Is there gonna be a poll if we are gonna jump systems?
No, a poll would likely just bring out the worst traits of democracy, as it makes the minority unhappy. We're not switching systems if it would drive anyone away from the campaign. Respectively if we noticed that we'd enjoy the game more if it was played in some other system, well, we'd probably want to jump to that system.
Mostly I had 5E and Dungeon World in mind when I asked. In retrospect DW may not be the best choice here, but it could work.
For Example:
Hm, interesting. I've been consciously avoiding Exalted because the premise of superhuman godlings never appealed to me, but when you put it like that it sounds more promising. How far are you in the process of designing your campaign?
My group switched to 5th edition last year, though. It's faster and easier to run, spellcasters can mostly cast spells instead of falling back on the crossbow and combats go much more quickly.
So I've heard. Do you think LS would do better in 5E?
Pathfinder is my favorite d&d style game, although in the past few years they've been coming out with some broken comment that reminds me of how 3.5 went down the s&!@ter.
I've played one game of 5E and what I know so far is that it's simpler but also gives less options for character versatility.
I'd be down with 5e, but I'd really rather not start at level 1 and I'd like to allow homebrew content.
Exalted I've always wanted to try.
Is there gonna be a poll if we are gonna jump systems?No, a poll would likely just bring out the worst traits of democracy, as it makes the minority unhappy. We're not switching systems if it would drive anyone away from the campaign. Respectively if we noticed that we'd enjoy the game more if it was played in some other system, well, we'd probably want to jump to that system.
Mostly I had 5E and Dungeon World in mind when I asked. In retrospect DW may not be the best choice here, but it could work.
For Example:Hm, interesting. I've been consciously avoiding Exalted because the premise of superhuman godlings never appealed to me, but when you put it like that it sounds more promising. How far are you in the process of designing your campaign?
My group switched to 5th edition last year, though. It's faster and easier to run, spellcasters can mostly cast spells instead of falling back on the crossbow and combats go much more quickly.So I've heard. Do you think LS would do better in 5E?
I think it certainly could. 5E already doesn't rely on magical gear to the point where magic items are practically optional, monsters tend to have lower ACs and higher HP totals which might work better for a Souls inspired game and there are optional madness rules in the DMG that might help simulate going Hollow (or Hungry, as it were). Covenants could even be reconfigured to work like Backgrounds or alternate background features.
So how about we immigrate to 5E, and allow Homebrew classes and specialties and whatnot to make up for the lack of character customization options?
I want to stress that if this would discourage any player from participating, then we're not going to do it. Anyone can even PM me if they want to raise their objections/fears/dislikes anonymously.
(We can work out the specifics after we get the green light. I like James's idea of using Covenants as Background-like stuff.)
I'll have to read more on clerics in 5e I suppose. Just feel like it might nix some of Pahleg's core abilities.
I'll stay regardless though.
Are we doing new/different characters? Magus doesn't translate at all.
Not even with homebrew?
I'll do more research, but I haven't found anything explicitly labeled "Magus 5e". There's a few approximations (for example, the eldritch fighter) but because they're homebrew quality varies wildly. Also, the paizo magus abilities aren't as impressive in 5e because the systems are a little different (no spell-failure, for example).
Also what level are we starting at? Same we're at now?
There may be something in the sword coast adventurer's guide supplement. I'll look into it the next time I'm home.
I'm just looking around for stuff I want to play in general.
For Ulrich, you could look at the The Warlord 5e which is I think my favorite homebrew class I've seen.
I'll put forward that the Bladesinger Arcane Tradition for Wizards is very close to the magus of Pathfinder. Since Proficiency Bonuses are the same for every class, you're fully capable of fighting on par with someone else in terms of attack rolls. You've got spells and swords from the start (technically level 2, but we're there already) and you're good at both; it's one of the only ways a wizard gets proficiency in any sort of armor (for free!), you get Extra Attack to keep up with the martials, and with the cantrips designed for it, you can essentially spellstrike every turn (they let you make a melee weapon attack as part of the spell). The Bladesong ability itself isn't directly related, but it's a neat addition. And obviously our GM can rule that you don't have to be an elf to be a Bladesinger.
I don't know a lot of 5E homebrew, but I don't know of any way to easily replicate the Medium class--that said, I don't really desire to do so, and I'm happy to change how Araden works in terms of features and just keep the themes. The first thought is to build him as a Revenant from the Gothic Heroes UA, but I'm not sure that's even necessary for this game. Beyond that I'd probably build him as a Fighter since that's always what I planned to do with him.
