Character Creation and Setting Information

Aug 23, 2025 12:48 pm
Welcome welcome!

We'll be starting our game in Sharn, where your characters will be joining the Clifftop Adventurers Guild. For those unfamiliar with Eberron, Sharn is located in the nation of Breland, and is the largest city on the continent of Khorvaire. It sits on a manifest zone to the plane of Elemental Air, so the architecture is unlike what you'll find in other cities. It's basically a group of towers that reach up into the highest heights and plunge down below into the depths.

Character creation in Fate Accelerated is pretty straight forward. If you're stuck on a High Concept for your character, you can always use a race/class combination from Dungeons and Dragons, like Gnome Artificer or Warforged Fighter. If you plan to play a magic user of some kind, you'll need to build permission to use magic into your High Concept.

Tell me about the character you want to play. Please ask questions about the game and the setting. And again, welcome to Eberron!
Aug 23, 2025 1:22 pm
Thanks, GM, and greetings to everyone!
I’m fairly familiar with the setting, I just need to brush up on the Fate Accelerated rules since it’s been a while since I last played.
Since we’re starting in the Clifftop Adventurers Guild, I assume our characters don’t know each other yet and there aren’t really restrictions on what kind of character we can play, right? Except maybe that they should lean more toward good than evil, since the guild for unscrupulous adventurers in Sharn is in another district. ;)
Aug 23, 2025 1:27 pm
Thanks for the invite.

The whole concept of "play anything" is a little daunting :) I've been kicking around a few concepts all week.

One thing I'm trying to figure out about Fate Accelerated - it seems armor has no purpose. I'm not even sure weapons do - other than a ranged weapon lets you attack at range.

If my plate armor warrior is in a fight, i can use Forceful in defense with a description "turns to block the blow on his armor".
my naked rogue could use Quick with a description "I casually step out of the way."
my mage in a tee shirt could use Clever to say "my magical barrier intercepts the blow"

They all have the same chance of success - the only difference is if we fall into a lake - the plate warrior is more likely to drown.

It's melting my D&D brain a little bit.
Aug 23, 2025 1:36 pm
@Caleb75 Your character should have a reason to join the Clifftop guild. And yes, please play someone with more heroic impulses than evil tendencies. You do not have to know each other from the onset, but it wouldn't hurt either.

@DrifterDwarf You're right, armor and weapons are just flavor. I'm also an avid D&D player, and it did take some getting used to when I was first introduced to Fate.
Aug 23, 2025 2:12 pm
I've got two completely different concepts I've been toying with.

First one: I really like artificer class in Eberron, but I don't do the steam punk approach, I lean more toward the rune mage. Everything is covered in magical runes and when the character casts a spell, they activate certain ones. I played one very briefly who was a soldier who lost an arm during the war. Having a fully magical replacement, it was covered in runes which he used to power his spells. Kind of a Fighter/Artificer in D&D. I started thinking he could lean into the Armorer flavor with built in magical armor (which is all flavor obviously).

Then I realized - I was building the "Winter Soldier" from the Marvel movies. Which I'm totally cool with :)

Second one: In a completely different direction by going full Telekinetic. Not the D&D I can move up to 10 pounds kind, but pulling objects off the walls, ripping a door off its hinges, tossing that guy off the roof kind :) Someone who can use Telekinesis to block arrows and force choke people :)

I have to start thinking of Aspects.

Have you considered your magic system yet? I've read in some places since Fate is just descriptive - if your character could normally do it - then great. The question comes in when the air wizard wants to cast a Fly spell.
Last edited August 23, 2025 2:14 pm
Aug 23, 2025 2:15 pm
For magic we're going to start with permission aspects. You have to have an aspect that grants you permission to use magic. Like Grumpy Old Wizard or Cleric of the Silver Flame. This will let you do things I would allow within the game anyway. Then, if you want your magic to do something more powerful, you should develop a stunt that does that thing.
Aug 23, 2025 2:22 pm
What are you thinking the equivalent power level is when we are talking magic? First level D&D or is this something higher? To follow the the "Fly" example - that is usually 5th level character. Is that in reach - or is that something where you would invoke an aspect with a Fate point in order to do something normally out of bounds.
Aug 23, 2025 2:27 pm
Let’s say your characters start at a power level higher than 1st level D&D characters, but not at earth shaking power level from the jump. And yes, if you want to do something outside of what’s usually allowed and you don’t have a stunt for it you would spend a fate point and invoke an aspect.
Aug 23, 2025 2:27 pm
For really complex magical effects I might have you make a series of rolls to achieve them.
Aug 23, 2025 2:46 pm
We should also keep in mind that in Khorvaire very few individuals can cast spells higher than third level (meaning very few have more than sixth level experience). Maybe we could roughly consider ourselves as around third-level characters?
Aug 23, 2025 2:48 pm
If you need a frame of reference that's a good one to start at. I don't want you to limit yourselves to the vancian magic of D&D though. If you want to do something tell me, and we'll figure it out.
Aug 23, 2025 9:02 pm
Greetings all! I'm looking forward to this.

