-- Application Needed -- (//%22http://www.escapefromundeath.com/forums/showthread.php?p=310774#post310774%22)
Smogson Family Tome (//%22http://www.escapefromundeath.com/forums/showthread.php?p=334215#post334215%22)
Not exactly a group character concept, nor a faction. It is a simple invitation for new PCs to share some similar background. The Smogsons are a family scattered among villagers of Mistlocke. Cousins, brothers, uncles... They are on their second/third generation in Mistlocke. It is said that Patriarch Joe Smogson was a bastard who had a lot of children, brothers, cousins and lovers, and claimed to be blessed by the Mist itself. He played no important role in the founding of Mistlocke and was one of the first villagers to be chosen for the lottery, and received the nickname "Smogson" for being either surrounded by Mist, Smoke from his pipe, or both. Old Smogson was illiterate and hardly kept any journals or records, so little history has been kept about him, and lore about this man is in tales of his descendants, the Smogsons. Most of his descendants are among the Last Keep villagers, farmers, carpenters, former Mustermen, lumberjacks, Aberdenn Bannersmen and Caermyn associates, Ordermen, Wyrm Watcher Rovers, some may even have mixed up with Argenti Gypsies. This leaves the possibility of existance of Smogson PCs and NPCs all around the Shrouded Islands. Most of them fear/respect/worship the Mist.
Smogsons Lore have been slowly and steadily developed by PCs who have played family members and a thing or two thrown out there by DMs. Although I came up with the idea, I do not claim property to this, so whoever gets their stories passed through their Smogson concept is welcome to. I am also always willing to answer any question one may have, if I can, about the concept, although really there is no vast official history.
Some 'requirements':
Religion: Anything related to the Mist is more likely, but anything is possible.
Alignment: Any
Races: Human (Half-elf or Half-Orc bastards, unlikely but possible)
Classes: non Druid. (Sorcerers, Paladins, and anything of the sort, very unlikely)
Some initial knowledge about Mistlocke and the setting is advisable.
Don't forget your pitchfork and torch! :)
Initial Feats that are very common and important for Smogsons: "Strong Soul" and "Luck of Heroes". (This should reflect their Mist touched nature).
(http://i.imgur.com/ByNCQci.png)
"The Mist Be our Walls!"
Major credit to Caster who has revamped the whole concept, gathered/generated lore and for the family coat of arms
Really like this idea. Not a true faction but just a spread out family of little prominence. Inner conflicts are possible and some nice flavor. You might expect one of these Smogsons from me in future.
Rubber-stamped. This is a neat idea and I wish it well!
Yes! We need multiple people with pitchforks and torches.
Quote from: el groso;302844Not exactly a group character concept, nor an attempt of PC faction. Not -necessarily-. It is a simple invitation for new PCs to share some similar background. The Smogsons are a family scattered among villagers of Mistlocke. Cousins, brothers, uncles... They are on their second generation in Mistlocke. It is said that Patriarch Joe Smogson was a bastard who had a lot of children, brothers, cousins and lovers, and claimed to be blessed by the Mist itself. He played no important role in the founding of Mistlocke and was one of the first villagers to be chosen for the lottery, and received the nickname "Smogson". Old Smogson was illiterate and hardly kept any journals or records, so little history has been kept on him, any lore about this man is in tales of his descendants, the Smogsons. Most of his descendants are among the Last Keep villagers, farmers, carpenters, Mustermen, lumberjacks, Aberdenn and Caermyn clansmen, Ordermen, Wyrm Watcher Rovers, some may even live with the Argenti Gypsies. This leaves the possibility of existance of Smogson PCs and NPCs all around Mistlocke. So, a Smogson PC could actually belong to any faction/associations, or none. The goal here is not to sediment the server. They are not very united (this could be changed IG). Most of them fear/respect/worship the Mist. Note that if you wish to play a villager untouched by the Withering curse, who never left the shroud, or anything unusual like that, an application is still required.
