GM BrOp |
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Hi folks,
I've begun a new online campaign via video chat based on the old Dungeons and Dragons module B 1–9 "In Search of Adventure" using the 13th Age RPG rules set, and am considering starting a PbP here of the same thing if enough folks are interested. I would run the two in parallel and use the background and story elements that are generated by both games to cross-pollinate one another.
Would anyone be interested in adventuring through the Grand Duchy of Karameikos, first presented in the Moldvay D&D Expert Set, albeit using the 13th Age RPG rules published by Pelgrane Press?
The module as written is very sandboxy and allows the players to head off in a number of different directions. We'd start at 1st level in the town of Threshold and use the 13th Age Icon relationships to help inform backgrounds and plots. The Icons themselves would be powerful (although not immortal) forces in the Grand Duchy of Karameikos and surrounding nations.
Any interest? Questions?
GM BrOp |
Excellent, scranford!
For those of you who don't have the rulebooks, you can find almost all of them at 13th Age SRD.
GM BrOp |
I'm a sucker for old-school games. I'd have to learn the system, but if the srd gives me what I need, I'm in.
The SRD has all the rules needed for character creation, although it leaves out most of the flavor text, but I can provide that as needed. 13th Age is close to 3.X D&D/Pathfinder and 4th Edition D&D and is still a d20 game, so it should be fairly familiar. The biggest differences are listed on the SRD's home page.
GM BrOp |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Oh man. I just looked at the 13th age srd and it looks pretty cool.
I have literally no experience with this system so I'll make a ton of mistakes, but I'm interested. Can I limit myself to the SRD stuff?
As I said, if you're familiar with Pathfinder, most of 13th Age will be easy to pick up.
I'd like to limit character creation to the races, classes, and feats presented in the SRD that come from Pelgrane Press (ignore the 3pp classes and feats, please). The base classes (barbarian, bard, cleric, fighter, monk, paladin, ranger, rogue, sorcerer, wizard) will also fit better into the Mystara setting, as will the base races (dwarf, gnome, half-elf, half-orc, halfling, high elf, human, wood elf).
GM BrOp |
Since there seems to be enough interest, I will convert this into a Recruitment thread.
Here are my rules/expectations for the game:
1) Play nicely with others. I'll be using both the X-card and lines and veils for this game.
2) By creating a character you are committing to posting at least once a day during the week and at least once on weekends. If you know you are going to be away from a computer for more than 24 hours, please let us know ahead of time. If it's something you can't foresee, let as know as soon as you know. If you make a habit of not posting regularly (thereby slowing everyone else down), you will be removed from the game unless there are extenuating circumstances. I will hold myself to these standards as well, as GM posting frequency is critical to any PbP game.
3) Character creation:
a) You may pick from the following races: human, dwarf, gnome, high elf, wood elf, half-elf, half-orc, halfling.
b) You may pick from the following classes: barbarian, bard, cleric, fighter, monk, paladin, ranger, rogue, sorcerer, wizard. If you want to play a different class, you will have to clear it with me first.
c) You may choose any of the three methods for generating ability scores you wish (Roll 'em, Point Buy, and Base 13). Just be aware that each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.
d) You should present your "One Unique Thing" and Icon relationships for approval here so that we can make sure they all synch-up and make sense with each other.
4) Please submit all PCs here for final approval. Once I have okayed them, you may post in the IC and OOC threads.
5) Final deadline for character submission: Monday, March 8, 2021.
Any questions?
FYI, for those of you already considering PCs, there are tons of 13th Age character sheets (both form-fillable and not) available around the net. Some of them even calculate your secondary characteristics for you.
rdknight |
I'm not familiar with 13th Age, but I've had a little bit of time today to browse through the SRD and it looks kinda cool and interesting.
When I get a chance I'll look closer and see if I can come up with anything that seems to work. From what I've seen so far a Human Rogue looks fun. I've yet to get my head around the Icons and One Unique Thing parts yet so once I get a handle on those it might make a big difference.
Cwethan Owner - Gator Games & Hobby |
Hmm... Don't have a name yet, but I've got a character concept that sounds kinda fun! (Is also a fighter though, so if that steps on Niles's toes, I might be able to re-crunch her).
