Hello gamers,

I'd like to run a sandbox game, and I'm looking for people to try it out. I'm building a world for my table players and want to build it off a world that has already been lived in. So I want a few players to 'live' in it before I roll it out to them.

Here is some info, I'll try to answer as most as I can ahead of time and try to fill in the blanks but if I double talk or get confusing let me know.

Lower Combat, more Role Playing & Diplomacy:
I want to mention this first, as it is fairly important. I prefer to streamline combat for PBPs, less dice rolls = faster game playing, at least in my experience. So while it's perfectly OK to create a warrior type, I will point out now I may simply say that after you character engages in a battle the outcome would be weighed based on the participants and give you a more 'movie like' fight description and then resolve it based on the most likely outcome. If There is a full group of Pcs against a dozen Kobolds, they may hinder the party, but I doubt they would lose so it may be a simple: "The party chooses to engage the Kobolds, and after a chaotic battle are victorious." Or something similar. Deadly battles, or "boss fights" would most likely be round by round still.

Game Type: 3.5
The world I am running is 3.5, I allow any official 3.0 material that has not been errata'd yet in as 3.5 content, as well as 99% of all 3.5 content for building characters, equipment, feats etc.

Character types:
Feel free to play any type of character you want, I'll do my best to adjust the campaign to whatever role you want, whether that is an adventurer, farmer, tradesman, etc. I want this world to have characters so that means you can really do whatever you want to do. Most characters have some kind of nautical skills due to the events in the world section. This is not a requirement however.

The World:
In our current table game, the big bad evil guys succeeded in a clandestine coup, and wrought terrible damage to that world, ravished by demons, visited by plagues, and it's lands rendered bare by apocalyptic conditions. Small clusters of population, including the player characters, have escaped this world by using ancient magic to open doorways into another world, leaving the previous one behind. The new world is made up of vast oceans, and very little land, though there have been talk of floating cities that are gaining in popularity. (I hate the movie, but think Waterworld in concept.)

Racial Hatred:
In our world Dwarven greed was 90% responsible for the last world ending, so any new Dwarven characters face a "barely tolerated" status, and have such fled the general world and are rarely encountered. (you can play a dwarf if you want, but if you do not enjoy being treated as 2nd class citizen, then this is your early warning.)

Conversly, other typically evil races are usually tolerated, or even venerated. There is a tribe of Gnolls that defended a human settlement as it's mages struggled to open gates to the new world. The fought back a tide of demons and ended up saving most of it's villagers. Though they suffered huge losses these Gnolls earned honorific status amongst the people they saved, and have fully integrated into the populace as equals.

So this means if you want to play a typically 'evil' race it can be allowed as you can write your own back story ticket if you wish, within reason and after DM approval. Demons are always slain on sight, no race tolerates them, no one would associate with them (currently anyway.)

Magic and the Gods:
The gods of old are all dead. This new world is not connected to gods, or weaves, or any alien magical sources and therefore magic is difficult to conjure and control. Arcane magic is waning, any spells cast, are not able to be recast, spells already memorized still buss in their heads and are cast-able however. Most wizards and sorcerers are loathe to cast them however as they are seemingly lost when trying to re-memorize them, or renew their sorceress power.

All prayers are currently going unanswered, those spells already prayed for are castable, but also fade from memory once cast. Most believe that there are no gods in this world, or those that do reside here are not answering prayers.

Footnote: all spell casting classes are available to play, but there may be a delay or hindrance in casting spells, at first. I cannot say if, or when, or what changes may come in that regard. It would be a campaign spoiler, but I do allow any of those classes to 'shift' out of being a spellcaster if they wish and replace it with a different class for a small XP fee if they feel they want to 'abandon' magic or the gods that granted it earlier. There may, or may not, be an event that grants spells, prayers, or other odd powers. That's not for me to divulge for now.

I think this is kinda a good start anyway for a post, as it's getting verbose.

So to summarize:

Sandbox 3.5 rules game

Depending on interest, I would love to do this epic style and possibly have a large amount of players. So I'll wait on a cap to see how this idea goes over.

Evil races allowed, and generally assumed to be tolerated. Character ECL should be no higher than 3, with a maximum level adjustment of +2. Meaning you need to take at least 1 class level of something.

