Welcome one and all to a new venture for me.
As the title says, this campaign will be using the 5e rules (full disclosure, it will be my first foray into DMing with these rules), Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual content only, with some extra exclusions because of the setting.
Speaking of the setting... As mentioned, this is a homebrew setting, somewhat fantasy cookie cutter, but with a few splashes of intrigue here and there. Name of the setting is Eafphqu, pronounced Ee-off-coo. All the particulars are navigable here at the Google site. Please let me know immediately if you have trouble accessing any of the material. I tried to make sure everything was available for public viewing, but I may have forgotten to click that button on a few things. Also on the topic of setting, it is my intent that the PCs chosen for the campaign will be a large part of fleshing out this world, and mapping its "history." Which is my way of saying the players in this campaign will take an active role in the continued creation and manipulation of the world of Eafphqu.
That goal is exactly why the title also makes clear that I'd like players who are ready, willing, and able to contribute to a deep and complex narrative. I’m hoping to get players with a mind for creative role-playing, and a desire to contribute to a long-running story. It is also why I desire to have players that are capable of posting on a very frequent basis, minimum of once a day, and then with time enough to post more than just a quick snippet of character action and requisite dice rolls. As I said, I want those ready and willing to partake of a grand narrative. Which is not me saying that the campaign is all about social interaction and nothing else. Certainly there will be combat, and sometimes, as it should, combat will be the very way that the narrative is fulfilled, but my imagining of the campaign is that even combat will be displayed creatively with flourishes of colorful writing.
Still here? Good.
First thing you'll need to do is familiarize yourself with the setting materials as it may (read: should) influence your character creation decisions. I'm looking for characters aligned along the neutral to good spectrum of the alignment grid. As I mentioned before, only PHB, DMG, and MM material allowed, with the extra exclusion that only PHB races are allowed, and even then no Dragonborn or Tiefling. As a friend recently put it, only "humans" with various degrees of ear-pointedness. :P
For stats you have options, all of which are laid out in the PHB. The three choices are: taking their standard array: 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8; using the 27 point buy method (described in detail on page 13 of the PHB), remembering that if you use point buy, as the rules say:
Using this method, 15 is the highest ability score you can end up with, before applying racial increases. You can't have a score lower than 8.
Or, the third, and by my way of thinking the preferred, though don't let that sway your choice, method, rolling 4d6 and dropping the lowest. I personally like rolling for stats so much that I throw in the bonus of allowing you to roll three sets of six numbers (4d6, drop the lowest, eighteen times total, but each consecutive set of six represents its own array). Rolling does provide the bonus of the potential to have an ability score of 20 at character inception.
For starting gear you can either use their choices for starting equipment as listed under the class headings, or you can roll for starting wealth and purchase as desired. The starting wealth table is on page 143 of the PHB. If you choose to roll for wealth, you are obligated to stick with purchasing equipment with whatever amount of wealth you roll. Once you’ve rolled for starting wealth, that’s how you have to go, no take-backs.
We are starting at level one and following the character advancement table found on page 15 of the PHB. The campaign will most likely start in Rydwyrna, the capital city of the Republic of Byrthelm, though, depending on the makeup of the party, I might change that. Certainly, if the majority of the characters are members of one of the six Orders, Rydwyrna will be the primary choice for starting point.
It will be of utmost importance that character background, including ideals, bonds, and flaws, are not simply chosen at random, but are deliberate decisions by the player in order to create a character that will be both fun and interesting to role play. If there are choices you the player would like to make for any of those items that are not in the stock lists, just ask! I’m very open to creating new and different ideals, bonds, and flaws. I will, very much, be basing my final decisions for inclusion in the campaign on how fleshed out I think a character’s background is. Part of that process will include reading a background for the character written as a narrative. It doesn’t have to be a novella, but if it’s anything less than a well thought out paragraph, I won’t even give the character consideration. Like I said, heavy narrative focus. :)
It is my experience that a well displayed set of data in the Race, Class/Levels, and Gender portions of the alias profile make things run much more smoothly and easily for all participants. Therefore I will also be giving preferential treatment to submissions that have that done already. I do not want to stop people who are new to Play by Post from submitting. It is my strong desire to increase the number of participants in this great hobby, including the venue of play by post, so I strongly encourage and welcome those who have never participated in a play by post game before to apply. I will do my best to try and help in whatever way I can.
