Public (OOC) > Miscellaneous Roleplay Resources
Player-Created Faction Guide
Naiad:
HOLLOW HALLS
Folk come here a'treading to a woeful wedding...
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This grand home in Vallaki, once used for less-than-honest pursuits, is now a house of knowledge, death, and reverence. Hollow Halls provides funerary services to the public with a stress on honoring tradition.
Dealing with remains, sometimes in an investigative capacity, is a staple activity. Memorials and wakes are also hosted within the facility, and living wills and life chronicles are kept under lock and key in the deeper annals of the domicile.
Though most would consider it unorthodox, there is an emphasis on the arts within the organisation. Sagas and ballads are written to commemorate the lives of those who conquered, protected, and overcame great odds. The dead are lulled to their rest by poetry, and kept a'slumber by song.
Gundarakites who shun their rebellious cousins, and instead, wish to revive their arts and traditions may be inclined to visit upon the halls.
Dealing with the undead is inevitable, the morbid nature of the work considered. Though, not all of these encounters are liable to be hostile: where druids bond with animals, associates of this organisation may come to empathise with the dead. The settling of 'unfinished business' is stressed before an inch of steel is drawn. And, in the case of ancient and noteworthy beings, an account of their life may be sought before they are put to their final rest.
MEMBERSHIP
Alignment: Any are welcome to try their luck, but openly chaotic or evil behaviour may not sail.
Races: Any non-outcast.
Classes: In this faction, the character's profession is more important than their class.
Priests and laymen of relevant deities[1], chroniclers, morticians, historians, physickers, barber surgeons, graveyard keepers, exorcists, tortured artists, poets, story-tellers and minstrels will all find a place here.
Class suggestions include, but are not limited to: rogues, bards, monks, wizards, clerics, and voodans. Dirgist training is available, and there is potential for Monster Hunter training (specialisation in undead).
ORGANISATION & ACTIVITIES
There is no hierarchy, but members tend to gravitate towards one of two areas within the organisation: the dead, and rites pertaining to the dead (exorcism, burial, funerals, embalming), or the celebration of life (through chronicles, accounts, poetry, song, music).
Player initiative is key, though there are 'continuous' projects that can be worked on during down-time.
GETTING INVOLVED
See our posters here and in-game to learn how to get in touch IC. You can also DM us via Discord for OOC queries.
D.T.#6355 (Ophelia Bell)
Forums
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Active as of 2023-10-23
1. Examples include, but are not limited to: Jergal, Kelemvor, Deneir, Pharasma, The Eternal Order, Finder Wyvernspur, Milil, The Ancestral Choir, Anubis, Yama, Bragi, Myrkul...
Famous Seamus:
THE ORDER OF THE SACRED ROSE
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
Summary:
The Order of the Sacred Rose is an ecumenical Christian group sworn by oaths to God to protect the innocent, fight evil, feed the hungry, help newcomers, and rescue souls trapped in this dark realm. They’ve sprouted from the old Christian Orders that traveled the Core, blossoming like a rose from their roots, not forgetting them. They are knights, clergy, and laity—Gothic Earth Christians and converts alike—united with a small non-Christian auxiliary, the Knights Honoris, under the aegis of Christ’s Church of Barovia.
Members are called to charity and compassion just as much as combat. Knights, clerics, and laity may be seen working in the church’s infirmary, roaming the land to help those in need, battling monsters, and delving the far reaches of the Demiplane of Dread to confront the powers of evil.
They are warriors, priests, healers, diplomats, tradesfolk, and scholars, all walking as they’re called. And all are called to stand against the forces of darkness however they can.
Races:
Any, although the political climate of Vallaki prevents Drow, Tieflings, and Tanarukks from becoming a squire or knight.
Classes:
Any except Assassin, Blackguard, Pale Master, Hallowed Witch, and Warlock. Hexblades are potentially viable but will struggle with faction requirements. Voodan and Druids who convert run the risk of losing the powers and abilities granted by those classes.
Alignments:
Any non-evil. Chaotic characters, especially Chaotic Neutral, will likely struggle with the required discipline, but there have been successful chaotic characters. Neutral characters should expect to find their alignment shifting toward good or risk themselves shifting toward dismissal from the faction.
Notes:
As a prerequisite for being inducted into the Order of the Sacred Rose, the character must be a Christian. (Denomination or branch isn’t important.) Non-Christian characters who want to play in the faction are eligible to petition for induction into the Knights Honoris auxiliary provided there are open slots for them.
This faction replaces the old Christian Orders faction.