You may buy starting equipment up to a value of 2,000gp (nonmagical only), and 1-2 magic items totaling no more than 900 gp combined. (magic is rare.)

Dwarves are known bad guys, and generally despised/attacked on sight. It is not recommended to play one, though if you love pain, and fighting for every scrap of bread, go for it. I'm just laying down the world, not what you can/cannot play.

Faster combat through streamlined combat, unless the fight calls for a more structured fight.

Magic is iffy at best, and apparently NOT renewable. (you can start with spells if you wish, but expect problems.)

The world itself is very 'Waterworld', there are pockets of land, which are generally going to be densely populated and controlled, or unknown and untamed. There have been a generation or two that have never stepped on land, content to live on/in large water vessels or makeshift constructed islands. Though settlements would love to find new land to populate and grow.

I'd able to commit to at least 1 large post per week, this would be advancing plot style posts, where it isn't simply answering questions or minor details. Those I can sprinkle in during the week with no trouble.

I'm excited about this as I really want this to last a long time, and I finally think I can pull this off, which will be more cool to say to my table players, this is Lord Guy Whatever, he single handedly killed a Sea Serpent defending the town of Whereeverville.

Hopefully I didn't ramble too much and made this pitch resonate with your gamer desires.

Thanks for reading, I'll check back in later to see what you guys think.

Regards,
W.

Wow, what an ambitious project - I imagine you wont have trouble picking up interest. I'm curious what time-scale you're thinking though; if you want to use it as a backdrop for your real-life players: are you mixing the two campaigns together or are you going to play out the pbp for a year and then use it as a base for real-life play?

Wow, what an ambitious project - I imagine you wont have trouble picking up interest. I'm curious what time-scale you're thinking though; if you want to use it as a backdrop for your real-life players: are you mixing the two campaigns together or are you going to play out the pbp for a year and then use it as a base for real-life play?

That's along the lines of what I was thinking. (build up characters to high level, then spring this on my group, so a longer game.)

Being an open world, a lot may change on the fly, but I will have a stable of characters and events to draw from this way, and I think it'll be cool/fun to try.

*Begins digging around for that Stormwrack supplement...*

Well, Stormwrack is from WoTC so that ought to work. Just out of curiosity, would you permit 3rd party content? Green Ronin's Bastards & Bloodlines have some interesting possibilities, including a half-gnoll character race...

While I usually shy away from material I don't own but, Green Ronin stuff is usually pretty decent stuff, plus half-gnoll is very much on target for being something you would see in this world.

So I see no issue with that. If it isn't game breaking It'll probably pass.

Well I've been looking for a reason to play a Pirate in a game for a while now...and what better place then in a "water world". Tossing in this character for review.

Used 28 point buy and rolled lv2-3 HP but if you want them rolled or a different buy in I'll change accordingly.

This is just a base I'm willing to change anything. Also let me know you Email and I'll send you a better PDF character sheet.

Anyway I can commit to at least 1 post a day, barring some emergency.

Well I've been looking for a reason to play a Pirate in a game for a while now...and what better place then in a "water world". Tossing in this character for review.

Used 28 point buy and rolled lv2-3 HP but if you want them rolled or a different buy in I'll change accordingly.

This is just a base I'm willing to change anything. Also let me know you Email and I'll send you a better PDF character sheet.

Anyway I can commit to at least 1 post a day, barring some emergency.

Adding email to my profile. For this game I was going to run a 28 point system, so that's OK.

If anyone wants a random 4d6 array generated for stats, I'll happily roll them and hand them out. Sometimes you get better rolls, but theres always potential for a really bum stat that way, which might be OK in a RP heavy game, who knows. :)

I'll see if I can come up with a few background options for starting characters to, if you all are interested in integrating better. Probably something similar to how paizo's background feats.

