A quick note about Game Master (GM) notes for campaigns. These notes are the GMs has made about running his campaign, and thus can continue information not known to the in-game characters.
GM's Note: Pretty much everything goes for this group, as does the Wednesday night group, as the storyline they're following is pretty much identical, with only some small changes based on character background and such. Also you'll notice that this group is somewhat more "properly balanced" for standard D&D. This occurrence is more happenstance than actual planning, simply because every player chose their characters independently of the others. At any rate, they're happy and I'm happy with it as well. At least now, someone can turn undead!
And now, our cast:Rosalyn Cervant (Sean)—a bewitching Half-Vistani with mysterious birth origins, she was raised by a traveling minstrel and learned the inherent power of song. Meeting a caliban in her travels changed Rosalyn's life, as the creature latched itself to her for reasons known to it alone. (Half-Vistani Bard 1)
This One (Andy)—With corpse-pallor skin and pure black eyes, the warrior referring to himself as "This One" speaks only the language Rokuma, indicating his native land to be the far-off island of Rokushima Taiyoo. No one knows what dishonor drove the creature from his homeland—not even the bard Rosalyn, to whom he has attached his fate. (Caliban Monk 1)
Ash Fenfip (Matt)—a native Barovian, Ash's love of nature led him directly to the path of the Druidic arts. However, Ash is somewhat tainted by a powerful enmity of his land's infamous lord, Strahd van Zarovich. Few know of this hate, though, and none know what may come of it. (Human Druid 1)
Charles Vandegrift (Darren)—a well-to-do young man from a land beyond the mists, Charles' quickness has long been his greatest asset. However, after a dire incident with some gypsies, Charles has held a powerful rage against the Vistani matched only by his devotion to the goddess Ezra, after he arrived in the Core. Whether this anger rubs off on Charles' relations with Rosalyn will soon be decided. (Human Rogue 1)
Thutmose (Brian)—A warrior-priest of Ra from the far-off sands of Har'Akir, Thutmose served as a cleric in the militias there. However, after a particularly violent sandstorm blew in, Thutmose was separated from his division in the desert wastes of his forsaken land. Driving his camel back through the whirling sands, Thutmose emerged in most peculiar place and seeks only to get home. (Human Cleric of Ra 1)
Zai (Meat)—From a land beyond those of the swirling Mists, Zai began his training as a powerful warrior who would soon blend the arcane arts with his prowess to add even more strength to his blade. However, the Dark Powers have a ready eye on all those who use the Art, and no one knows how Zai will react to true power when he finds it. (Human Fighter 1)
Only one crossdresser this time, as opposed to three in the other group…make what you will of that.
Unfortunately, while The One's backstory is quite poignant, it may never end up being revealed, unless he chooses to do so. I really hadn't planned for any side trips to Rokushima this year.
I've let The One take the Vow of Poverty feat from the Book of Exalted Deeds. The source of a lot of controversy, I realize that this feat is very powerful, but it fits perfectly with his character concept. I have yet to see the results in their fullest, but his actions may make up my opinion on the book as a whole.
Yes, his name is also Andy. Yes, that gets confusing.
Zai is looking to become a wizard, then a Spellsword from the Complete Warrior. Not seeing any real problems with this, as the Eldritch Knight had few restrictions in the RL DMG, I allowed it.
Thutmose did learn Balok through the travelers that arrived in Har'Akir via the Mistway near Barovia. Since most of the players have Balok, this isn't much of a difficulty. However, This One only speaks Rokuma…a significant difficulty.