Themes and Expected Challenges:
Christianity, loyalty, duty, faith, monster-hunting, knighthood, healing, diplomacy and politics, compassion, honor
Members are expected to act wisely and pursue goodness, purity, restraint, honesty, discipline, humility, courage, and compassion. Everyone is called to abide by the law and uphold just laws as much as possible. The actions of one reflect upon all.
This can be challenging and lead to conflict or politically fraught IC situations. We encourage our players to keep a level head and respect their fellow players (allies and antagonists) as these stories unfold.
Getting Involved:
Find a knight or squire (grey tabard with a gold cross), an officer (red tabard with a gold cross), or the grandmaster (white tabard with a gold cross) in game. Alternatively, visit the Christ’s Church in Warehouse Two, Vallaki.
Contacts: Prelate-Grandmaster Vandryn Carro, played by Famous Seamus (famous_seamus on Discord).
Order of the Sacred Rose Forums: https://potmchristianorders.freeforums.net
Main Faction Discord: https://discord.gg/yams46XYX2
Other Questions:
Spoiler: showDo I have to be a Christian IRL to join? Will I be expected to become one?
No. Our players come from many backgrounds.
Are you going to preach to me? Are you here to proselytize?
No. Given the nature of the RP, OOC conversations about faith do come up. Players can explore the faith as much as they want, but OOC preaching isn’t the aim. If a player becomes interested in the faith by playing in or interacting with the faction, that’s their personal choice. Extensive or debate-y OOC conversations about religion occur only via PM or in a tightly moderated section of our Discord.
Will religious prayers, ceremonies, and acts come up IC?
Yes. We stress that these are a performance strictly in character. While rites and prayers in the game may reflect or borrow from IRL Christian tradition, they aren’t the equivalent.
Your characters don’t act exactly like historical Christians. What’s up with that?
Three reasons: (1) ecumenical group spanning nearly 16 centuries and a gallimaufry of historical perspectives, (2) presence of non-Earth converts in the group, and (3) desire to avoid OOC concerns and grief over hot-button topics. The goal is to maximize fun and offer room to explore variations of the faith without causing OOC hardship.
Do I have to make a Gothic Earth character to join?
No. Converts are welcome, although Clerics and Paladins who convert should be aware that there can be IC consequences and required processes for changing faith.
Does my character have to become a knight or clergy after they join?
No, although we always like seeing more knights and clerics!
Do I have to play a martial or full-BAB character class to join and become a knight?
No. Knighthood in our faction is more about ideals and a way of life than martial prowess.
If you have other questions, contact a member of the faction or feel free to message our Discord.
Active as of 2023-10-23
myrddraal:
The Cult of Pazrael
Summary:
The Cult of Pazrael is a close-knit affiliation of pious folk dedicated to the radiant light of the angel Pazrael. They say he listens to the pleas of those with the purest hearts, to offer his gentle aid in times of deepest darkness and despair. His faithful, saints and sinners alike, seek to spread his name and influence far and wide, in the hopes of salvation.
But the well of truth is deep indeed, and the truths of Pazarael might prove more eldritch than one might imagine. All is best discovered in character. But beware: the brighter a flame burns, the darker the shadows it casts.
Races: Any and all.
Classes: Any and all.
Alignments: All alignments are welcome.
Notes: There will be a lot of find out in character information for those that pray to Pazrael.
Themes and expected challenges:
Occultism, religious horror, mystery, corruption
Getting involved:
Those who find themselves in the pits of despair can either listen for several people speaking about Pazrael in various parts of the core or they can message me on forum / discord.
Contacts:
Myrddraal forum
Myrddraal#8718 discord.
Active as of 2023-10-23
Maiyannah:
The Grey Vigil
Summary:
Originally founded to represent the organized church of Helm within the Core, the Grey Vigil has recently expanded to include the Triad, and thus the worship of Tyr, Torm, and Ilmater as well, out of a temple dedicated to the four. While it remains lead by a Helmite, any of the four are welcome, both priest and laity. The Grey Vigil provides temple services (healing, potions), martial training, and room & board to the faithful and those they protect.
Who is Tyr? Tyr is the Just God, whom oversees the administration of justice and holds that as his domain in Toril. Tyr is a strong-spirited and noble God whom is considered the bravest and the most honorable of all the pantheon. He is primarily concerned with the punishment of wrong-doers and the general furthering of law and good in the world. Tyr hates duplicity, trickery, rule-breaking, and wanton destruction, and likewise hated lies and the breaking of oaths and was disgusted by persons who earned from such things. For his own part, he never would break a promise.