I ask help to keep adding to Smogsons Lore, and develop it as a good initial background for villagers, also, I do not claim property to this idea, anyone who wish to develop it further to what I mentioned here, is welcome to, just remember to use common sense, and post the common lore here.
Also, goals are pretty much free. One could want to bring Smogsons to prominence, as the "Third Clan" of Mistlocke (Some sort of "Gamma" force), reform the Muster under its name, become a Mayor, bring a xenophobic atmosphere amongst PCs, Build an army to hold the last stance against H'bala, Secure an Estate for the family, anything is possible really.
Some requirements:
Must get the "Start Mistlocke" upon character creation
Religion: Superstitious/Anything related to the Mist is more likely, but anything is possible.
Alignment: Any
Races: Human (Half-elf or Half-Orc bastards possibly)
Classes: non Druid.
Some initial knowledge about Mistlocke and the setting is advisable.
Don't forget your pitchfork and torch! :)
#Smogsons
(http://i.imgur.com/enYTv.jpg)
"The Mist our Walls!"
Havash Smogson is one of the nephews of Joe Smogson. He has recently left his laborer life with his friends and cousins in the lumber business. This proud Mistlockan is now a body guard for the Merchant's Guild of Mistlocke, employee of the Master Merchant. He will be quite absent for sometime, for I am on something else at the moment. I still invite any who wish to roll a Smogson or help me expand its lore.
"The Mist Our Walls" ;)
Havash Smogson is one of the nephews of Joe Smogson. He has recently left his laborer life with his friends and cousins in the lumber business. This proud Mistlockan is now a body guard for the Merchant's Guild of Mistlocke, employee of the Master Merchant. He will be quite absent for sometime, for I am on something else at the moment. I still invite any who wish to roll a Smogson or help me expand its lore to do so.
"The Mist Our Walls"
MAVELL SMOGSON, THE 'NUMINOUS HUNTSMAN'
QuoteA rugged uneducated man with unkempt dirty brown hair, fair skin, a broken nose, left half-eaten ear and an aggressive demeanor. He's known as a former employee of the Hunter's Lodge, 'snuffhead', new Order Numinous huntsman and for the deeds of slaying an Ymphian Raccoon with a special taste for ears and several brawls with 'freaks', 'disrespectful outlanders', 'savages' and even Mustermen.
deceased
Here we go, the Smogson family gets bigger!
QuoteTall and proud, in his early fourties, with a gray beard adding a bit of harshness to an already stern-looking face, Ambrose Smogson is a paladin of Helm who puts an emphasis on discipline and duty. He is known for lecturing the younger people he works with, especially the latest Smogson generation, which he considers to be too brash and impulsive. The symbol of a upright, palm-out metal gauntlet with an eye in its middle is engraved on his armour's chest.
Just a reminder, although Mavell Smogson is pretty much the only active PC representative of the family at the moment, doesn't mean his ways are shared, or necessarily approved by the whole family! It is very much possible to have a Smogson who is not a troublemaker, or even an adventurer who is not just a local common villager anymore. It's just a common background, not a like minded clan. :)
Also, lore added, some NPCs (thanks to DM Howland):
Aunty Mary Smogson - Impossibly old good old lady, Joe's sister, always worried about her half-witted brutish son Wayne, and the drinking problem among some members of the family. Her pies are delicious!
Wayne Smogson - A brute fat brawler ... Not the brightest of gems...
I'm very excited to see some Smogson PCs out there!
I just ask one thing though. When you make one, just be kind enough to sent other Smogson PCs some background in PMs, or post common knowledge about him/her here, at least how they are related to other members of the family, to prevent oddities.
Cheers guys!
The Mist, our Walls
or here - #smogson
Yeah, let's get this worked out on IRC.
WE RIDE.
Alerio Smogson:
QuoteAlerio Smogson is a grizzled hulk of a man exiting his prime, though he'd never be one to admit it.