Here, briefly, are the stats for the half-gnoll from B&B:

~STR +2, CON+2, INT-2, CHA-4
~Medium size
~Base speed 30 feet
~AC+1
~Half-gnolls may make two natural claw attacks instead of wielding a weapon. These deal 1d4 points of damage each.
~Low-light vision
~Bonus feat: Iron Will
~Level adjustment: +1

Appearance: Half-gnolls suffer the worst of both parents' features. They have canine snouts but no fur on their faces. Patchy fur and areas of longer hair cover the rest of their bodies. Their tales are naked and ratlike. They have clawed hands and digitigrade feet, and are generally not symmetrical with legs of different lengths and commonly a humped shoulder. This collection of features gives half-gnolls a patchwork, pathetic appearance.

As far as their racial character goes, they are rabidly unlikeable. Their racial motto seems to be "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU LOOKING AT?"

EDIT: And yes, background feats/options would be welcome; this doesn't look like something we're going to find a splatbook for.

And if the half-gnoll isn't accepted - I'll understand completely, I had forgotten what a specialized bloodletter the half-gnoll is, and how low that CHA was - I have other ideas. I can build a standard char race/class, no problem, but if you're really interested in experimenting I've had an idea for a half-giant type race that uses ocean giants for the variable instead of the desert/sun giants as statted in Psionics Handbook...

Here, briefly, are the stats for the half-gnoll from B&B:

~STR +2, CON+2, INT-2, CHA-4
~Medium size
~Base speed 30 feet
~AC+1
~Half-gnolls may make two natural claw attacks instead of wielding a weapon. These deal 1d4 points of damage each.
~Low-light vision
~Bonus feat: Iron Will
~Level adjustment: +1

Appearance: Half-gnolls suffer the worst of both parents' features. They have canine snouts but no fur on their faces. Patchy fur and areas of longer hair cover the rest of their bodies. Their tales are naked and ratlike. They have clawed hands and digitigrade feet, and are generally not symmetrical with legs of different lengths and commonly a humped shoulder. This collection of features gives half-gnolls a patchwork, pathetic appearance.

As far as their racial character goes, they are rabidly unlikeable. Their racial motto seems to be "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU LOOKING AT?"

EDIT: And yes, background feats/options would be welcome; this doesn't look like something we're going to find a splatbook for.

And if the half-gnoll isn't accepted - I'll understand completely, I had forgotten what a specialized bloodletter the half-gnoll is, and how low that CHA was - I have other ideas. I can build a standard char race/class, no problem, but if you're really interested in experimenting I've had an idea for a half-giant type race that uses ocean giants for the variable instead of the desert/sun giants as statted in Psionics Handbook...

Looks fine by me. Only in my world Gnolls, aren't as ratty as that so you can ignore the appearance section there as I don't like it. It sort of conflicts with my version of them for this world.

So you can use this as is, stat wise, just assume they are not as "mongrel" as described here in terms of looks. You can go nearly full gnoll that (up close) has less feral features. Or an almost human shape with a dog like head, or anything hybrid in between.

Gnolls in this world do cross breed, so they are more standardized than an odd hillbilly shape. :)

Oh and for stats I use the 32 point buy, 3.5 style, and usually use http://invisiblecastle.com/stats/buy/ system. Or DM rolled array of 4d6 if you still want that. The paizo 28 point is probably similar but I think the 32 point system is a tad more flexible.

I could roll a githzerai monk who got trapped in the shift on a ramkara or anyone of a bunch of other things I might start him out as warlock email me and let me know @ oberontheelfking @ gmail.com

I could roll a githzerai monk who got trapped in the shift on a ramkara or anyone of a bunch of other things I might start him out as warlock email me and let me know @ oberontheelfking @ gmail.com

I replied to your email, but so others know as well, if you choose to have rolled stats you cannot then pick point buy. I will however follow the rules on page 8 of the PHB entitled 'REROLLING' if the first roll does not meet those criteria. i.e., if the sum of your bonus' equals +0 or less, or if your best stat is a 13 or lower, I will reroll for you.

Any class will do in this game, keep in mind magic is iffy at best, and will be a pain for some unknown reasons and unknown time.

:)

I'm thinking dwarven bard :)... he really just wants to play music and he's good at it. Can't understand why eveyrone in the raft cities keep throwing rotten tomatoes at him After all he can't be kept responsible for the actions of other dwarves. They wanted to take from the world. All he wants, is to give. Mostly songs about how good this new world is. The beautiful sea always close by.

