Building the Heroes of Phandalin Pt. 2 - Elora Songseeker

 

In the previous post we built the Party Leader, the Dwarven Battlemaster Akiri. Hopefully we can apply some of the things we learned to creating the next member of the party. So the next character the AI suggested for the party is: 


  • Elora: Offers healing, magical support, and utility with her skills.


  • Elora, the Half-Elf Bard (College of Lore): Elora's wit and charm are as sharp as her rapier. She uses her magic for inspiration and support, healing her companions with a touch and using illusions to confuse enemies. In her spare time, she enjoys collecting lore about the region.


So with Akiri I didn’t follow the character creation process as it was outlined in the book. Let's get that done for Elora. 

I'm playing a half elf bard named Elora, pick a good last name for her?


Melodic Elven Last Names:

  • Sunstrider - evokes Elora's elven grace and connection to light.

  • Moonsinger - references the musicality of her bardic talents and Elven connection to the moon.

  • Windwhisper - hints at Elora's elven agility and bardic ability to weave magic with words.

Human-Inspired Last Names with a Bardic Twist:

  • Songseeker - combines a human surname with Elora's bardic pursuits.

  • Verseweaver - highlights Elora's skill with words and storytelling.

  • Rhymeweaver - similar to Verseweaver, but with a more whimsical touch.

Names that Blend Elven and Human Influences:

  • Eventide - combines the Elven reverence for nature with a touch of human commonality.

  • Silverstrand - evokes Elora's potentially mixed heritage (silver for elf, strand for human).

  • Melodyspring - combines Elven beauty with a human touch, suggesting new beginnings.

Ultimately, the best last name for Elora depends on the specific details of your character and the world she inhabits. Consider her personality, her backstory, and the overall tone of your campaign.

So again it needs another prompt to pick a last name. I’ll limit the options to the ones suggested prior. 


Please pick one between Sunstrider, Moonsinger, Windwhisper, Songseeker, Verseweaver, Rhymeweaver, Eventide, Silverstrand or Melodyspring.


I will pick Songseeker.

Here's why:

  • Meaningful: Songseeker directly connects to Elora's profession as a bard. It portrays her active pursuit of songs and stories, which aligns perfectly with her role.

  • Neutral Tone: Songseeker doesn't lean heavily towards either Elven or human influences. It allows you to build upon Elora's heritage in the way you see fit.

  • Memorable: It's a catchy name that's easy to remember and pronounce.

Of course, the final decision is yours! Feel free to choose any of the other options if it resonates more with your character concept.

Since Elora Songseeker is a half elf bard, what two ability scores should I increase?


As a half-elf bard, Elora Songseeker's most important ability score is definitely Charisma. This stat governs all her bardic magic, including spellcasting, performance checks, and social interactions.

For the second ability score increase, you have a few good options depending on how you want to play Elora:

  • Dexterity: This is a great choice for a bard who wants to be more agile and ranged-focused. Dexterity affects initiative, ranged weapon attacks (like with a rapier or a shortbow), Dexterity saving throws (to avoid traps and spells), and also contributes to your Armor Class (AC) slightly.

  • Constitution: This is a good choice for a bard who wants to be a bit more resilient. Constitution increases your hit points (HP), saving throws against spells like poison or exhaustion, and your concentration checks to maintain spells.

  • Wisdom: This is a less common choice for bards, but it can be a good option for a bard who focuses on support spells and skills like Perception and Insight.

Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:

  • Dexterity Bard: More mobile, ranged combat capable, good AC. Consider skills like Acrobatics, Stealth, and Sleight of Hand.

  • Constitution Bard: More durable, better concentration on spells. Consider skills like Athletics and Constitution saving throws.

  • Wisdom Bard: More perceptive, better support spells. Consider skills like Perception, Medicine, and Insight.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on how you envision Elora playing on the battlefield and interacting with the world.

So it seems the AI wants another point in constitution to max out the Bardic abilities, but what about that other one?


Please pick between Dexterity Bard, Constitution Bard and Wisdom Bard.


I'd recommend going with a Dexterity Bard for Elora Songseeker. Here's why:

  • Thematic Fit: Bards are typically seen as nimble and quick-witted, which aligns well with Dexterity.

