Welcome to the game! First order of business, let's get this set up for everyone.
Everyone make an alias for your character. The alias's profile should contain the character stats and background for your PC.
Second, background. The group is diverse, and I'm not going to use the "you're all in the tavern when..." open. I want to make sure we know how the group works together.
This shouldn't take too long; I'll get the game started on Monday.
I'll work on my background.
Human Wizard(Mage)Chaotic Good
AC: 10
THAC0: 20
HP: 4
Str: 9
Dex: 9
Con: 10
Int: 16
Wis: 11
Cha: 16
Saving Throws:
PPD: 14
RSW: 11
PP: 13
BW: 15
SP: 12
Non-Weapon Prof.
Spellcraft 14-
Ancient History, Netheril 15-
Read/Write, Common 17-
Read/Write, Elven 17-
Read/Write Dwarven 17-
Ancient Lang. Netherese (Spoken) 16-
" " (Read/Write) 16-
General Prof.
Etiquette 16-
Heraldry(Mulmaster) 16-
Riding, Land Based 15-
Languages:
Elven 16-
Dwarven 16-
Weapon Prof.
Dagger
Equipment:
Sling w/20 Bullets (25 cp)
Common Robe (9 sp)
Cloth Cloak (8 sp)
Soft Boots (1 gp)
Belt (3 sp)
Breeches (2 gp)
Cap, Hat (1 sp)
Gloves (1 gp)
Backpack (2 gp)
Belt Pouches:
Large(2) (2 gp)
Small(3) (21 sp)
50' Hemp Rope (1 gp)
Sacks:
Large(1) (2 sp)
Small(2) (10 cp)
Torches(2) (2 cp)
Waterskins(2) (16 sp)
Riding Horse (75 gp)
Riding Saddle (10 gp)
Bit and Bridle (15 sp)
Horseshoes and Shoeing (1 gp)
Halter (5 cp)
Saddle Blanket (3 sp)
Saddle Bags, Large(2) (8 gp)
Saddle Bags, Small(2) (6 gp)
Starting Gold: 180
Spent: 116 gp, 2 sp, 5 cp
Balance: 63 GP
Spells:
1st level: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Sleep, Armor, and Comprehend Languages, Chromatic Orb, Murdock's Feathery Flyer.
Background:
Born into nobility in the great city of Mulmaster, Lucien spent much of his youth trying to follow in his Father's footsteps as a Cloak Wizard. Hadrius Malgus, Lucien's Father, sees his son as the next generation of Malgus' to join the Cloaks.
Lucien had a particular interest in some of the other races that he had seen and heard stories about, such as the Elves and Dwarves. He made it a point to learn their tongues in order to learn more about their history should he ever happen upon such folk. When he was finished with his magical studies, he eagerly continued his own lessons in the different languages of those he sought to engage.
Although he was interested in the languages and cultures of the fair folk and those under the mountians, he also had a desire to master the ancient language and writings of Ancient Netheril. It has been argued that the Netherese were the original peoples to have mastered the Arcane Arts. He viewed it as an opportunity to gain at least some insight into the lives of such folk.
As his studies came to a close, both Arcane and mundane, his Father approached him one evening and told him, "You have such a talent and interest in the language and culture of others, I think you would do well to search them out and gain a better perspective on the world in which we live. The Cloaks will still be here and I want my son going into such a group with his eyes open, for not everything is black and white. Keep your wits about you and the most important lesson to remember is that respect is earned, not freely given away, but you'll learn about that soon enough I think if you ever happen upon a group of Dwarves. If that is a path you would follow, then Gods watch over you and return when you have satisfied your intellectual curiosity."
For a year Lucien ventured to other lands and did finally come across various Elves and Dwarves. After much travel and interaction, Lucien's ability to speak in the Elven and Dwarven tongues improved greatly. Once he felt he had seen and learned what he could, he made preparations for a return trip home. He managed to join a caravan bound for Mulmaster which included Dwarves and Elves and he saw it as another opportunity to learn more about them.
If you want to use Lucien's background story as a method of bringing some or all of the merry band of adventurers together, feel free to do so.
Oooooooh so excited! First question: Should I put my background in the profile, as you say, despite that it is not generally known?
Oooooooh so excited! First question: Should I put my background in the profile, as you say, despite that it is not generally known?
I've actually found that having everyone in on the secret, but having the characters just roleplayed as not knowing to be the funnest way to play with those secrets. Then everyone is in on the dramatic irony.
