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The Realm of mankind is narrow and constricted . Always the forces of Chaos press upon its borders, seeking to enslave its populace, rape its riches, and steal its treasures. If it were not for a stout few, many in the Realm would indeed fall prey to the evil which surrounds them.
Yet, there are always certain exceptional and brave members of humanity, as well as similar individuals among its allies: the dwarves, elves, and halflings, who rise above the common level and join battle to stave off the darkness which would otherwise overwhelm the land . Bold adventurers from the Realm set off to the Borderlands seeking their fortune. It is these adventurers who, provided they survive the challenge, carry the battle to the enemy.
Such adventurers meet the forces of Chaos in a testing ground where only the finest return to relate the tale. Here, these individuals will become skilled in their profession, be it fighter or wizard, cleric or rogue. They will be tried in the fire of combat, those who return, hardened and more fit. True, some few who do survive the process will turn from Law and Good and serve the masters of Chaos, but most will remain faithful and ready to fight chaos wherever it threatens to infect the Realm.
You are indeed members of that exceptional class, adventurers who have journeyed to the Borderlands in search of fame and fortune. Of course you are inexperienced, but you have your skills and a heart that cries out for adventure. You have it in you to become great, but you must gain experience and knowledge and greater skill.
There is much to learn, and you are willing and eager to be about it! Each of you have come with everything which could possibly be given you to help. Now you must fend for yourselves; your fate is in your hands, for better or worse.
Ok guys, let's give this another try shall we? :D
This time around we will be using a much simpler ruleset than Pathfinder 1st edition - we are going into the D&D B/X version:
Basically the first proper edition of D&D was "Original" or "White Box" D&D, which was released in 1974 and slowly expanded upon in fan magazines and correspondence. Gary Gygax decided to formalize the system with "Advanced" D&D in 1977. This is what is considered 1e (or AD&D1e).
While he was planning that, John Eric Holmes offered to create an introductory version of D&D with more simplified rules and a faster learning curve. This version of D&D would go from levels 1-3, and was named the Basic Set. It sold well, especially with the limited distribution back then. In 1981 it was revised by Tom Moldvay and a subsequent set for levels 4-14 was made by David Cook (named the Expert Set). These were released and sold very well.
So B/X stands for Basic/Expert D&D. And it is the version we will be using. Yep we are going all the way back to the late 70s/early 80s, much further back than the version we all used to play together in the 90s (which was AD&D2e).
To make things simpler, we will base our game in a 'retroclone' of B/X - it is basically a newer product, written only a couple of years ago (2020), which compiles, organizes and clarifies the B/X rules in a much more accessible format. This retroclone is called Old School Essentials (link).
All that being said, the first step will be you guys choosing what characters you want to play - in the spirit of Old School D&D, this is a SIMPLE choice :D
Feel free to pick between:
Cleric: Clerics are adventurers sworn to the service of a deity. They are trained for battle and channel the power of their deity.
Dwarf: Dwarves are stout demihumans. They live in clans, each with its own underground stronghold. Dwarves are known for their stubbornness, practicality, and their love of fine craftsmanship, gold, hearty food, and strong drink.
Elf: Elves are slender, fey demihumans with pointed ears. Elves are seldom met in human settlements, preferring to feast and make merry in the woods. If crossed, they are dangerous enemies, as they are masters of both sword and spell.
Fighter: Fighters are adventurers trained in warfare and combat. In a group of adventurers, the role of fighters is to battle monsters and to defend other characters.
Halflings: Halflings are small, rotund demihumans with curly hair upon their heads and feet. Above all, they love the comforts of home and are not known for their bravery. Halflings who gain treasure through adventuring will often use their wealth in pursuit of a quiet, comfortable life.
Magic-User: Magic-users are adventurers whose study of secret arcane lore has taught them how to cast spells and to wield powerful magic items. Magic-users begin play with knowledge of just a single spell, but gain access to extremely potent magic as they advance.