I'm thinking of something that would be along the lines of the Arcane Trickster in D&D but not quite that. Touchstones would be the Grey Mouser and Shadowspawn (I may be dating myself with those references) but not tied into that.

I'm used to full fat Fate, so I'll need to review which parts get excised for Accelerated besides skills being replaced by approaches and the narrower default Stunt system.

As for some of the stuff you're already been discussing: Yes, equipment is generally just narrative permission (armor letting you use forceful to defend, a rope letting you use clever to climb, etc...) but in regular fate, they can also be Extras that give certain advantages or bonuses without needing to expend a Fate point or generate an aspect (so Armor might give +1 to defend in certain circumstances or a weapon might impose a condition on a Success with Style). My understanding is that's less common with Accelerated (but, by definition anything from Fate Core can be incorporated if the GM chooses to).
Aug 23, 2025 9:11 pm
I’d rather not delve into the weeds of gear as extras, although gear as aspects is a different story. If you wield the Axe of Agony that could be cool.
Aug 23, 2025 10:06 pm
Hi all! I'm looking forward to this game. It's been an age since I played anything D&D flavoured, but I've got plenty of experience with Fate Accelerated (it's my favorite Fate version).

I might need to read up on some of the Eberron lore. I've found an Eberron Wiki. Is this the best place for lore?

My thoughts on a character is only this at the moment: I'll probably avoid a character that has deep ties into the religion as that could require a little more knowledge of the setting than I have.
Aug 23, 2025 10:13 pm
@dunderklumpen How much do you want to know about the setting?

I'll just leave this here.

Depending on how much lore you want, start with the Eberron Campaign Setting.
Aug 23, 2025 10:51 pm
This might be useful to you all as well.
Aug 23, 2025 11:24 pm
Totally makes sense on not using Extras frequently in Accelerated.

I'm thinking about a Changeling former magical spy for Cyre. Trouble is something like "The attentions of The Traveler"

focus is on Sneaky with Flashy being their worst approach.
Aug 23, 2025 11:26 pm
@Bullseyepsa Sounds fun!
Aug 23, 2025 11:48 pm
Thanks muchly for the links, @JoshuaMabry
Aug 24, 2025 12:37 am
@JoshuaMabry How would you be with a Stunt that lets me do without small equipment like lockpicks (or if I've already seen the key just replicating that). It is beyond the shapeshifting capabilities of the Changelings in the D&D books.
Aug 24, 2025 12:38 am
@Bullseyepsa sounds doable. How would you narrate it?
Aug 24, 2025 1:10 am
I've been kicking around a concept and trying to get a handle on the whole aspect thing :)

High Concept: Kalashtar Telekinetic Blademaster
Trouble: That gave me a headache
- Penalty for doing something too much or too big

Aspect: I can move it! [Telekinetic Permission]
- Telekinetic permission to move anything he decides to move. One or many items, with the intention that he could duplicate spell effects like Spiritual Weapon (with a real one), Hold Person, Levitate, Cloud of Daggers, etc. Plus that standard Push/Pull, Shield, Block, Attack which we normally see with Telekinetic powers. Or just simply throw stuff at people :)
Aspect:
Aspect:

Stunt: Because "I can move it!" I get a bonus on forceful telekinetic defense against any weapon or melee attack.
Stunt: Because "I can move it!" once per game session I can move, pickup, or stop something huge
Stunt:

Careful: +1
Clever: +2
Flashy: 0
Forceful: +3
Quick: +2
Sneaky: +1

Refresh: 3
Aug 24, 2025 1:26 am
@JoshuaMabry, do you have a feeling or preference for a theme or level for the group? Are we small fry, god-challenging mega-heroes, beginers, a mixure of any of those?
Aug 24, 2025 1:39 am
You’re starting off as lower tier heroes who will be sent on quests by the Clifftop Guild.
Aug 24, 2025 1:50 am
@DrifterDwarf looks pretty good.
Aug 24, 2025 1:56 am
JoshuaMabry says:
You’re starting off as lower tier heroes who will be sent on quests by the Clifftop Guild.
Perfect!
Aug 24, 2025 2:05 am
I'm thinking maybe a Bard at this stage. I'll have some Aspects soon.
Aug 24, 2025 2:31 am
Bard could be good. With my shadowy character and what DrifterDwarf has put forward so far, we're woefully short on Flashy (though I'm working on a stunt to make up for that in certain corner cases for me.)
Aug 24, 2025 2:36 am
JoshuaMabry says:
@Bullseyepsa sounds doable. How would you narrate it?
I'm thinking that before the War, he underwent extensive training (and possibly magical manipulation, Cyre had plenty of that going on) which allows him to form his fingers into much more intricate forms and materials than usual. I'm thinking there would be a limitation that he can't make anything bigger than the material in his hands (plus a bit, similar to the usual Changeling guidelines for shapeshifting in terms of size). So, lockpicks or repair tools, possibly a hatchet dagger, but not a sword.
Aug 24, 2025 9:48 am
@Bullseyepsa Very cool. I like it.
Aug 24, 2025 10:46 am
Ok, so we’d have a psionic Kalashtar, a changeling spy, and a bard... At this point I’m leaning toward a half-orc with the Mark of Finding. What do you think? Orphan, of course: if we’re going to be part of the Adventurers’ Guild it wouldn’t make much sense for me to also belong to House Tharashk.
Aug 24, 2025 11:32 am
@Caleb75 I agree that they shouldn’t be affiliated with the house, although House Tharashk may take an interest in you as you do have a mark.
Aug 24, 2025 12:32 pm
Question about Kalashtar - they have some racial psionic abilities. How does that work within Fate? Is having that in the High Concept enough for those to be available. Would I need to use a Fate point to activate any of those abilities or is it an aspect permission which now that it is mentioned would allow me to narratively use those items?

