Threeshades's Tyranny of Dragons

Game Master Threeshades

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Hey everyone

I've been wanting to play HotDQ for a while now, just because I like dragon themed campaigns, unfortunately when i got into a game running the module, the DM's style didn't really agree with my sensibilities, which might be in part due to the combat heavyness of the material but I still think it can be run differently. So I decided to DM it myself.

A few things about my DMing style:
- It's been a long time since I last GMed a PbP, and I have yet to get my feet wet in it on this board, so far I've only participated in PbPs here as a player.
- I like to be descriptive, both with the action and the environment, and I like my players to be as well. The game should be immersive. It's okay if you're not very good at writing things like this, I will add some flavor to your actions in combat if you cannot come up with something. Though, please try to write more than "[name] moves up to the drake and attacks.". This also means that if detailed descriptions of violence don't agree with your sensibilities I recommend not applying.
- I prefer challenging combat scenarios, which is why I will likely max out the numbers of enemies on the randomized encounters in this campaign. I may experiment further with the challenge but because I haven't much experience with DMing 5e in particular I will be merciful if it ends up almost killing a PC. For now.
- I don't want my players to feel limited, especially the ones who don't have a long lists of spells to choose from in combat. Which is why all the combat action options from the DMG (pages 271, 272) are in effect and players are encouraged to try anything that would conceibably possible in real life (and then some, if you've got the skills for it.) I reward clever use of your abilities, resources and the environment so if you see an opportunity to do something that seems more beneficial than just attacking something, even if the rules don't cover it, go for it.
- I would like to see one post a day, though I understand there may be slow periods, and activity in a long running PbP slows down with time, longer absences should be announced beforehand if possible. I will message anyone who disappears for about a week without a word, if after two weeks there is no response, they will be replaced, though I will write their characters out of the story in such a way that they can rejoin should the player return.
- XP are too unwieldy for my taste, you will level based on story progression.

You are welcome to apply if you've played HotDQ before, but I'd strongly prefer players who haven't finished it yet and aren't currently in a game running the module.

We would play PbP, here on the Paizo boards.

Character creation guidelines in case there is enough interest (so I don't have to put it in a later post that people can't find):
Sources All options in PHB, Elemental Evil player's guide and SCAG are open, you may also use the Oathbreaker Paladin Oath and Death Cleric Domain, Eladrin subrace and Aasimar race from the DMG. Additionally I'll allow all options from Unearthed Arcanas Underdark Characters, Classics Revisited, That Old Black Magic, Waterborne, Feats and the Favored Soul sorcerous origin and Spell Less Ranger from Class Design Variants.
Some of the options in Unearthed Arcana also are in SCAG, in such a case use the one from SCAG as it is the more up to date version.
Starting Level and Wealth 1 and you may choose to pick from the starting equipment of your class or buy equipment from the average starting wealth of your class. If you choose to buy equipment, you get a spellcasting focus or component pouch and a spellbook you need for your spellcasting for free. If none of these apply to your class you may choose a single weapon, armor or shield worth up to 15 gp for free.
Alignment Any is open, keep in mind I expect you to work with the group in fighting the minions of the Dragon Queen. A bit of party conflict is the spice of roleplaying but don't become disruptive.
Ability Scores and HP 27 point buy and use the rounded up average HP per level given for your class, don't roll.
Backgrounds You may mix and match elements from different backgrounds to create a custom background if you want, and also take the module specific Background features.
Trinkets You may take any number between 0 and 3 trinkets, choose them freely or randomly generate them. They will likely not be of any story significance though, unless I happen to be inspired by one of them.
Character formatI'd like you to make an Alias with a profile layouted like this example. I want to be able to look up you character's stat information quickly and for that uniform statblocks are tremendously helpful. If you want to be especially DM friendly you can also add spoilers with descriptions of you class features, feats, spells etc. but that is hardly required.