I'm hoping to find players that have the perseverance to stick with this for the long haul, keeping those that were recruited going strong for years to come. Of course, I'm also a pragmatist, and know that the best laid plans of mice and men...
I'm excited to hear from those that would like to participate. I will have quite a bit of downtime over the coming U.S. Thanksgiving holiday (four days), and will be checking back often to address any questions that might pop up. Hope to hear from you soon!
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Definitely interested. Rolling up stats :
So 13,16,18,9,13,13
14,8,15,14,9,13
16,10.10,16,10,11
Pretty obvious which array is best :-). Is that array TOO good ? If it is, I'm quite willing to reduce it a little to bring it into line.
Also, can one rearrange the stats or do I take them in order (with that roll, I'm very tempted to take them in order anyway :-))
Array one? Too good? Is there such a thing? :P I'm fine with you using: 13,16,18,9,13,13 before racial bonuses. The nine provides a low enough number that it could create some interesting role play opportunity. As to rearranging, yes, you are allowed to assign the stat rolls into the stat of your choosing. Go to it!
I am definitely interested. Cole Hillman is one of my characters in the Crypt of the Everflame that I play with your PC, Adelenna Dusksong. Therefore, I imagine that you are familiar with my posting frequency and playing style.
= 9
= 13
= 13
= 15
= 14
= 10
= 14
= 14
= 11
= 17
= 11
= 15
= 17
= 9
= 7
= 9
= 16
= 11
I will be using the second (middle array). I am thinking of a rogue of some sort. I assume that the new Xathander's Guide to Everything cannot be used based on your reference to only the core books.
I totally forgot to say in the original post that if you roll for stats, you have to pick one of the arrays. No rolling, and then deciding to point-buy because you didn't like any of the arrays.
Second, Filios, welcome, glad to have you apply, and you are correct that anything outside of the PHB, DMG, and MM is not allowed. Thank you for asking.
Thanks, I should have a character created over the next couple of days.
Checking in. Stats rolled here: link.
I finished statting-out my rogue as a half-elf after you said no gnomes, and now I have to decide whether I want to go back. The half-elf version is probably mechanically stronger (as a rogue headed for Arcane Trickster who is also a solid party face), but I had more RP ideas for the gnome version, so I'll probably end up switching back to gnome, which will mostly weaken the party face aspect. I'll have to read the setting info before deciding. Decisions, decisions...
This is Filios. It took less time than I thought. Please accept Shenkt "Hack" Corchran, Male Human Barbarian (Outlander) for consideration. All information is found in his profile.
This is Filios. It took less time than I thought. Please accept Shenkt "Hack" Corchran, Male Human Barbarian (Outlander) for consideration. All information is found in his profile.
Wow, that was fast. I do have one question, your background story mentions Taldor. I'm guessing that was just a misnomer as you have several other mentions of actual setting places in your background. Did you mean Rydwyrna, the capital of the Republic of Byrthelm? Or did you mean Tindar, the "feudal China" themed island empire?
Sorry about that. I deleted that reference. It was a holdover from an older background.
Hello, you mentioned in your opening post that you were open to players that were new to Play by Post, that would be me. :)
I have played/run 5e and Pathfinder campaigns via Roll20 using Skype and Discord for the past 2-3 years. I'm fluent in both 5e and Pathfinder, and am interested in jumping into a Play by Post campaign. I'm on the computer regularly for work and home, so posting multiple times throughout the day would not be an issue. While my schedule is too busy to allow for another "sit down" game, play by post would fit in quite nicely, and give me the chance to actually play (as I DM currently.)
I'm happy to roll stats, and put together a character prior to being accepted, but figured I'd introduce myself first and see if you'd consider me. Thanks!
Welcome! Please, roll some dice and look for a seat at our digital "table." Glad to have you apply. Dice luck to you!
Wow, there are some insanely low stats in those sets. A 4 on a 4d6 in the third! Of the three, I would have gone for the first, but it will be interesting to see how you roleplay the 5 and 6 stats in the second!