Thinking of Cleric of Old god. Unsure of the future of his religion he wanders where this road will take them. MOre and more his fellows are turning to normal people or change profession, giving up to their belief. Only handful are remaining but doubt is starting to arise and people critisice each other for their `belive to stupid guy or woman`. Frustrated and sad of their misbelieve, he decides to leave for journey to find answers and to possible to meet his god/goddess. Hardship will await him, his prayers will not be answered but he has long time ago decided, so shall it be.

He was going to die one day, as a baby as infant or complicated things, when the god/goddess intervened and blessed him. Ever since then he has been firm believer, kinda of blockhead but loved by those around him. Since his story for leaving is unbelieve of others and fading of believers, he decide its his turn to help his god/goddess and make sure, what ever caused this, reason will be found and he will be able to show once again his believe and clear the doubts of non-believers.

Str:14, Dex:14, Con:11, Int:12, Wis:16, Cha:16 Human
Str:5p, Dex:5p, Con:1p, Int:2p, Wis:5p+2 Cha:10p

Thinking of Cleric of Old god. Unsure of the future of his religion he wanders where this road will take them. MOre and more his fellows are turning to normal people or change profession, giving up to their belief. Only handful are remaining but doubt is starting to arise and people critisice each other for their `belive to stupid guy or woman`. Frustrated and sad of their misbelieve, he decides to leave for journey to find answers and to possible to meet his god/goddess. Hardship will await him, his prayers will not be answered but he has long time ago decided, so shall it be.

He was going to die one day, as a baby as infant or complicated things, when the god/goddess intervened and blessed him. Ever since then he has been firm believer, kinda of blockhead but loved by those around him. Since his story for leaving is unbelieve of others and fading of believers, he decide its his turn to help his god/goddess and make sure, what ever caused this, reason will be found and he will be able to show once again his believe and clear the doubts of non-believers.

Str:14, Dex:14, Con:11, Int:12, Wis:16, Cha:16 Human
Str:5p, Dex:5p, Con:1p, Int:2p, Wis:5p+2 Cha:10p

Isn't that only 28 pts or am I math challenged today he said 32

Oh lol :D yah, I used 28 points system since didn´t notice 32p. Thanks :P Now I can make more godlike priest for his god of destruction :P

Str:2p, Dex:5p, Con:0p, Int:5p, Wis:10p+2, Cha:10p
Str:12, Dex:14, Con:10, Int:14, Wis:18, Cha:16

So any word on those feats yet and what lvl do you want us I'm guessing 1??

I'm thinking dwarven bard :)... he really just wants to play music and he's good at it. Can't understand why eveyrone in the raft cities keep throwing rotten tomatoes at him After all he can't be kept responsible for the actions of other dwarves. They wanted to take from the world. All he wants, is to give. Mostly songs about how good this new world is. The beautiful sea always close by.

If you enjoy suffering, then that's almost the perfect class. If you want to do it, I'm OK with that idea.

Thinking of Cleric of Old god. Unsure of the future of his religion he wanders where this road will take them. MOre and more his fellows are turning to normal people or change profession, giving up to their belief. Only handful are remaining but doubt is starting to arise and people critisice each other for their `belive to stupid guy or woman`. Frustrated and sad of their misbelieve, he decides to leave for journey to find answers and to possible to meet his god/goddess. Hardship will await him, his prayers will not be answered but he has long time ago decided, so shall it be.

He was going to die one day, as a baby as infant or complicated things, when the god/goddess intervened and blessed him. Ever since then he has been firm believer, kinda of blockhead but loved by those around him. Since his story for leaving is unbelieve of others and fading of believers, he decide its his turn to help his god/goddess and make sure, what ever caused this, reason will be found and he will be able to show once again his believe and clear the doubts of non-believers.

Str:14, Dex:14, Con:11, Int:12, Wis:16, Cha:16 Human
Str:5p, Dex:5p, Con:1p, Int:2p, Wis:5p+2 Cha:10p

Looks good.

So any word on those feats yet and what lvl do you want us I'm guessing 1??

I'll have the homebrew background feats done by next Friday or Saturday, have to hunker down and work on them.

