The Tower of Light - a Dungeon World Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Dalton the Thirsty

Hello everyone, I'm DM Frogfoot, and I run homebrew campaigns. Currently I'm actively DMing a campaign in the Dungeon World setting that I am having a ball with. It's called "A Stitch in Time Saves Everyone,". I'm starting up another campaign to play casually with some others on these boards, just for funsies!

Dungeon world has an SRD that you can flip through to get familiar with if you're not. I WELCOME PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER PLAYED DUNGEON WORLD - it's the simplest pen and paper RPG system I've come across yet, and very welcoming to new players.

Basic gist of it is that the DM doesn't roll anything - he merely tells the players what's going to happen and asks what they do. The players tell the DM what they want to do in response. If that action requires a roll, roll 2d6+the relevant stat.

Roll 2-6: You fail, mark an experience point and something bad happens according to the fiction of what's happening at the time.

Roll 7-9: You fundamentally succeed at what you're trying to do, but there's a complication of some sort - the DM tells you what.

Roll 10+: You succeed at your task!

And that's the basics of dungeon world. There's your basic classes you can find on the SRD I linked above, and there's also other available classes made by third parties, since DW is a system that is quite easy to hack and make modifications to.

In addition to the base classes found in the SRD linked above (the Bard, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Fighter, Thief, Wizard, and Ranger) there are also additional classes that have been released that I'm willing to use. Among them are:
The Barbarian, made by the original authors of Dungeon World,
The Lore and Lords pack, which contains rules for the Monk, Shaman, Vampire, Trickster and Hunter classes,
and the Grim World pack, which contains rules for the Battlemaster, Channeler, Necromancer, Templar, Slayer, and Skirmisher.

Lots of classes available, let me know if you have any questions.

Now on to the actual story - The Tower of Light. I'll parse it into another post for easier reading.

King Vesteri, your liege lord (unless you are not from these lands), has finally revealed the purpose of the mysterious construction project that has been a tightly-held state secret for the past fifteen years. The tower, alabaster white and shining in the light of the sun, has of course been visible to all in the city of Westervale for some time, but its purpose has not been revealed - until now.

At midnight last month, a large group of couriers was dispatched from Castle Vesteri in Westervale's center district, fanning out in all directions from the city center. These couriers posted signs everywhere there was a blank surface - walls, lampposts, doors - calling for the best and bravest of adventurers to brave the Tower of Light at its grand opening. The purpose of this grand venture is to decide who will be chosen as Westervale's Exemplars, held by the King to be the highest-esteemed adventurers in the Kingdom.

Despite the mutterings of some that the entire scheme was a ploy to show up the neighboring kingdoms of Jermand and Endtwash, adventurers from across the kingdom have begun to respond and show interest - especially as the days and weeks wore on, and minor magicians were dispatched to use illusory magic to show the people some of the dangers the adventurers would be facing - vast areas of land to explore, strange and unusual monsters, and the challenge of other adventuring parties - all contained within the 10-story Tower of Light. Each of the Tower's 10 stories was vast, wider than a dozen city blocks and tall enough to help create a tower that scratches the skies above.

Even without the challenges held within, the Tower of Light is an engineering wonder that has catapulted Westervale to the world stage. Travelers and adventurers from all across the world have begun arriving in the city to test their might against the Tower's challenges.

There are remarkably few rules - you must sign a Death Waiver, no more than 6 contestants per party, but less is allowed - and there is no supervision or rule of law applied to any contestant once they enter the Tower.

The first group of contestants to clear the top floor of the tower win the esteem and rewards of the King.

Already, many groups of adventurers have entered, but none have returned.

sounds interesting and I want to try DW.

Yeah, I'm keen to try out Dungeon World too.

Just requested permission to access to two expansion packs.

Fixed, they should be accessible now.

Forgot to mention - for you monster-lovers, you can check out some of the monster options I got from Number Appearing, which is a hack for people who want to play monstrous PCs like werewolves or goblins. There are only a few "tolerated" monstrous races that are available from this - the marauding horde option, the small and sneaky option and the lycanthrope option are the only ones that are allowed.

For those interested in this option keep in mind - I will be allowing a maximum of one in the party, King's rule. Being a human who has lost kin and friends to monsters of varying types he isn't very sympathetic to them. So you'd better be a darn interesting character if you want a shot. I just wanted to make it available to people as a potential option.

