The Valley Part 5 - PC Backgrounds

From every campaign I’ve ever run, there’s been at least one thing I’ve wanted to keep for future campaigns.

For a (relatively) recent campaign I liked two things about the campaign - The Roaring Bull Inn and good character backgrounds.

The Roaring Bull Inn just worked much better than my expectations, so I’m going to “port” it from the previous campaign. The proprietor, William “Bull” McAllister, was a fun and genuine good guy that everyone in the game liked on some level.

The character histories required the players to make a moderately in-depth PC background, and then the DM edited them to match the world. These backgrounds gave just as much development to the direction of the campaign as the overarching story. I want to bring that back.

Part of me wonders how much farther that campaign could have gone had 3.5E combats not taken so disgustingly long that I got irritated one night and killed the campaign after a 1 hour combat took 2 hours to finish.

The remainder of this entry will be the histories of PC’s from that campaign. This will actually be the first time anyone other than me will have seen all of the histories.

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Aaron’s PC – Ian Cabatuan

Ian Cabatuan was born to an unwed mother (and unknown father), and grew up unsupervised on the streets of the city-state of Felmora. He grew up hanging out backstage and in back alleys behind pubs and taverns catering to the adventuring types. He survived stealing what he needed and could carry.

He was still a kid around 8 when he was finally caught stealing from a merchant.

While serving his time, the guards would question his lineage calling him a half-orc because of his lack of wit and looks. One day he showed up one of the guards, a soldier in training, when his instructor was around. He was granted the 'honor' of training with them. These were tough times usually consisting of getting knocked around by someone tougher than him, especially on the rare occasions he was able to put a new recruit in his place.

In spite of his lack of charisma, Ian was actually quite likeable and grew on the guards, eventually becoming a barracks mascot of sorts; training with the new recruits when there was an odd number. It was here that he met the young Prince Nicholas Felmora, who was learning to carry a dress sword for some official event. They hit it off and became great friends, though not in public as he was technically still a prisoner (something the prince could identify with). As he became older Nicholas would help Ian escape, and Ian would help Nicholas escape in disguise to go out to some of the pubs. Ian would also perform 'missions' for the prince to acquire any contraband he wasn't allowed to have in the castle.

When we were nearly 20, the king was killed while enjoying a ride on his horse, and the prince assumed the throne as the only heir. One of Nicholas’s first acts was to pardon Ian, and then sent Ian on some small missions to investigate the circumstances of Nicholas’s father's death. Although Ian didn't uncover anything suspicious in the investigation, the investigation was cut short. Before the official crowning ceremony was carried out, the young king-to-be was killed. The assassin was quickly caught and executed by the agents of a nobleman named Kraal “the Lion” Derekon.

Kraal would have been seen as a hero, had he not also quickly make a legal claim on the throne of Felmora. Those who made similar claims, or contested Kraal’s own claim, would have a very unfortunate accident before the next morning came.

Ian, like most others, saw through the thin veil of deceit, but had no power to do anything about it. The noble houses became very quiet after three of their numbers died of falling from their balconies, and city and royal guards were being interfered with by Kraal’s own guards.

Ian thought about doing some investigation to find some proof of Kraal’s actions, but before he could even make a plan Kraal’s personal guard showed up at Ian’s small house. They had been sent to arrest him under suspicion of aiding Nicholas’s assassin.

Ian knew where this was going and fled from the city. He was able to elude the guards thanks to his knowledge of the back alleys of the city and with a little help from one his friends in the guard (“he went that way”).

He fled to the port city of Loville and sought the first route of escape. Although unable to blend into a crowd well, there were throngs of people leaving the country by boat after Kraal had announced an alliance with the orcs from the south. Even Ian can disappear into a crowd that size.

So he snuck onto a boat and it took him to the city-state of Endrin.

Endrin was a nation on the rise, while Felmora (now renamed Derekon, you’ve heard) is now a nation in decline.

Some things never change though. Ian’s looks caused people to judge him harshly before in Felmora. And in Endrin, that hasn’t changed much. Though people treat him better in some ways because he has an unusual appearance (no one around with orc lineage), many people talk to him like they think he’s stupid, especially those people who think they’re better than everyone else.

His appearance also prevented him from finding a decent job. His hasty exit from Felmora left what coin and equipment he had at his home. For the first time in over a decade, Ian was about to resort to stealing food again.

But one man, a large man (in muscle and girth), could almost see the story of Ian’s life in his eyes.

Without a word from Ian he said, “Are you hungry son? I’ve got some things that need done around my inn, but I’ve not got the time or the back I used to. I’ll get you a good hearty meal and you do some good odds and ends for me. Is that a deal?”

