To attempt to make this a bit more interesting and encourage some
different builds and playstyles, I will run this as small races only,
specifically, the Halfling, Gnome, Kobold, Goblin and warforged scout.
Sources for racial abilities
Warforged Scout : http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Warforged_Scout_(4e_Race)
Kobold : in Into the Unknown: The Dungeon Survival Handbook
Goblin : in Into the Unknown: The Dungeon Survival Handbook
Halfling : in PHB
Gnome : in PHB2
Otherwise anything essentials or regular 4E is allowed, except online
content (it is just too crazy to keep track of) Standard point buy and
7th, 6th, and 5th level items plus 5th level gold. Up to two magic items can be purchased with the gold.
Finally, if you want a theme, you can give up your 7th level item for one. One background
allowed.
The story:
The small races were never really intended to be here, and they have
never really been at home. They first appeared from an unknown location
a few hundred year ago, and have lived among their larger brethren,
making their way in the world. The medium and larger races paid little
attention to them, and none of the small folk really ever gathered much
power, except for a few spectacular individuals.
But the small races themselves remember their home, and their journey
through a portal here, though none alive now were there then, and
different clans have different stories of the journey itself. And every
clan has a different idea of the location of this portal, usually in a
ruin, or hidden place in their own lands.
Their original home was a place of open lands, deep dungeons and near
incessant war between the two races of the light (halflings and gnomes),
and those of the dark (kobolds and goblins). Plus the gnome's wonderful
inventions, the warforged, some of whom have decided to make their own
way, or were changed by the kobolds to the dark, clever beings that they
are.
After arriving on this plane, the small ones lived with the larger
races, taking part in their wars and difficulties, never spreading out
too far, just one corner of the continent, perhaps feeling the pull of
home.
But then, about 30 years ago, things started to change. Specifically,
the birth rate, which had been falling for centuries, just plain dropped
to zero. No more babies were born. At first it was not really
recognized, it was thought to be just a lull or just in that specific
area, but after 20 years or so, the four races knew something terrible
was happening, and something had to be done.
The four small races had to get home or perish utterly.
And that is where you come in, you are the youngest of your kind. the
youngest of your families, clan, and even your race. None come after
you, nor will they, the stars proclaim.
Others have gone out, and failed, or not returned. Now you're old
enough, and well trained enough to try, to try to find the way home.
Character build advice.
I see some sea and underwater play here.
Most everything will be bigger than you.
A mix of skills, especially knowledge will be very helpful.
Please do not feel that only a 16 in a primary ability makes a character
unplayable. It is not true.