If interest persists through the module I might also continue running the campaign through Tyranny of Dragons.

I'm also open to any further questions, in case I missed something in the essay above or you just need some other information.


You got my interest.

If it goes into a campaign an oath breaker would be interesting to play... that or a green knight.


Interested!


Oooh! Sounds fun! I need to think of a fun character idea first, but definitely interested!


I'd like to have a party of at least 4 (maximum 6) people so if one more expresses interest this'll officially be a recruitment.

One more thing I forgot: we'll be using square based combat grids and the optional rule for diagonals (movement/range counts as 1.5 squares; or rather 1 square the first then 2 squares the second time).

Also I want to add 3 house rules You can see here.

These are tweaks to the druid and ranger classes and a new feat.

I unfortunately have to reserve the right to make additional changes to the Beast Master Ranger, in case these changes turn out to make it overpowered.


Actually considering a dragonborn paladin if this becomes a recruitment


I wanna play I gotta storm druid


I'm dotting this and might want to play a 2H fighter :)


+++GM mode engaged, loading recruitment subroutine_

Looks like we're at 5 now, so go ahead and create away!

One more note on the SCAG archetypes: You're free to reflavor them (and in fact any archetype, path etc) in any way you like, if you like the mechanics but not the flavor, this includes that you may ignore the restrictions.

TrueFate wrote:
I wanna play I gotta storm druid

Storm Druid doesn't exist in 5th edition as far as I know, but if you want you can show me what you had in mind and we can work together to build something resembling it from the available classes.


Going to build an human oathbreaker, going LE


I'm going to step back then, don't fancy playing with a LE. Sorry and have fun.


Jereru wrote:
I'm going to step back then, don't fancy playing with a LE. Sorry and have fun.

Sorry to hear it. But if you don't see yourself getting along with an LE character I suppose it's better to decide that now than in the middle of the game.


This is the alias of Xan Nes. The crunch is done.


Thinking of playing a dwarf barbarian who will take the battlerager path eventually


Just so everyone knows, recruitment will stay open until June 30th.


Sorry, withdraw my intrest


I'd like to throw my hat in the ring as well for this game. I have the general stat block here for Eben Tarn, if it meets with your approval I'll make up an alias.

Spoiler:
Eben Tarn
Male human fighter 1
Medium humanoid, chaotic good
--------------------
Armor Class 18 (chain mail, shield)
Hit Points 12 (1d10+2)
Speed 30 ft.
--------------------
STR 16 (+3), DEX 14 (+2), CON 15 (+2), INT 10 (+0), WIS 8 (-1), CHA 12 (+1)
--------------------

Feats Tavern Brawler
Saving Throws Str +5, Con +4
Skills Athletics +5, Intimidation +3, Perception +1, Persuasion +3, Survival +1
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages Common, Goblin

Actions
--------------------

Light Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80 ft./320 ft., one target.
Hit: 1d8+2 piercing damage.

Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 1d8+5 slashing damage or 1d10+5 slashing damage if used with two hands to make a melee attack.

Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Hit: 1d4+5 bludgeoning damage.

Hero Lab and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at http://www.wolflair.com
System Reference Document 5.0 Copyright 2016, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.


Great, the stats look alright so far, the damage bonus on the melee weapons seems too high though. Also what would be your background?


semi-finished semi-rough draft for my character.

Vorrak Kriv:

Race: Dragonborn (Red)
Class: Paladin
Age: 20
alignment: NG

Proficiency bonus: +2

Ability scores:
Str: 16
Dex: 10
Con: 14
Int: 08
Wis: 10
Cha: 16

Vitals:
HP: 12
AC: 18
Saves: Wis,Cha
Str: +3
Dex: +0
Con: +2
Int: -1
Wis: +2
Cha: +5

Skills:
Athletics
Perception
Persuasion
Insight

Tool proficiency's:
Flute, Vehicle (land)

Gear:
Arms and Armor: Chain-mail, Shield, longsword, 5 javelins

Misc Gear: Explorers pack, flute, deck of cards, Free League badge, travelers clothes, 25gp

Background: Adventurer

Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Perception
Tool Proficiencies: One type of Musical Instrument,
vehicles (land)
Equipment: A single Musical Instrument, a set of bone dice or deck of cards, a set of
common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 GP.