Just my 2 cents.
I created Lucien's profile complete with background for easier reference.
I was planning for Lucien's background as a member of a Blade's family be the reason for the party being in Mulmaster.
Also, there is a shrine to Lathander in Mulmaster, even though the largest temple in town is to Bane. And yes, put the background in the profile. That will be important.
And feel free to discuss background points between each other, building connections between you.
Ok, I made a couple of changes in his background. I wanted my background to be general enough that you can fill in NPC's as needed so things mesh better.
Based on Lucien's travels in his background, I'd be more than happy to have made the acquaintance of anyone who also felt the need to 'see the world' :)
Okay. Irony it is. Will add the background. Also, I am quite open to meeting others, as I will do what I can to move around the city to get a handle on it.
I left my background fairly blank, full of opportunities, but purposely blank. It can expand upon things and add or subtract later on. I'm on a bit of a vacation atm as I just got back to my hotel room.
Okay, updated. I am quite happy to make points of contact in my background for anyone. I just arrived to Mulmaster on a caravan, perhaps it's the one Lucien is on? If so, it would give me a good way to learn more about the city.
Hello to all (i have decided to change Meredith name- alias will be ready in less than 30 min)
As for Sydney she is currently in the Mulmaster area nursing her wounds. She doesn't much incentive to join any thing really...
(i usually try to make is easy to be recruited...)
DM, i have the following spheres access (can you confirm if i am making an error on these?)
Major: all, combat, guardian, law, protection, sun, war
Minor: charm, creation, divination, elemental (earth), healing, necromantic, travelers, wards
Probably not long after the caravan is underway, Lucien would most likely notice the symbol of Lathander Dlatha is carrying/wearing and approach her. I figure Lucien might not have any meaningful knowledge of Lathander or of the churches who worship him, but he probably recognizes the symbol of the religion from his years in Mulmaster.
"Pardon me, I do not mean to intrude upon your thoughts, but that is the symbol of Lathander is it not?"
Well Lathander is one of the greater gods, it would be hard not to recognize such a thing. I think Rission would be in town purchasing small things for his spell component pouch, maybe looking for a blank journal to record whatever research and findings he comes across. Have a drink at a tavern and head to a few nearby villages to check on some of the recruits from the underdark.
Okay, so that will be how it opens. The southern road to Mulmaster is treacherous, having to cut through mountainous terrain. Travel in caravans is common. So there's clear reason for Lucien, Dlatha, and Rission to be in the caravan. It doesn't matter that you're traveling to Mulmaster for different reasons, just that you're traveling.
We just need to pull Marroar and Sydney into the caravan now. What might be the reason? Temporary guard for pay? Travel into town?
That or they are already in the city. Risson is actually already in Mulmaster, so he can end up bumping into the other two. You could have some sort of Caravan Services Authority in town looking to hire on a few people to meet the caravan at a certain point to relieve the current guard for the final leg of the trip. That allows the group to come together and sets up whatever event you want to happen.
Edit: Not a bad theme, somewhat conan-esque.
I could be on a caravan heading into Mulmaster to pick up what else I need, there's no problem there.
That would be fine as well, just wanted to offer an option that could bring everyone together.
sydney could very well be a hired guard for the caravan.
She is pulling herself back from depression so she has to start somewhere and be active again.
+ a caravan might give her the bonus to be attacked by bandits (now if it were those lead by the 1/2 orc....) so she could get valuable info for her revenge.
I always wear my holy symbol, a rose quartz disk, clearly visible on my chest. A painted sunburst on my shield would be another clue.
"Oh, certainly it is."
Another thing is that on such a dangerous stretch of road, a caravan would not have exactly a surplus of travelers. Those of us ready to risk the trip would be pretty much alone with the people hired by the caravan.
Sydneys wears hers under her shirt hidden
during risky travels caravan would generally organized into convoy (with travelers and other caravan) in order to maximize protection etc...
Her armament and style specialization is all the outer expression of her faith she needs to show :)
I understand there will be an expectation of daily posting, but when? I am at GMT +1 here. If you want to talk more to someone, is that for the discussion thread? Ummm... is there anything else I should know?
I'm actually holding off on furthering character interaction just because I got the feeling that this is not the place for it. I think once we establish where everyone is in the game world we transition to another thread. PbP is still a new experience to me, so I'm trying to go with the flow ;)
Sounds okay with me. Anyone has suggestions for me, please tell me. I AM new at this, and want input.
