and Dragons fans!

This is a concept for a high fantasy group role play set in the Forgotten Realms universe. Based in the year 1379 DR, the events are set in northwestern Faerûn, primarily edging the Sword Coast and farther north along the mountains. Players will create a character and follow their own path into the coming turmoil as the dreadful Church of Bane seeks to reclaim it's lost glory and influence.

There are ten different playable races to choose from; Human, Halfling,
Wood Elf, Moon Elf, Dark Elf, Dwarf, Dragonborn, Goliath, Aasimar, Tiefling. (I’m also open to requests!)

There are eleven different classes to be chosen from; Fighter, Barbarian, Rogue, Ranger, Bard, Paladin, Cleric, Wizard, Sorcerer, Warlock, and Artificer.

If you (the players) have any questions about races or classes just ask! I do encourage you to read the provided links and familiarize or refamiliarize yourself with the races provided. Remember that I’m open for requests in regards to additional racial options.

The storyline will be broken into four different acts, and while open world, this RP will be based primarily from the two well known cities of Baldurs Gate and Waterdeep. Aside from Waterdeep and Baldurs Gate, our story will also lead us to wild and dangerous regions such as The High Forest, The Marsh of Chelimber, the Star Mounts, and The Whale Bones, just to name a few.

Players can choose to join a faction or guild or take a path of independence. Player characters may begin as faction-guild members or a neutral party and join later. Players may also jump the fence and join an alternate faction at a later point, though I ask that this not be done at a constant interval please, as to avoid confusion and confliction.

Wrapping up the introduction, below you will find a plot description and outline, a map of Faerûn, and a listing of joinable factions. And then of course the raw form character sheet.

Feel free to ask me any questions and offer forth any suggestions or requests!

[Scrivener]

~PLOT OUTLINE~

There are two primary elements to the lead plot of this roleplay. The search for the Book of Vile Darkness and the expansion of the Church of Bane across western Faerûn. The Church of Bane, having lost so much of it's clergy, influence, and followers after Bane’s “death” over a decade ago, are seeking to return their power to it's former glory what with clairvoyance that their dark lord has revitalized his self. A High Inquisitor from the Church of Mintar, a powerful Tiefling named Lucerian Valmont, has (as stated in the introduction above) discovered that a copy of the Book of Vile Darkness is somewhere in the region of the Sword Coast.

Such a powerful and lawfully evil tome would surely serve the Church of Bane well, bestowing great power upon the leaders of the clergy and thus allowing their ultimate dominance over Faerûn. With support from Mintar, Lucerian has spent months establishing enclaves and networks in the cities of Baldurs Gate and Waterdeep. His operatives attracting followers of Bane and forming “puppet cults” blind to their deception while his artificers and scholars conduct excavations across the wilder regions and within ancient ruins.

True to their nature, the followers of Bane have already began to sew fear and despair amongst the people of the west. Baldurs Gate has become plagued by violent mass murders and disappearances. Cultists stalk the alleys and streets at night, cutting the throats of guardsmen and citizens alike while dragging others off to be sacrificed at some shrine to Bane in an abandoned cellar or warren. While the cultists prowl the streets, agents of the dreaded Zhentarim have supposedly infiltrated the city watch and the Fists of Flame.

In Waterdeep, a foul plague has stricken the city. The dreaded Featherlung has come again, but with far more lethality than four years prior. Over a thousand citizens have died in less than a month, the deaths diversely spread from beggar to nobility. The city has been quarantined entirely and entire sections sealed off to contain the pestilence. Healers and clerics have attempted to curtail the disease but with little avail, their magic and elixirs doing only so much.

And it is not just Waterdeep and Baldurs Gate that are suffering...

The proud folk of Daggerford have come under siege by a horde of orcs (controlled by a hive of Mind Flayers yet to be known), the orcs slaughtering many of the townsfolk and guards while dragging away others into the wilderness. Daggerford has sent word to Waterdeep and Dragonspear Castle. Waterdeep is unable to send aid, due to the plague, while Dragonspear has yet to receive word.

With chaos seeding along the Sword Coast, the righteous and just are coming forth to take action. The coming days will see many heroes and villains alike. Everyone must choose their allegiances.