With a nod, Ian’s life started looking up again thanks to William “Bull” McAllister, the owner of the Roaring Bull Inn.

That was just a little over a month ago. Since helping Bull with some repairs, he bragged about Ian to a few others who hired him for other such work. Luckily Ian’s muscle and stamina can keep him going longer than most others.

And tonight he is resting and having a drink at Bull’s place.

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Allen’s PC - Caspar

Your small city of Lataan was attacked recently by the dark knight warlord Takral. During the fighting your duty was to protect the Mayor's wife from kidnapping, as this had been one of Takral’s tactics in the past.

But you failed in your task when you were ambushed by a troupe of rogues and wizards. She was taken from the city while you lay bleeding outside the gate of the Mayor’s mansion.

After the fighting was over and the day was won, they found you, healed you, and questioned you about what happened. Your order exonerated you from any wrongdoing of any kind, but the Mayor blamed you for everything.

The next day the Mayor’s wife’s head was delivered to him with the note “This is the price of your failure to come to reason.”

Many say that the Mayor went mad, but all say that he took it out on you.

Your honor and loyalty were brought into question, and the Mayor brought the full force of his political power to hurt you in any way he could as he blames you for the loss of his wife just as much as he does Takral.

Eventually you were labeled a coward and traitor to the city, even though your order stood by you, and exiled out.

You were escorted out of the city with only what you had on you at the time; your father’s armor and weapons. A friend of yours, Mattilias, quickly gave you his horse and spare money to help get you where you needed to go. You promised to repay him when you return with stories and proof of heroic deeds.

You were also forced to leave your mother behind. Although not old and feeble, you worry that the mayor may do something to her if you return without him being reduced in power first. But more likely he is just using her as an insurance policy against you.

For the past three months you traveled the lands. First was the city-state of Ponalim; but they were too warlike and lacked any real honor, so you left there and found the city-state of Endrin. (And you knew better than to try to find work with the elves.)

Endrin, although not home, is a comfortable place to live so far. You’ve managed to join the city guard and have been staying at the Roaring Bull Inn. The owner of the place, “Bull” McAllister, actually put a good word in with the guard master to get you the job, because he “can see that you’re the kind of man to stand up for what’s right”.

He’s even reduced his rates for you because you’ve helped him more than once to “help” on occasional overly rowdy dockworker find his way back home (or at least outside) without having to resort to any real violence.

For the moment you have an acceptable life here in Endrin, but you have a home, family and friends back in Lataan.

All you’re waiting for now is to find an opportunity to unquestionably prove that you are no coward.

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Brian’s PC - Zelast

Born to an elf family of high, but not noble, birth this young elf exhibited much of the abilities that exemplified the race of elves; talent with magic, and skill with the sword and bow.

These talents, and the aide your family name, allowed you to join the elite academy of warrior mages known as duskblades. And although you excelled at your studies, you had to bite your tongue at the haughty and arrogant attitudes of many of your fellow students.

Upon graduation from the school, he expected the actual whole of the duskblades to have less of an elitist attitude and more of a dutiful one, but he was wrong, especially when it came to his commanding officer, Jothillian.

Jothillian was an icon of elf nobility gone bad. He had been born into a powerful and rich family and believed that if wanted it, it belonged to him.

You kept your opinions in check for as long as possible, but one day you could do so no more.

A young elf cleric, Ysilia, had become the target of Jothillian’s infatuation. But she spurned his advances, which did nothing but to anger him.

On this day particular day, Jothillian called his men for official duty, but really it was only an excuse to get what he wanted from Aarasilia.

“She is but a creature of low birth, and are we not this land’s protectors? She’s owes us more than this just for the air she breathes! I say she belongs to us!”

At that point you could no longer be silent at such a high crime being committed upon anyone, elf or otherwise.

You managed to distract your comrades in arms with a simple spell and allow the girl a chance to escape, a spell which scarred Jothillian’s left cheek.

Had the scuffle not made some noise and brought the attention of others, you might be dead right now. But it did, so Jothillian could not run you through. He instead told you that you were to leave your homeland by morning and never return, lest he bring the power of his family down on yours, leaving all of them outcasts and not just yourself.

Your first destination was not your home, but the temple the girl resided. She was in more danger than you, and you had to warn her. Luckily her superiors had not been poisoned by Jothillian’s family’s money, and they understood the danger she was in.

They agreed to protect yours and her family as well as they could, so long as you and she disappeared for a short while (at least a year) until this blew over.