[Cwethan]
Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger Multiclass
(Point Buy)
Str 16 (10)
Con 12 (4)
Dex 16 (10)
Int 8 (0)
Wis 12 (4)
Cha 8 (0)
Not being particularly up on my Forgotten Realms, there's a few things I've left in [brackets] because if there exists an organization or person who would work well as a tie-in to this campaign, I'm very open to doing so!
One Unique Thing/Backstory: "Last of the [Violet Guard]"
[Cwethan] was a member of the [Violet Guard], a handpicked group of bodyguards for the [royal family] with a roll of service and triumph that extended back enough centuries for even an elf to take notice. But now that name is dust. The [royal family] was all but wiped out in a brutal attack that none of the [Violet Guard] had foreseen, and none could withstand. [Cwethan] and [The Princess/Prince] escaped it only by chance, but the hunters were relentless, and even in the darkest forests, and despite all of [Cwethan's] wiles, they were found. And [Cwethan] failed her charge again. [She/he] was taken, lost.
[Cwethan] crawled into a bottle after that, and has spent the intervening [decades] doing little else. She lifts her blade if someone's foolish enough to threaten her, or to make some coin if she's out of strongwine, but her eyes, skills and hopes have all gone dull.
Likely Backgrounds:
Keen-Eyed Huntress
Failed Bodyguard
Student of Ten Thousand Forms
Town Sot
Likely Talents: Skilled Intercept
Tracker
Lethal Hunter
Personality quirks: Bad with names, highly judgmental of other martial types, very willing to excuse her own failings, Very Strong protective instincts that currently lack a target. Used to be better at this than she is right now.
Drives/Motivations: More than anything, [Cwethan] is waiting for a person or a cause that she can really believe in. Until then, however, challenge and coin are enough to get her back into the fray.
Icons: The Emperor (conflicted) 2 - As a [Violet Guard], [Cwethan] still commands some vestigial respect and connections, particularly from the more old fashioned members of the nobility. But as a living symbol of a former ruling family, she's treated with suspicion and derision by many others.
[The Lich King] (enemy) 1 - The foe against whom she could not guard.
GM BrOp |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I like the backstory, Cwethan. The setting won't be Forgotten Realms, however, it will be Mystara, the original setting for Basic (BECMI) D&D. Having said that, the Emperor Icon will probably be the Emperor of Thyatis. Karameikos, where the adventure will begin, is a good place to hide out, as it's outside the empire and considered a "backwater" by most.
Also don't forget to add your race and class bonuses to your attributes.
GM BrOp |
I've yet to get my head around the Icons and One Unique Thing parts yet so once I get a handle on those it might make a big difference.
The Icons are powerful (but not immortal) figures within the Campaign World. Each of them have their hands in many pies, and each of them have a chance to influencing every game. You begin with three points to spread around among them, and your relationship to them can either be positive, negative, or conflicted. The more points you spend on a single Icon, the more chance you will have of having that Icon be present in your life. You can think of them as the factions from PFRPG Organized Play; they fill basically the same role.
One Unique thing is just that: it's something that is unique about you. It can be pretty much anything. Some examples from the book include:
“I am the incarnation of a hero who lived ages ago, and I’m sure that Destiny has brought me back for a reason.”
“To you I might look like a halfling sorcerer, but I’m a dragon that’s been stripped of its mighty form and power. Not that I’ll ever tell anyone that.”
“I was the rudest lady-in-waiting of the Imperial Court.”
The big thing is that the One Unique Thing is for RP and character purposes only; it doesn't have a mechanical effect on the game, or at least it doesn't in the vast majority of circumstances. It's a way for your PC to stand out and not just be another "big guy with a sword who hits things really hard."
GM BrOp |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I might try a dwarf cleric. Looks like you can make a decent battle cleric with these rules. Probably use the point buy to have more control on the stats for my first character.
I'm happy for you to make up a dwarven religion for your cleric or you could pick something that already exists in Mystara canon if you prefer. You could also be a dwarf who worships their ancestors.
scranford |
Here are the basics of Canellir Sillonus, Female High Elf Wizard. I've got to read up on the setting a bit tonight before I determine exact backgrounds, and Unique thing.