I guess that relates to Changeling as well - since the racial abilities are significant - does Bullseyepsa character aspect of being a changeling simply open up those abilities for narrative description?
Aug 24, 2025 12:34 pm
Depending on what you want to do just having the aspect grants you permission to use those abilities. I may ask for a roll, or several rolls. For example, if your Kalasthar wants to read someone’s thoughts you’d have to make an opposed roll.
Aug 24, 2025 12:59 pm
Makes sense. Reading over the race - the based ability is only Mind Link - which allows them to speak telepathically to another - not intrude into their thoughts.

I think if I wanted to be able to read minds I would need an additional aspect to open up the full Telepathy branch of Psionics. Same for Metamorphosis or Energy Manipulation etc.

For now - I'll keep them just Telekinetic. Perhaps I'll add something else later. I don't really have any ideas for my remaining Aspects or Stunts (we get 3 each right?). I think I read in Fate you can just leave those blank and fill them in along the way later if desired. I'll keep thinking about it - maybe look through the psionic lists for other goodies :)
Aug 24, 2025 1:04 pm
You can certainly wait to fill those in as the game progresses. You get three stunts for free. You do need to choose a Trouble aspect before we start. That’s how you accrue Fate points.
Aug 24, 2025 1:16 pm
Cool. I do have a Trouble listed:

Trouble: That gave me a headache
- Penalty for doing something too much or too big

Your standard "I just killed some brain cells or burst a blood vessel". I'm not sure that is good or if I should dig for something else. I imagined it as a decision where they have to stop using their powers for a while - loosing that resource - or burn more Fate to keep going.

Let me know what you think - I can look for something else if needed. The Kalasthar come with some baggage with racial enemies and I have to decide what the blade master was doing during the war.

This whole process is interesting - but so completely different from what I'm used to :)
Aug 24, 2025 1:18 pm
So if I invoke your trouble I can take your psionic abilities away for a while? I’m fine with that if you are.
Aug 24, 2025 1:30 pm
Yes - they would be a swordsman with a migraine at that point - until they get a chance to rest. I may have to come up with a non-psionic aspect and stunt to fall back on in that situation :) Or I'll figure that out when it happens.

I also saw in some examples inclusion of a negative aspect or relationship aspect which could also be invoked. I don't have any ideas for that yet - but I'm thinking about it.

Thanks for all the resources - I know only a little bit about Eberron so reading through those materials is how I found the Kalasthar.
Aug 24, 2025 1:35 pm
You’re welcome. I love sharing Eberron lore, and am happy to discuss the setting.
Aug 24, 2025 9:36 pm
Thanks so much for sharing the Eberron material, Joshua – it’s fantastic!

I’ve put together a first draft of my character. Take a look and let me know what you think:

High Concept: Half-orc raised in the slums of Sharn who developed the Mark of Finding.

Trouble: House Tharashk is convinced I owe them something.

Aspect 1: I served as a scout for the Brelish army.
Aspect 2: I’m tough… maybe too tough!
Aspect 3: I smoke foul-smelling cigars that help me concentrate.

Approaches:
Careful +3
Clever +1
Flashy +2
Forceful +2
Quick +1
Sneaky +0

Stunt 1: Because I have an arcane-propelled arm, I get +2 when I Forcefully attack in melee combat.
Stunt 2: Because I have investigator’s goggles, once per session I can track down any creature that has passed through here.
Aug 24, 2025 10:21 pm
@Caleb75 Looking good. The one thing I would ask is tighten up your high concept. Maybe Dragonmarked Half-Orc Urchin?
Aug 24, 2025 11:50 pm
@Bullseyepsa I think you should change your stunt concerning imitating people to "gets a +2 bonus to Overcome or Create an Advantage when using Clever to imitate someone." I would let you use Clever in this situation normally. So the stunt should give you a boost.
Aug 24, 2025 11:55 pm
JoshuaMabry says:
@Bullseyepsa I think you should change your stunt concerning imitating people to "gets a +2 bonus to Overcome or Create an Advantage when using Clever to imitate someone." I would let you use Clever in this situation normally. So the stunt should give you a boost.
@JoshuaMabry I think I phrased it poorly. I wasn't thinking a bonus to imitate people, I was thinking a boost for taking Flashy actions WHILE imitating people. It's not something that would happen that often, but if he was, for example, imitating a Noble who uses flashy, which he's not good at, he's trained to fake it well. so While, not For imitating someone...(when can be read as either and I think it should be more specific if it's going to cover two actions).
Aug 24, 2025 11:58 pm
So while using Clever to imitate someone you can replace Flashy with Clever? Okay. That works.
Aug 25, 2025 2:39 am
@JoshuaMabry, Is having "bard" in a high concept enough to get across the ideas of a d&d magic doing bard. Or would you rather have a qualifier like "arcane bard" or even a separate aspect or stunt for this? Something else?

