Mcdm - Blog Posts
Chain OC idea (again)
Fetter
Vanirman Monk (subclass tbd)
She’s on the taller side (not for a Vanirman but sure compared to the rest of the world), and fit af. Honestly though, she’s pretty average for a Vanirman, the only variation being her somewhat darker hair.
A woman of few words, she almost exclusively uses Chain Sign - theories vary as to why: can’t speak common, doesn’t have a tongue, is just fucking with everyone, etc. Nonetheless she manages to be plenty expressive and get her point across.
She is a very big fan of the general adage: better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Independent by her own nature and her upbringing in the north, she respects rules that come from a place of strength and wisdom, but doesn’t care for authority for the sake of authority.
While no stranger to a fight, she’s slow to provoke with a generally easy-going attitude. She prefers to prove herself against forces far beyond her - nature itself.
Along with her general martial prowess, she’s well known for being an adept mountain climber and spelunker, having learned on the harsh glaciers of the north. She can often be found free climbing whatever happens to be around: cliffs, chasms, castles, and whatnot.
Unusual for a Vanirman, she favors fighting with her fists and improvised weapons. She’s particularly fond of using chains and pitons (which she has on her for scaling particularly intense slopes), and has frequently been known to use the chains as wraps to make her strikes that much more devastating.
She also doesn’t wear armor, but exclusively wears long sleeves (but you still see hella muscle definition tho). Rumor is that she has intense tattoos twisting up her arms that she’s hiding, but most people think that’s ridiculous.
Joined the Chain to see more of the world. She particularly respects the variety of skills the various members of the Chain display.
(Probably an Advancer/Green Boot cause I think she’d make for a good scout in addition to assailant).
new chain oc
Scrumpy.
Hes like hops of hops was a feral halfling twink instead of a buff dwarf lady that's trying her best
I’ve had this sitting around for ages without posting it. Here is my chain OC along with his notes
Sgt. Chapel
Tiefling Fighter
Background
Chapel is a lifer in the Chain. He has been in the Chain since before he had to shave. His mother found refuge from their extensive personal debts in Alloy by marriage to a retiring soldier. Though not a kind man Chapel’s new father taught him everything he knew about fighting. Every dirty trick , every easy scam and every story about the only people you could count on. Childhood was tough as he and his mother were the only tieflings in the village he grew up in. Having realized that there was precious little good will for a half devil child Chapel turned to petty theft and vandalism early on.
When he was a teenager his mother became gravely ill. He read the writing on the wall and in the eyes of his neighbours. He stripped the new thatch roof off the local church and then sold it to a travelling merchant. Chapel used the proceeds to make his own way eventually finding the Chain.
Chapel has found a peace of sorts and now he lives his life for his comrades. He used to have side businesses going while the Chain was in any given place. A habit he learned from his adopted father. But he has long since given up on a life outside the Chain.
While in Alloy Chapel settled a few old scores with some Chain buddies.
Appearance
A big powerfully built tiefling with a mischievous crooked grin. His jaw has been broken and reset slightly off. His left eye socket is covered with an eye patch. His horns are covered in recent sword and claw marks from the escape from Blackbottom. He’s missing parts of several fingers.
Personality Traits
Loyal
Indulgent
Tribal
Ideals
Be direct but be prepared to win before the fight
Win if you can, lose if you must but always cheat
Bonds
I would die for the Chain
The Chain are the only family I have
I always have time for my family
Flaws
I can’t make a life for myself anywhere else
I don’t want to be an officer
Painted me as Buts, cosplay one day? idk
Spoons - Helltrooper for the Chain of Acheron
Vaslorian by birth, Spoons travel far and wide before joining the chain. It was in Higara, far from his native land that he learnt his two passions.
Fist fighting, and cooking.
Though he keeps some secrets, how he lost his leg, why he joined the Chain, he is a good hardy link in the company.
His only weapon is a large butcher’s cleaver, as he was one of the chefs for the Chain, working in the mess tent under Cook before the fall at Blackbottom. Now he, and a few other survivors are trying to find their way.