Character Sheet
Gaellir Sillonus
Female, High Elf
Wizard 1
STR 8(-1)
CON 12(+1)
DEX 14(+2)
INT 18(+4)
WIS 12(+1)
CHA 14(+2)
INIT: +2
AC: 12
PD: 12
MD: 15
HP 21/21
REC: 8 (d6+1)
One Unique Thing
Icon Relationships
The Elf Queen - Positive (2)
The Orc Lord - Conflicted (1)
Backgrounds (To be refined)
High Elf Emissary (3)
Alchemist (2)
Wandering Scribe (1)
Orc Negotiator (1)
Shipwreck Survivor (1)
Racial Features
Heritage of the Sword
Talents
Cantrip Mastery
High Arcana
Wizards Familiar (TBD)
Racial Powers
Heightened Teleport
Powers
Cantrips
Cyclic Spells
Overworld Advantage
Ritual Magic
Spells
Utility Spell
Acid Arrow
Blur
Color Spray
Shocking Grasp
Basic Melee Attack
+0 Attack, -1 Damage
Basic Ranged Attack
+2 Attack, +2 Damage
Equipment
Dagger
(2) Sets robes
Staff
Spell Components in pouch
GM BrOp |
Here are the basics of Canellir Sillonus, Female High Elf Wizard. I've got to read up on the setting a bit tonight before I determine exact backgrounds, and Unique thing.
Character Sheet
** spoiler omitted **
Quickly checking your submission:
Ability Scores: OK
Initiative: Should be +3, as it's Dex mod + Level
AC/PD/MD/HP/Rec: OK
Icon relationships: OK
Backgrounds: OK
Racial Features: OK, but you should also note that this is your 1st level feat.
Talents: OK
Racial Powers: OK
Powers: OK
Spells: You get the spell "Counter-Magic" as a bonus spell because you have the High Arcana talent.
Basic Melee/Ranged Attack: OK
Equipment: OK, although I'd like you to have either a longsword or shortsword for free that is either a family heirloom, or is very dear to you for some other reason. I'm giving you this because you took the Heritage of the Sword feat. It's not magical (as far as you know) but is exquisitely crafted, but has no other benefits.
Nilus Romerus |
Hey GM, this is Niles' character. At least its the bones of it. I am using this nice form filling sheet here. Character sheet but I'm also putting it in the profile too.
I have my "One Unique Thing" but I don't know if it'll fly with the campaign, also I'd need some details of Icons. I'll keep working on it.
Cwethan Owner - Gator Games & Hobby |
I picked out a name, so I figured I might as well fill in the rest of the mechanical bits!
Race: Wood Elf
Class: Fighter/Ranger
Level: 1
Str 18 +4
Con 12 +1
Dex 18 +4 (Initiative +5)
Int 8 -1
Wis 12 +1
Cha 8 -1
AC 17
PD 16
MD 10
HP 25/25
Recoveries 9/9; d10+1
O.U.T. Last of the Violet Guard
Icons: The Emperor Conflicted (2)
The Lich King Enemy (1)
Backgrounds:
Keen-Eyed Huntress +5
Failed Bodyguard +4
Student of Ten Thousand Forms +3
Town Sot +1
Class Features:
Extra Tough
Threatening (-4)
Talents:
Lethal Hunter
Tracker (Adventurer Feat)
Skilled Intercept
Racial Power
Elven Grace
Maneuvers
Precision Attack (16+)
Carve an Opening (Odd)
Basic Melee Attack
Rust-spotted Halberd +5 d10+4/1
Hunting Bow +5 d8+4/1
Equipment:
Rust-spotted Halberd, Hunting Bow, Emergency Dirk, Dull Grey Mail, Bedroll and Bindle, Last Bottle of Strongwine, Violet Guard Badge (Amethyst missing), Heavily Worn Handkerchief (Clean). 24 gp on account at [General Store's], 1 actual gold crown.
GM BrOp |
Cwethan, the character looks good. This is obviously not your first 13th Age rodeo :)
Scranford, that's a great One Unique Thing.
Niles, your progress is great, but let me address the One Unique Thing and Background rules for you and everyone else.