Who is Torm? Torm is the Loyal Fury, the Faerûnian patron deity of paladins and the god of duty, loyalty, righteousness, and obedience. The symbol of the Loyal Fury, a right-hand gauntlet held upright with palm forward, was known as the Hand Resolute among his followers. It symbolized not only that Torm was the good right hand of Tyr, representing the God of Justice's missing sword hand, but also the principle of forebearance, that the true and just had to pause and consider their actions first so as to ensure their intent would uphold the chivalric ideals Torm exemplified.
Who is Helm? Helm is the Vigilant One, his faithful, called Watchers. He is regarded as an unflinching and dedicated deity given over to the protection of others, and the watch for the foe. Where others regard Him as cold, He is merely dedicated in His work, and puts it above all other concerns. It is said Helm would die before He allowed someone under His protection come to harm. He is silent on the matter, but such is the ideal that His Watchers aspire to. His symbol, a left-hand gauntlet with a stylized eye, is said to represent his purpose in service to Tyr: While Torm is His fury against evil, Helm is His protection of the innocent and righteous.
Who is Ilmater? Ilmater is the Faerûnian intermediate deity of endurance, martyrdom, perseverance, and suffering. The Crying God is the patron of the suffering, oppressed, and persecuted, and the One Who Endures encourages them to endure and encourages others to help them by taking their burdens or places. The Rack-Broken Lord is a willing sufferer, bearing the pain of others to spare them from it, and it is said that if he had his way he would do so for all the suffering in the world.
Currently, the Grey Vigil operates out of a rental in Vallaki.
Races: Any, but races that run inherently evil like Drow and Tieflings will have both suspicion from the organization and the region, at least until they prove themselves; the same holds especially true for inherently-chaotic races. Those bountied or banished from Barovian jurisdictions may be turned away until they regain their good standing.
Classes: Any except barbarians and hallowed witches. Black powder avengers, druids, warlocks, and hexblades may find the faith challenging. Lawful evil is an entirely valid alignment for Helm, since Helm is Lawful Neutral [1], so Blackguards are permitted, provided they follow the dogma of Helm.
Alignments: Any lawful; neutral will generally be fine so long as they do not challenge the order of things. Chaotic individuals will likely have issues. Clerics of Tyr, Torm, or Ilmater must be LG, LN, or NG. Clerics of Helm must be LG, LN, LE, or TN.
Notes: Clerics of Helm may never command undead. [1] Those whom do not follow one of the Four themselves, but are aligned with Their purposes, are in good standing with Barovia, and do not violate His tenets, are welcomed as Allies.
Ley followers are encouraged; you don't have to want to be a priest or paladin to join.
Themes and expected challenges:
The Grey Vigil is an organization of rigid, lawful/good aligned protectors, and as such, one should expect that there is a focus on training, protection, and defeating evil. While not inherently focussing on MPCs, involvement with them should be expected.
In short: there are two major focusses of the faction: religious roleplay both in formal events and at large, and delving dungeons/patrolling. A heavy emphasis on self-improvement lies in both, since that is among the tenets of the group, and the faiths it espouses.
Getting involved:
Lay followers will have few requirements other than initial vetting; clerics and paladins will be expected to be able to recite the dogma of the god of the Four they follow and prove themselves to it, in some way.
Those interested can seek out Livu in game, or feel free to simply show up at services and inquire before their beginning or after their end; most services are not private.
Contacts:
Livu Olmstead: PM here, or Maiyannah ingame for tells.
Elvalia Ders: taitheguardian on Discord
Discord: The Grey Vigil
A forum is presently awaiting DM supervision and thus pending.
[1] Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting. Greenwood, Reynolds, Williams, and Heinsoo, 2001
Active as of 2024-04-02
gesseritt:
The Circle
The Circle is an association of wizards throughout The Core. Its members are dedicated to exchanging knowledge and helping other wizards pursue the arcane arts under persecution. In recent years, the group has become known for counting some of the most wanted witches in Barovia among its ranks. The Circle follows a charter:
--- Quote ---1. The Circle shall exchange knowledge.
2. The Circle shall uncover arcane mysteries.
3. The Circle's learned members shall take on apprentices.
4. The Circle shall allow mages of scholarly pursuits in the order. Blood mages, or sorcerers, shall not join.
5. The Inner Circle shall lead the order and vote on all major decisions.
--- End quote ---
Races: All
Classes: Wizard
Alignments: All
Getting involved: Talk to wizards IG or contact the following characters/players.
Contacts:
Drezdrelda Volyakova - Forum: gesseritt - Discord: gesseritt
Nozomi - Forum: Dave Kognaz - Discord: daybmogus
Active as of 2024-04-18
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