As a heads up to everybody in all of my games, I will be having a drastic schedule change for the summer.
I am no longer working a normal 9-5 job (don't worry I didn't get fired, it was an internship position that ended), and instead will be only working on the weekends. I will not be able to post at all most weekends, expect maybe some quick posts late at night. During the week I should be able to post very often, perhaps not quite as much later in the day.
Also I will be spending quite a bit of the upcoming summer doing some world traveling, which will mean frequent vacations where I will most likely not be posting. I will let everybody know when I will be gone. Speaking of which, I will be gone this Monday through Wednesday. I can possibly sneak some quick posting in at night, but I wouldn't count on much.
However as a general note, my posting amount should generally increase since I will have a lot of free time during the week.
Thank you everybody for your understanding, and happy gaming!
Friendly bump: I know we're on hiatus, but just checking the pulse of the game.
Pulse unknown; maybe I should start the operation. The other game I'm GMing is going slow...
The "operation" involves reading on 5e, finding/brewing some house rules, and writing a Player's Handbook.
In the meantime, if you want, you guys can post ideas and homebrew content here, like how Kekkle posted the Warlord class.
I was working on an Alchemist Homebrew in the vein of FMA, but I wasn't sure how things were going so I haven't looked at in a while (I also didn't know if we were comfortable with that.)
Bump?
Here and waiting. Been playing through Bloodborne and Dark Souls 3 so I'm definitely in the frame of mind to keep this campaign moving.
Also Bloodborne is waaaay harder than Dark Souls 3.
Also still around. Haven't been playing a ton of Dark Souls 3 lately, and I don't own a PS4 so no Bloodborne, but still very much up for this game. I have started playing Darkest Dungeon again, and it's got a similar tone in some ways (although very different in others).
...Okay, now that I've put my other campaign out of its misery...
I'll be honest: there has been zero advancements in development (on my part) of Labyrinth Souls Season Two. What's more, summer is upon us, and that equals a busier time in my life. My GMing capabilities are at their heights during fall and winter, generally.
I can try, and I probably will. Stay tune, if you want.
A semi-unrelated note: I hope that E3 on the next week has something from FromSoftware. I'd be down to Bloodborne 2.
I still havent gotten around to the Ringed City DLC.
Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
I play pretty slowly so I finally just finished the DSIII base game, all bosses and secret areas. Now I'm about halfway through Ashes of Ariandel before starting up the Ringed City.
I still havent gotten around to the Ringed City DLC.
Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
Wanna do some homebrew on converting DS classes into 5e backgrounds, or something like that? Or something PF-trait-equivalent.
Just ideas at this point, nothing concrete yet.
Myself, I've done the Ashes and TRC already.
You've seen my player's handbooks and the traits in them. Do you want something like that?
Yeah I like that style. Something in that vein. Can't go so wrong that I wouldn't use them in some form.
You got it. Im off over the next two days so Ill get some examples together.
I definitely recommend Bloodborne. It's a much faster-paced and aggressive version of Dark Souls (I know, it makes Dark Souls seem not that aggressive by comparison). Once I went back to Dark Souls I just kept thinking "Wow, heavy armor and shields are so nice".
I will be mostly unavailable this entire week. I am volunteering as a camp counselor and the only free time we get is a little bit in the late evening before we go to sleep. I may be able to slip in some small posts during that time, but I wouldn't count on much. Apologies for the short notice, and please DMPC me as needed.
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Here is an example of a Pathfinder-style trait:
Knight
An obscure knight of poor renown who collapsed roaming the land. Sturdy, owing to high vitality and stout armor.
You gain a +1 bonus to Fortitude saves while wearing medium armor, or a +2 bonus to Fortitude saves while wearing heavy armor.
I will provide an example of a 5e-style background tomorrow (there's more work involved in putting that together).
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Here is an example of a 5e-style background (spoilered for length):
A loner who left formal academia to pursue further research. Commands soul sorceries using high intelligence.
You were identified as a potential sorcerer at a very young age. You joined an academy to unlock the secrets of the soul arts, dividing your time between a mentor and your classes in your search for knowledge. Your studies isolated you and you saw little of the outside world, much less your biological family. However, for reasons known only to you, you left the academy. What did you study at the academy and where were you enrolled? Who taught you, and how do you feel about them? Are you still in contact with your mentor or fellow students? Did you graduate? Where you expelled? Are you still enrolled and simply pursuing another experiment in the field?