—–
My first ever commission complete! I had so much fun with this one, and can’t wait to draw more Chain Links in the future.
An odd idea I got in my head a while ago that I thought might be fun to share:
What with the prevalence of reporters in the Stays and interest surrounding the Chain, I thought it might be interesting to consider one of these journalists approaching rank and file Chain members for interviews (sort of mockumentary style). While on the one hand I think Chain members know better than to blab, on the other hand what if this was sanctioned by the higher ups to drum up some good press and attract recruits. Maybe even conducted under the watchful eye of a Junior Officer (I’m assuming Two Shoes as the only one trusted and responsible enough for the project but who knows).
I’m far from an expert in journalism, but here goes:
Alright, well, why don’t we start at the beginning: Where did you join the Chain of Acheron?
So, as far as I understand, Helltroopers get pretty descriptive nicknames when they join up. What’s the story behind yours?
And what attracted you to the Chain initially? What was your first impression on joining? Has that impression changed lately?
Has anything really surprised you since joining the company? Any particular memories that stand out to you?
Why have you stayed on with the Chain? Do you see yourself sticking with the company for much longer?
And how exactly do you contribute to the Chain? Do you ever see yourself as doing more and moving up the ranks?
Do you have any beliefs or convictions apart from membership in the Chain?
I’ve heard that Helltroopers leave their old lives behind, but what was your life like before you joined the Chain?
What’s the most challenging thing about being a member of the Chain?
If you could direct the Chain’s next action, what would you have the company do?
What is your opinion on the Senior officers?
Any Helltroopers, officers or otherwise, you have a problem with?
What do you know about the Chain of Acheron’s intensions here in Capital?
I imagined this as starting out like a human interest piece that escalates into an interrogation.
Please feel free to add in your Helltrooper responses and reactions, and even add/expand questions if ya like!
Matt: Mortal beings, like the Chain of Acheron
Tom (copper), vaguely offended: “Mortal?”
The Demonslaying Greatsword
Painted the Moon Elf calling forth Exile from whatever Abyss it has been forged in.
Side note, how tf do artists juggle commissions, multiple social networks, personal work, life in general, social life, and even a day job on top? Like damn, I barely can keep up and I’m not even doing all of the above…
members of the chain (?)! blue and buts!
I heard that there were people making ocs for the chain and I’m slight temptation
https://www.reddit.com/r/mattcolville/comments/axlq5p/spoiler_the_cult_of_nails/ I’m sorry followers, but I may never shut up about Nails. I was thinking about this idea as well, and honestly it’s my favourite possibility opened up by the Nails scene. I just really like the idea that circumstances beyond his own control quickly turned Nails into a developing god, and whether Sweet’s sacrifice to save his friend’s humanity truly stopped his ascension or not doesn’t matter, because belief is what makes gods and saints, and the common soldiers of The Chain eventually make prayers to Nails to look out for all of them, like he always tried to do in (mortal) life, and to Sweet, as a saint representing the foolhardiness and self-sacrifice that members of the Chain praise. The comment where someone said “A lesser deity of mercenaries and lost causes,” fits too well, and in my mind, Sweet’s sacrifice was what kept Nails’ humanity from diminishing; the moment where this infantile deity was no longer the universal threat Omega Nails, but he became Silver Eyes, deified protector of the Chain.
It seems like people in chat don’t get that the idea of a magician’s ‘true name’ having power over them is something that’s almost a constant in fantasy. It’s as much a “reference” as fighting a dragon ‘references’ Beowulf.
I drew a bunch of OCs from our little Chain group!
Bags is mine Mint is @hubbleablubble / @mint-mcmonk Paisley is @wojtekbc Haft is @pantographicclone Cherry is @thesandman115 Footpad is @xynnos Hops is @zarozinia Hawthorn is @fisyx Beebee is @krunk-mcdunk / @the-zoa
I love the Chain for so many reasons (players, plot, community, characters…) but one thing I really love and I think is just awesome about it is Matt’s original reason for wanting to stream it, which was just “I want you to see the DM things I’m telling you to do in action.”