You don't have to post at any specific time. The idea of one post a day is just to make sure that the action keeps moving forward.
Sometimes the discussion thread is used for "above table talk" sometimes I've seen it used for things happening in the background (even though I think that should be taking place via some personal messages between players) and other times I've seen the discussion thread used to talk about what is going on in everybodies lives, what's going on, is anything happening that would cause any disruption in somebodies posting schedule etc.
If we do start in a caravan you can assume Rission is wearing his heavy cloak over his clothes and sword, if he has had to draw his blade it is clear as day that he is a master of the sword (I'm going to need a wish or something to become a true weapon master, but I will get there when and if it gets there)
there is still some rather long way until Wish to get Weapon Specialization Rission.
But yes BladeSong Style is both graceful and deadly
Ok, just so it's clear, the rules for racial character level limits are in effect?
Also, is the intended to be a 1-20 game or something different?
i'll be happy if we reach 10th level (takes very longggggg) :)
Depending on the pacing, yes, it can take quite a while. I'm hoping for something close to 20 personally ;)
The Realms is a high magic setting, so a monty haul campaign is actually kind of fun, especially if you have the encyclopedia magica (I only need the 4th book so I have all the charts) to aid you. It's strange for a 2nd edition game, enemies might have a +1 sword or various weapon because it is not uncommon. With more magic items comes more bonus xp.
Let's all aim at becoming level 2 before aiming at 20. ;)
If you liked the theme, check out the whole video. Or perhaps the Assassin's Creed trailer.
Okay, quick note on rules:
1. For the most part, I will be using the standard ruleset.
2. The following optional rules will be in place:
-- Proficiences
-- Individual Initiative (with casting times and weapon speeds)
-- Encumbrance
-- Spell Components
-- Hovering on Death's Door
There may be changes (adding optional rules on overland movement and things like that that don't normally come up), but I will strive for consistency. Racial level limits will be in place, but if that becomes a problem, it's a problem I'll be glad to have. Play can be very slow at times--reaching level limits can easily take years.
Hey, as long as the game has a decent pace overall, slow moments are fine. I haven't touched 2nd ED since about 1991 so I'm pretty stoked at the moment :)
I'm glad to hear that racial limits are in effect, Humans would be by far the least played race otherwise.
@Dlatha Shaertree: I can dream can't I ;)
I liked the Assassin's Creed trailer, lol, that guy is a badass.
Of course you can. It just pays to be aware that 13.3 encounters per level is an invention of 3rd edition. It really is years and years.
Well, 2nd ED considers an average pace to be roughly three to six adventures per level which increases at higher levels. It still takes time to achieve those higher levels, but 2nd ED didn't try to narrow down advancement to an exact science like 3rd.
It was a good fix to the "We've adventured for three weeks now, just hit 20..."
Because of the way different classes treat experience points, I'm going to keep a running tally and let you know how it all calculates out. It's not entirely straightforward.
Hitting 20th in three weeks in 2nd was just as unlikely then as it would be in 3rd/PF now, but I get that your statement was a bit of an exaggeration.
@Silver: If you want to reduce some bookkeeping on your end, you can avoid using the individual class xp reward optional rule, assuming you were considering it in the first place.
That was one of the things I really love about 2nd edition. The players just have to make a character and have fun. Trying to hard to bend or break the system caused a lot of bad things to happen. The stick of power truly was in the hands of the gm, while this also meant the gm has to learn more rules, and do a little more bookkeeping it meant the players were free to just play.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Lets get started...
@Risson: That's exactly right brother, much more of a free form gaming experience. Not nearly as bogged down with tons of rules as 3rd/everything else was. I truly felt like an adventurer who ate life with sharp teeth, living on the edge. In 3rd Ed onward, I feel more like an accountant making sure that my debits and credits are all in order.
Exactly, sadly one of the new rules from DnD Next honestly feels like a 2nd edition rule. Have you seen the advantage/disadvantage system? It's so simple it should have been obvious.
I haven't looked into Next myself, but I have read some of the threads here discussing it. It gives me the impression that they are trying to go somewhat old school with the new version.
I've seen the terms advantage/disadvantage used, but I'm not clear on what they represent.
Instead of getting a +2 bonus or -2 penalty, you get to roll two d20s and take the better/worse result. Which is a seriously wonky method, statistics-wise.
Should we think Assassin's Creed - revolution - murder - stealth? =)
That does seem like an odd option. Taking a small bonus or penalty is a whole different animal than rolling two dice and choosing a better/worse result.