Thief: Thieves are adventurers who live by their skills of deception and stealth. They have a range of specialised adventuring skills unavailable to other characters. However, thieves are not always to be trusted.
Once you guys have chosen what class you want to play, I will roll some pregens for you.
And yes, Dwarf, Elf and Halfling are a class :D
GO!
Let's go boys and girls!!
Adventure awaits us!!!
Bernas man: I'll be an Elf
Regnar here! Ready to make a few more dents in my shield
Hugo's character
Pah d'Reco here, a Cleric with no spells wooohooo :D
Ok then!
Name: Al'Lan Mandragoran
Level: 1
XP: 0
Class: Elf
Background: Carpenter
Appearance: bullnecked
Personality: flirtatious, confident
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 7 (-1)
Constitution: 11
Intelligence: 14 (+1)
Wisdom: 10
Charisma: 13 (+1)
HP: 6
AC: 6
THAC0 (melee): 19
THAC0 (ranged): 20
MOVEMENT: 90' (30')
SPECIAL ABILITIES:
Spellcasting. Proficient with all weapons and armor. Detects
secret doors at 2-in-6. Hears subtle sounds at with 2-in-6.
Immune to paralysis. Infravision (60').
SPELLS PER DAY (BY LEVEL): 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0
SPELLBOOK:
protection from evil
EQUIPMENT:
10-foot pole, backpack, battle axe, chain mail, gold pieces
(12), lantern (with 2 oil flasks), large sack, long bow (20
arrows), rations (7), small sack, spellbook, tinder box,
wineskin
ENCUMBRANCE:
572 coins-weight
==================================================
Name: Regnar Steelshield
Level: 1
XP: 0
Class: Dwarf
Background: Potter
Appearance: athletic
Personality: cheerful, paranoid
Strength: 13 (+1)
Dexterity: 9
Constitution: 9
Intelligence: 11
Wisdom: 15 (+1)
Charisma: 6 (-1)
HP: 8
AC: 3
THAC0 (melee): 18
THAC0 (ranged): 19
MOVEMENT: 60' (20')
SPECIAL ABILITIES:
Proficient with all armor. May only use small or
normal-sized weapons. Detects construction tricks at 2-in-6.
Detects room traps at 2-in-6. Hears subtle sounds at 2-in-6.
Infravistion (60').
EQUIPMENT:
10-foot pole, backpack, gold pieces (12), hand axe, plate
mail, rations (7), short bow (20 arrows), small sack, tinder
box, torches (6), wineskin, wolfsbane
ENCUMBRANCE:
652 coins-weight
==================================================
Name: Pah d'Reco
Level: 1
Class: Cleric
Background: Animal trainer
Appearance: coltish
Personality: generous, insane
Strength: 9
Dexterity: 12
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 13 (+1)
Wisdom: 16 (+2)
Charisma: 8 (-1)
HP: 6
AC: 5
THAC0 (melee): 20
THAC0 (ranged): 19
MOVEMENT: 90' (30')
XP: 0
SPECIAL ABILITIES:
May use all armor and shields, but only blunt weapons.
Divine magic. Turning undead.
SPELLS PER DAY (BY LEVEL): 0, 0, 0, 0, 0
PREPARED SPELLS: -
EQUIPMENT:
backpack, chain mail, gold pieces (7), holy symbol, holy
water, iron spikes (12), mirror, rations (7), small sack,
tinder box, torches (6), war hammer, wineskin
ENCUMBRANCE:
517 coins-weight
Here is Draven!
Name: Draven Skywatcher
Level: 1
Class: Magic user
Background: Tanner
Appearance: chiseled
Personality: faithful, cruel
Strength: 7 -1
Dexterity: 11
Constitution: 10
Intelligence: 13 +1
Wisdom: 14 +1
Charisma: 12
HP: 4
AC: 9
THAC0 (melee): 20
THAC0 (ranged): 19
MOVEMENT: 120' (40')
XP: 0
SPECIAL ABILITIES:
Spellcasting. May not wear armor. Dagger is sole weapon.