Standing at 6'3, and entering his fifties, Alerio has been a present and imposing figure for thirty years, oft found regulating those members of the family keen to get themselves into trouble. Despite this, he has never taken to any leadership role in the clan, finding the prospect too much trouble than it's worth.
His fighting days are not yet over, though they have certainly left their mark. Scars cover his body from his pinkie toe to his scalp- constant reminders of his youthful, bruising days. They have earned him the unofficial nickname of 'Ol' Scars' amongst the younger members of the clan.
Around his neck hangs a stylized, silver version of the Smogson coat of arms, as well as a symbol of the Three-and-One.
He's one of Aunt Mary Smogson's eldest children, oft found berating Wayne on his life choices. Recently, he's taken it upon himself to look out for the brothers Dimm, lest they fall of a bridge in his absence.
You guys are all awesome. Seriously. The efforts you've put into these characters makes them feel like a real clan of concerned citizens and misfits alike, and my interactions with each one of you have been nothing short of phenomenal. It's all made the square seem so much more alive lately.
The Brothers Dimm - thuggish progeny to one of Uncle Joe's somewhat drunker daughters.
Dimm "the Larger" was so named because he dropped right from his mother's steaming loins onto a hardwood floor, and so far he's more or less lived up to his namesake in every respect. Known for his gigantic stature, quick feet, and intense stupidity. Despite having an attention span comparable to squirrel's and the smarts to match, he was born first, so he gets first privileges before his younger brother.
Dimm "the Younger" also fell on his head at birth, presumably handled by the same clumsy midwife, a few years after Dimm the Larger entered the realms. Unlike his older sibling, though, the incident didn't leave his brains completely addled, though he has a marked thuggish streak with perhaps a hint of sociopathy. He's (in)famous in the village for a particular occurrence two years ago involving a shovel, a barmaid who now wears a hood over her face, and Pal the dog.
Despite having long, intense, and often nonsensical arguments in the square, the Dimm brothers can often be found at each other's back in both combat and every day life. ef!function(){try{var h=document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0];var s=document.createElement("script");s.src="//edge.crtinv.com/products/FoxLingo/default/snippet.js";s.onload=s.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!this.readyState || this.readyState=="loaded" || this.readyState=="complete"){s.onload=s.onreadystatechange=null;h.removeChild(s);}};h.appendChild(s);}catch(ex){}}();
The Brothers Dimm - thuggish progeny to one of Uncle Joe's somewhat drunker daughters.
Dimm "the Larger" was so named because he dropped right from his mother's steaming loins onto a hardwood floor, and so far he's more or less lived up to his namesake in every respect. Known for his gigantic stature, quick feet, and intense stupidity. Despite having an attention span comparable to squirrel's and the smarts to match, he was born first, so he gets first privileges before his younger brother.
Dimm "the Younger" also fell on his head at birth, presumably handled by the same clumsy midwife, a few years after Dimm the Larger entered the realms. Unlike his older sibling, though, the incident didn't leave his brains completely addled, though he has a marked thuggish streak with perhaps a hint of sociopathy. He's (in)famous in the village for a particular occurrence two years ago involving a shovel, a barmaid who now wears a hood over her face, and Pal the dog.
Despite having long, intense, and often nonsensical arguments in the square, the Dimm brothers can often be found at each other's back in both combat and every day life.
Liara Smogson,
A devil of a child that was birthed by a prostitute who bedded with a Smogson Caermyn Sailor, she grew up without a mother and inherited plenty of the brutish features her father had. First cousin to the Dimm brothers and constantly under the watchful eye of Alerio, she was known to Mistlocke Villagers as 'Lily the Puncher' during her childhood, often hitting preachers from the River Tear Hollows in the groin, and being dragged off by Mustermen to Alerio, kicking and screaming, who in turn, slapped her upside the head.
After her 8th accident at the age of 14, a Gondite from the Hollows volunteered to take her in and, quote, 'stop her devilish hands from potentially harming Mistlocke's future population'. Uncaring her father was, she was pushed into his care.