Happy to go with any of these. Just wondering what you would prefer.
Aug 25, 2025 9:33 am
Having "bard" in your high concept is enough. I think all of us understand what a D&D bard is, and so that works.
Aug 25, 2025 11:23 am
@dunderklumpen If you need to do a bit of brainstorming for your character, just ask!

By the way: does anyone have a suggestion for my third stunt? Otherwise I think I’ll just make use of my arcane-propelled arm again to also boost defense.

@JoshuaMabry What do you think of "Dragonmarked Half-Orc, Sharn Urchin"?
Aug 25, 2025 11:28 am
@Caleb75 That’s great!
Aug 25, 2025 12:27 pm
@Caleb75 - I'm still learning the system and trying to figure things out. Question about your "arcane-propelled arm" stunts. Do you need an aspect for that arm if that is going to be a key component of your character?

I like the smelly cigar one, although I'm sure my character will not.
Still thinking of another aspect for my blade master. I like the idea that my Quori soul is a sword master - the entire family are sword masters. Even though the character might be mid twenties, some part of him has been fighting with a sword for centuries across hundreds of lives - using dozens of different styles.

Something like: I have fought with every kind of blade

Means he can fight with any knife, sword, dagger, saber, cutlass - but I also want it to mean he can't pick up a random axe, bow, gun.

I'm also suddenly tempted to use: I am not left handed :)

But that would be Flashy - which isn't him I think.
Aug 25, 2025 12:29 pm
@DrifterDwarf makes a good point @Caleb75. If you have an artificial arm I'd like you to name it in your aspects.
Aug 25, 2025 12:35 pm
There are a couple things I'd like to port over from Fate Condensed into our game. The first is Balsera style turn order. When a conflict begins we as a group decided who goes first. Then after that person takes a turn they choose the next person to go, and so on until everyone has gone once in the exchange.

The other is single point stress boxes. Everyone will start with six single point stress boxes.
Aug 25, 2025 1:09 pm
Interesting. Have you used that turn style in PbP before? I can see how that would work well at that table, but not sure how that would play in this format. I would expect it might delay posts if you have not been picked when your posting time comes up.
Last edited August 25, 2025 1:09 pm
Aug 25, 2025 1:24 pm
@JoshuaMabry Okay, but can I add a fourth aspect? I thought three was the limit (besides High Concept and Trouble)... if that’s the case I’d have to decide which one to remove.
But do I also need to add an aspect for the Investigator’s Goggles?

@DrifterDwarf Nice aspect, "I have fought with every kind of blade"! :) For mine I tried to follow the suggestions from the rulebook, which say it’s best to choose an aspect that has two sides, so to speak: something you can invoke with a Fate Point, but also something the GM can use to "compel" you.
Aug 25, 2025 1:27 pm
P.S. I have no objections to the additions to the ruleset.
Aug 25, 2025 1:50 pm
@Caleb75 Hmm… I like the aspects you have. I feel like your arm being prosthetic is important though.
Aug 25, 2025 1:52 pm
Let’s go ahead and say everyone can (doesn’t have to) choose another aspect.
Aug 25, 2025 2:27 pm
Aspect 4: Merguson fitted me with an arcane-propelled arm after I lost mine on the Day of Mourning.

Does that work?
Aug 25, 2025 2:27 pm
@Caleb75 You can also just say Arcane Propelled Arm.
Aug 25, 2025 4:17 pm
JoshuaMabry says:
@Caleb75 You can also just say Arcane Propelled Arm.
Oookay!
As for the third stunt, at this point it would simply be: Because I have an arcane-propelled arm, I get +2 when I Carefully defend against a physical attack of large size or smaller.
Aug 25, 2025 4:47 pm
You can always leave that stunt blank and fill it in when you figure out something you think your character should have. Same with your last one or two aspects, sometimes you discover what fits in play.
Aug 25, 2025 5:28 pm
Bullseyepsa says:
You can always leave that stunt blank and fill it in when you figure out something you think your character should have. Same with your last one or two aspects, sometimes you discover what fits in play.
No, if the GM allows it I’d rather choose all the stunts right away. If I need more later, I can always lower my Refresh.
Aug 25, 2025 6:07 pm
You can pick all your stunts if you’d like.
Aug 25, 2025 6:14 pm
I've definitely struggled a bit with aspects. I've read a lot of discussion about them over the past couple of days. Like move things on the internet - opinions vary widely on what is a good aspect :)

There is definitely a trade off between listing some additional cool ability - or a negative which the GM can compel for Fate points - or somehow wording something which does both.
Aug 25, 2025 7:28 pm
The best Aspects are two edged, though they should (except for Trouble) favor the positive. Especially in Fate Accelerated where there are no specific skills, your aspects define what you can do. So it's not always about a "cool ability" but about training and experiences and identity that might let you justify doing something or spending a Fate point to do something better.