Feature: Rustic Hospitality

Traits:
Personality:
I'm always polite and respectful.
I face problems head.on. A simple, direct solution is
the best path to success.

Ideal:
Greater Good, Our lot is to lay down our lives in
defense of others.

Bond:
My honor is my life.
I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

Small background:
Vorrak grew up in a small town after his mother, had left the dragonborns homelands, fleeing from a tyrannical red dragon. His mother was accepted to an extent due to her golden scales, however, Vorrak was born as a red dragon and was shunned often by others in the village for this. Until, at the age of 16 the village came under attack by a monstrous beast, the few town militiamen were either killed or incapacitated by the beast during a final defense of the local inn where most had gathered. Vorrak had been training with a blade for years but was unsure if he could even harm the beast, and a small nagging voice seething with hatred at the people of the town kept him from action, until his mother attempted to defend the villagers. She was struck down quickly. In a fit of anger and despair Vorrak charged the beast and slew it after sustaining a heavy blow from it. With ragged breath he crawled to his mother and asked why she had done that. She told him, it was because she wanted to try and protect others. Even if they had treated them poorly for being different, she told him life was precious and that even if there was only a little bit, there is good in the world, and that defending that was something worth risking her life for. She passed away in his arms as the crowd gathered closer, praising him a hero. Days later he left town, at once conflicted he would hold his mothers last words dear. He would seek a view of his own, but, he would take his mothers action to heart and fight to defend any good he found in his journeys.

Note: Vorrak doesn't serve a single god, nor does he come from an order of knights or the like. He seeks justice and fairness (so others don't suffer through the same fate he did as a child), and to protect the good folk and goodness in the world (as his mother), even if it is small and hard to see sometimes.


Here is the list so far (of those with atleast Sheets. I know TrueFate mentioned a storm druid kinda deal.

Hutch (Human "Paladin")→Going Oathbreaker
Vorrak (Dragonborn Paladin)
Eben (Human Fighter)


if need be, I'll make a cleric or arcane caster haha


There are two paladins so far. It looks like the healing would be set.


I'm going to throw my interest in this as well. I made a character for a 5e recently that I ended up loving but didn't get to play, but before I submit it will need a completely new background (or at least a heavily edited one) and I want to make sure there's not a different choice I'd prefer playing in this setting.

How long of a background would you prefer? Level 1 does preclude heavily experienced characters but there are many things that can set an adventurer into motion. And how heavily can we reflavor something? For Pathfiinder I've gone as far as making an 'Alchemist' and his 'Bombs' be a lightly armored cleric of a sun god who through lances of fire and positive energy around, while his extracts and the time needed to prepare them became prayers and runes.

Dark Archive

Dotting for interest. Working on a half-elf sorcerer. Will post back when I've got the sheet/background worked out.


Great! Let me see if I have my list of currently interested players straight.

Xan Nes - Hutch Calrin, Human Paladin
TheOrcnextdoor - Vorrak Kriv, Dragonborn Paladin
TrueFate - no submission yet, possibly druid
Bowen Fitzcairn - Eben Tarn, Human Fighter
Marko - no submission yet
Xynen - no submission yet, possibly half-elf sorcerer

Having two of the same class shouldn't be a problem, especially if they take different Paths. I'm not looking for the perfect Tank/DPS/Heal/Control balance.

Marko wrote:

I'm going to throw my interest in this as well. I made a character for a 5e recently that I ended up loving but didn't get to play, but before I submit it will need a completely new background (or at least a heavily edited one) and I want to make sure there's not a different choice I'd prefer playing in this setting.

