I ran a few games several years ago before finding I’d bitten off more than I could chew and retiring from PBP. Having played in a few over the last couple of years, I’m going to throw my hat in the ring again as a PBP DM – this time I’ll limit myself to one game at a time and should be able to avoid the creative burnout which hit me last time.
With that in mind, I am looking to run at least the first parts of the latest WotC adventure “Storm King’s Thunder”. If you’re interested, please read the following and submit a character if you like. I’ve got an awkwardly timed trip away in a couple of weekends, so recruitment will stay open until Wednesday the 5th October there’s no rush and selection won’t be based on how early you submit.
I’d like us to be able to post at least once per day Monday through Fridays and hopefully once on the weekends. I’m in Australia but will be checking the thread at least once and usually four or more times a day/night.
I think it’s a good idea for the DM to make saving throws, perception checks and so forth on behalf of the players so I’ll do that from time to time when it’s more ‘passive’ stuff. I won’t generally make attack rolls and so forth unless we haven’t heard from someone for a few days.
The system:
It’s a 5th Edition D&D game – no experience required. All official sourcebooks are usable and I’m open to third party content as well, subject to discussion/approval.
I don’t have any houserules as such, although I’m pretty permissive when it comes to “doing things which don’t use your action” – I’ll generally let you do it unless the rules specifically highlight that it should take an action or bonus action. More broadly, I tend to err on the side of saying yes rather than no if you want to do anything outside the ordinary.
Feats are allowed. Multiclassing is allowed. Variant humans are allowed.
Traits/Bonds/Flaws and Trinkets are optional, but a lot of people like them, so if you haven’t I’d recommend giving it a go. I’ll be getting the players to handle awarding inspiration – if you think someone deserves it based on these hooks or just for generally being cool, tell them in the discussion thread and that player has inspiration.
Character Generation:
Stat generation is by the book – so you can use point buy or roll 4d6 (drop the lowest) six times and arrange them in whatever order you want. Similarly hit points are maximum at first level and then half-die round up or a roll at each level (your choice although I feel compelled to point out that rolling is mathematically inferior).
The setting:
It’s going to be set in Golarion – northern Varisia, to be precise. The party will begin having left Riddleport a few days ago heading north in answer to a call for help from a small gold-mining village on the Velashu river known as Elbar’s Bluff. Too small to be marked on any map, it’s roughly halfway between Riddleport and Brinewall.
The campaign:
Storm King’s Thunder is loosely broken into three sections – the introductory part covers roughly levels one through five. As per usual in 5E, the first two are more like apprenticeship levels and kind of fly by – it’s likely you’ll be third level within a couple of days of game time. The “middle bit” is roughly levels six through eight. The finale is eight through ten (in terms of planning out characters, should we reach the conclusion, you’ll be tenth level for the last several encounters).
I’d like to commit to the first section and then pause at fifth level – give us a chance to evaluate how it’s going and allow people to bow out if they like. Similarly at eighth level, each being natural opportunities for people to leave and/or new people to join.
Selection (this includes something unusual!):
I’ll be selecting five characters on Thursday 6th October, allowing us a few days to sort out dotting threads, ask any final questions, and so forth. With a plan to beginning play on Monday 10th October.
Selection will be based partly on what feels like a good, cohesive group. Partly on people I know and probably on die-roll or something if I get more players than five.
Unusual bit: Preference will be given to anyone who was in my previous campaigns who wants to apply. It was several years ago (those campaigns were PF Beta, from memory) and I doubt this will come up, but in the interests of transparency for everybody else – anyone who was a player in the campaigns I had to drop will be placed at the top of the list.
Anything you want to know that I've neglected to say - please ask away.
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This is Emissary of the North, simply posting from this alias because it was my first and only contact with 5E and I did enjoy the streamlined nature of the edition.
Also because I liked my rangery fighter.
I won't say I will play a simmilar character, but it's a possibility -I do like martials with more than weapon skill-
And I do love rolling for stats, so here we go!
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Seems like a great array, a mighty one indeed. Won't have to tank any stat with that!
Not bad.
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I think these stats could shine with any build.
Cast the dice, let them roll...