14
12
11
15
7!
12
——
11
15
16
16
16
13
——
11
10
8
16
9
9
——
Second slot. Definitely.
16/16/16/15/13/11
Can do a lot with that!
Thinking a half-elf paladin.
Str (16) Dex (16) Con (16) Int (11) Wis (14) Cha (18)
Or...maybe a monk of some type?
Will think about it.
Potentially interested. Will roll for stats just to see what I get.
4d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 4, 2) = 13
4d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 1, 1) = 4
4d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 4, 4) = 16
4d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 4, 3) = 18
4d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 1, 1) = 6
4d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 5, 2) = 9
12, 3, 12, 15, 5, 8
I think those stats actually cause my brain to hurt when I look at them! DEFINITELY hurts my gamer's heart!
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Stormstrider here Mended. You also know me as Dolok in your current "PBP for beginners" campaign. (And a few others from my campaign as well!) DEFINITELY interested, still need to read all your info here. I will read your info first and then work on a character concept and post asap.
Link to my stats dice rolls which oddly/funnily enough you can also see in whosawhatsis link! Hahaha!
Second slot. Definitely.16/16/16/15/13/11
Can do a lot with that!
Hah, that's exactly the same array that Stormstrider rolled.
Will be traveling, but hope to have a character made in about 3 days. In the meantime, the possibilities when not worried about being MAD...
...
Thinking a half-elf paladin.
Str (16) Dex (16) Con (16) Int (11) Wis (14) Cha (18)
Or...maybe a monk of some type?
Will think about it.
Do what you like of course, but I am almost certainly going with an elf Monk, just to let you know. Maybe we could be related somehow if you want? Though I plan to trace my lineage all the way back and include a distant relationship to a queen possibly.
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Mended? The maps section on your google site had no info currently. I just want to confirm that is correct.
Assuming you are still accepting submissions, I would like to toss my fedora into the squared circle.
Set 1:
11
13
10
9
14
9
Set 2:
8
11
13
16
12
12
Set 3:
16
10
10
11
9
14
I'll take set 2, and I will be making an Tindar Merchant (not sure on class yet; I'm guessing their social structure is similar to feudal Japan?)
...
Thinking a half-elf paladin.
Str (16) Dex (16) Con (16) Int (11) Wis (14) Cha (18)
Or...maybe a monk of some type?
Will think about it.
Do what you like of course, but I am almost certainly going with an elf Monk, just to let you know. Maybe we could be related somehow if you want? Though I plan to trace my lineage all the way back and include a distant relationship to a queen possibly.
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Mended? The maps section on your google site had no info currently. I just want to confirm that is correct.
Heh, my other idea was a wood elf monk. But as that’s what you are going for there is no need to be twins. But more than happy to have our characters be related. Mind posting your backstory?
This sounds like exactly the kinda game I like. I wonder if my wife would like this one too...I'll send her a link and let her read, at least.
I've done lots of Play by Post, as my profile will attest. I've only got a limited amount of experience with 5th, but my wife plays quite often, so I can at least get advice.
- 16
- 12
- 15
- 13
- 11
- 14
- 16
- 14
- 13
- 18
- 13
- 11
- 17
- 12
- 9
- 12
- 15
- 10
Well, set two is pretty damned amazing...
I'm thinking a Spellcaster of some kind, maybe. A Wizard or Sorcerer, maybe.
Alright. Me and stormstrider roller identical stats. And I have an idea...if the GM allows it.
He rolls an elven monk.
I roll an elven barbarian. With this...
https://www.reddit.com/r/UnearthedArcana/comments/3qklc3/5e_barbarian_path_ of_the_brawler_v30/
Fluff wise, my character would also be a “monk”, but if a very different stripe. He has replaced enlightenment with the love of fight and drink. To quote the pathfinder archetype...
Most monks lead lives of moderation and quiet contemplation. But the drunken master finds perfection through excess. Powered by strong wine, he uses his intoxication to reach a state where his ki is more potent, if somewhat fleeting. A drunken master has the following class features.
Would match whatever type of elf stormstrider picks.
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Ok, well this sounds very interesting. I think I will roll for my stats then see what I can put together.