Your One Unique Thing should really be something that is unique, or at least very rare. If you pick something that could have happened to a lot of other people, such as what you picked, Niles, I would either narrow it down a bit more, or else pick something else that makes your PC stand out more. You really want to choose an O.U.T. that sets you apart from everyone (or almost everyone else) in the world. You can also use your O.U.T. to do a bit of world-building and create some lore, which will feed into your role-playing and inform the game. I'll list more examples from the book:
“I am a deathless pirate whose soul is trapped in a gem controlled by the Blue dragon.”
“I am the three-time winner of the dwarven drinking
championships.”
“I’ve been cut off from the mystic union that other elves feel with the Queen, and now I prefer the company of non-elves. I have developed a sort of reflexive, unconscious sympathy for other sentient beings, except other elves.”
“I’m human, but I’m a member of a large, greenish-skinned race from a distant continent or world. Our ancestors came to this land ages ago, and we preserve our alien culture in a few isolated enclaves. Each enclave is locked in sworn vendettas against all the others, though these feuds are largely ceremonial. We have lots of odd traditions, but we also have secret wisdom about spirits and curses.”
On the subject of Backgrounds, you want to make them as different from one another as you can. Remember that they are used instead of skills in this game, so you don't want to have two Backgrounds that could be implied give you similar skills. I'll include two pretty big sections from the Core Rules in the spoiler text below to help explain the process better.
The fun of roleplaying diverse characters is figuring out how your background might help in unexpected ways. GMs can interpret backgrounds benevolently or rule out cheesy ploys. 13th Age isn’t about min-maxing, so background and skill use is meant to be about fun in-character methods of attempting to advance the plot.
Some players will want to choose backgrounds that correspond to their character’s class. The most boring way to do that is to say “Well, I’m a fighter, so I’ll put 4 points into a fighter background.” We usually don’t settle for that in our games. Instead we ask players to figure out what type of fighting their characters did in the past. Did the fighter learn weapons as a gladiator? A bounty-hunter? A bodyguard? Or perhaps as a former sentient magic weapon turned into a dwarf as a reward for long service (which would probably also involve the character’s one unique thing!). So long as the GM agrees, you should feel free to create a background story about a group that the character was part of or perhaps a special magic or monastic style that’s part of the character’s past.
Acrobat, alchemist, animal trainer, architect, aristocratic noble, assassin, Cathedral servitor, chef, conwoman, dinosaur hunter, goblin exterminator, hunted outlaw, knight errant, Legionnaire of the 17th [Legion], magecraft, priest, refugee, scout, shepherd, soldier, spy, temple acolyte, thief, torturer, transformed animal, traveling martial arts pupil, tribal healer, tunnel scout, wandering minstrel, warrior poet (which might be a cheesy maneuver to get two good things in one, and could therefore be interpreted literally, or not, depending on your style), and so on.
GM Niles |
What about this?
ONE UNIQUE THING : “I am ..."
I know the truth. The emperor is a fraud, he isn't who he claims to be. I have a claim to the Empire myself.
ICON RELATIONSHIPS :
Positive - Mercenary Captain +2
Conflicted -
Negative - Emperor -2
BACKGROUNDS
Mercenary +3 (this is for soldiery type skills/knowledge)
Mean and Scarred +3 (this is more of a social thing intimidation etc)
Grudges +2 (i honestly don't have an idea for another one, i'll take any ideas)
GM BrOp |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Let me next talk a bit about Icons and Icon Relationships. First of all, the 13th Age Icons have two different sets of names (which is confusing) because they are Open Content (meaning other publishers can use them) versions of the names and appear on the 13thAgeSRD website, along with the ones published in the Core Rulebook. No matter the name, they refer to the same person or group, and will be referred to "in-world" by both names. Let me post both (OGC first, then Core Rulebook) here since some of you have the Core Rulebook and some don't. I will also post there general alignment next to them. If multiple alignments are listed, then their actions fall within that spectrum of alignments. Finally, I'll list who they are in the campaign world of Mystara and where they are located (if it's been chosen).