Skill Proficiencies: Arcana and either History or Investigation
Tool Proficiencies: Alchemist’s Supplies
Language: One of your choice, including Exotic languages.
Equipment: A bottle of black ink, a quill, 3 rolls of blank parchment, Alchemist’s Supplies, a Book (about Arcana), a ring with the sigil of your school, a set of apprentice robes, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
Feature: The Sorcerer’s Mark
You were formally enrolled in a sorcerous academy, and that alone can open doors for you. You can usually gain audience with another magic user by presenting proof of your tutelage. Furthermore, you can usually arrange lodging among other scholars or sorcerers, unless you show yourself to be a danger to them. You may also have access to resources from your school, such as a library or laboratory, or a mentor who can offer advice occasionally.
Suggested Characteristics
A sorcerer is largely defined by their apprenticeship and field of study. They have spent most of their lives surrounded by soul arts and in the company of other sorcerers. Sorcery is a cornerstone in this person's life, whether it is a means to an end or simply an end in and of itself.
d8 Personality Trait
1) I tend to talk about sorcery as if everyone understands it, and I cannot comprehend the ignorance of those who cannot.
2) I consider my mentor to have been a font of wisdom, and have a quote from him for every occasion.
3) The academy taught me the value of secrets, I keep them very well and have a few of my own.
4) I have a grand soul theory that I cannot wait to tell everyone about.
5) I am seldom seen without my nose stuck in a book or a scroll.
6) When exposed to a new piece of magic, I can’t help but try to figure out what it does and how it works.
7) I am extremely proud of the school I attend, and I will boast about it often.
8) I have no patience for ridiculous superstitions about sorcery.
d6 Ideal
1) Magic for Magic’s Sake: I seek to study and refine sorcery, simply for the betterment of sorcery (Neutral)
2) Greater Good: Soul arts should be used to protect and improve the lives of the common people (Good)
3) Power: through my power I will conquer and gain victory (Evil)
4) Tradition: I will uphold the standards of sorcery taught to me by my teachers (Lawful)
5) Independence: I have cast off my shackles and will seek my own path (Chaotic)
6) Spirit: I will make my mentor proud (Any)
d6 Bond
1) I often think of the family I left behind to become a sorcerer, I would like to see them again one day.
2) I had a romantic relationship with a fellow student, I still love them.
3) I am utterly loyal to my mentor, everything else comes second.
4) I am hunting the one who is responsible for the end of my apprenticeship.
5) I had a rival throughout my training, we still compete.
6) I idolize a historic sorcerer, and I measure my accomplishments against theirs.
d6 Flaw
1) People who are superstitious of sorcery are idiots and are not worth my time.
2) I look down on anyone who is not properly trained in the magic they wield.
3) If my mentor calls me, I’ll abandon whatever I am doing to go to them.
4) I can get so distracted by the mystery and wonders of sorcery that I lose sight of my goals.
5) A scandal prevents me from returning to my place of education, and I’m trying to stay ahead of rumors.
6) I believe the world would be better off if sorcerers ran everything.
Great work on the background, Kekkle!
It probably won't make much difference, but I'm going to be out of town from tomorrow (6/13) until 6/20. I should be able to check in, but don't let me hold anything up.
Thank you.
Let me know which is preferred and I can get the rest thrown together (or if you want some kind of hybrid of the two)
Hm? Preferring what? Between the PF-trait-likes, or 5e backgrounds?
By the way, we don't need to be all too faithful to the original series. If you ask me you could even come up with a "class" of your own for the purpose of these.
How much has everyone here played Bloodborne? Could I talk about some of the NPC questlines without spoilers?
Ive played Bloodborne, no problem with spoilers.
I wanted to know which you preferred between traits and backgrounds or some blend between them.
Platinumed and frenzied with lore.
I think, for this campaign, it'd be better to have the classes as backgrounds, and I'll brew some setting-themed "traits".
Haven't played it, but I know a lot about it and I don't mind any potential spoilers. (I've basically resigned myself to not getting to play it, since it's exclusive, so I've looked a lot up.)
Also, I realized I never actually posted anything here about the work I was doing with my own setting. I'll try and drop some stuff on that in here at some point when I get the chance--I've been busier than expected lately, and of course there's been the trouble with the site as well.