Array 1
Roll 1: = 14
Roll 2: = 09
Roll 3: = 12
Roll 4: = 16
Roll 5: = 09
Roll 6: = 09
Array 2
Roll 1: = 14
Roll 2: = 09
Roll 3: = 12
Roll 4: = 10
Roll 5: = 10
Roll 6: = 10
Array 3
Roll 1: = 10
Roll 2: = 08
Roll 3: = 10
Roll 4: = 16
Roll 5: = 17
Roll 6: = 15
Wow...those were some brutal rolls...lol. I will probably go with Array 3. Now to decide what I want to be!!
x10=130 gp. I should have my character up shortly.
EDIT: Here he is:
LN Half-Elf Bard 1
Str: 8
Dex: 12
Con: 12
Int: 14
Wis: 12
Cha: 18
HP (HD): 9 (1d8)
AC: 15
Proficiency Bonus: +2
Initiative: +1
Spell Attack: +6
Spell Save DC: 14
Speed: 30'
Skills: Deception +6, History +4, Insight +3, Intimidation +6, Perception +3, Performance +6, Persuasion +6
Tools: Lute +2, Piano +2, Lyre +2
Languages: Tindaran, Common, Elven, Dwarven, Orcish
Class Features: Bardic Inspiration (1d6; 4/day)
Spells:
Spells/Day: 2
0: Vicious Mockery, Message
1: Cure Wounds, Disguise Self, Longstrider, Charm Person
Equipment: Armored Silks (Leather) -10, Katana (Rapier) -25, Wakizashi (Shortsword) -10, Cote (Shield) -10, Fine Clothes x2, 35 GP in trade Goods, 10 GP
Background: Guild Merchant
Personality Trait: A time for everything and everything in it's time.
Ideal: A rising tide floats all ships.
Bond: I pursue wealth to secure the hand of a daimyo's first daughter.
Flaw: I must maintain my reputation at all costs.
While Jun considers himself Tindaran, he was born in Tradebay City, to an Elven performer mother and a Samurai father who ran caravans from the city to all ports.
Jun's parents loved him and raised him to be a warrior, performer, and (what he best excelled at) a merchant. By the age of 10 he was running the books for his father, insuring that the bribes and taxes were all paid on time and that all money owed was collected. As Jun grew older, however, he decided that he wanted to be an adventurer. He left the business in the capable hands of his younger brother, who was a math genius, bid his parents farewell, and set off into the world to make his fortune.
Hmm...
Certainly interested.
edit: Are abnormal races allowed in party? I was considering a hobgoblin or yuan-ti. Thought I should ask since its a home world.
More backstory to write, but I think it's ready to share.
Forest Gnome Rogue 1 CG
AC 15 HP 8 Speed 25ft
Str 14 (2) Dex 19 (4) Con 11 (0) Wis 8 (-1) Int 17 (3) Cha 15 (2)
Attacks
rapier +4 1d8+4 P
shortbow (range: 80/320) +4 1d6+4 P
2 daggers (range: 20/60) +4 1d4+4 P
Sneak attack +1d6
Darkvision 60ft
Natural Illusionist (minor illusion)
Speak with small beasts
Advantage on INT, WIS, CHA saves vs. magic
Expertise: Stealth, Perception (double prof bonus)
Sneak Attack +1d6
Thieves' Cant
City Secrets
One of his favorite items that he acquired in trade was a narrow dueling sword blade with a triangular base and elven markings. The hilt of the sword had been crushed and the blade broke near the base (raising doubts that it was actually of elven construction), but it was an interesting piece nonetheless. Quint's father noticed his interest in the item, and convinced the down-on-his-luck courtier who carried it to hand it over as payment for reshoeing his horse. Over the course of a few months, the pair forged a new hilt over the base of the blade, turning it into a small rapier.
Quint would play with the weapon, pretending to be this or that great hero that people told stories about. His favorites were those who blended swordplay with magic, and Quint dreamed of joining the Arcane Order when he was older. Quint had a bit of a knack for magic himself. At a very young age, he learned to create small illusions. When he played with his sword, he would create and subsequently vanquish illusory monsters like the ones in the stories. His sword always found its mark, at least when his wild red hair didn't get in his eyes.