  • Versatility: Dexterity bards can still use spells effectively while having the option for ranged attacks or maneuvering on the battlefield. This gives Elora more tactical options in combat.

  • Armor Class Bonus: Dexterity contributes to your Armor Class, making Elora slightly harder to hit, which is crucial for a character who isn't primarily focused on melee combat.

However, there are still advantages to Constitution and Wisdom bards:

  • Durability (Constitution): If you envision Elora being more on the frontlines supporting allies, Constitution could be a good choice for extra hit points and concentration checks.

  • Support (Wisdom): If Elora leans more towards using her bardic magic for support and out-of-combat utility, Wisdom could be interesting for better perception and support spells.

The final decision is yours! Consider how you want Elora to play and what kind of situations you expect her to be in.

Here are some additional points to ponder:

  • Does Elora favor dodging traps and staying nimble, or does she prefer to be a bit tougher and shrug off damage?

  • Does Elora rely more on ranged attacks or buffing allies with spells?

  • Does your campaign world have a lot of exploration and wilderness travel, where Perception would be valuable?

I hope this helps you make an informed decision for Elora's build!


What two skills should Elora Songseeker have proficiency in?


Here are two good skill proficiencies for Elora Songseeker, the half-elf bard, considering her Dexterity focus:

  1. Performance: This is a no-brainer for any bard. It governs Elora's ability to use her music and storytelling to entertain, persuade, and inspire others. It's key to her core bardic abilities.

  2. Persuasion: This skill complements Elora's high Charisma and Dexterity focus. It allows her to use her charm and eloquence to influence others, negotiate deals, or get out of sticky situations. It also pairs well with Performance, as a captivating performance can be persuasive.

Here are some other options to consider depending on your campaign and how you see Elora:

  • Deception: This could be useful if Elora needs to use illusions or disguises to get out of trouble or blend in with different crowds.

  • Acrobatics: This skill reflects Elora's agility and nimbleness, allowing her to navigate difficult terrain, avoid attacks, or perform impressive stunts.

  • Stealth: If Elora is more of a stealthy bard who prefers to stay unnoticed, Stealth would be a valuable skill.

Ultimately, the best skills for Elora depend on the kind of bard you want to play and the situations you expect to encounter.


Elora speaks Elven and Common, she will be going to the lost mines of phandelver, what additional language should she have?


Based on the setting and creatures you might encounter in the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign, here are some language options that would be useful for Elora Songseeker:

  • Dwarvish: Many of the important characters in the Lost Mines are Dwarves, including quest givers and potential allies. Knowing Dwarvish would allow Elora to better communicate with them, understand their culture, and potentially gain their trust.

  • Giant: While Giants are not as common in the Lost Mines, there is a friendly Giant in the adventure module who could be a valuable ally. Knowing Giant would be a gamble, but potentially a rewarding one.

  • Goblin: The Lost Mines features a significant number of Goblins as enemies. Understanding Goblin would allow Elora to eavesdrop on their conversations, glean information, and possibly even bluff or intimidate them.

Out of these three choices, Dwarvish is the most generally useful for the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign. Dwarves play a more prominent role throughout the adventure, and being able to communicate with them effectively can provide a significant advantage.

Ok so pretty good so far considering all things.. Now we selected the Bard Class and we can go from there.


What three musical instruments should Elora Songseeker be proficent in?

Given Elora Songseeker's background as a half-elf bard and the potential situations she might encounter in the Lost Mines of Phandelver, here are three interesting musical instruments for her to be proficient in:

  1. Lute: This is a classic bardic instrument, offering a good balance between portability and versatility. It's suitable for playing melodies, chords, and even singing along. In the more civilized areas of the campaign, the lute would be a familiar and well-received instrument.

  2. Pan Flute: This instrument has a connection to nature and oftentimes carries a sense of mystery. It could be particularly fitting for Elora's elven heritage and her potential for using music for magical effects. The pan flute might be seen as slightly unusual but still appreciated in various settings.