SPELLS PER DAY (BY LEVEL): 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0
SPELLBOOK:
Read Magic
Charm Person
EQUIPMENT:
backpack, dagger, gold pieces (12), large sack, mirror,
rations (7), small hammer, spellbook, tinder box, torches
(6), wineskin
ENCUMBRANCE:
102 coins-weight
You guys can feel free to copy the stat blocks onto your aliases, and ask any questions.
I will get a Gameplay post up shortly, and then we can get things rolling.
Does this have any gameplay effect or it's just roleplay guidelines?
Background: Potter
Appearance: athletic
Personality: cheerful, paranoid
Does this have any gameplay effect or it's just roleplay guidelines?
Background: Potter
Appearance: athletic
Personality: cheerful, paranoid
The Appearance and Personality are just guidelines for your character, if you are interested in adding some flavor and just play him/her with those traits. You can keep or change them.
B/X (and thus the retroclone OSE which we are using) did not have any skills 'per se', so the Background serves the purpose of determining in broad strokes what other things your character might know how to do beyond his Class.
In OSE these are called 'Secondary Skills': A character’s class is assumed to be their primary profession and the focus of all training. This optional rule grants characters a small degree of experience in an additional profession — called a secondary skill —which they have picked up at some point in their lives. This may be the profession of a parent or mentor which the character has picked up to some degree or it may be simply a skill that the character practices as a hobby.
Just as an added note - Using Secondary Skills: The referee must adjudicate all uses of secondary skills. Generally speaking, knowledge of a secondary skill allows a character to perform the functions of a profession at a basic level, for example:
▶ Assess the value and quality of an item associated with the skill.
▶ Make minor repairs to items associated with the skill.
▶ Construct simple items associated with the skill.
Under no circumstances should a character following the life of an adventurer be able to approach anywhere near the level of skill of a character fully dedicated to a profession.
GM, I'd like to Change 3 things, ir possible:
Appearance, bulneckd -> athlectic
Personality, flirtatious -> friendly
Equipment, battle axe -> long sword
GM, I'd like to Change 3 things, ir possible:
Appearance, bulneckd -> athlectic
Personality, flirtatious -> friendly
Equipment, battle axe -> long sword
My suggestion to you (and to all in general) is to embrace the process and its randomness, that can be a big part of the fun, and take us places we are not used to go, like it did last time we played DCC with the level 0 funnel characters.
In any case, it is your character, and those things are just suggestions. So you can of course change it.
Also ok to swap the Battle Axe for the Long Sword (thought it might be cool to know why the heck an Elf would use a Battle Axe :D) - just deduct three extra gold pieces from your inventory (leaving you with 9 in total).
Guys, just a note on the tone of the game - it is not a full on Sandbox, but many of the events which may or not happen will be dictated by what you guys want to do.
I know this is never easy, and can lead to us completely stalling :)
So take a moment to ponder why your characters would be here, and what they might want to accomplish by being here. Nothing complex or overly extensive, just something which would provide you guidelines on what to do next. In your head, why would your character be in this out of the way keep, next to the savage frontier? Feel free to ask questions if you want, and I will answer.
And stuff like - 'I want to be rich because of reason A, B or C, and I have heard that exploring ruins and looting the lairs of monsters pays better than working as a serf. Since I also heard this is the place where many come to make their fortune, I decided to do the same' - is perfectly fine.
No sitting around waiting for adventure to come to you. You already know that usually ends up in disaster when I am the DM :D
Pah d'Reco was a late arrival to religion. He spent a good deal of his life with no proper goals or ambitions, and as part of a midlife crisis opted into religion.
As he studied his options he found in Zirchev's neutral detachment a good counterpart to his own lack of a strong moral compass, or at least that's what a psychiatrist might say of him. In his own mind, it was the hero's strength, practicality and devotion to nature that attracted him.
Of course, anyone who's met Pah d'Reco finds that at odds with the fact that he avoids physical exertion and rarely steps out into the wild, but it's not worth his anger to mention that.