Given that we're playing in a world that's built for another game system, there's plenty of inspriation to be pulled from that if you're comfortable (like subclasses, backgrounds, etc... with the flexiibity to pull from all of the system not just what D&D [3,4 or 5 for which there were Eberron books] would allow.)

examples
"reformed highwayman" could justify contacts in the underworld, skills with blade and mount, compels based on negative history.
"initiate of
  • " where [*] is a faction or a reliqion in Eberron could be invoked for specialized knowledge, contacts in the organization, compels based on strictures.

  • Remember that Fate Points are important and the more your aspects are compellable, the more of them you're likely to have.
    Aug 25, 2025 8:28 pm
    @Bullseyepsa Well said.
    Aug 25, 2025 9:54 pm
    Everyone one thing you should think about as you finalize your characters is why they want to join the Clifftop Adventurer's Guild.
    Aug 26, 2025 1:31 am
    I hope I've got the right tone and lore for. This idea comes from a very quick read of some of the Eberron background, so it may not suit or need modification, so please let me know if it required tweaks, or doesn't suit the game or the setting.

    @JoshuaMabry, did I see the offer of an extra aspect? Because I've got some aspect ideas that didn't make the cut, but I still rather like.
    Quote:
    Caelyth
    High concept: Renegade elf bard from Valenar
    Trouble: Who wants to live forever?
    Aspect: Charm as sharp as her blade
    Aspect: I've read (almost all) of that
    Aspect: As good as real magic

    Approaches: Quick 2, Clever 2, Flashy 3, Sneaky 1, Forceful 1, Careful 0

    Stunts:

    Gift of tongues - I can comprehend almost any speech or writing. If it is very obscure, the GM may require an Overcome with Clever.
    Inspiration - once in a conflict I can take an action to automatically create an Inspiring aspect with a free invoke, as long as I can sing or chant.
    Quicksliver - when I have room to move, I get +2 to Quickly defend if I can get out of the way of an attack
    Last edited August 26, 2025 1:31 am
    Aug 26, 2025 1:58 am
    @dunderklumpen Yes, you can choose another aspect.
    Aug 26, 2025 2:17 am
    Hmm, I'm thinking maybe giving caelyth the dragon mark of shadow. This might play into the reason for her exile from Valenar, but it also might be trying to do too much with the character.

    Thoughts anyone?
    Aug 26, 2025 2:18 am
    If you give her a Dragonmark, she'll be of interest to the Dragonmark houses.
    Aug 26, 2025 2:21 am
    JoshuaMabry says:
    If you give her a Dragonmark, she'll be of interest to the Dragonmark houses.
    Sounds like that would be good for a compel or two
    Aug 26, 2025 5:04 am
    Adding mark of the Shadow would change the character to something like this:
    Quote:
    Caelyth
    High concept: Dragonmarked renegade elf bard from Valenar
    Trouble: Who wants to live forever?
    Aspect: Charm as sharp as her blade
    Aspect: I've read (almost all) of that
    Aspect: As good as real magic
    Aspect: Mark of the Shadow

    Approaches: Quick 2, Clever 2, Flashy 3, Sneaky 1, Forceful 1, Careful 0

    Stunts:

    Gift of tongues - I can comprehend almost any speech or writing. If it is very obscure, the GM may require an Overcome with Clever.
    Inspiration - once in a conflict I can take an action to automatically create an Inspiring aspect with a free invoke, as long as I can sing or chant.
    Quicksliver - when I have room to move, I get +2 to Quickly defend if I can get out of the way of an attack
    Aug 26, 2025 6:44 am
    Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the Mark of Shadow only manifests among the Aerenal elves, not the Tairnadal. I’m not saying this to be difficult (we can always just ignore it): it’s only to make sure we’re on the same page with the shared imagery.

    @dunderklumpen Apart from that, I have to say your character seems really awesome—I was tempted myself to play a Valenar elf! I do have a question about your Trouble: do you literally mean that your PC isn’t interested in a long life, or that they’re rejecting the Spirits of the Past and don’t intend to follow their spirit guide’s voice? I’m asking because you mentioned you read the setting quickly, and in that case I’d suggest reading the part about the Valenar elves’ religion: it could be a great roleplay hook that would enrich your character.

    @JoshuaMabry If we can be a little more flexible with the wording of stunts, then I’d change my "once per session" into something more suitable for PbP.
    Aug 26, 2025 7:43 am
    I don't think I've seen it restricted to any particular group of elves, though neither of the houses that control the mark are based in Valenar, there's no reason they wouldn't have business there (and lots of reasons they would). I haven't read all of the lore, by far, though so I could have missed it.
    Aug 26, 2025 7:59 am
    @Caleb75, I appreciate the feedback. It's very useful as I'm an Eberron noob and input is always welcome.
    Caleb75 says:
    Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the Mark of Shadow only manifests among the Aerenal elves, not the Tairnadal. I’m not saying this to be difficult (we can always just ignore it): it’s only to make sure we’re on the same page with the shared imagery.
    I'm still coming to grips with the rather dense Eberron lore so I won't correct you.