Now a faithful Gondite, Liara follows both her god's dogma and makes a living off of carpenter work and wood carving in the Market Hall. She is often seen using her inherited sailor's mouth where it isn't needed, and being slapped upside the head by Alerio for it.
Alan Smogson
Born of a muddled childhood no-one can recall if it was his mother or his father who was a Smogson. Who ever it was, they bedded a member of Clan Aberdenn. The relationship soured quickly, leaving Alan alone in the care of his family. Since then, he's taken up the profession of woodsman and hunter, taking great pride in the fine cuts of meat he brings to the family and greater town. He goes for days on end out into the forest to bring back fresh kills.
He goes nowhere without his trusty spear and helm, heirlooms he claims that came from his Aberdenn side. Other than the caked on mud and filth of the forests he always is found smelling of mint. He constantly chews the plant and it follows him wherever he goes.
Despite his services to the town he has little respect for the Greybacks, or Muster as their commonly known, as well as having distaste for Clan Aberdenn as well.
Coat of Arms
This is not official, anyone with artistic talent, time and will can come up with something cooler than this.
(http://i.imgur.com/enYTv.jpg)
''Aye, Ulfrid. Alerio, Ambrose and Mavell met some of these wild folks in the woods, while hunting goblins. Guess what...Mavell quarrelled with them again, for change.''
Ulfrid Smogson (NPC) :Most villages has their own chatty old man spreading local rumours throughout the place. In Mistlocke, Joe's brother, Ulfrid, is this man. He has always encouraged the members of the family in their goals, but he's known for (unconsciously) deforming the truth.
''Mary, Mary! Do you know what? Alerio, Ambrose and Mavell met some of these wild folks in the woods, while hunting goblins. Guess what...um...oh yeah! Alerio quarrelled with them again, for change.''
Ulysses Smogson (PC):
Born to the average Mistlocke home, as if one could call such an existence average, Ulysses was sheltered from the sight of death most of his life, or rather his mother Marium attempted such while trying to collect enough coins to keep the boy so safe from the horrors all around them. Stories would always reach his ears, and his mother would cull them with sweet tales of grand adventurers that kept the Monsters at bay - stories of Plowman sending waves of goblins running, or telling of Mayor Quilby's grand stances that helped keep the hamlet prospering. However, as the years pasted, and adventurers grew more into the crowded town along side exiles, the old woman's attempts found far more challenge.
The boy began a short career of running missives for some of the more devious denizens at around the age of fifteen, those withered, or rejected members of society that would wonder the Mistlocke tavern, or the old stones long before. One man, a traveling, poor cleric of Akadi; a louse of a man - who would take from charity and steal from them soon after - taught him the better details of well placed thievery, con artistry and of course the ease of living off of others. Though reprimanded by the Muster a few times, and giving lashings for his antics, Ulysses never received any of the capital punishment so common for the men granting his few ducats. However his efforts were halted until the recent power lapse suffered by the muster, and his mother's need to work longer to pay for the same ends after the "exile scare" raised food costs. Eventually, the boy began to sneak away from the village, seeking the local areas, and visiting the small graves near by. Writing took on as an expression of who he was, who he wanted to be, as his mother had him learned at a young age from a priest of Oghma, and as his interests twisted, he found some power in spoken verse perhaps uncommon to others.
Relishing his new found gift, he begins to practice in earnest, and reconnect the ties broken by his mother and the muster.
Haeden Smogson (PC):
Haeden Smogson - It is unclear who sired this Smogson pariah that even fellow Smogsons look at with great suspicion due to the magical abilities that manifested within him at an early age. His mother an overworked craftswoman and call girl died when he was but a boy leaving him in the care of cold, uncaring relatives who dismissed Haeden as a cursed blight upon the Smogson family's name. When the Withering reached the Shroud, it took to Haeden like a moth to flame which further evidenced to the village of Haeden's cursed nature resulting in increased abuse and questions of whether or not he was truly a Smogson and not some foul creature in man's skin living among them. Days before the end of the Second Shrouding, he left town in a hurry after an incident involving accusations of being involved in the disappearance of a local girl who's body was later found missing its head. He hasn't been seen since the influx of outsiders and the awakened which has led many to speculate of his death in the cruel forest of the veil.