His father didn't like the way he played with the sword. It was a real weapon, not a toy, and he was afraid that Quint might hurt himself. Quint would wander deeper and deeper into the woods so that he could play with his sword, free from his father's objections.
One day, when he was 9 years old, Quint was returning when he heard boisterous voices coming from camp. He picked up his pace, eager to meet the new people and trade. As he got closer, he got the feeling that something was amiss. He didn't hear his father's voice among those coming from around their fire. He approached from the other side of the wagon, and when he got close enough, he could see their possessions scattered around the ground around the wagon.
He saw something glint on the ground under the wagon. It was the tin that his father always kept in his pocket. He used the grease he kept inside for everything from lubricating the wagon's axles and other mechanisms that he was repairing to shaving and keeping his hair out of his face while he worked. When Quint crouched down to pick up the tin, he was startled by a bloody hand that shot out toward his. The face attached to it was pale from blood loss, and its eyes were wide. It was Quint's father.
"Run." He said, in a hoarse whisper that was all he could still muster. Quint stood perfectly still. "RUN!" his father repeated, coughing up blood. The voices at the fire fell silent, and Quint ran, more out of fear than obedience. He heard his father cry out, and heavy footsteps crashing through the bushes behind him but Quint didn't look back.
He ran and ran, until he didn't think he could run anymore, then he found a hollow log that he could just squeeze inside. Then he waited. He listened to the footsteps and muffled voices as they grew closer, and closer, until they eventually grew further away, but he didn't move or make a sound. Quint fell asleep in that hollow log, and didn't climb out until morning.
Quint searched, but he couldn't find his way back to camp. It was two days before he found his way back to the road. Or maybe it was a different road. He couldn't be sure. By the time he made it to the gates of Rydwyrna, he was half dead from walking, and sick from eating some bad berries. He knew eating strange berries wasn't safe, but by then he was too hungry to worry about such things.
Quick question: Are the variant human, eladrin and aasimar races allowed? The first is in the Player's Handbook and the other two are in the Dungeon Master's Guide, but since they are presented a little separately when compared to the other races, I thought it best to ask.
I consider Mended to be a friend of mine, and seeing there have been a few people asking about other races, I just thought I'd try to help out by pointing out something he said.
As I mentioned before, only PHB, DMG, and MM material allowed, with the extra exclusion that only PHB races are allowed, and even then no Dragonborn or Tiefling. As a friend recently put it, only "humans" with various degrees of ear-pointedness. :P
And in his other campaign when he was talking with us he also said no Aasimar. I know because otherwise I would most likely go with Aasimar.
I don't know his position on Eladrin though.
On a personal note directly from me (Mended has no knowledge of any part of this post yet, so if you have an issue with this post it's not his fault. It's me.): I am a DM in another PBP on here. I know how hard it gets when someone is asking for something to not give in and let them have it just to make everyone happy. Please don't make it harder on Mended by asking for something he has already said no to. Thank-you.
So, unless otherwise stated, the aasimar is not allowed. Cool. Cool cool cool.
Just waiting on the variant human (I am thinking it is allowed, but I prefer to hear from the GM about it...) and the eladrin then.
Also, just to clarify, but I am not asking to use something that the GM is not allowing per his (or her) character creation guidelines. Just a bit of clarification is all. Besides, I am still trying to decide whether I will be submitting something or not, given that my knowledge of 5th Edition is a bit limited. :-)
Since Eladrin is not a PHB (sub)race, I would assume that it is not allowed.
Wow! Super excited about all the interest. Thank you all. Some questions directed at me. First, yes Stormstrider, the maps tab is empty because I will most likely be filling that with "handout" maps during the course of the campaign. For example if a ranger sketches you a map to an ancient ruin in the forest, then I'd post that sketch map in that section of the Google site. The Google site allows me to keep everything lore-wise in one place, which also makes it easy for people to see and enjoy even if Paizo should be down. :D
Next, Sylphreni, I've been gaming since right around 1987, and I've NEVER seen rolls that bad. I will be very interested to see what you come up with, and, not to tip my hand or anything, but I think having to play a character with two such low stats could provide great opportunity for role play that stretches the norms. :D
Next, Pauljathome/F. Castor, yes, I think using the variant option for humans to up two ability scores, add another skill choice, and taking a feat would be fine by me.