  3. Drums (Hand Drum or Drum Kit): While less common for bards, drums can add a rhythmic and energetic element to Elora's performances. In the more rugged and potentially chaotic situations within the Lost Mines, drums could be used to rally allies, intimidate enemies, or create a stirring battle beat. However, drums might be seen as cumbersome or impractical in some situations.

Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing Elora's instruments:

  • Campaign Setting: Think about the typical environments Elora will be in. Would a lute be easily transportable in the mines? Would a drum kit be too bulky?

  • Playing Style: Do you see Elora using music for storytelling and ambience (lute), mystical effects (pan flute), or inspiration and battle cries (drums)?

  • Character Backstory: Is there a specific instrument Elora might have learned from her elven or human heritage?

Ultimately, the choice is yours! You can pick any combination of these three instruments, or choose something else entirely that fits your vision for Elora Songseeker.

So done and done… 


Now we need to select the starting spells… 


What Cantrips should Elora Songseeker use?

Here are some great cantrips for Elora Songseeker, the half-elf Dexterity bard, considering her focus on performance and the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign:

Essential Cantrips:

  • Message: This is a must-have for any bard. It allows for discreet communication between party members, which can be crucial in planning strategies or conveying secret messages.

  • Minor Illusion: This versatile cantrip offers endless possibilities for Elora's bardic creativity. She can create illusions to distract enemies, create disguises, or even set up pranks. It's particularly useful for a Dexterity bard who might rely on misdirection.

  • Vicious Mockery: This iconic bard cantrip not only deals psychic damage but also imposes disadvantage on an enemy's next attack roll. It's a great way for Elora to contribute in combat while staying true to her bardic nature.

Optional Cantrips (Choose one or two):

  • Mage Hand: This handy cantrip allows Elora to manipulate objects at a distance. It can be useful for retrieving items, triggering traps from afar, or simply adding a touch of magical flair to her performances.

  • Prestidigitation: This utility cantrip offers a variety of minor magical effects, from cleaning clothes to creating small trinkets. It's a great way for Elora to add a touch of magic to everyday tasks or enhance her performances.

  • Light: This simple cantrip provides a source of light, which can be helpful in exploring dark caves or dungeons found in the Lost Mines.

Considerations for Lost Mines of Phandelver:

While the above cantrips are generally strong choices, here are some specific considerations for the Lost Mines campaign:

  • Mending: This cantrip might be less useful than usual, as the focus is on exploration and combat rather than extensive travel.

  • Dancing Lights: This could be a fun way to illuminate areas without needing to carry a torch, but it might attract unwanted attention in certain situations.

Remember: The best cantrips for Elora depend on your playstyle and what you envision for her character. Don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you!

Ok so it seems that Message is an essential cantrip, which leaves two others, Minor Illusion and Vicious Mockery to pick between.

Please pick between Minor Illusion and Vicious Mockery.


This is a tough call, both Minor Illusion and Vicious Mockery are excellent cantrips for a bard, but for different reasons. Here's a breakdown to help you decide for Elora Songseeker:

Minor Illusion:

  • Strengths: Incredibly versatile. Can be used for deception, distraction, creating disguises, or even setting traps. Plays well with Elora's Dexterity focus and creativity.

  • Weaknesses: Doesn't directly deal damage. Requires a successful saving throw for some effects.

Vicious Mockery:

  • Strengths: Deals psychic damage, a good damage type for early levels. Imposes disadvantage on an enemy's next attack roll, providing a defensive benefit.

  • Weaknesses: Less versatile than Minor Illusion. Relies on a successful Charisma saving throw to hit and have an effect.

Considering Elora and Lost Mines of Phandelver:

  • Elora's Dexterity focus: Minor Illusion aligns well with this, allowing for tactical misdirection and battlefield control.

  • Lost Mines of Phandelver: While damage is always useful, the campaign features many traps and puzzles where Minor Illusion could shine creatively.

Here's the recommendation:

Given Elora's Dexterity focus and the potential for creative problem solving in the Lost Mines, I would choose Minor Illusion. However, if you prioritize dealing damage and supporting the party defensively, Vicious Mockery is a solid option.