You can start a character of level 1-3 or up to ECL 3, you need to have at least 1 class level, so max level adjustments would be +2.

would you allow a lizardmen as a playable race then? it would be interesting in a waterworld setting. Just thought i'd ask. :) And when you mean 3.0 or 3.5 books does that include pathfinder books? i own all the 3.5 stuff but i have alot of pathfinder now to so just wanted to know my limits ^^; thanks

*Adds post to show interest.*

I have a lot of 3.0, 3.5 and Piazo material.

Are you still open for players?

So, the cliched Aquatic Elf is all right as a concept?

Cheers!

would you allow a lizardmen as a playable race then? it would be interesting in a waterworld setting. Just thought i'd ask. :) And when you mean 3.0 or 3.5 books does that include pathfinder books? i own all the 3.5 stuff but i have alot of pathfinder now to so just wanted to know my limits ^^; thanks

Lizard Man is acceptable, Though the pathfinder stuff is probably not allowed, simply as I don't have the experience DMing it, and even though it's close, it isn't quite the same as 3.5

*Adds post to show interest.*

I have a lot of 3.0, 3.5 and Piazo material.

Are you still open for players?

So, the cliched Aquatic Elf is all right as a concept?

Cheers!

Works fine. And yes still open for players, I think I want to shoot for around 6 or so. we'll see how many takers there are at the end of the week.

Good-O! Will rustle something up as soon as work and time permit.

Will we be using Pathfinder 'Traits'?

Much cheers!

I'm definitely down for some high-seas action - I, like another player who's already responded, have wanted to make a swashbucklin' pillager of sorts.

I'm definitely looking towards getting Dread Pirate, but that does involve a substantial cost of a vessel - so it seems 'Legendary Captain' might be in order! if you'll have me, that is...

I'll get to work on a lizardmen although i'll have to dig up some of my old books expect something in a few hours =)

Good-O! Will rustle something up as soon as work and time permit.

Will we be using Pathfinder 'Traits'?

Much cheers!

No, although I do like them, I had planned on creating a few of my own that may be specific to this campaign.

I'm definitely down for some high-seas action - I, like another player who's already responded, have wanted to make a swashbucklin' pillager of sorts.

I'm definitely looking towards getting Dread Pirate, but that does involve a substantial cost of a vessel - so it seems 'Legendary Captain' might be in order! if you'll have me, that is...

That's why we take their ships and make it ours "we have set us up the bomb all your fleet are belong to us"

If we choose to roll our stats you want it done on the Paizo board here? or do you have another preferred method? =)

@divine shadow: Nice xD

If we choose to roll our stats you want it done on the Paizo board here? or do you have another preferred method? =)

@divine shadow: Nice xD

You can use the 32 point buy ala 3.5, or the DM will roll for you, and give you the array.

Rin Lightbringer wrote:

If we choose to roll our stats you want it done on the Paizo board here? or do you have another preferred method? =)

@divine shadow: Nice xD

You can use the 32 point buy ala 3.5, or the DM will roll for you, and give you the array.

Ty I try so boss did you get that last email?? If not I can post it here or resend

Genesys wrote:

I'm definitely down for some high-seas action - I, like another player who's already responded, have wanted to make a swashbucklin' pillager of sorts.

I'm probably looking towards getting Dread Pirate, but that does involve a substantial cost of a vessel - so it seems 'Legendary Captain' might be in order! if you'll have me, that is...

That's why we take their ships and make it ours "we have set us up the bomb all your fleet are belong to us"

Yes, yes indeed... but I will still compare the two and see which vision I want more - or better yet, go for both!

As for 'acquiring' a vessel, I'm sure we can arrange something...

I was looking at a War Canoe since it would kinda fit into the idea of a 'Savage lizardmen warrior' and I don't feel very cool rowing a launch around. xD If you have the salt and sea dogs book its got some neat ships in it and a little different combat system but right now i'm pulling the war canoe from the Stormwrack book. Still working on my character though trying to right up a good story and such =)

Also willpower if you don't mind rolling my stats i'd be cool with a more 'natural feeling character' and if it doesn't end up being the best stats *shrugs* thats just the way the dice gods want me to work lol

Thanks for the help bro =)