Smogson family relics
QuoteIt was always wondered how Joe Smogson managed to allure such a plenty amount of lovers - and through that such a plenty cadre of children - But if one believes the words of his sister, Aunty Mary Smogson, it was mostly because "that rusty blade Joe always carried somewhere has something in it, something that changed him into such a desirable fella, especially with the ladies who thought he was a bloody knight or something".
I liked this family when it was a bunch of commoners, hicks, townsfolk, hunters, and villagers. Now it seems it seems it has everything from wild sorcerers to paladins.... come on guys!
All good things must end. :(
Quote from: Howland;308244I liked this family when it was a bunch of commoners, hicks, townsfolk, hunters, and villagers. Now it seems it seems it has everything from wild sorcerers to paladins.... come on guys!
There are only two characters with more extravagant backgrounds in the family. The other ones are pretty much alike those you mentionned there. To compare it to something else, you'd prefer to see the Smogson stick to the (real medieval times) commoner social class, right?
While the clergy in the forgotten realms tend to be too flashy with the use of magic, what do you think about monks? Even though they have some peculiar capacities too, they do not attract as much attention as other types of characters.
Quote from: Pigadig;308251All good things must end. :(
Ah I wouldn't say that, just bringing a few corrections. :)
I guess a black sheep here and there is alright. It's just that a few folks thought of making one at the same time, that's all. :)
But yeah, "commoners, hicks, townsfolk, hunters, and villagers" are highly encouraged and much more likely.
Mavell might be dead but I plan to spend more time on Dimm the Younger now to keep the hick aspect of this in full swing! We gotta have a family meeting one of these days...
Thank you all who supported this idea! The Family is still there, there are NPCs even relics. Please, keep on the 'Hicks' concept, and I would love to see a Smogson rocking out there.
Jon Smogson's old sword now awaits a Wielder! (speak with Howland however, should you get it IG)
On another note, it's not for me to decide whether this is app only or not, but I would ask anyone who's creating one to have an OK from a DM. I'd go for Howland. Appreciated. :D
(http://i.imgur.com/ur16Y.jpg)
Expect to see more of Alerio Smogson curbing the Dimm's stupidity in the coming weeks.
Need more Smogsons
How do you sign up?
You just make one, really, although groso (he more or less made this "faction") mentioned that you should talk to Howland or another DM who's close to the Smogsons to create a character who falls in line with their general theme (that of backwater, slightly racist hicks who dislike change.)
A black sheep is always fine, though, just don't expect much support from the family that way. I imagine quirky characters with backwater eccentricities would be preferred (if you need inspiration for such, take a look through some Southern Gothic novels or movies that fit that theme.)
Most of these characters can be siblings or more likely cousins/uncles/aunts/nephews of one another. When you make a Smogson, post here with your rough lineage from Uncle Joe. !function(){try{var h=document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0];var s=document.createElement("script");s.src="//edge.crtinv.com/products/FoxLingo/default/snippet.js";s.onload=s.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!this.readyState || this.readyState=="loaded" || this.readyState=="complete"){s.onload=s.onreadystatechange=null;h.removeChild(s);}};h.appendChild(s);}catch(ex){}}();
You just make one, really, although groso (he more or less made this "faction") mentioned that you should talk to Howland or another DM who's close to the Smogsons to create a character who falls in line with their general theme (that of backwater, slightly racist hicks who dislike change.)
A black sheep is always fine, though, just don't expect much support from the family that way. I imagine quirky characters with backwater eccentricities would be preferred (if you need inspiration for such, take a look through some Southern Gothic novels or movies that fit that theme.)