And it’s really working. Watching the Chain always energizes me and watching Matt DM is just such a good model. Every session I’ve DMed since the stream began (3, or maybe 4?) I’ve felt more and more comfortable in my abilities. Matt is just very candid with the players and the audience and I think that’s a good style for a lot of newish DMs
Excuse my crappy handwriting, but here’s Mud! Quickly sassed her way to the top of my fav NPCs list.
I know I’ve been going on about the Chain tag recently (but seriously if you don’t want to see it why are you even following me) but here’s another thing I really think makes the Helltroopers that have been made seem like they fit really well. Even the pure spellcasters we’ve made feel like they would be right at home as just another body for a shield wall; it seems like it is obvious to everyone so far that the magical talent of the common Helltroopers is still situational or limited, and all of them are soldiers first. Maybe I’m wrong, but it’s just really cool to me how it feels as though every single Helltrooper this community has developed is a soldier to some degree, like the Chain has magicians, sure, but they don’t have battle mages, they have soldiers with magical talent.
“though I’ve handled the wood, I still worship the flame″
Helltrooper Dream
Half-Elf Cleric, probably either light, nature or war I’m not sure
“Tryna talk to the Elf? Good luck with that, he’s a dreamer that one”
Oft found staring off into the distance, Dream is a quiet one. Keeps to himself mostly, a sad look in his eyes. Quite pretty some say, with soft features that seem bespokely made for a sad smile.
Quick to heal those who need it, especially his fellow troopers although his compassion hides a fire which few even among his fellow soldiers have seen. Dream joined up with the chain for reasons unknown, those who can coax some conversation out of him tend to find him pleasant but not forthcoming. One thing’s for certain though, he’s no friend of Ajax and where most topics are met with mostly disinterest, mention of the overlord will bring out a cold anger in the priest.
The Chain of Acheron, Helltrooper Beebee.
“I’d put an arrow through you if I weren’t sloshed. Wait right there, I still might.”
Human ranger, footsoldier, and tavern regular
Too confrontational for his own good, which often led to him being chased up trees when he was younger, where he’d then pelt his aggressors with a slingshot… because he hadn’t annoyed them enough.
Plays dumb but secretly loves reading about and studying nature.
Followed by a cat who refuses to leave him alone, he’s taken to calling it Little Bastard. In turn, other helltroopers named him Big Bastard, shortened to Beebee.
When fire came to Blackbottom, he grabbed his boy and ran for the only safety he knew: the forest.
Stranded on a burning continent with his fellow helltroopers and, most importantly, his cat, Beebee’s main goal for now is to regroup with the remainder of the Chain and take revenge against Ajax for interrupting his ale.
>“I didn’t miss, it was a poorly timed warning shot.”
>“Magic… makes me itchy. Put that damned fire out.”
>“You think I’m scared of you? I could tie both arms behind my back and it still wouldn’t be a fair fight.”
>“I hate this lil’ bastard but if you ever call him ‘Mr. Fluffy’ again, I’ll poison your soup.”
A little late, but here’s my first helltrooper. Not my first choice but he was the easiest to find pics for and I really wanted to get something out. I’ll probably go back and tweak him until I’m more satisfied with it, but for now I need to get an emissions test so like 😬
Haft - Half-Elf Devotion Paladin
Heavy armour, and pollaxe.
Named haft cause they constantly have to re-haft their pollaxe from heavy use.
Has been doing mercenary work for years
Joined The Chain as their first big mercenary outfit, and is loving it.
Calm and collected most of the time, but when incensed is incredibly passionate.
Set off for capital as soon as they knew The Chain was there, with as many other members as they could find.