I'm waiting on will to aprove my backstory I get my lap top tomorrow so I can look at pt buy then and decide if I want to roll or buy but as to anyone buying a boat if someone will help me out with my backstory stuff that I will be obilgated to I will pool money with them for a bigger boat I am planing on being a monk/warlock so I don't really need that much stuff its not like I'm buying weapons and armor here so let me at my email the addy's back near the beginning I'm on my berry so I'll get it right away and respond I'll be up all night

I'm waiting on will to aprove my backstory I get my lap top tomorrow so I can look at pt buy then and decide if I want to roll or buy but as to anyone buying a boat if someone will help me out with my backstory stuff that I will be obilgated to I will pool money with them for a bigger boat I am planing on being a monk/warlock so I don't really need that much stuff its not like I'm buying weapons and armor here so let me at my email the addy's back near the beginning I'm on my berry so I'll get it right away and respond I'll be up all night

I'm fairly open with back story, if you want to hold off until I roll out the prologue though you may find something to tweak.

I plan on giving sort of a short book report on the escape to this world, and what has happened in the few years since settling it.

I was looking at a War Canoe since it would kinda fit into the idea of a 'Savage lizardmen warrior' and I don't feel very cool rowing a launch around. xD If you have the salt and sea dogs book its got some neat ships in it and a little different combat system but right now i'm pulling the war canoe from the Stormwrack book. Still working on my character though trying to right up a good story and such =)

Also willpower if you don't mind rolling my stats i'd be cool with a more 'natural feeling character' and if it doesn't end up being the best stats *shrugs* thats just the way the dice gods want me to work lol

Thanks for the help bro =)

Your Rolls:

Willpower DM wrote:

Rin Lightbringer wrote:

If we choose to roll our stats you want it done on the Paizo board here? or do you have another preferred method? =)

@divine shadow: Nice xD

You can use the 32 point buy ala 3.5, or the DM will roll for you, and give you the array.

Ty I try so boss did you get that last email?? If not I can post it here or resend

Replied. :)

I'm shooting for no more than 8 slots, If your already chimed in your reserved a slot, I'll see Friday what we have left and then approve character concepts then, I hope to start the following Friday (2 weeks or so from now.) once I get you the intro material.

Hey, if you don't mind, gracious Willpower, roll my 4d6 for me. I trust your luck will aid this hearty sailor, yo ho!

Willpower, upon reflection I think I'll ditch the half-gnoll idea. I'm a little diffident about playing half-gnolls in this setting going with my preconceptions, so I think that rather than take a whole other thread to thrash this out, I'll just save it for another time.

I'm starting to develop a whole different character type for this campaign. A fairly straightforward half-elven ranger is the basic starting point, but with potential development into the paladin class. How exactly are the paladin class features treated in this setting? Can paladins recover their 'lay on hands' capacity, for example? Does a paladin still have Divine Grace? Can he still use his 'smitey-sense' to Detect Evil?

The abilities I got from the Invisible Castle site for a 32 point buy are these:

STR: 12 (4 points), DEX: 14 (6 points), CON: 12 (4 points), INT: 10 (2 points), WIS: 14 (6 points), CHA: 16 (10 points)

Sorry to be a pother, but ,my home computer seems to have died.

Um, would it be okay to simply 'clone' one of my existing characters and join in?

I'm sure I have a spare, grinning avatar character around some where. (^_~)

Much cheers!

Sorry to be a pother, but ,my home computer seems to have died.

Um, would it be okay to simply 'clone' one of my existing characters and join in?

I'm sure I have a spare, grinning avatar character around some where. (^_~)

Much cheers!

As long as it follows the rules i set forth when building characters, i don't see a problem with that.

Hey, if you don't mind, gracious Willpower, roll my 4d6 for me. I trust your luck will aid this hearty sailor, yo ho!

Your rolls:

Hey would a body sock of dryness cost under the 900gp I mean in second a pair of socks was like 3 gold but this is a body sock sorry I'm sleep deprived and remebering the group I learned to play withs fav items which being a buch of soldiers they though baltrons razors and socks of dryness were way better than a plus one sword and I kinda agree

Human Rogue, lady's man and opportunist. A free spirit always on the lookout for those once in a life time opportunities.

He denies being (probably true)

-Gambler
-Thief
-Liar
-Braggart
-Pirate
-Womanizer