The Mageflame/The Archmage (LG/NG/LN/N)
Mystaran identity: TBA
Location: TBA
The Conqueror/The Crusader (LE/LN)
Mystaran identity: TBA
Location: TBA
The Tempter/The Diabolist (CE/CN)
Mystaran identity: TBA
Location: TBA
The Lord of the Forge/Dwarf King (LG/LN/LE)
Mystaran identity: King Everast XV of Rockhome
Location: Rockhome
The Elven Court/Elf Queen (NG/CG/N/CN)
Mystaran identity: Presumably the ruler of Alfheim
Location: Alfheim
The Ivory Throne/Emperor (LG/LN)
Mystaran identity: The Emperor of Thyatis
Location: Thyatis
The Gatekeeper/Great Gold Wyrm (LG)
Mystaran identity: TBA
Location: TBA
The Wildwalker/The High Druid (N)
Mystaran identity: TBA
Location: TBA
The Deathless One/The Lich King (LE)
Mystaran identity: TBA
Location: TBA
The Devourer/The Orc Lord (CE)
Mystaran identity: TBA
Location: TBA
The Godspeaker/The Priestess (NG/CG))
Mystaran identity: TBA
Location: TBA
The Faceless/The Prince of Shadows (CG/CN/CE)
Mystaran identity: TBA
Location: TBA
The Council of Scales/The Three (NE)
Mystaran identity: TBA
Location: TBA
The "Dweller Below" is an Icon we won't be using.
As you can see, there's a lot of TBA in this list. Hopefully we'll be able to fix this during play.
GM BrOp |
What about this?
ONE UNIQUE THING : “I am ..."
I know the truth. The emperor is a fraud, he isn't who he claims to be. I have a claim to the Empire myself.ICON RELATIONSHIPS :
Positive - Mercenary Captain +2
Conflicted -
Negative - Emperor -2BACKGROUNDS
Mercenary +3 (this is for soldiery type skills/knowledge)
Mean and Scarred +3 (this is more of a social thing intimidation etc)
Grudges +2 (i honestly don't have an idea for another one, i'll take any ideas)
One Unique Thing looks good.
Icon Relationships:
Mercenary Captain is not an Icon; see my list above. You also only have three points to spend on the Icon Relationships.
Backgrounds:
Think of them more like the jobs you've had in your life. Mercenary fits, but Mean and Scarred and Grudges don't as they are descriptions of you and not aspects of your history.
Daniel Stewart |
Ok..here is my first try at my character.
Snaaga/Edvard
Male, Half-Orc
Rogue 1
STR 17(+3)
CON 13(+1)
DEX 18(+4)
INT 13(+1)
WIS 13(+1)
CHA 08(-1)
INIT: +5
AC: 14
PD: 16
MD: 12
HP 21/21
REC: 8 (d8+1)
One Unique Thing
Snaga can slightly alter his appearance to appear either fully human, fully orc or as a half-breed.
Icon Relationships
Prince of Shadows - Positive (2)
The Orc Lord - Conflicted (1)
Backgrounds
Thief-2
Assassin-2
Spy-1
Slave-1
Outcast-2
Racial Features
Lethal
Class Features
Momentum
Sneak Attack
Trap Sense
Class Talents
Thievery
Shadow Walk
Cunning
Powers
Flying Blade
Deadly Thrust
Roll with It
Evasive Strike
Feats
Precise Shot
Basic Melee Attack
+5 Attack, +4 Damage
Basic Ranged Attack
+5 Attack, +4 Damage
Equipment
Long knife (shortsword)
Wicked dagger
Light Armor
Clothes
Light Crossbow
30gp
wanderer82 |
I have only played 13th Age once, but would love another try. As many are opting for the base 13, let's give the traditional dice a toss...
4d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 1, 6) = 18 = 17
4d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 6, 3) = 19 = 16
4d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 5, 6) = 18 = 16
4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 6, 2) = 15 = 13
4d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 3, 3) = 12 = 10
4d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 4, 4) = 12 = 10
Now, for a concept!
scranford |
scranford wrote:Here are the basics of Canellir Sillonus, Female High Elf Wizard. I've got to read up on the setting a bit tonight before I determine exact backgrounds, and Unique thing.