Ultimately, the choice is yours! Consider how you envision Elora playing and what kind of situations you expect to encounter.

So it looks like the AI is going with Message and Minor Illusion for Cantrips. 


This actually aligns with what the AI suggested when it was asked to put together a party to make it through the campaign. 


Please select four first level spells for Elora Songseeker.


Here are four great first-level spells for Elora Songseeker, the half-elf Dexterity bard, considering her focus on performance and the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign:

1. Healing Word (Essential):

This spell is a must-have for any bard, especially if you don't have another dedicated healer in the party. It's a bonus action spell, allowing you to quickly pick up a fallen ally without sacrificing your own action for an attack. It's crucial for keeping your party alive in dangerous situations.

2. Faerie Fire (Great Utility):

This spell outlines a creature in glowing light, giving advantage on attack rolls against it for your party. It's a fantastic support spell that makes encounters significantly easier. Faerie Fire is particularly useful against enemies that might blend into the environment within the Lost Mines.

3. Dissonant Whispers (Damage and Control):

This spell offers a good balance of damage and battlefield control. It deals psychic damage and forces the target creature to flee away from you. This can be used to isolate enemies, take them out of the fight temporarily, or create escape routes. Dissonant Whispers offers a good damage option for a Dexterity bard.

4. Charm Person (Social Interaction):

This spell allows Elora to manipulate a humanoid creature's emotions for one hour. It can be incredibly useful for navigating social situations, persuading NPCs, or even getting out of trouble. Charm Person can be particularly helpful when dealing with the various factions and personalities Elora might encounter in the Lost Mines.

Considerations:

  • Sleep: This spell can be very powerful at low levels, but it becomes less effective as enemies get stronger. It might be a good early-game option to swap out later.

  • Detect Magic: This is a great utility spell for any party, but it might be less interesting for a bard who focuses on performance and social interaction.

Remember: These are just suggestions! Feel free to swap spells based on your playstyle and what you think would be most fun for Elora.


Looks like we have the spells selected, now to assign the stats. 


Using the standard array, please assign the attributes for Elora Songseeker.

Here's how we can assign the standard array abilities (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) to Elora Songseeker, the half-elf Dexterity bard:

1. Charisma (15): This is the most important ability score for a bard. It governs your spellcasting DC, bardic abilities like Bardic Inspiration and Song of Rest, and your ability to persuade and deceive others. As the core of your bardic magic and social influence, Charisma gets the highest score (15) with a modifier of +2.

2. Dexterity (14): Since you're aiming for a Dexterity bard, this is the next most important score. It affects your Armor Class (AC), initiative rolls, Dexterity saving throws (to avoid traps and spells), and ranged weapon attacks (if you choose to use them). Dexterity gets the 14 with a modifier of +2.

3. Constitution (13): Having a decent Constitution gives Elora some extra hit points (HP) and helps her concentrate on spells. Assign the 13 to Constitution for a modifier of +1.

4. Wisdom (12): This is a decent option for some helpful skills like Perception and Insight, and some support spells. Assign the 12 to Wisdom for a modifier of +1.

5. Intelligence (10): This is the least important ability score for a bard. It governs skills like Arcana and Investigation, which may not be a core focus for Elora. Assign the 10 to Intelligence for a modifier of 0.

6. Strength (8): Strength is the least used ability score for most bards. Assign the remaining 8 to Strength for a modifier of -1.

Racial Bonuses (Half-Elf):

As a half-elf, Elora gets two ability score increases of +1 each. You can assign these bonuses to further enhance her strengths or improve weaker areas. Here are two options:

  • Option 1 (Dexterity and Charisma Focus): Increase both Charisma and Dexterity by 1, making them 16 (+3) and 15 (+2) respectively. This maximizes her spellcasting and combat capabilities.

  • Option 2 (More Balanced): Increase Charisma by 1 (16, +3) and Constitution by 1 (14, +2). This maintains a strong Charisma but also bolsters her HP and concentration checks.

The choice is yours! Consider which option aligns best with the Elora you envision.


Please select a background for Elora Songseeker. 