I am also extremely interested. I've read up plenty on DW and even printed off all the base class sheets in anticipation to play with some friends, but over the past few months they haven't been available to test it out. I'll look over the additional classes to make sure there isn't something in there I'd really enjoy.

Fantastic. You should know that I'm a very loose-minded DM - if you offer a homebrewed nation of your own as part of your backstory, there's very likely room for it somewhere in the world. So feel free to exercise creative liberty with backstories and such.

I also encourage PCs to have prior association with one another for RP purposes.

The character I'm thinking of (I can change if someone else has an eye on a monstrous class) was a paladin/werewolf with a split personality. Both are aware of each other and force control at separate times, and each with separate objectives. Not strictly good vs. evil (although I'm sure that has to come up as a lycanthrope), but also of law vs chaos. I think the RP would be intriguing, but I can also understand if that seems like a tall order. There are other classes/characters I'd be more than happy to play if someone else has a good monster in mind.

I'd also be interested. Have played and run DW before. Will have a character concept soon. Do you consider the races from Grim World to be "monstrous" like Kobolds, Centaurs, Infernals etc?

Man, there's quite an embarassment of riches here - I'm having a hard time deciding on just one of these classes.

Top three (or four):
- the channeler
- the slayer
- the grim world shaman
- the barbarian

I have the same problem, Zack. That's why I DM, so I can just do everything. Right now the entire party composition is up in the air - I haven't selected anyone yet - so pick whatever best suits your fancy.

Loch: It's all subject to my approval. I could see potentially approving a centaur PC, for example, just like I could see approving the werewolf-paladin idea that Strebor has - but they'd be in opposition. By royal decree in-universe, only one "monstrous" race is permitted.

This rule isn't just racist in nature - it's also to prevent some adventuring groups from having unfair advantages over others (by, say, having a cadre of half-ogres at your back. The half-ogre community was most displeased and complained to the king, to no avail).

I've never before gone with a character that blows up stuff real good, so Channeler - I choose you!

Heya Frogfoot, good to see you're feeling up to taking on more again :)

I think I'll take you up on the offer of this system this time, though I've not got an idea as of yet. On the other hand, I don't think it'll take me too long, things are kind of open ended after all.

Any idea how long you'll hold recruitment open for?

I've been refreshing this page like mad all day, Darath - good to see you again, by the way - I want to start as soon as I can, and as soon as I have six submissions in the thread that I like I am cutting it off. That way I don't have to deal with sorting through a huge pile of really great applications like I did last time.

Anything else you need for the character submission? Just an alias with basic stats? Also, if Loch has had a hankering for playing a monstrous race, I can be flexible and reconsider my submission. I'm just excited to finally try DW!

SNEAK PEEK OF THE LORD OF FLOOR ONE

A moving poster (animated by magic, like in the Harry Potter universe) is spread across an entire message board some days after the first wave of aspiring adventurers passed through the gate into the Tower of Light. The poster reads that the one of the groups (unnamed) had reached the floor's Lord, or "final boss" before Floor Two can be accessed.

The poster depicts a 10-foot-tall stone statue of a stoic-faced warrior, wearing armor in a foreign style unfamiliar to most in Westervale. Both of the statue's hands rest on the hilt of a warhammer.

The poster's perspective moves - jostling about like the footage of a Go-Pro camera. This reveals to the public of Westervale that the adventurer's exploits will be recorded and broadcast for entertainment purposes.

Whomever was the "cameraman" for the poster's view steps closer to the statue, and you see a sword and shield being drawn.

The next few moments are painful to watch. The "cameraman" is quickly knocked aside by the terrific strength of the statue as arrows and spells of fire bounce off its stony hide. The poster cuts off there, and repeats several minutes later, on an endless loop for the public's viewing.

I'm not super pressed about playing a monstrous race, no biggy. I'll just play a good old fashioned halfling thief. If we are going into a deathtrap dungeon type place a thief will be useful.

Oh man! Can't wait to go in there, I'll post my character once I get a chance at home.

Anything else you need for the character submission? Just an alias with basic stats?

I'd like some backstory, actually. Nothing too immense but give me an idea of what your character's all about, his drives, his motivations, where he/she came from, etc.