How long of a background would you prefer? Level 1 does preclude heavily experienced characters but there are many things that can set an adventurer into motion. And how heavily can we reflavor something? For Pathfiinder I've gone as far as making an 'Alchemist' and his 'Bombs' be a lightly armored cleric of a sun god who through lances of fire and positive energy around, while his extracts and the time needed to prepare them became prayers and runes.

Background of two or three paragraphs should be fine. Hutch and Vorrak have a very good length I think. You can go longer if you want.

I would also like a paragraph each describing your character's appearance and personality.

You can reflavor anything as long as it stays reasonably consistent with its mechanics and with the theme and lore of Faerûn. That Alchemist reflavor would have been fine in this game. It's difficult to pin down in words. Perhaps give me the rough idea before you build them.


Ooooh, Faerun. Well I was thinking of a ranged Fighter with a high intelligence. Instead of actually being a very gifted warrior, his advances in his abilities come from an invention and his constant improvements in it.

Mechanically it'd be an Archer fighter using a longbow and Battlemaster Archetype. In game, it'd be a character toying with a simplistic musket. Extra attacks and damage come not so much from knowing where to hit as improving the weapon.

I don't know if that would fit though since Firearms weren't a thing until later in the Forgotten Realms setting, if I recall correctly.

Actually, looking real close, I think I know exactly what I want to do. Reflavor the warlock mostly as I mentioned above, as a smiting follower of a god. I'm thinking... a follower of Selune, where he's tossing about shafts of moonbeams instead of eldritch blasts. Thinking what exactly I can do with it but for now that should be good. Need to crash. Will work on it tomorrow!


Marko wrote:

Ooooh, Faerun. Well I was thinking of a ranged Fighter with a high intelligence. Instead of actually being a very gifted warrior, his advances in his abilities come from an invention and his constant improvements in it.

Mechanically it'd be an Archer fighter using a longbow and Battlemaster Archetype. In game, it'd be a character toying with a simplistic musket. Extra attacks and damage come not so much from knowing where to hit as improving the weapon.

I don't know if that would fit though since Firearms weren't a thing until later in the Forgotten Realms setting, if I recall correctly.

Actually, looking real close, I think I know exactly what I want to do. Reflavor the warlock mostly as I mentioned above, as a smiting follower of a god. I'm thinking... a follower of Selune, where he's tossing about shafts of moonbeams instead of eldritch blasts. Thinking what exactly I can do with it but for now that should be good. Need to crash. Will work on it tomorrow!

Sounds fine to me, you might want to look into the undying light patron from Unearthed Arcana: Underdark Characters, it deals with radiant damage and light in general.


I could've sworn I saw another post announcing interest here earlier, but it's gone now.

I don't know if the user deleted it or the boards ate it.


Threeshades wrote:

I could've sworn I saw another post announcing interest here earlier, but it's gone now.

I don't know if the user deleted it or the boards ate it.

So I'm not the only one. Hopefully the person finds their way back.

As for that perfect balance, I am going for the Oathbreaker polearm wielding dps kind of paladin. And I hope my background wasn't to long. Kinda got sucked into the story.


I'm interested in another PBP, and I love the 5E ruleset.

What are your expectations for posting? (I know you wrote you "Would like 1 post per day", but do you have a firm expectation?) Are you a consistent daily poster? At what point do you bot someone in combat or push the action forward if they/theparty haven't posted?


1 post/day is what i would like everyone to aim for though it's flexible, weekends are often times when pbps are slow (which has me assuming most people play from work/school) so posting then is very optional.

In combat or any other round based sequence I will give people 24 hours to post after everyone else has posted their action (they will be retconned into their normal initiative if possible, otherwise I treat the action as delayed until the bottom of the round).
If they haven't posted by then I will bot to the best of my judgment, avoiding spending any resources of the character (be it equipment or limited use abilities)


So, in theory if half the party takes 24 hours to post actions, and then one person doesn't post for another 24 hours you would bot them. This would make a round of combat be anywhere from 1-48 hours in length?