Incoming background. I intend to post these one by one until I finish all the classes, but if you prefer I compile them in a doc or something I can do that.
A mercenary and veteran of the battlefield. High dexterity allows masterful wielding of dual scimitars.
As a sellsword who fought battles for coin, you're well acquainted with risking life and limb for a chance at a share of treasure. Now, you look forward to fighting foes and reaping even greater rewards as an adventurer. Your experience makes you familiar with the ins and outs of mercenary life, and you likely have harrowing stories of events on the battlefield. You might have served with a large outfit such as the Drang Knights or the soldiers of Forossa, or a smaller band of sellswords, maybe even more than one. Now you're looking for something else, perhaps greater reward for the risks you take, or the freedom to choose your own activities. For whatever reason, you're leaving behind the life of a soldier for hire, but your skills are undeniably suited for battle, so now you fight on in a different way.
Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Persuasion
Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set, vehicles (land)
Equipment: A uniform of your company (traveler’s clothes in quality), an insignia of your rank, a gaming set of your choice, and a pouch containing a remainder of your last wages (10 gp).
Feature: Mercenary Life
You know the mercenary life as only someone who has experienced it can. You are able to identify mercenary companies by their emblems, and you know a little about any such company, including the names and reputations of its commanders and leaders, and who has hired them recently. You can find the taverns and feast halls where mercenaries abide in any area, as long as you speak the language. You can find mercenary work between adventures sufficient to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Suggested Characteristics
You are a mercenary who hunted down your employer's enemies for coin. Were you happy in this life? What made you leave it behind to become an adventurer? Did you leave it at all, or is adventuring just another way of putting food on the table?
d8 Personality Trait
1) I like to show off, particularly if there’s a chance to get a job offer out of it.
2) I am always gregarious and cheerful, no matter the situation, as long as I am paid well.
3) To me, the thrill of a fight is just as pleasing as any amount of gold.
4) I’m always training to survive the next battlefield.
5) I hold myself to a strict code of ideals.
6) I keep my personal possessions in secret places which are known only to me.
7) I prize my weapons beyond all things and treat them like close companions
8) I won’t lift a finger until I hear the jingling sound of coins
D6 Ideal
1) Golden Soul: I fight for money, and nothing else (Neutral)
2) Legend Rising: I will be known for my deeds, sooner rather than later (Any)
3) Life or Death: In my line of work, the strong live and the weak starve (Evil)
4) Without Remorse: I never break my promises. Never. (Lawful)
5) War and Crime: Whenever chaos flourishes, so too does my work. (Chaotic)
6) Noble Cause: I am a mercenary who raises their weapon only in the name of something I believe in (Good).
D6 Bond
1) I chose this life to support my family, who would probably not survive on their own.
2) I fight for a lover that know little, if not nothing, of me.
3) I was inspired by a great hero to become a mercenary.
4) I treat my comrades like brothers, and I will let no insult or injury befall them.
5) I bury who I am under countless secrets, and I would rather die than face the truth.
6) I always respect a contract, as long as the money’s good.
D6 Flaw
1) I’ll do anything for money, damn the consequences
2) As much as I pretend to love fighting, I secretly hate hurting others.
3) I have crippling debts that I can only barely make payments on.
4) I will always see a contract completed, even if that means doing something heinous along the way.
5) I care not for the lives of the innocent on the battlefield, so they better not get in my way.
6) Someone powerful is out to get me, unless I find them first.
I've played through almost to the end of Bloodborne (got stuck on the DLC). Ask away, Pahleg.
Actually, yeah, sorry, no.
I'm so sorry guys. It turns out I don't have the sufficient interest to GM a second season of this game, at least not in the foreseeable future. Apologies. It may take half a year, at least, to get in the mood again.
This lack of interest could for PbP in general, or even for the whole tabletop RPG thing -- but that probably doesn't concern you guys. But yeah, that's how bad it is.
If it's any consolation, you guys have been the most awesome and supportive players since ever. 10 out of 10 (would GM again).
Do what you got to do. If you are ever looking to play or GM you know where to find me.
I understand fully. Take the time you need, and thanks for being honest about not feeling like you have the will/energy/interest to GM this. If you ever want to run something, please drop a line, because I've really enjoyed my time with you, and if/when I'm recruiting for a game, definitely jump in if you're interested!
Thanks for running the game, it's really been a lot of fun.