[Scrivener]

MAP

ORGANIZATIONS

T H E H A R P E R S


The Harpers were the first to learn of the troubling events to plague the Sword Coast. Harper Spymaster Jherek, who is based out of Baldurs Gate, pieced together that there was more to the mass murders and kidnappings than met the eye. He sent word to Harper Hold in Waterdeep and began his own investigation, only to have his messenger return with word that the city was suffering another outbreak of plague and was sealed entirely.

He was then approached by an old contact with none other than the mystical Emerald Enclave who informed Jherek of suspected Zhentarim activity in the High Moor, as well a horde of orcs forming in the Misty Forest. Believing this to be a mass plot constructed by Zhentarim, Jherek has sent word to Moongleam requesting additional aid from the High Harpers. His Emerald Enclave contact has also called upon his brethren in central Faerûn to come and lend aid, as the wicked Zhentarim threaten the balance and serene disunity that seems to please the Enclave.

OOC: Player characters who are Harper agents have been summoned by Spymaster Jherek to aid in his investigation into the terrible happenings in Baldurs Gate and Waterdeep. They will report to Jherek and receive instructions.

Ideal Classes: Fighter, Ranger, Rogue, Bard, Paladin, Cleric, Wizard & Artificer

T H E E M E R A L D E N C L A V E


A small party of Emerald Enclave druids were journeying through the High Moor, east of Dragonspear castle, when they stumbled upon an outpost belonging to none other than the vile Zhentarim. A lawfully evil corp of assassins, fighters, sorcerers, and warlocks. The group overheard from the cover of night a plot involving Baldurs Gate, Waterdeep, and Daggerford specifically, though critical details were lost to them. Zhentarim agents had been implanted in Waterdeep and Baldurs Gate to aid some unidentified ally in throwing the cities in turmoil.

Daggerford was mentioned in regards to a pending attack. The group leader, an moon elf named Erinthur Sarani, a senior “Autumnreaver” within the Enclave, sought to warn both the cities and an old friend of his named Jherek, a Harper appointed as Spymaster in Baldurs Gate.

When Erinthur approached Jherek, he learned from the Spymaster that Waterdeep and Baldurs Gate had been stricken; one by plague, the other by mass murders and kidnappings. Despite the Enclave maintaining a neutral stature, they had many times sided against lawful evils in past history. And such an upheaval as these Zhentarim were causing would surely upset the balance of the world and nature itself.

OOC: Player characters who are druids of the Enclave have been summoned from their covens to the west, to aid Autumnreaver Sarani in his investigations into the Zhentarim.

Ideal Classes: Fighter, Ranger, Rogue, Wizard, Bard & Artificer

T H E Z H E N T A R I M / Z H E N T I L A R


The armies of the Zhentilar have had a history of serving certifiable evils and forces of chaos, most notably the dark lord of tyranny Bane. When the High Lord of the Zhentarim was approached by the High Inquisitor of Mintar who sought aid in a grand scheme, the leader of the Zhentarim and it’s armies accepted the offer made. Paid a handsome sum of gold from the Church itself, the Zhentarim granted the High Inquisitor a company of their best, led by the seasoned Lance Aldiss of Thornhold.

Along with this company, a retinue of spies, assassins, and sorcerers was also granted. Unbeknownst to The Harpers and the meddlesome druids of the Emerald Enclave, the small forward camp in the Misty Forest and the scattered operatives in Baldurs Gate and Waterdeep are just a piece of the puzzle. Little do they know that the fingers of Bane are snaking through the realms as the Zhentarim weaken and disorient the guardians of lawful good.

OOC: As a trusted agent of The Zhentaril, currently serving under the orders of Lance Aldiss, your soul task is to wreak havoc in Waterdeep and Baldurs Gate, weakening the cities in preempt for the ultimate seizure by the Church of Bane. Once the High Inquisitor has found the Book of Vile Darkness and bestowed infinitive power and insight unto he and his disciples, the forces of Bane and the Zhentarim will fall like a hammer upon the Sword Coast.

Your first task is to report to Lance Aldiss at the forward camp in the High Moor and receive your first personal assignment.