Trying my hand at some Chain OCs (loosely based on a couple of characters a friend and I made years ago)
The Twins (Mercy and Truth)
Tieflings
No consensus who is Twin 1 and who is Twin 2
Met the Chain of Acheron in Alloy towards the end of the Company’s time there; it’s unclear how long they had lived in the Burning City, and some things indicate they’ve also spent some time in Hell
Tend to wear loose fitting, light linen clothing indicative of Alloy (unless Matt Colville specifies otherwise)
Heavy accents (Infernal and Primordial)
Will talk about their past, but it usually sounds absurd and the story is often left unfinished as one of the twins will either trail off or be interrupted by the other (but as crazy as it always seems, they haven’t contradicted themselves yet)
Like to tease each other and bicker a lot, but are extremely protective of one another
Trust Issues (but the Chain is growing on them)
Don’t like to stay in the same place for too long, and are generally excited to travel to new places and see strange things
Don’t actually like taking orders and will be petty about it
Afraid of heights
Such stupid kids tbh
Mercy
Phoenix Soul Sorcerer
Chaotic Neutral (Evil leaning)
5’, she/her, unnatrual white skin, silver hair, black horns that start at her temples and sweep back along the sides of her head, magenta eyes with black sclera, tail that tapers flat like a thresher shark
Eyes occasionally glow, the center of her irises turning white, fading to yellow, orange, and finally back to magenta (as per her subclass flavor)
Burn scars
Nicknamed by her brother sarcastically and now she’s stuck with it; “You may call me Mercy, but don’t expect me to have any.”
A little sadistic, but can be kept in check (give her a reason to and she will set you on fire though)
Sites her brother as her moral compass
Honest (unless she’s covering for her brother)
Reckless
Smarter than her brother (by like 1 but likes to remind him of it)
Cheeky and likes to get the last word (occasionally by any means necessary); particularly sharp tongued when on the defensive
A good bet if your goal is destruction
Would call Big Cat a pretty kitty
Truth
Inquisitive Rogue
Chaotic Neutral
6’1”, extremely dark grey skin, black hair, bone white horns that start at his temples and arch up and curve over the top of his head, magenta eyes with black sclera, tail that tapers flat like a thresher shark
Missing a chunk of one of his horns
Nicknamed by his sister sarcastically and now he’s stuck with it; “You may call me Truth, just don’t expect me to share it with you.”
Compulsive liar, but doesn’t lie to his sister (not as of yet anyways)
Huge flirt (his sister sometimes plays his wingman)
Sneaky son of a bitch
Somewhat cautious
Older than his sister (by only a few minutes but likes to reminder her of it)
Definitely knows Mercy’s True Name
Has a misshapen pearl earring he got when he beat Mercy at chess (or Orden equivalent) as she was using it as her queen; he claims it reminds him of her
Some songs that give me vibes for these characters:
Hey Brother - Avicii Alone Together - Fall Out Boy Heathens - Twenty One Pilots Red Hot Lights - Moon Taxi all the good girls go to hell - Billie Eilish Horns - Bryce Fox The Patron Siant of Liars and Fakes - Fall Out Boy
I end up coming up with a new chain oc pretty much every stream but most recent is Footpad. Koursirian street urchin with an aptitude for magic. Ostensibly joined the chain to get themselves off the streets and earn fortune although if they’re honest, they were just too curious and had too much of wanderlust not to join up with the Helltroopers.
Always liked footpad as slang for a thief and seemed to fit pretty well as a chain name. They’re probably just a rank-and-file soldier but if I were to actually build them mechanically they’d be 3rd level arcane trickster rogue. Idk if the rank and file actually report to specific junior officers but I like the idea that their magic and curiosity makes them get along well with Buts.
I’m insatiable so I made a Chain OC
This is Mint, who is a complete idiot
(Bonus comic under cut)
Keep reading
someone say chain ocs?
Hops
an exceedingly nimble dwarf woman with thick sideburns and tied-back hair. She wears a simple dress and an apron; when shes on a mission she’ll change into light armor and a hood. She has a deep interest in the craftsmanship of alcohol (she has a soft spot for sour ales) but doesnt seem to drink large volumes. She is eager to be part of Angel’s/Boots’ spy network but is being kept away by Angel as she has already been seen around Capital as a Chain member.
She joined the chain as a way to experience the cultures, food and drink of the surface-dwellers of orden, and the timescape itself; the ability to test her steel and cunning in honorable (and not so honorable) combat was only a bonus.
were I to make her a pc she would be a dwarf (obviously) rogue and probably a scout subclass and the guild artisan (brewer) background
My chain OC, since it’s about time I finally made one!