Still, in moments of lower self-delusion he realises how little he has in common with Zirchev and wonders if he's walking the right path. That's why he's here, he means to test himself and his faith. He wants to find out what he's made of after all, if he's worthy to follow in Zirchev's footsteps or has been deluding himself all this time (very little time in fact, as I mentioned).
Instinctively he will look kindly on any opportunity to channel Zirchev, like venturing into the wilds, hunting, protecting nature and the natural order. He's not interested in riches (well, not much) and will protect humans as well as beasts if he feels their predicaments are a violation of said natural order.
Ok guys, I will be a bit 'anal' about the expenses, since that is part of the 'old-school' feel hahaha.
Expenses:
- bread 0.01gp
- soup 0.1sp
- wine 0.5gp
Money left = 6,39gp
- Ale 0.5gp
- Half Roast Fowl 0.5gp
Money Left = 11gp
- Half Roast Fowl 0.5gp
- Ale 0.5gp
- Bread 0.01gp
- Cheese 0.1gp
Money left = 10.89gp
seems not to be having anything for now.
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I already had this on my player details:
Knowledge and wealth are intertwined, and those who seek to master the esoteric arts often find themselves entangled in a web of intrigue and ambition.
As a fledgling magic user, my potential yet untapped, I possess but a rudimentary understanding of the arcane forces that bind the world together. My spells flicker like candle flames in the wind, unpredictable yet brimming with potential.
Born of humble origins, I always possessed a thirst for knowledge and a keen eye for opportunity, always a weakling I soon realized that I would not be able to gain my living based on strength...
I was lucky and by fate for a while I worked as a servant to a powerful magic user, and it was during this period that I ended up giving the first steps into the magical arts ...
Arcane knowledge enthralls me, but I soon discover that the path to enlightenment is paved with gold. From rare spell components to ancient tomes of forbidden lore, the tools of the trade come with a hefty price tag.
Armed with nothing but my wits, my magical abilities, and an insatiable hunger for knowledge and power, I know the path will be long and treacherous, but with determination and cunning, I will stop at nothing and my power will grow !...
Being a Human means that my lifespan is very limited, so I aim to gain money faster than I would as an apprentice...
- Roast Fowl 1gp
- Coin for kid 0.1gp
Money left = 10.9gp
Lan was born in the small forest town of Markieri. He learned the art of carpentry from a young age with his father and like all young people in Malkieri, he learned to fight to help in the defense of his hometown. However, this did not fulfill him and as soon as he was old enough he began studying the arcane arts, a craft that has always fascinated him. But a feeling of restless was growing inside of him, a feeling of wanderlust tugging evermore powerfully and as soon as he learned the basic of spell craft his mentor decided that he would no longer proceed in his teachings until Lan got rid of that so common feeling among young elfs. A willingness to wander around the world and experience firsthand the thrill of adventure, the excitement of the world’s beauties and horrors…
Driven by tales of heroes fighting for the cause of good, Lan went to the Borderlands looking for adventure. In his dreams he will come out of this with an extensive spellbook, a large arc worth of gold and many stories to make Malkieri pride of one of its sons.
Regnar is from a dwarven city some few weeks away. His clan Steelshield is slowly losing power and influence in the community and Regnar thinks his father, the clan leader, is a bit to blame. He has become complacent and has no ambition so they were being given the lesser interesting jobs.
After spending a few months making pots and vases he finally had enough. Just a rumor was enough for him to pack up and leave. But what a rumor it was! Ancient dwarven halls, forgotten for hundreds of years! And not that far away.
It could be just the thing his clan need to be great again! Maybe he could even connect the two places and create an outpost here! Maybe it's the fabled Kai'Durun and gold will pour to the Steelhammers vaults!
His father wasn't happy of course, but he'll change his mind after he returns victorious
Hello all. New meat for the meat grinder here. ;)
GM Obermind, thanks for the add. I look forward to seeing what I have to work with as a character.
Well met Viking Adventurers!!!