Here are two strong background choices for Elora Songseeker, the half-elf Dexterity bard, considering her background and the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign:

1. Entertainer (Classic Bard Background):

This is the most traditional background for a bard. It grants proficiency in two skills of your choice (Acrobatics for her Dexterity focus, and Performance for her bardic core). It also gives her proficiency with disguise kits and a performer's instrument (perfect for her lute or pan flute!). Additionally, the Entertainer background provides her with a starting story as a wandering performer, which fits well with her bardic nature. This background is a solid, versatile choice for Elora.

2. Folk Hero (Fits the Setting and Offers Exploration Benefits):

This background might be a bit more unexpected for a bard but can be quite flavorful for Elora's half-elf heritage and the Lost Mines campaign. It grants proficiency in two skills of your choice (Athletics for some physical prowess, and Survival for navigating the wilderness). Additionally, it provides proficiency with a simple weapon (like a dagger for self-defense) and a disguise kit (useful for blending in with different cultures). The Folk Hero background also comes with a starting story where she has helped common people in the past, which could be tied to her travels and experiences before the Lost Mines adventure. This background adds a more rugged and heroic element to Elora's character.

Considering Elora and Lost Mines of Phandelver:

  • Entertainer: This background is a classic choice that perfectly fits Elora's bardic identity and performance focus.

  • Folk Hero: This background offers some exploration benefits (Survival) and a connection to the common people, which could be interesting in the Lost Mines setting.

The recommendation:

Based on the Lost Mines campaign theme and the potential for exploration and interaction with common folk, Folk Hero could be a more interesting choice for Elora. However, if you want to emphasize her bardic performance side, Entertainer is a solid option.

Ultimately, the choice is yours! Consider which background best reflects the Elora you have in mind.

Interesting how it put two options on the table and then recommended Folk Hero. Since that was the recommendation we will go with that. 


Please select an Artisan’s tool for Elora Songseeker. 

Musical Instrument Maker's Tools:

  • Thematic Fit: This directly connects to Elora's bardic nature and her proficiency in musical instruments. She could use these tools to maintain her instruments, perhaps even crafting simple instruments or tinkering with them to create unique sounds.

So I’m going through D&D Beyond and this at present isn’t a selectable option.. So no dice.

Jeweler's Tools:

  • Creative Flair: These tools allow Elora to create or modify small trinkets and jewelry. This could be a fun way for her to personalize her appearance, create gifts, or even potentially use them as bargaining chips.

Leatherworker's Tools:

  • Practicality: These tools allow Elora to repair or modify leather armor and gear. While not directly used in combat, this could be helpful for the party as a whole, especially in a campaign like Lost Mines where resources might be scarce.

Other Options:

  • Carver's Tools: These could be used to create small wooden instruments, figurines, or even magical components (if your DM allows it).

  • Disguise Kit: This is not technically an Artisan's tool, but it's a useful option for a bard. It could be used in conjunction with the Folk Hero background for blending in with different cultures.

Neither of these are selectable options, so it’s down to Jewelers or Leather workers tools. 

The choice depends on the kind of flavor you want to add to Elora.

Here are some additional factors to consider:

  • Campaign Setting: Is there a focus on crafting or specific materials in the Lost Mines campaign?

  • Character Backstory: Does Elora have any history with crafting or a specific interest in a particular material?

  • Your Playstyle: Do you see Elora using these tools for roleplaying purposes, creating in-game benefits for the party, or a combination of both?

Ultimately, the best choice is the one that you find most interesting and that best fits the Elora you have envisioned.

edit

Please pick either Jeweler's tools or Leatherworker's tools


I will choose Leatherworker's tools for Elora Songseeker.

Here's why:

  • Practicality: Leatherworker's tools offer more general utility for the party. Elora can repair or modify leather armor and gear, which can be a lifesaver in a campaign like Lost Mines where resources might be scarce. This benefits the entire party, not just Elora herself.

  • Themed Versatility: Leather can be used for more than just armor. Elora could craft pouches, belts, musical instrument straps, or even simple holsters. This adds a bit of versatility and allows her to personalize her gear and potentially create useful items for the party.

While Jeweler's tools have a thematic connection to Elora's bardic nature, Leatherworker's tools offer a more practical benefit that aligns well with the potential challenges of the Lost Mines campaign.