    The mark is not essential to the character. I can easily leave it out if it doesn't suit the lore or conflicts with someone else idea for a character.
    Caleb75 says:
    I do have a question about your Trouble: do you literally mean that your PC isn’t interested in a long life, or that they’re rejecting the Spirits of the Past and don’t intend to follow their spirit guide’s voice? I’m asking because you mentioned you read the setting quickly, and in that case I’d suggest reading the part about the Valenar elves’ religion: it could be a great roleplay hook that would enrich your character.
    I have read that section and the trouble was chosen with ideas about the Tarinadal and their religion in mind.

    The trouble Who wants to live forever? is doing several things:
    - expressing a reckless approach to life and adventure
    - rejecting the cultural expectations of the long-lived elf races and especially the Tarinadal.
    - definitely leaning away from venerating/emulating the Spirits of the Past.

    That's not to say that she doesn't 'believe' in them, or that they don't matter to her, but she has decided to reject standard path of the a Valenar elf.

    For the moment, I'm happy to leave some blanks in Caelyth's background.
    - Is her exile self-imposed or imposed on her? What brought this about?
    - Has she been through the ritual to be chosen by a spirit?
    - What family/clan is she a member of and what do they think of her?
    Last edited August 26, 2025 8:01 am
    Aug 26, 2025 10:45 am
    Bullseyepsa says:
    I don't think I've seen it restricted to any particular group of elves, though neither of the houses that control the mark are based in Valenar, there's no reason they wouldn't have business there (and lots of reasons they would). I haven't read all of the lore, by far, though so I could have missed it.
    I’m not 100% sure either, but in the section on elves in Eberron: Rising from the Last War it mentions the occasional reappearance of the mark among the Aerenal elves due to very ancient bloodlines, but it doesn’t mention the possibility of the mark showing up among the Valenar elves (who, incidentally, despise the Phiarlan and Thuranni houses). Of course, there could always have been a… let’s say unusual… bloodline crossing. But that would be a truly exceptional case. Well, honestly, it wouldn’t even make for a bad story, haha!
    dunderklumpen says:
    I have read that section and the trouble was chosen with ideas about the Tarinadal and their religion in mind.

    The trouble Who wants to live forever? is doing several things:
    - expressing a reckless approach to life and adventure
    - rejecting the cultural expectations of the long-lived elf races and especially the Tarinadal.
    - definitely leaning away from venerating/emulating the Spirits of the Past.

    That's not to say that she doesn't 'believe' in them, or that they don't matter to her, but she has decided to reject standard path of the a Valenar elf.

    For the moment, I'm happy to leave some blanks in Caelyth's background.
    - Is her exile self-imposed or imposed on her? What brought this about?
    - Has she been through the ritual to be chosen by a spirit?
    - What family/clan is she a member of and what do they think of her?
    Bellissima!! 😀
    Aug 26, 2025 11:32 am
    @Caleb75 @DrifterDwarf When you all can please submit your characters using an FAE character sheet.
    Aug 26, 2025 11:52 am
    JoshuaMabry says:
    DrifterDwarf When you all can please submit your characters using an FAE character sheet.
    Heading to work - I'll get one up tonight (12 hours or so from now)

    I've added some aspects:

    High Concept: Kalashtar Telekinetic Blade Master
    Trouble: That gave me a headache

    Aspect: I can move it! [Telekinetic Permission]
    Aspect: Mind over Body [Psionic Permission]
    -- Human and Psionic Discipline
    Aspect: Watcher of Shadows
    -- The Path of Light calls some of us to walk the Shadows
    Aspect: My sword for Breland
    -- Fought as a soldier for Breland

    Stunt: Because "I can move it!" - I get a bonus on forceful telekinetic defense against any weapon or melee attack.
    Stunt: Because "I can move it!" - once per game session I can move, pick up, or stop something huge.
    Stunt: ???
    Aug 26, 2025 12:17 pm
    I think I'll remove the Dragonmark aspect. Caelyth has enough going on with being an exile and a renegade, I think adding a mysterious Dragonmark would just complicate the character too much.