Ideal Classes: Fighter, Barbarian, Rogue, Ranger, Bard, Wizard, Sorcerer & Warlock

T H E C H U R C H O F B A N E


When High Inquisitor Lucerian Valmont of Mintar’s Church of Bane first uncovered texts that heavily alluded to the location of the Book of Vile Darkness (or rather one of six legitimate copies) he immediately brought the knowledge before Teldorn Darkhope, the Banite ruler over Mintar and head of the church. Though initially realized by Lucerian, Darkhope immediately declared the ancient tome a must-have for the Church of Bane, and commissioned an “expedition” west to find and secure it.

High Inquisitor Lucerian was given charge of the effort. Lucerian first struck an accord with the Zhentarim, hiring a company of their best soldiers and a retinue of covert operatives in addition. Lucerian headed west and began his search in Baldurs Gate and Waterdeep. While performing his initial duties, Lucerian had his agents begin recruiting from local worshippers of Bane and erecting shrines and leading “prayer meetings”. Before long an underground cult of Bane had been formed, its followers blind to the invisible hands of Lucerian encouraging and puppeting their actions.

The cultists began murdering citizens and city watchmen in the streets and kidnapping others from their homes for use in sacrifices and other sadistic rituals. Meanwhile, a Hooded Menace serving under Lucerian poisoned Waterdeep with Featherlung, a stronger more resilient strain. As plague ravages Waterdeep and a growing cult is bloodying Baldurs Gate, the surrounding wilderness and ancient ruins are plundered and stripped in search of the Book of Vile Darkness.

OOC: As a disciple of the Church of Bane and an operative of the High Inquisitor, you are to aid in the search for the Book of Vile Darkness. Comb the academies, plunder the libraries, and interrogate every sage and scholar. Even now the High Inquisitor sits in his sanctuary, guiding his disciples and pulling the strings of his agents. The Book of Vile Darkness will be found, and as Baldurs Gate and Waterdeep crumble and decay, the word of Bane will drown out all else. And then the entire Sword Coast will fall.

Ideal Classes: Fighter, Rogue, Ranger, Paladin, Cleric, Barbarian, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard & Artificer

FREELANCE CHARACTERS

A friendly reminder that characters are not bound to joining an organization. Players make take independent roles and avenue on their own, but just know, I do require some involvement or another in regards to the primary plot basis of this RP. Remember that characters can join or depart a faction at point.

CODEX

[Scrivener]

The Codex (links to lore wikis and helpful videos) is WIP, as is the character sheet. Feel free to ask any questions! From character creation and basis to plot details and etcetera.

[POOHEAD189]

I might not have the time for this game, but it has my endorsement because it looks fucking rad.

[WanderingDragon]

Ah, cool. I have a Half-(Dark)Elf Ranger I'd like to use. Unfortunately, I don't have time as of writing this to look through the entire thread, but I'd like to express my interest.

[Sanity43217]

@Scrivener
I have a couple of questions.

1.

Will this be using any tabletop mechanics?

2.

If no tabletop mechanics are being used, how restricted are the classes? Like is their opportunity to branch out into sub-classes like Eldritch Knight or Arcane Trickster? Or even multiclass?

[Rtron]

I'm super interested, this looks phenomenal!

[Scrivener]

@Scrivener
I have a couple of questions.

1.

Will this be using any tabletop mechanics?

2.

If no tabletop mechanics are being used, how restricted are the classes? Like is their opportunity to branch out into sub-classes like Eldritch Knight or Arcane Trickster? Or even multiclass?

@Sanity43217

Thank you, very good questions!

Well firstly, no tabletop mechanics. As for the classes, like the races, I am open to suggestions or requests. I will say no multiclass. At best I will allow a hybrid of two classes; such as an Eldritch Knight or an Arcane Archer or a Rogue Warlock... something along those lines.

[La Fleur]

Oh boy, interest caught.

[WanderingDragon]

Okay, so I might need to save my Half-Elf for another rp, but I have other characters I can use. The Aasimar may not work here (he's multiclass), but I might go with a Gnome rogue or something else. We shall see.

[Shovel]

Interested as well.

[Scrivener]

I’m working on the Codex as we speak. Should have it posted for quick reference tonight.