Name: Oak.
Human female ranger (the second best ranger, thanks very much), mid 50′s. Face like a gnarled oak, hence the name. Stronger than she looks, and loves to complain. Every time she’s asked, she has a different story about her life before The Chain. Serves in the Advancers, as a scout. Or at least, she did. But right now, she’s making her way from Blackbottom to Capital.
Shout out to @wojtekbc for being a damn pillar of this community. Also @fisyx @xynnos @zarozinia and @hubbleablubble for doing cool featured art.
Toes, at only 14 ran away from home after hearing his parents speaking of abandoning him in the woods because of his “witchcraft”, he quickly took off before dawn, leaving the farm and making for the city as any surrounding farms would recognize him and return him home. living as a beggar on the streets of Blackbottom learning of his gifts in secret.
One night when food and shelter ran particularly scarce, desperate for warmth. He conjured a violent burst of flame that nearly left him without hair altogether and through the wild and unpredictable nature of his gift, turned three of his toes to solid gold. Cutting these toes off to sell, since he has never been seen in anything but noble garb
Hearing of the chain arriving in town and of the magic user among them with seemingly very similar talents to his own, toes immediately set to getting onto the crew. To maybe find a mentor and the safety in numbers.
in game Toes is a human wild magic sorcerer with a street urchin background, he dresses and speaks finely, even in combat, to give no hint at his lowly beginnings, he is humble but immensely greedy.
i don’t know how to format or edit pictures but i had to add the stuff @wojtekbc sent me
The Chain of Acheron, Helltrooper Bark
Tiefling
Glamour Bard
Traveler, Author, Mercenary. Prior to joining the chain, Bark hitchhiked and drifted the timescape, writing and spreading tales of “his” exploits. He’s fond of his guitar for spinning his tales but will use the harmonica to cast a quick spell.
He decided to join the chain after what happened in alloy, seeing opportunity for adventure. After encountering Ajax with the rest of the chain, Bark feels closer to his company than anyone from his previous lives. Given the name Bark for his surprising lack of skill in combat. Despite being a less than average fighter, Bark keeps morale up among chain members and has made many friends.
CHAIN OF ACHERON, HELLTROOPER CHERRY REPORTING
“The Chain will be unbroken. None shall be slaves. The truth is my pursuit.”
“The Chain is my family now. My honour is tied up with theirs.”
- Mountain Dwarf War Magic Wizard.
- 3′9″, she/her, biromantic asexual.
- Lawful Neutral.
- Her nickname comes from both her red eyes and puffy red nose from years of drinking. Inspired by this, she has taken to using cherries in her brewing.
- She keeps her chestnut brown hair short and her face bare, though she does have some sweet sideburns.
- She is a practiced brewer and an expert cardsharp, and often can be found in her downtime taking other Chainlink’s money in games of chance over drink. To Cherry, the Chain is her family.
- She hates the ways of her fellow Dwarves in capturing and keeping slaves, and despises Ajax for facilitating such injustice. If she didn’t hate Ajax before Blackbottom, she sure does now.
- As a Vaslorian, she is devoted to the Chivalric ideal of Truth, and strongly believes in the maxim: “The Truth will out.”
- Cherry is crass, and speaks her mind even when it is not to her social advantage. She is practically minded to a fault.
- She joined the Chain in Blackbottom around the same time as Sweet. She is extremely hesitant to speak on her past, even more than the other Chainlinks. Once, while extremely drunk, she shared that she had left her past behind after waking in a shallow grave, seemingly resurrected after the explosion that killed her family.
- During her service to the Chain, she became an assistant to Staff Sorcerer Nails, developing evocation and abjuration magic useful for combat on the battlefield and protecting her fellow Chainlinks.
- During the Siege of Blackbottom and the Fall of the Chain, Cherry was not one of the Chainlinks who boarded the Rosso Cielo, instead meeting up with another group independently to make their way to Capital on their own. Currently looking for a captain willing risk the wrath of Ajax in taking them across the Bale Sea to the meetup in Capital.