GM Niles wrote:

So, in theory if half the party takes 24 hours to post actions, and then one person doesn't post for another 24 hours you would bot them. This would make a round of combat be anywhere from 1-48 hours in length?

Yes at its most extreme. I will probably ask a player to step it up a bit if they are frequently the cause for a game round taking longer than 24 hours.


Updated list of interested and applicants

Xan Nes - Hutch Calrin, Human Paladin
TheOrcnextdoor - Vorrak Kriv, Dragonborn Paladin Or possibly a ranger
TrueFate - no submission yet, possibly druid
Bowen Fitzcairn - Eben Tarn, Human Fighter
Marko - no submission yet, possibly warlock
Xynen - no submission yet, possibly half-elf sorcerer
GM Niles - no submission yet

As a reminder recruitment will go until (and including all of) June 30th. Once it's the 1st of July in Honolulu recruitment is officially closed. You may be able to still throw in a character before I get around to reviewing them, but I can't guarantee it at that point. I will make a post announcing when I start reviewing characters and it is too late.

TrueFate, are you still around?


Would you allow the mystic class?


Interested. Looking at a drow rogue.


Vrog Skyreaver wrote:
Would you allow the mystic class?

Originally I wasn't going to because I only had an older document about it, in which it was only a 5 level class which is not enough to last it throughout the entire module (not without multiclassing at any rate) and I don't like allowing a class that doesn't have enough levels to be able to be taken mono for the whole length.

But I looked the class up again and found a major update that gives it 10 levels. Since the module only goes up to 7th level I will allow it. Should we continue into Rise of Tiamat though, you may have to look into something else though, unless there has been a full 20 level write up by then.

Kazuka wrote:
Interested. Looking at a drow rogue.

Great, looking forward to it!

Dark Archive

Just updating that I'm still interested. Been busy this week so I haven't had much time to sit down and make a character but I'm hoping to have everything "on paper" by tomorrow or monday.


After mental debates I've decided I'd rather stick with my dragonborn, I just like his character better. That said, one question,

Great weapon Fighting style, the wording states, "When you roll a 1 or 2 on a damage die for an attack you make with a melee weapon that you are wielding with two hands, you can reroll the die"

Now, this is very similar to the wording for critical hits, (note, damage die, often times when something refers only to weapon damage die (savage strike feat) it uses the term weapon damage die), so I've heard many people applying this to divine smites as well. (the D8s) what is your ruling on that? I'm not sure which style/oath he will take yet as I think the game can truly influence what oath he ends up as (which makes things more interesting for me) so I was just curios.


TheOrcnextdoor wrote:

After mental debates I've decided I'd rather stick with my dragonborn, I just like his character better. That said, one question,

Great weapon Fighting style, the wording states, "When you roll a 1 or 2 on a damage die for an attack you make with a melee weapon that you are wielding with two hands, you can reroll the die"

Now, this is very similar to the wording for critical hits, (note, damage die, often times when something refers only to weapon damage die (savage strike feat) it uses the term weapon damage die), so I've heard many people applying this to divine smites as well. (the D8s) what is your ruling on that? I'm not sure which style/oath he will take yet as I think the game can truly influence what oath he ends up as (which makes things more interesting for me) so I was just curios.

I know it's up to the GM, but based on the RAW description it is yes. However, it is the GM who gets final say.


Excellect. Ill start building one then.


I looked up the math on this issue

Both because I wanted to see how it affects smite and how much extra damage you get out of it raw (which is less than on dueling, though with the higher weapon damage the great weapon fighter will still have more total damage than the duelist).