Of course, the final decision is yours! If you have a strong preference for the creative potential of Jeweler's tools, you can definitely go with that option.

Please select an alignment, faith and lifestyle for Elora Songseeker.

Here are some alignment, faith, and lifestyle options for Elora Songseeker, the half-elf Dexterity bard, considering her background and the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign:

Alignment:

  • Neutral Good: This aligns well with the bardic ideals of bringing joy and using their talents for the greater good. Elora helps others, promotes fairness, and believes in justice, but she might also be flexible in her approach depending on the situation. This is a classic choice for good-hearted adventurers.

  • Chaotic Good: This alignment reflects a more impulsive and individualistic kind of good. Elora fights for what she believes in but might not always follow the rules or traditions. This could be interesting if you see Elora as a bit of a rebel or a free spirit who uses her music to challenge authority.

Faith:

  • The Traveler (Forgotten Realms Deity): This deity aligns perfectly with Elora's bardic nature. The Traveler is all about luck, music, stories, and exploration. Elora could revere this deity through her performances and see her adventures as a way to honor the Traveler's spirit. This is a thematically fitting choice for a bard in the Forgotten Realms setting (where Lost Mines takes place).

  • Local Deity or Nature Deity: Depending on your campaign setting, there might be a specific local deity or nature deity that Elora follows. This could tie into her background or the specific cultures she encounters in the Lost Mines.

Lifestyle:

  • Modest: This is a typical lifestyle for adventurers. Elora has enough to get by but doesn't live extravagantly. She might spend some coin on maintaining her instruments or acquiring new music or stories. This is a realistic choice for someone on an adventure.

  • Wanderlust: This lifestyle reflects Elora's potential nomadic tendencies as a bard. She might spend most of her coin on travel, lodging, and entertainment, always seeking new experiences and inspiration for her music. This could be interesting if you see Elora as a restless adventurer who craves new sights and sounds.

Considering Elora and Lost Mines of Phandelver:

  • Alignment: Neutral Good is a strong choice for a well-intentioned adventurer. Chaotic Good could be interesting for a more rebellious bard.

  • Faith: The Traveler is thematically perfect for a bard in the Forgotten Realms. A local deity or nature deity could add a more specific cultural connection.

  • Lifestyle: Modest is a realistic choice for an adventurer. Wanderlust could be interesting for a more nomadic bard.

The recommendation:

Based on the overall theme of the campaign, Neutral Good for alignment and The Traveler for faith are strong choices for Elora. For lifestyle, Modest is a realistic option, but Wanderlust could be interesting if you want to emphasize her adventurous spirit.

Ultimately, the choices are yours! Consider what best reflects the Elora you have envisioned.

All easily to select, with the exception of Wanderlust as it’s not an option on D&D Beyond, so we will default to Modest. 


Please pick and describe Elora Songseekers hair, skin, eyes, height, weight, age and gender.


Elora Songseeker, the half-elf Dexterity bard, can have a variety of physical features depending on how you envision her. Here's an option that blends Elven and human characteristics, along with some variations to consider:

Hair:

  • Color: Long, flowing hair in a rich auburn shade. This color blends the warm tones often associated with humans with the rich, reddish hues sometimes seen in elves.

  • Style: Elora's hair is typically worn in a loose braid or ponytail, practical for adventuring but still allowing her to maintain a touch of elegance. Variations: You could have her hair completely loose and flowing, or perhaps styled in intricate Elven knots or braids.

Skin:

  • Tone: Elora has a slightly sun-kissed complexion, reflecting her time spent traveling and performing outdoors. This blends the fair skin sometimes seen in elves with a more human-like tan.

  • Variations: You could have her skin be fairer, closer to Elven heritage, or slightly darker, reflecting a more human upbringing.

Eyes:

  • Color: Elora has mesmerizing emerald green eyes. This is a classic Elven feature, adding a touch of otherworldly beauty.

  • Variations: You could have her eyes be a warm hazel color, blending human and Elven traits, or even a bright blue, a more human characteristic.