    Instead I've added a performance Aspect "All eyes on me" - Caelyth draws attention, especially when she sings or performs. She also probably enjoys the attention and perhaps is a bit jealous when it isn't on her.
    Last edited August 26, 2025 12:44 pm
    Aug 26, 2025 12:22 pm
    You all have such great ideas!
    Aug 26, 2025 3:16 pm
    JoshuaMabry says:
    Everyone one thing you should think about as you finalize your characters is why they want to join the Clifftop Adventurer's Guild.
    976 YK: An exile newly arrived from the Shadow Marches gives birth to a half-orc child in the slums of Sharn and names him "Tuono."
    982 YK: Tuono’s mother dies of hardship; the boy grows up on the streets, occasionally helped by Merguson, a grumpy artificer who was a friend of his mother.
    989 YK: During a rough adventure with some members of Daask, Tuono meets a Tharashk investigator and in that moment manifests the Mark of Finding; however, the investigator is killed by monsters, and Tuono takes possession of his magical goggles.
    990 YK: Sharn is no longer safe for Tuono, so he decides to enlist in the Brelish army.
    994 YK: During a scouting mission on the Cyre border, Tuono is partially caught in the Mourning, losing his right arm.
    995 YK: Brought back to Sharn, Tuono is cared for by Merguson, who fits him with an Arcane-Propelled Arm as a final favor.
    996 YK: The war is over, and Tuono must decide what to do with his life; unwilling to return to crime and unwilling to join House Tharashk, he chooses to join the Clifftop Adventurer’s Guild. After all, what else could someone like him do?
    Aug 26, 2025 3:23 pm
    @Caleb75 Awesome, I love it.
    Aug 26, 2025 4:01 pm
    JoshuaMabry says:
    @Caleb75 Awesome, I love it.
    Grazie! :)
    https://i.imgur.com/gStdgLq.png
    Aug 26, 2025 4:45 pm
    Wow! Very cool half-orc.

    I've been thinking of my character's timeline as well, I might have to try something like you did. I don't want him to be too old, but I also want him to have been in the war, so that leads to him doing something stupid like enlist at 14.

    I'm thinking of changing the aspect: My blade for Breland, I can still feel the pain.

    His father and family objected to being part of the war, wanting to remain isolated, but he was already a fine swordsman and together with a human friend went to fight. They fought for years, but a few weeks before the end of the war, he almost died in a battle that his friend did die. With the war over, estranged family, scars, lost friend, potential enemies - the joy of an immortal master swordsman critiquing every battle in his dreams :)
    Aug 26, 2025 5:40 pm
    Well, in that case, if we want, my character and DrifterDwarf’s could easily have met while serving in the army!
    Aug 26, 2025 11:03 pm
    Caelyth is now a public character so everyone should be able to see the sheet.

    @Caleb75, love the pic. Cyberpunk meets High Fantasy.
    JoshuaMabry says:
    Everyone one thing you should think about as you finalize your characters is why they want to join the Clifftop Adventurer's Guild.
    I don't thinks there's any stretch required for why my character would join the CAG. I mean, it literally has "adventure" in the name.
    Last edited August 26, 2025 11:04 pm
    Aug 27, 2025 1:25 am
    I've decided that the Fate Accelerated character sheet is too broken to use.

    I'm going to create my character again as a custom sheet and build in the stuff that I want to be able to change in play (Stress, conditions, currently fate points).

    I think it's better to do this before play starts even if it's not a perfect sheet as changing characters after I've posted as that character is going to be problematic.
    Aug 27, 2025 1:49 am
    I noticed it only had 3 stress and I think we get 6. Other than that, I don't know enough about Fate to know what isn't working :)
    Aug 27, 2025 2:38 am
    It has the standard 3 stress boxes, but it's not hard to edit that to the 6/6 variety. I did edit a few things (there are a number of things that shoudl be editable fields that look like the designer expects you to edit them in the character sheet editor, but that's not my preference).


    As for joining the Guild, I'm thinking that Lusambar is a bit at loose ends and has been "scouted" by the Deathsgate guild through some connections with the Changeling community in Deathsgate, but he is trying to find a more honorable patron. He thinks of his work for as a spy as being that way, even if the nature of the work was full of subterfuge and questionable deeds and he wants a place that's more picky about the employers it works with.
    Aug 27, 2025 2:40 am
    dunderklumpen says:
    Caelyth is now a public character so everyone should be able to see the sheet.
    I can't see the sheet. I can't see TalZerai either.
    Aug 27, 2025 8:34 am
    Bullseyepsa says:

    I can't see the sheet. I can't see TalZerai either.
    I've re-submitted my character using a custom sheet. It should be public ("Add to Library" button is red)
    Aug 27, 2025 8:38 am
    DrifterDwarf says:
    I noticed it only had 3 stress and I think we get 6. Other than that, I don't know enough about Fate to know what isn't working :)
    @JsohuaMabry, how are we handling Stress.

    In classic Fate Accelerated there are 3 Stress boxes representing 1, 2, and 3 shifts of Stress that add up to 6. This old system can be a bit tricky for players to understand.

    I think Fate Condensed went to an easier 1 check box per stress. Which would mean 6 Stress boxes.

    Which stress version should we use?

    Speaking for myself, I find that Fate run better with less Stress. So I'd be happy with 1, 3, or even no stress (all hits go straight to consequences), but others may not agree.
    Aug 27, 2025 10:09 am
    I’d like to use the Fate Condensed version using single point stress boxes. And everyone gets six stress. Please note that it’s one stress track for both physical and mental stress.
    Aug 27, 2025 10:57 am
    If any of you put together a character sheet that works better than the official one, could you share it with me?
    Aug 27, 2025 11:53 am
    This is my modification of the Fate Condensed, Youre welcome to use/abuse/adapt it.