After a lot of back and forth I decided to allow it. Same with any other ability you can use to add damage to your melee attack, like superiority dice, hunters mark and sneak attack (although you probably won't be able to combine sneak attack with a weapon that qualifies for great weapon style)


ew, lots of math, shoulda just used an example using a certain die. Makes it easier to understand :/


I'm glad it had all this information.

In short if you smite with a two-handed weapon, using a 1st level spell slot you get 1.5 extra damage on average if you apply great weapon fighting to smite damage.


I am very interested in this campaign. I have been trying to get into a 5th ed game for awhile now. As of right now I am considering playing a Human Shadow Sorcerer from Unearthed Arcana if it is allowed, if not I am thinking of Human with the feat variant Rogue.


Great! Completely allowed. You can go ahead. But also please read the opening post all the way, it had the answer you were looking for right there.


Hello!
Highly interested in this game, i've quickly put togheter an elf rogue:

Spoiler:
Zillyanna Duskwood
Female Moon (High) Elf Rogue 1
Medium humanoid, chaotic good
----
Armor Class 14 (+1 armor, +3 dex)
Hit Points 9 (1d8+1)
Speed 30 ft
Proficiency +2
----
Background: Sailor (Pirate)
Saving Throws: Dextery (+5), Intelligence (+4)
Skills: Acrobatics (+5), Athletics (+1), Deception (+4), Perception (+2), Persuasion (+4), Stealth (+5)
Proficiencies: Thieves' Tools, Navigator's Tools, vehicles (water)
----
STR 08 (-1), DEX 17 (+3), CON 12 (+1), INT 14 (+2), WIS 10 (+0), CHA 14 (+2)
----
Gear:
Combat: Rapier, shortbow, quiver with 20 arrows, leather armor, two daggers, belaying pin (club).
Misc: Thieves' tools, Burglar's pack, 50 ft silk rope, common clothes, 10gp.
----
Traits:
Personality: I work hard so i that i can play hard when the work is done. I try to be free and opportunistic, but i often get attached to people arround me.
Ideal: Someday i'll own my own ship and chart my own destiny.
Bond: I'll never forget my first ship and Ianmorn, my father and mentor.
Flaw: Once i start drinking, its hard for me to stop.
-----
Very Small BG:
Zillyanna's parents died in a ship that sunk during a storm. One of the few survivors, she was found by another ship and raised by Ianmorn, a human who taught her most of what she knows. Zillyana worked in various vessels in the Sword Coast, some less legitimate than others. Ianmorn died of age and sickness a few years ago, and Zillyanna took a break from the life at sea, trying to cope with the loss and the loneliness.

(PS: I'm currently in Uganda and will be flying back home on July 2nd, meaning if i get picked and the game starts before that i won't be active during this day and maybie the next one. Other than that i can make sure to post up to twice a day)


Alright!

List time, before I start losing track:

Xan Nes - Hutch Calrin, Human Paladin
TheOrcnextdoor - Vorrak Kriv, Dragonborn Paladin
Bowen Fitzcairn - Eben Tarn, Human Fighter
Marko - no submission yet, possibly warlock
Xynen - no submission yet, possibly half-elf sorcerer
GM Niles - no submission yet
Vrog Skyreaver - no submission yet, possibly mystic
Kazuka - no submission yet, possibly drow rogue
zomblisham - no submission yet, possibly human sorcerer (shadow)
Wilken - Zillyanna Duskwood, Moon elf rogue

TrueFate seems to have moved on so I removed them from the list.

Please tell me if you don't find your name on the list, your character submission is not there, or I removed you overly hurriedly.

Tomorrow I will give the so far submitted characters a once-over and give some feedback, in case I find any problems.


This is Xynen, here's my submission, all the info is on the profile let me know if you need me to add/remove/alter anything.


I know you didn't mention the UA: Eberron as something you're allowing for creation but... never hurts to ask. Would you be willing to allow a Changeling?

Either way I'm interested and would be more than ready to pull something together real quick, either a rogue, a warlock or a wizard (surprised there wasn't one submitted)

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