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...the deity of luck was not with me today.
Awesome - I am definitely submitting something!
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I am thinking new Ranger Class build as a Dwarf from the Unearthed Arcana. Is that usable?
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I've only played 5th edition a couple of times, but I'll do some looking and get something going for a submission.
Big red dot for interest
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Dotting for interest. Not played 5E... but am willing to learn - the presence of old friends and sparring partners in Filios and Scranford piqued my interest as much as the challenge of a new system :)
Since the setting is Varisia and near Riddleport am thinking of an Ulfen Barbarian - your archetypal viking beserkr.
Dot.
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Great to see familiar players!
This is Filios, and I am aware that this is really early for player submission, but I re-purposed a PC from a 5E PbP that went south. I present Dorin Stonehammer, Dwarven Ranger (Unearthed Arcana, Revisited Ranger) for consideration.
Is there a minimum stat number for rolling (saving some of us from having a truly horrid starting stat?) or a possible re-roll of one stat???
Since everyone is rolling and this is just a boost, I'm going to amend the generation rules to something I've seen others use:
If you don't like your roll, you can fall back on point buy as per the PH. That will act as a "floor".
Sounds fun! Not sure on a character, would like to see what the party is made up of before making that decision. I'll keep an eye on the thread around the PC selection date (10/6/2016). Will character creation be required before then?
Stats: 17, 14, 13, 11, 9, 5
Could be a fun array to play; 1 great and 1 horrible stat!
Sounds fun! Not sure on a character, would like to see what the party is made up of before making that decision. I'll keep an eye on the thread around the PC selection date (10/6/2016). Will character creation be required before then?
Hmm, I hadn't thought about that possibility...I don't have anything against it in principle, however I suspect I might have an easier time "picturing" the group if it's more concrete.
So I think a "chameleon" application is okay, but likely to run into some weird psychological bias. :/
I'd suggest maybe waiting until the final week and seeing what's around but at least submitting race/class/background before the closing date?
Well, that could be better. Never mind, thems the breaks.
UA material okay, contemplating a Theurgist Wizard (if I'm recalling the name correctly - the Priestly Wizard school).
Do note the amended stat generation rules - if you don't like your rolls you can go with point buy.
UA stuff is okay as a general rule (although I don't like the new ranger). Can you send me a link of what you want to use?
This is Filios, and I am aware that this is really early for player submission, but I re-purposed a PC from a 5E PbP that went south. I present Dorin Stonehammer, Dwarven Ranger (Unearthed Arcana, Revisited Ranger) for consideration.
Cheers. I thought I would explicitly note that UA ranger is fine (even though I just said I don't like them!) I'm happy to see one in play before making a final judgement.
:)
I don't mind playing with low end stats but I appreciate it isn't fun for a lot of people. (Though it's worth noting for anyone new to 5E that stat disparity isn't as serious an issue).
Well with PB to fall back on, I might as well try rolling.
Truth reveal
I would have rolled anyway. Can't resist.
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OK. Normally I'd still try to play stats if I had a couple high, and a couple low... but one terrible, one bad, and 4 very average, is a bit much to overcome... so PB it is.
BD... That's funny. I was thinking about an Ulfan Skaald myself. Really scary looking guy.
Truth reveal
** spoiler omitted **
I always roll if I can too.
I think there's a risk the rolls will seem worse in PBP though. Since there's often a dozen or more "competing" rolls to compare yours with, rather than just the more usual three or four.
Truth reveal
** spoiler omitted **I always roll if I can too.
I think there's a risk the rolls will seem worse in PBP though. Since there's often a dozen or more "competing" rolls to compare yours with, rather than just the more usual three or four.
True. I've played and GM'd quite a bit of 5E and realize that the power curve is much more confined... If it wasn't for that 5 I'd go with my rolls.
The 13, 13, 12, 12 is pretty dull too. I generally find I dislike those sets which are bland rather than because they're weak.
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All odds the human dream.
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I have moved to from an island where everyone plays Pathfinder to a county where 5E rules, go figure. So I'll try to come up with something interesting but may need some help with the rules along the way. You do have alot of entries for this DM Monty Haul!