Some halflings are raised in peaceful country villages, where this is enough to eat and they sing songs and drink ale, some are not. Cappy was raised in an Inn where his mother cooked and cleaned in one of the poorest sections of the city. When he was older he found he was quick with his wits, but quicker with a blade, which got him out of those times his wits failed him. He has a few friends he runs scams with, but after watching his mother work her whole life and get nowhere he sees the Tower of Light as a chance to get a really big score and move out of the slums.

Application Start:

To whomever finds this letter:

I have departed to compete in the Tower of Light. I've no doubt for some of you, this comes as some relief - the strange woman, who seldom came out of her room, and even then draped in concealing robes has finally departed. I do not begrudge you this, for in the past I would have shared your views. Fate, however, is not a kind bedfellow.

I presume you have heard of the Well of Power. A wondrous object or location, said to give great power to those who find it, yet be ever elusive to anyone who seeks it out. Some say it grants might, others believe it imparts intelligence. Still others believe it actually is a hoard of wealth, or grants eternal youth.

It is nothing but a curse. For the past few months I have struggled against the shadows within me, fearing what might happen should I not contain them. It is not an evil power, but primal - as much the tree's shade on a hot day as the darkness that holds an enemy. But pure darkness has no place in this world, and thus I must stand tall.

I am not entirely sure why I leave to the Tower. A hope, perhaps, that someone there might know how to stop this power within. Or perhaps it is the power itself, some aspect that wishes to be known. Either way, you will have no more trouble for me... though perhaps you might see me again some day, on the magic posters.

Either way, I hope to find what I seek at the tower.

-Hel

Application End

So, yeah, going with a Channeler from Grim World. Not sure what race, if that really matters - probably Human, possibly Elf. The name might give you some idea of where I'm going with the concept in the future, by the way ;)

This is Strebor's submission. I didn't do stats yet, but the bak story is ready in the profile.
Galadin, at your service!

Darath, I don't know if this matters to you, but Zack actually indicated his choice of class was Channeler above - and Dungeon World rules state that there can only be one of each class in a party. You can still be a channeler if you wish, just know that you two would be in direct conflict since I'd have to pick just one of you.

Galidan, Cappy - bang bang, you're in. Start discussing how you approach the Tower and become associated with one another - or indicate to the registration desk that you'd like to be assigned to a party, which is also an option for more "loner" adventurers.

Welcome back to DM ing on these Boards DM froggy :)

Dot for potential interest.

Ach, darn, didn't notice/know. Well, I was also looking really closely at the Grim Worlds version of the Shaman (the one with the totems), so if that's OK I'll go with that. Juuuust need to come up with a new background...

Here is my submission, I'm finishing the crunch as this is the first time making a DW char :P (I could expand the background if needed)

A simple human cleric looking to help a party of adventurers in need, to take the challenge of the Tower of Light.

Tower of Light?

Feh! I say. Just another feeble attempt by a mortal to ascend into the vault of the sky.

My blood surges with the power of the Storm! My every heartbeat is a thunderclap! Lightning flows through my fingers! I can shake the pillars of heaven; this man-built monument of folly will be no match for-

What's that? The line for applicants is over there?

Oh. Ummmm. I guess I'll be going then. Thank you.

.
.
.

You think waiting in a line will quiet me? Pah! Even now, the Storm is gathering within me...

Zim'wa peered up at the tower as he crested the latest hill, not a difficult thing to do given the structure's extreme size. Even from here, it's easy for the Shaman to sense the gathering of spirits, drawn both by the tower itself and the multitude of individuals - troubled, powerful, both - who were gathering there.

He did not pretend to think the promises of power did not draw him as well, but the spirits too almost demanded it. Such a gathering would put the spirit world out of balance, and part of his duty was to put that to rights.

------

As mentioned, I'm hoping to go with the Grim World Shaman, but I think this will work for the LaL version as well if you don't want to allow GW's version. I'll get a profile made as soon as you OK this ;)

Whichever version you prefer is fine by me.

Accepted applicants so far:

Cappy the halfling rogue
Galadin the Paladin Who Also Happens to House an Evil Wolf Spirit
Hakonyr the Channeler
Zim'wa the Shaman
Father Jarad, the Cleric

ONE SPACE YET REMAINS! Sorry to put you on a time pressure, Thunderbeard...I'm raring to go.

Made the profile and the crunch, tell me if I missed something.

That's fine. I don't think I have time to read through this before the weekend, so I'll sit this one out.

Looks excellent, Father.

If you find the time to check back, please do - you're first in line if you decide to create a character.