Height and Weight:

  • Height: Elora stands at a slender 5'8" (173 cm). This is a medium height that allows her to be agile and move well but still maintains a graceful presence.

  • Weight: Elora weighs around 130 lbs (59 kg). This reflects her active lifestyle and slender build.

Age:

  • Age: Elora is a young woman, around 23 years old. This age allows her to be experienced enough to be a capable adventurer but still young and full of potential for growth.

Gender:

  • Gender: Elora is female.

Variations:

  • Feel free to adjust any of these features to better suit your vision of Elora. You could make her taller, shorter, or have a more muscular build.

  • You can also adjust her hair color, skin tone, and eye color to create a more human or Elven appearance, depending on the heritage you want to emphasize.

Remember, these are just suggestions! The most important thing is to create a character that you find visually appealing and that reflects the Elora you have in mind.

Sounds good.. Now on to picking equipment.. 


Please select the starting equipment for Eloria Songseeker.


Based on the decisions we made previously, here is the starting equipment for Elora Songseeker, the half-elf Dexterity bard:

Background: Folk Hero

Race: Half-Elf

Ability Scores (Standard Array):

  • Strength: 8 (-1)

  • Dexterity: 14 (+2)

  • Constitution: 13 (+1)

  • Intelligence: 10 (0)

  • Wisdom: 12 (+1)

  • Charisma: 15 (+2)

Racial Bonuses (Half-Elf):

  • Increased Charisma by 1 (+3 total)

  • Increased Dexterity by 1 (+3 total)

  • Skill Versatility: Choose two skills from any class list that you aren't proficient in (Acrobatics is recommended due to Dexterity focus).

Skills: Athletics, Acrobatics, Performance, Survival (Choose two from the above and any others you might want based on your background)

Starting Equipment (Choose one of the following):

  • (a) a diplomat's pack or (b) an entertainer's pack

We chose Entertainer's pack:

  • A backpack

  • A bedroll

  • A mess kit

  • A costume fit for a performer (including tights, a shirt, and a plumed hat)

  • A musical instrument of your choice (lute recommended based on previous discussion)

  • 5 gp

Other Starting Equipment:

  • Leather armor and a dagger

  • Artisan's tools: Leatherworker's tools (chosen previously)

  • Minor magical cantrips (chose Vicious Mockery and Minor Illusion previously)

  • 1st level spells (chose Healing Word, Faerie Fire, Dissonant Whispers, and Charm Person previously)

Optional Equipment (not included in starting equipment but can be purchased with starting gold):

  • A disguise kit (useful with the Folk Hero background)

  • A flute (as a secondary instrument)

Remember, this is just a guideline, and you can customize Elora's equipment to fit your playstyle and preferences! Feel free to adjust the amount of starting gold or add or remove items as you see fit.

Please pick between a rapier, a long sword or another simple weapon.


Given Elora's focus on Dexterity and her role as a bard, a rapier would be the best choice out of the three options. Here's why:

  • Dexterity Weapon: Rapiers are finesse weapons, meaning you can use your Dexterity modifier for attack and damage rolls. Since Dexterity is Elora's highest ability score, this maximizes her effectiveness with the weapon.

  • Lighter Build: Compared to a longsword, a rapier is lighter and easier to wield. This aligns well with Elora's Dexterity focus and allows her to remain nimble and agile in combat.

  • Versatility: While not as powerful as a longsword, a rapier offers good damage and can be used for thrusting attacks, which can be helpful in tight spaces or against heavily armored opponents.

Simple Weapon Alternative:

If you prefer a simpler weapon that Elora can use with one hand while keeping the other hand free for spells or performances, a dagger would be a good choice. It's also a light and easily concealable weapon, which could be useful in some situations.

The final decision is yours! Consider how you envision Elora fighting. Does she prefer to stay at a distance and use her rapier for precise attacks? Or would she be more comfortable with a simpler weapon like a dagger for close-quarters combat?

Are there any other personal possessions Elora should start the game with?




  1. Choose a Race - 

  2. Choose a Class - Selected already

  3. Determine Ability Scores - 

  4. Describe the Character - 

  5. Select equipment - 

  6. Come Together -




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