Character Sheet
** spoiler omitted **
Quickly checking your submission:
Ability Scores: OK
Initiative: Should be +3, as it's Dex mod + Level
AC/PD/MD/HP/Rec: OK
Icon relationships: OK
Backgrounds: OK
Racial Features: OK, but you should also note that this is your 1st level feat.
Talents: OK
Racial Powers: OK
Powers: OK
Spells: You get the spell "Counter-Magic" as a bonus spell because you have the High Arcana talent.
Basic Melee/Ranged Attack: OK
Equipment: OK, although I'd like you to have either a longsword or shortsword for free that is either a family heirloom, or is very dear to you for some other reason. I'm giving you this because you took the Heritage of the Sword feat. It's not magical (as far as you know) but is exquisitely crafted, but has no other benefits.
Thanks. I'll make the necessary changes once chosen, and when I create a profile. Maybe a little clarification on how the "Heritage of the Sword" feat works since the Wizard has no attack progression with mundane weapons. Should I multi-class into Wizard-Fighter or something. Just trying to figure out how this works. Also, probably going to ax Wandering Scribe from the backgrounds, and throw another point into Shipwreck survivor. I'm coming up with a background that might make sense of that.
scranford |
Heritage of the Sword means that you can use a longsword or shortsword without the penalties wizards normally take for using those weapons. You would get a basic attack that is Level + Str mod for attack rolls.
Thanks. I might need to adjust ability scores a bit to avoid that negative penalty.
GM BrOp |
Ok..here is my first try at my character.
** spoiler omitted **
OK, here are comments:
Everything looks great except for the backgrounds.
Thief-2
Assassin-2
Spy-1
Slave-1
Outcast-2
These are too much alike and a bit generic. Thief, Assassins, and Spies all use similar skills, which means that you are not getting a good value from them. I would instead either combine those points into a single Background, or pick backgrounds that would afford you different types of skills. As for being a bit generic, I'd ask yourself, what kind of thief? Assassin for whom? Slave to whom and what were your duties? Outcast from what group? Answering these types of questions will encourage world building and further defining your PC, both of which are good things for this game.
wanderer82 |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Okay, I am toying back and forth between creating a halfling bard or a halfling cleric, both of whom would be followers of the Immortal Valerias (love, passion, protection, romance). I am off to work shortly, but will play around with builds a bit afterward and see which one strikes me better for the concept. I am very excited to see the possibilities with this game.
Daniel Stewart |
I think I understand what you mean...let me try again
Thief/Assassin - 2
Orc (Thar)Lore - 2
Human (Darokin)- 1
Trade/Commerce - 1
City Knowledge/Streetwise - 2
Ok, I wanted Thief/Assassin to reflect his thieving background and knowledge of the various 'shadow' guilds.
As he was born in Thar and grew up there, he would have knowledge of their history, customs, languages etc.
The same for Darokin, as this is where he escaped once he left the orcish lands
Living in a realm dominated by trade, some of their ideas and skills rubbed off on him, so knowledge of their customs, language and some merchant skills
Finally, having run the streets of a number of big cities, he is knowledgeable in how to get around, who to talk to and generally how to act and live in a city.
I hope that this is ok and not too specific or vague.
Thanks
GM BrOp |
I think I understand what you mean...let me try again
Thief/Assassin - 2
Orc (Thar)Lore - 2
Human (Darokin)- 1
Trade/Commerce - 1
City Knowledge/Streetwise - 2
You're almost there, Daniel Stewart. I think you're still thinking of Backgrounds as skills, when you should really think of them more as job listings on your resume.
Thief/Assassin is fine, although I would add a name of an organization if you like. The assassin organization in the Grand Duchy of Karameikos where we'll be starting the game is called the Iron Ring, but you can make up an organization from Thar (Broken Lands) as well.
Orc (Thar) Lore: I think it would be better if you instead changed this into a tribal membership. Feel free to create an orc clan that you want to be a member of.
Human (Darokin): This one I'd change to a different profession or background. What do you want to be good at? Stuff like "Peasant" or "Farmer" is actually really helpful, as both of those professions do a lot of different stuff.
Trade/Commerce: Again, I would change this to "Trader", but maybe specify what kind of trader you were.
City Knowledge/Streetwise: You might change this to Street Urchin or Beggar.'
Hope that helps.