You returned home and told your father what happened, and left it up to him what he would tell your mother.

He told you that your uncle Hithelas had been friends with a human man called William McAllister, who owned the Roaring Bull Inn in Endrin.

So Ysilia and you made the month long journey to Endrin in relative safety, even when traveling through the lands of the city-state of Ponalim (a human kingdom that had always been at odds with your people).

Just yesterday you arrived in Endrin and were greeted warmly by your uncle’s friend “Bull” McAllister. His place is pleasant, but it is not home.

Even if a year passes, Jothillian may still hold a grudge, and who knows what lies he has spread about you and Ysilia.

You’ve heard of elven kingdoms far to the west, and Endrin has many ships capable of such travel.

But your mind is tired, you have a nice bit of wine in front of you, and this human singer is really quite good. Perhaps tomorrow you’ll think of a solution, but right now you need to relax.

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Dale’s PC – Artemis

You always wanted to be a bladesinger, but sadly you were a half-elf that could not live up to the elven ideal of a bladesinger. But you had some inborn skill with magic, and the elven flair for sword and bow, so you pledged your years to the elven military, and was placed in their warmage academy.

Your magnetic personality made you quite popular among everyone you knew, but not all. Elves are not above petty jealousy and racial mistrust. One particular elf, Jothillian, saw this “half-human’s” popularity as a threat to his ambitions. Jothillian convinced your commanders to send you to the human city-state of Endrin as an envoy to a human weapons trader, Talinaar’s Arms Trading Company.

You knew that this task would not be easy for you, as it was well known that this trading company was a bit cold to trading with non-humans, but your commanders trusted that your winning personality could sway them.

You were quite aware that Jothillian did not care for you, and you had heard through word of mouth that it was Jothillian who had arranged this quest as a way to get rid of you for the time being. But you could not argue with your commanders’ decision without causing damage to your career, so you’re making the best of a bad situation and will do the best you can.

That was nearly two months ago. It took over a month of travel by horse just to reach Endrin and the past two weeks you have been trying, with some minor headway, to get in contact with a representative of Talinaar’s Arms Trading Company.

With a little charm, and a little “grease” you have an appointment to see the head of the company in 4 days.

You’ve been staying at one particular inn, The Rocking Galley Inn, but its night life is too extreme and dangerous. You’ve heard many good things about this place called The Roaring Bull Inn, so, even though it’s the evening, you’re moving to this new inn.

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Joy’s PC - Arianna

As a child you have enjoyed the most privileged life of all, the daughter of a ruling king. Your home is a castle in the city-state of Siglund.

Or at least it used to be.

You entire life you’ve been under the ever watchful eye of your father. Since the death of your mother, he has been over-protective, to the point where you feel like you’re a prisoner in his castle.

But you have a mind and will of your own. One night, at the age of twelve (you’re now 16), you managed to sneak out of the house and get your first taste of freedom.

For a little over an hour you had the time of your life, followed by the worst time of your life.

Your father had made many powerful enemies in his time as king. Chief among them was a cabal of dark wizards who had been driven underground for practicing their dark magic. They had been patiently waiting for an opportunity to hurt your father, and now they had kidnapped you.

Your father had also made any powerful allies in his time. And among these a group of wizards and warriors led by the archmage Vernal who found you less than 3 days later.

The dark cabal of wizards was eradicated in an intense fight that somehow did not harm you.

From that point on you became fascinated in both the power of steel, and the power of magic. You began to pester your father incessantly about learning both, and eventually he relented under some conditions.

The first condition was that you were still to act like a proper princess, so all of this learning was in addition to your courtly duties.

The second was that you were to only learn with the proper weapons befitting the honorable daughter of an honorable king.

The third was that you were to be restricted from learning any magic that was even remotely considered dark magic.

You enthusiastically agreed and for years you learned everything you could about fighting, magic, and the ways of the king’s court.

Just a couple of months ago, you started getting that feeling again and began to desperately look for a way out of the claustrophobic castle. After you stole an Amulet of Non-Detection from Vernal, you donned the clothes of a cleaning girl you cast Sleep upon, and then you snuck out of the castle with what equipment you could hide.

For the time being you’re free, and no one has captured you for ransom or to bring you back home.

You’ve seen much of your father’s kingdom, a little of the kingdom of Endrin, and soon you hope to see more of the world.

That might be coming to an end now. Last night someone stole your amulet, or you lost it. Either way, it means your father will find you soon.

For the moment, you’re alright. You still hide your face in case someone recognizes you. But this inn you’re in seems nice, even if the bald barkeep is looking at you with suspicion right now.