[Scrivener]

Okay, so I might need to save my Half-Elf for another rp, but I have other characters I can use. The Aasimar may not work here (he's multiclass), but I might go with a Gnome rogue or something else. We shall see.

@WanderingDragon

An Aasimar character would fit perfectly in this RP, but it’s up to you. Part of the reason I’m forbidding multiclassing is in the past I’ve permitted it and it lead to discontent and heated arguments due to godmodding and unfair activity.

Not saying that anyone here would actually do that. Just clarifying.

[Shovel]

@Scrivener Actually one question in regard to religion in your Rp, what god would you said is trickery god for Goliath?

[WanderingDragon]

@Scrivener Ah, that's too bad. But, since you're interested I'll explain my Aasimar.

Goes by Revenant, because whatever his actual name is has been lost to him. All he remembers is that he awoke in the Shadowfell one day, having no recollection of how he got there, who he was, or anything before that moment. With only a hastily forged tomahawk, bowie knife and spear, the Aasimar fended off shades and shadow creatures day after day.

Eventually, he would encounter a lost spirit of a paladin, since betrayed by comrades who forsook their oaths and murdered him, leaving his spirit to wander the Shadowfell. The spirit, whom the Aasimar would eventually call Spectre offered a pact; He would lead the Aasimar to a portal back to the material plane. In exchange, the Aasimar would allow the spirit to take refuge in his body and help him carry out his vengeance against those who wronged him.

When the Aasimar did emerge from the portal and looked upon the rising sun for the first time in too long, he wept. However, things weren't always peachy between the two, between Spectre wanting to hunt down his quarrel, with regard for little else, and the Aasimar seeming more interested in reclaiming his memories. But, in time, the duo would indeed bond and grow to work together.

And so, Revenant and Spectre would form a new pact. To lash out against the darkness of the world, so the light may continue to flourish.

[Scrivener]

@Scrivener Actually one question in regard to religion in your Rp, what god would you said is trickery god for Goliath?

@Shovel

I’ve been looking and I can’t seem to find the Goliaths gods. :\

[Scrivener]

@Scrivener Ah, that's too bad. But, since you're interested I'll explain my Aasimar.

Goes by Revenant, because whatever his actual name is has been lost to him. All he remembers is that he awoke in the Shadowfell one day, having no recollection of how he got there, who he was, or anything before that moment. With only a hastily forged tomahawk, bowie knife and spear, the Aasimar fended off shades and shadow creatures day after day.

Eventually, he would encounter a lost spirit of a paladin, since betrayed by comrades who forsook their oaths and murdered him, leaving his spirit to wander the Shadowfell. The spirit, whom the Aasimar would eventually call Spectre offered a pact; He would lead the Aasimar to a portal back to the material plane. In exchange, the Aasimar would allow the spirit to take refuge in his body and help him carry out his vengeance against those who wronged him.

When the Aasimar did emerge from the portal and looked upon the rising sun for the first time in too long, he wept. However, things weren't always peachy between the two, between Spectre wanting to hunt down his quarrel, with regard for little else, and the Aasimar seeming more interested in reclaiming his memories. But, in time, the duo would indeed bond and grow to work together.

And so, Revenant and Spectre would form a new pact. To lash out against the darkness of the world, so the light may continue to flourish.

@WanderingDragon

Sounds very interesting.

An ideal background for a character who will be pitted against evil. I would say go with him.

[Sanity43217]

@Scrivener Actually one question in regard to religion in your Rp, what god would you said is trickery god for Goliath?

@Shovel

<Snipped quote by Shovel>

I’ve been looking and I can’t seem to find the Goliaths gods. :\

@Scrivener

As someone who has played a Goliath in several forgotten realms campaigns, it is my understanding that there isn’t a central religion regarding gods of Goliaths. The wiki goes on to quote

Most goliath tribes revered nature and the primal forces

But also states that it can vary greatly from tribe to tribe.
I guess the closest you would get would be Giant Pantheon, but I would check with Scrivener first. Specifically Diancastra .

[WanderingDragon]

@ScrivenerSure. It's time for the Adventures Revenant & Spectre!