MAP
I have updated the map due to the adventure and new character decision by Hammer. Hammer, I'm going to allow you to name a clan in my world after yourself, only because I'm a nice guy like that.

Here's a bit of background:
It's an exciting time for most of the world (at least, those who communicate think so, though much of the world still doesn't interact). There has been a messenger sent from the southern islands of Sylvania. The elves are, for the first time in hundreds of years, opening up trade to the rest of the world. They boast the strongest blades, the finest arrows, and impressive magic items that have never before been seen. The entire world is headed south...and so are you.

The party will be headed to the elven islands of Sylvania (They are depicted on the map as ovals as no scholars have even been permitted in to properly map them). This storyline, unfortunately, means that it will be VERY difficult to play an elf in this campaign. Any elves not on the islands are outcast from elven society, and justifying your return will be difficult. Half-elves, are not in quite as rough of shape, but will be treated VERY harshly by almost EVERY NPC in this game, so don't think the DM is picking on you.

LOCATIONS:
Tershland is the largest population center on this side of the continent. It is the most likely place for most types of people to exist.

The NW mountain chain is where our dwarf friend MUST be from, as your clan has largely kept to itself up there in the Blister Mountains (named by the Hammer clan as such). They have been seen and interacted with in normal society, but dwarves are still a RARITY by all standards. Still, given the setting, it's more than reasonable that you would seek out society to travel with to the south. I'm going to need a HELL of a background to justify a wizard btw.

Orcs are NOT accepted by normal society and are killed on site. Half-Orcs can be accepted (with time and patience on the part of the half-orc) but (obviously) barbarians will be right out, as they act just like their orcish cousins. It's not that I don't like that class, but just that's how the world has been built (what's disturbing is how much of it was designed by those who adventured in it).

Special note on casters. As I said before, casters are accepted in this part of the world, but are slaughtered on site (if they can) most other places. Most casters may want to keep their abilities under wraps just in case. Still, I do recommend at least one caster in this party, given the campaign ahead.

..... this is a Pleasant Surprise!

Hammer was involved in the InterDimensional Elven Wars and is quite well known in certain spheres as a hero among both Elves and Dwarfs!

His gladiator stables are filled with both Freed or Free Born Elves [Usually Shagornan Elves in Alastari!] and Dwarfs!

I am going to have to do some Pondering on this Development of your new campaign!

Might have to reconsider making this one a Cleric or Druid from the Blister Mountains!

We have some time this weekend as I am off tomorrow to figure out the best way to go after I do some more research of your maps later!

This adventure is getting more interesting now!

Sorry, but the short answer is: NO.

Hammer is a relatively new clan (world situations demand it) and cannot have been involved with the elves previously. There is (easily) a way for you to design a background that is appropriate, but I cannot do it for you.

As I said before, this new campaign is going to be VERY hard on new players. The old campaign could have been done by anyone, but this one will create more difficult situations (and therefore more party loyalty and attachment). I do not mind having a newer player in this game, but I do not recommend pushing yourself to play something too exotic early on, as it will be hard enough for an easy class to survive this adventure.

O__O

I'll have a monk written up sometime...when need by?

..... what your short answer NO means?

Hammer is my managerial alias on the gladiator arena combat world of Alastari.

Are you saying NO to Druid, Cleric or Hammer knowing the Elves on your world which he does not know them!

They probably have never heard of Hammer either!

But this BrewStirr Hammer who is a Dwarf has ties either knowingly or unknowingly!

Just please clarify what your NO refers to?

I am now extremely confused.

The Hammer clan, as your describing it is not the Hammer clan on my world. I named it at your request, I am not changing my world's background to accomidate this elaborate and highly unusual background you have requested.

..... have it clarified from our series of PM messages!

Am on my way to check out your maps now!

Thanks!

..... seems to be in order as I have just examined all your posts from your original recruitment thread that was changed over to this one.

One of your posts states: Ipher's Nest is in the NW portion of the mountains, though somewhat SE of the corner there.

So where exactly would the Hammer Clan be located in relation to this area, plus just what exactly is Ipher's Nest because I did not see it on your map?

Also, in your original game that was discontinued in favor of starting this one, all the participants had to have a reason for going to Tersh city. Is that still being applied to this particular adventure?

Just trying to get things sorted while I develop an acceptable backstory for this adventure!

The SE mountains (Icerim mountains) contain dragons. The NW mountains do not...that you know of

Ipher was a dragon that another character built into his background.

There is no need to head to tershland, just to head to Sylvania, as previously described.

..... clarification on where we are starting from, but I am supposing that any backstory from my part must include how I came to Tershland in the first place.

Are there any other guidelines or information that you can PM me before I attempt to write up a verifiable backstory to explain my Dwarf character being a caster?

Whenever I get it figured out I will PM the backstory to you and we can go from there!

Experienced player (20+ years), just new to this format. Have most or all of the Basic, 1st Ed, 2e (incl. Greyhawk), 3e books (incl. Faerûn), and core books for 3.5e. Know how to find most any reference for characters and traits online, so I won't need much help there, but may need (and will accept) tips on playing in this format ...

I'm thinking, maybe, a Hooman druid based on Native American pantheon and beliefs?

On edit: Or maybe a fighter-type based on Aussie Aboriginal outlook, mannerisms, and skills

fighter is reasonable. druid will be very hard to play

..... has been PMed to you moments ago!

Awaiting your response to know if this is acceptable?

..... your PM and look forward to seeing what gets created to work with in the adventure!

By the way, are all participants starting out in a group or will you be writing the intro in such a way as that some of us will be journeying alone before grouping together?