Vrog, yes, Tindar is very much like a feudal Japan, I wanted some fluff/flavor like that in the world because I know a lot of people enjoy that sort of thing. It's not really my cup of tea, but I certainly understand why other people like it. Obviously, since I included it in the world building, I am very open to people playing around with that flavor. :)
Lastly, to those asking for things outside of the PHB, DMG, and MM, and or asking for races outside of the PHB, the answer will always be no. Not because I want to restrict your character choices, but because I don't have enough experience with the basic rules yet, and expanding beyond that would be a recipe for disaster in my opinion. So, no brawler path for monk, no Aasimar, no Eladrin, no Hobgoblin or Yuan-ti. Thanks for your intuitive advice about that topic Walker on the storms. :D
On the topic of races, I realized I never mentioned Drow, which is actually a playable subrace allowed in the PHB. I am not opposed to drow, and I do think there is a place for drow in Eafphqu, but if any one wanted to go that way it would absolutely create a situation where every surface race would immediately think you evil and want to burn you at the stake. Aldellion forbid you ever actually ran into a party of surface elves... Point being, picking drow would create all manner of opportunity for harrowing narrative, but it would also create intense difficulty for the party. Take that for what you will.
That said, I am very hopeful when I look at the characters submitted already. :D
Did I miss any questions? Keep up the good work all, looking forward to seeing everyone's submissions. As of now I have no deadline set for closing recruitment, and with the U.S. holiday happening this weekend, I plan on leaving it open well into next week, so those that those who don't check over the holiday will have a chance to check when they get back into their normal routines. Speaking of... Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, and everyone. Looking forward to this one.
Good copy
... Walker on the storms. :D
Hahahaha! Literal LOL!!! Thanks! I almost didn't catch it, I was like, whose Walker and what did he say that I didn't? So even better when i realized you meant me!
Is anyone else having trouble viewing things on the google site? I've heard that some of the pictures might not be showing up properly? Is anyone seeing broken icons? Just about every entry should be a split page with a document on the left and a picture on the right. The deities should all have two pictures, the left of a screenshot from Hero Lab that gives the particulars of the deity, and the right an image of their holy symbol.
Let me know if there's trouble. When I go to the site everything works fine, even if I'm not logged in to my profile, but that's obviously not the case for everybody? Please help me to make sure the site is complete and completely viewable for everyone. Thanks!
Submission by Daniel Stewart. Still need to add history, which I am working on now. Thanks
I love 5E and the game idea. I do with Xanathar's Guide to Everything was an option. I've been reading it and LOVE the character options, it has given me so many ideas. I will see what I can come up with the core though!
The first set and the second set are both great, but the question is, a 20 at level 1? Or at an 18 and two 16s. Probably the second one.
Is anyone else having trouble viewing things on the google site? I've heard that some of the pictures might not be showing up properly? Is anyone seeing broken icons? Just about every entry should be a split page with a document on the left and a picture on the right. The deities should all have two pictures, the left of a screenshot from Hero Lab that gives the particulars of the deity, and the right an image of their holy symbol.
Let me know if there's trouble. When I go to the site everything works fine, even if I'm not logged in to my profile, but that's obviously not the case for everybody? Please help me to make sure the site is complete and completely viewable for everyone. Thanks!
I see broken image icons on the embedded images, but it looks like clicking through to the full-size versions works.
Sorry about overlooking race info which was clearly stated, I read the setting info but just skimmed through the main post last night. Hopefully lack of ability to read isn't disqualifying. ;)
I had another question about custom backgrounds. The ones in the basic rules and PHB don't quite fit what I had in mind, and I was wondering if you are allowing others. I'd like to modify the Archeaologist background a bit using the customizing rules from PHB.
Love the setting, i want to see if I can come up with something fitting:
The website is working fine for me. Maybe it's because my laptop is ancient and unbreakable.
Two very different rogues. Which archetype are you planning on going into? Mine is headed for Arcane Trickster.