    If you copy the bbcode below into a custom sheet that will do it.
    BBcode says:
    [2column]
    [col]
    [abilities="ID"]
    [size=150]Caelyth[/size]
    #Background
    Caelyth never speaks of why she abandoned Valenar, her family, or her warband. Nor does she speak of the reasons for her exile from the Tairnadal lands.
    
    Outwardly, she seems almost carelessly free. Moving through the world with the ease of someone unburdened by expectation, seeking excitement and diversion.
    
    Caelyth has a sharp mind and is a quick study for languages, lore, and magic. She learns quickly but never seems to finish what she starts.
    
    She reads widely, but not deeply, picks up magic through her bardic training and elven talents, but has never committed to the arcane.
    
    [/abilities]
    [/col]
    [col]
    [abilities="Fate"][table][b]Refresh[/b]|[b]Fate Points[/b]
    [size="0"]t[/size]
    [size="150"][_=3][/size]|[size="150"][_=3][/size][/table]
    [/abilities]
    [/col]
    [/2column]
    
    [2column]
    [col]
    [abilities="Aspects"]#High Concept: Renegade Tairnadal bard
    hint/notes
    
    #Trouble: Who wants to live forever?
    
    #Aspect: Charm as sharp as her blade
    hint/notes
    
    #Aspect: I've read (almost all) of that
    hint/notes 
    
    #Aspect: As good as real magic
    hint/notes
    
    #Aspect: All eyes on me
    hint/notes
    
    [/abilities]
    [/col]
    [col]
    [abilities="Approaches"]
    [table="rolls compact"]||
    Careful|+[_car=1]|[size="0"]4df[/size]+[_$=car]
    Clever|+[_cle=2]|[size="0"]4df[/size]+[_$=cle]
    Flashy|+[_fla=3]|[size="0"]4df[/size]+[_$=fla]
    Forceful|+[_frc=0]|[size="0"]4df[/size]+[_$=frc]
    Quick|+[_qui=2]|[size="0"]4df[/size]+[_$=qui]
    Sneaky|+[_sne=1]|[size="0"]4df[/size]+[_$=sne]
    [/table]
    [/abilities]
    [/col]
    [/2column]
    
    [abilities="Stunts"]
    
    #Gift of tongues 
    I can comprehend almost any speech or writing. If it is very obscure, the GM may require an Overcome with Clever.
    
    #Inspiration
    Once in a conflict I can take an action to automatically create an Inspiring aspect with a free invoke, as long as I can sing or chant.
    
    #Quicksliver 
    When I have room to move, I get +2 to Quickly defend if I can get out of the way of an attack
    
    [/abilities]
    
    [abilities="Ouch, Damage, Stress, Conditions!"]
    
    [table=compact][b][size="120"]Stress[/size][/b]
    [color=";zoom:150%;"][_=0/1][_=0/1][_=0/1][_=0/1][_=0/1][_=0/1][/color]
    [/table]
    
    [table="compact"][b][size="120"]Consequence[/size][/b]|[size="120"][b]Description[/b][/size]
    [color=";zoom:120%;"][_=0/1] Mild (2)[/color]|[size="150"][_=][/size]
    [color=";zoom:120%;"][_=0/1] Moderate (4)[/color]|[size="150"][_=][/size]
    [color=";zoom:120%;"][_=0/1] Severe (6)[/color]|[size="150"][_=][/size]
    [/table]
    
    [/abilities]
    [abilities="Notes"]
    [2column]
    [col]
    [_=Write a note here]
    [_=]
    [_=]
    [_=]
    [_=]
    [_=]
    [_=]
    [_=]
    [/col]
    [col]
    [_=]
    [_=]
    [_=]
    [_=]
    [_=]
    [_=]
    [_=]
    [_=]
    [/col]
    [/2column]
    [/abilities]
    Aug 27, 2025 12:19 pm
    Hmm. I'll take a look later tonight. I like having customization options.
    Aug 27, 2025 8:17 pm
    dunderklumpen says:
    This is my modification of the Fate Condensed, Youre welcome to use/abuse/adapt it.
    Thank you!
    Aug 27, 2025 8:33 pm
    Seeing as how everyone has their character submitted, I've kicked us off with the first story thread here.
    Aug 27, 2025 10:35 pm
    I do think I like the custom one better.

    @JoshuaMabry - do you have any preference?

    Yippee we are starting - guess I need to figure out what my character looks like.
    Aug 27, 2025 10:54 pm
    I like the custom sheet, but use whichever works better for you.
    Aug 27, 2025 11:04 pm
    I like the custom sheet as well, so I'll quickly switch over to it and resubmit my character.
    Aug 28, 2025 12:20 am
    Can one my fellow players let me know if Caelyth is viewable?

    The Add to Library button is showing as on (red), but it's a notoriously easy to mess up feature.
    Aug 28, 2025 12:22 am
    Yup. I can see her sheet now.
    Aug 28, 2025 5:16 am
    Anyway, our introduction ROCKS! Those Deathsgate folks are going to wet themselves, haha!

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