First time making a PbP character, hope I did it right. Also anyone want to collaborate for backstory and bonds?

Could you go ahead and edit your forum name so your race/class isn't included? I believe it's an option in the alias creation screen if you haven't already made 10 posts with a character.

Just FYI, anything in the Classes/Levels section will show up as a sub-header under your Profile name in Game/Discussion thread posts. So there's no need to clutter your profile name with that.

Also, if your name is already taken, consider putting some sort of symbol after it, like an apostrophe (') or hyphen (-), to make it different. Had to do that with another character of mine here.

I'll be starting the campaign up in the next few days if we don't get a 6th. :)

yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!

A blue, cloudless sky, with the singing of birds all throughout Westervale's many cherry trees, greets the morning that finds the day's crop of adventurers gathered in Light's Justice Square, the appropriated entryway for the Tower of Light event.

Adventurers of all shapes and sizes mill about in the square, doing last-minute shopping at some of the helpful vendor stalls or simply talking with one another. Dotted along the outer walls are the occasional lone wolf adventurer keeping to themselves and simply waiting to be called by the attendants.

The attendants are tall women with the top halves of their faces completely obscured by their white ritual robes and hoods. A mask of material that allows them to see through is drawn across their face at the nose. In high, serene voices, they call out name after name, whether it be an individual or the name of an adventuring party. When called, adventurers register their final waiver forms exonerating the King of all legal action as a result of injuries or death incurred by the Tower. Once that grim paperwork is collected and filed away, the attendants sweep to the side and allow the adventurers to enter a large set of double-doors. Beyond the double-doors is a mysterious portal crackling with electricity, but you can't get more than a glimpse before the doors slam shut again.

The maximum size of any group is 6, that you know. You see groups of six, individuals, and every combination in between milling about. It's a large crowd, and diverse - races from all corners of the continent are represented in greater or fewer numbers.

Was this supposed to be in the gameplay thread?

Nah, because I'm leaving it open to new applicants to join in. When the party is formed and the gates are opened we will transition to the gameplay thread.

Well, I'm leaving recruitment open for one more for a day or so more, but that's no reason to delay starting the game up! I've pasted my earlier post into the new gameplay thread; let the games begin!

Cappy looks around for someone he might be able to start a con with, maybe even have his back when he's in the tower. He bumps into a chubby bald cleric and helps himself to something from the rube's pocket, being spotted by another, unbeknowst to him.

those are the bonds I need filling, and was wondering How we would do end of session moves and the like in a PbP? Also what did I steal from, you Father Jared.

Ah yes, Bonds. I knew I was forgetting something.

Bonds are a LOT more open-ended than they appear at first. The bonds written on the character sheets are just examples that you can use for inspiration. If you knew some PC before the game began, you can use a bond from the list, but if you're just meeting someone for the first time today, you can write up a Bond based on your first impression. Think of Bonds as the game's way of tracking your roleplaying XP and ever-developing relationships with your other party members.

And if you want to have stolen something from a PC previously, Cappy, talk it over with someone's player (Jarad's player, for example) and it'll be part of your backstory. Actual thieving from other PCs will be handled by your Tricks of the Trade move from the SRD:

When you pick locks or pockets or disable traps, roll+DEX.

✴ On a 10+, you do it, no problem.

✴ On a 7–9, you still do it, but the GM will offer you two options between suspicion, danger, or cost.

Just be advised that stealing from PCs is far more difficult than stealing from NPCs, by default. :)

Regarding End of Session moves: I'll be doing them periodically as makes sense for the story. When we conclude a "chapter" or "session's" worth of activity, I'll call for an End of Session move, we'll resolve it, and keep playing from there.

"Watch your step, little fellow. Some adventurers around here are temperamental, you don't want to get into a fight." Father says to the halfling, he fixes his robe and passes his hand over his bald head,

"You know where is the registration table?" he asks.

It's ok, it's not like I have a lot, just my simple gear, he could have my last copper coins.

Hrm, a Frogfoot game, you say? Sign me up! I'm thinking a bit about what I may want to play, so I'll let you know.

Sick! Great to see you again, Jokum. You're in - picking out your character choice is a formality. Hop in the gameplay thread with whatever you decide to play as.

RECRUITMENT IS CLOSED (for now). Post for interest if you'd like to be contacted when an opening...opens.

Should we post on the gameplay thread?