Cheers
FW
EDIT: scranford, filios and Black Dow! My chances have just gone down methinks nevertheless I'll give it a go this weekend.
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FW & BD: Only and all 5E for me now - tabletop and online! Lovin' it! It will take you guys no time at all to get up to speed on the rules. It appears Scranford already has. Good to hear from ya!
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Huh. Interesting stat array.
Very interested in this game!
Im working on a Half-Orc Barbarian if that is acceptable.
Filios how does your guy have 22 hps at 1st level? As a 16 con barb I only have 15.
Rolling for gold.. so 50 gold to start. Question, is that goild in addition to what you recieve in class and backgrounds?
WerePox47: That was a carry over from the old PC that I did not catch...HP are actually 13. I fixed it. There is no rolling for gold in 5E, unless the DM specifies. Youur starting equipment is a combination of what you recieve under your class and background.
Rolling for gold.. 2d4 so 50 gold to start. Question, is that goild in addition to what you recieve in class and backgrounds?
Oops. Should have specified that, sorry...
As Filios mentioned, there are two ways for determining equipment - what you get in your class and background or rolling for gold and buying stuff. If you roll, you forego the equipment listed under class and background.
I'm happy for people to go either way.
Could I play an elven wizard (bladesinger archetype) from the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide - possibly from Kyonin?
Cheers
FW
Yep, no problem.
Although it currently lacks fluff here is Captain Moonscar's submission. (Halfling Druid Outlander)
Howdy Steve, I'd love to get into another 5E game. It's the best fantasy system out there imho.
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Nice. I believe I'll report back with a Cleric of Pharasma.
Cool, thanks for the info. I'll just take whats given in background and class.. I've never built a guy from level 1 before in 5th.. The few times I've played it was with a carry-over 2nd edition character with 21 levels so..
Hey, Niles...good to see ya!
Here's Werepox's submission, crunch is under his profile. I borrowed your profle setup Filios, hope you don't mind. I still have to flesh out his backstory and some other things, but it's mostly done. If you see any obvious errors please let me know. Other feedback is welcome as well.. Thanks for consideration.
No problem at all.
Hello, this is Daniel Stewart and this is my character submission. Most of the crunch is there...just needing to work on some of the fluff.
Thanks to those who have submitted so far. I'll go through and list where we're at shortly (in a few hours). No rush getting things finalised - recruitment still has a week and a bit to run..
Current State of play is as follows. Please let me know if I’ve missed anyone, or if you expressed interest/submitted and are no longer interested. Cheers.
Current submissions:
Filios – Dorin Stonehammer (Mountain Dwarf Ranger)
Captain Moonscar – Djon Wari (Ghostwise Halfling Druid)
Werepox – Kraz Thadoom (Half-orc Barbarian)
Daniel Stewart – Varis Liadon (Human Fighter)
Those who have expressed interest:
Emissary of the North – Alexander Ironwill
Madcaster
The Pale King
The Lucky Halfling
Black Do
legoguy4492
Wrathmire (likely to submit late in the process)
scranford
spinningdice
French Wolf
Belac93
thejeff
GM Niles
Just a note on content outside of the Player's Handbook - if you could let me know what you plan on using and where it's from I'd appreciate it. In particular, if it's a web-based thing, I'd appreciate a link (either to the info or to its listing on drivethrurpg or whatever).
I'll almost certainly say yes to stuff like that (although be warned that there are a number of third party collections of feats which I feel are unreasonably powerful - in general I'm not fussed about including new stuff as long as its comparable to PH options, but I'd prefer people steer clear of anything which is strictly better than its 'core' equivalent).
Being a bit rusty on PBPing, I realise there is some information I should have included in my recruitment post but didn't...
In terms of running the game, I won't be using maps or other graphic supplements. I tend to check the forums and post between clients and I'm quite often at different sites with differing levels of access to the internet. Paizo is generally accessible wherever I am, but the other sites I use are not always (and I'm too old to learn anything new...)
I should also have mentioned that the module used milestone levelling rather than experience points. In my experience that's becoming the norm for 5E, but nonetheless I should have mentioned it.
Anything else I obviously should have said but didn't - please ask.
Posting interest!