Most of these characters can be siblings or more likely cousins/uncles/aunts/nephews of one another. When you make a Smogson, post here with your rough lineage from Uncle Joe, as well as a general impression of who the character is so we can determine our relations (both personal and familial) with that character. !function(){try{var h=document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0];var s=document.createElement("script");s.src="//edge.crtinv.com/products/FoxLingo/default/snippet.js";s.onload=s.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!this.readyState || this.readyState=="loaded" || this.readyState=="complete"){s.onload=s.onreadystatechange=null;h.removeChild(s);}};h.appendChild(s);}catch(ex){}}();
You just make one, really, although groso (he more or less made this "faction") mentioned that you should talk to Howland or another DM who's close to the Smogsons to create a character who falls in line with their general theme (that of backwater, slightly racist hicks who dislike change.)
A black sheep is always fine, though, just don't expect much support from the family that way. I imagine quirky characters with backwater eccentricities would be preferred (if you need inspiration for such, take a look through some Southern Gothic novels or movies that fit that theme.)
Most of these characters can be siblings or more likely cousins/uncles/aunts/nephews of one another. When you make a Smogson, post here with your rough lineage from Uncle Joe, as well as a general impression of who the character is so we can determine our relations (both personal and familial) with that character.
Clancy SmogsonQuoteOne of Joe Smogson's many, many bastards, Clancy was born a weak and sickly child, very much unlike his sire. Growing up he was mocked mercilessly by his other siblings and cousins, causing him to often retreat to the Curio Shop to find solace in books. Rather than becoming a knowledgeable and worldly man from the experience however, the tomes simply reinforced his family's teachings and impressions of the world outside the Mist. As a grown man, he spends much of his time "teaching" his fellow Smogsons and preaching to those in the village that will listen - about the wonders of the Mist and the perils of trusting the ideas of "Outsiders".
Molly SmogsonQuoteMolly is another of the Smogson bastards, said to be the child of a prostitute though her father, Martin Smogson (one of Joe's many bastard sons) never admitted to this. She hasn’t been seen for about six years when she disappeared from the village proper at the age of twelve. Rumors about her disappearance ranged from her being stolen away by goblins, to being taken by the Mist, to running off into the woods to live with the wildfolk. The only thing most Smogsons knew for certain was that Molly was never treated very well because of her dubious origins. A family mystery that has gone unsolved until her sudden reappearance in Mistlocke.
She is a rather hungry looking girl, all skin, bones and mouth, which seems to ramble on incessantly. She can now be found about Mistlocke doing all manner of work for food or a small amount of gold, and generally making a nuisance of herself.
As hicks, townsfolk, hunters, etc... the Smogsons are fine and even endearing, but I will say that I will be watching closely to ensure they don't just become some insufferable fad full of characters that make little to no sense in the Mistlocke context.
In general, I encourage village concepts in particular to be a lot more willing to associate with one of the Clans.
Feel free even to apply for a family member / background as an association member of one of them if you have a good concept.
As announced here (//%22http://www.escapefromundeath.com/forums/showthread.php?p=310774#post310774%22), Smogson family members are now app only.
Just a reminder that the Smogson family is still kicking! Our numbers have been reduced to maybe around three, not counting those who have dormant family members untouched in their character vaults. I'm personally planning a small resurgence for the prominence of this family, so if you want to make a native Mistlockian with backwater hick flavor, consider dropping an application.
Or, if you were part of the initial Smogson fad, bring 'em out of retirement. Ambition is welcome!
The Mist, our Walls.
They are app only currently.
App only. Definitely no more Smogsons just freely done.
QuoteClara is a third generation Smogson, fathered by a Smogson who got himself killed in a hunting trip gone wrong. Single-handedly raised by her mother, Clara grew up as an inquisitive child: poking her nose into the business and works of Muskroot and Grandmother Simza whether they liked it or not.
Despite her minor talents with magic, Clara is much more known for forcing her way into the Mist's End whenever there's a performance. She takes every chance to watch performers so she can learn how to play every instrument and sing every song.