Bring your best ice cold beer and warm fellowship and lets all join in the Bortherlands for some fun!!
just tell Obermind that you want an elf and he'll roll one for you :)
welcome all!! Just waiting to see what kind of characters Obermind has waiting for us!! WHile anything for me would be cool...If I had a choice I think I would take an elf!!
I think in the recruitment thread he was looking for a thief, fighter, and halfling.
Welcome, welcome!
Today is my live RPG session (AD&D2e) plus weekend family shenanigans, so pbp moves much slower, if at all :)
@Daniel Stewart: Talomyr is right, I am looking specifically for a Thief, a Fighter and a Halfling, since I am interested in having one from each of the Classic BX classes. According to the Recruitment thread, you should be getting a Fighter. Let me know if that works ;)
Name: Talomyr's choice ;)
Level: 1
Class: Thief
Appearance: grizzled
Personality: loyal, arrogant
Background: Thatcher
Strength: 15 (+1)
Dexterity: 15 (+1)
Constitution: 6 (-1)
Intelligence: 8 (-1)
Wisdom: 11
Charisma: 10
HP: 3
AC: 6
THAC0 (melee): 18
THAC0 (ranged): 18
MOVEMENT: 120' (40')
XP: 0
SPECIAL ABILITIES:
May back-stab at +4 to hit and 2x damage.
Proficient with all weapons, but only light armor.
80% chance to decipher languages at level 4+.
90% chance to use scrolls from level 10+.
Able to:
- Climb sheer surfaces (87%)
- Find or remove treasure traps (10%)
- Hear subtle noises (1-2/6)
- Hide in shadows (10%)
- Move silently (20%)
- Open locks (15%)
- Pick pockets (20%)
EQUIPMENT:
backpack, gambeson, gold pieces (8), lantern (with 2 oil
flasks), large sack, rations (7), rope (50'), silver dagger,
sling (30 stones), small hammer, thieves' tools, tinder box,
Name: Critzible's choice ;)
Level: 1
Class: Halfling
Appearance: slumped
Personality: cruel, compulsive
Background: Cooper
Strength: 16 (+2)
Dexterity: 13 (+1)
Constitution: 11
Intelligence: 9
Wisdom: 15 (+1)
Charisma: 6 (-1)
HP: 6
AC: 6
THAC0 (melee): 17
THAC0 (ranged): 17
MOVEMENT: 120' (40')
XP: 0
SPECIAL ABILITIES:
Proficient with all weapons and armor, but they must be tailored to a halfling's small stature.
+2 to AC vs. large creatures.
90% chance to hide in the woods; 2-in-6 in dungeons.
2-in-6 chance to hear subtle sounds.
+1 to hit for ranged attacks.
EQUIPMENT:
backpack, gambeson, gold pieces (8), mace, mirror, rations
(7), rope (50'), sling (30 stones), small sack, tinder box,
torches (6), wineskin
ENCUMBRANCE:
338 coins-weight
Name: Daniel Stewart's choice ;)
Level: 1
Class: Fighter
Appearance: solid
Personality: confident, intolerant
Background: Brewer
Strength: 15 (+1)
Dexterity: 13 (+1)
Constitution: 13 (+1)
Intelligence: 10
Wisdom: 9
Charisma: 10
HP: 9
AC: 3
THAC0 (melee): 18
THAC0 (ranged): 18
MOVEMENT: 60' (20')
XP: 0
SPECIAL ABILITIES:
Proficient with all armor, weapons, and shields.
EQUIPMENT:
10-foot pole, backpack, chain mail, gold pieces (8), lantern
(with 2 oil flasks), rations (7), rope (50'), shield, sling
(30 stones), small hammer, tinder box, war hammer, wineskin
ENCUMBRANCE:
638 coins-weight
Ok...here is the avatar I will be using. What world are we in? Greyhawk or another land?
Thanks
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Cruel and complusive... and Im stronger then the fighter fun!!!
Lets see she is pretty, but was forced by her parents to learn a trade was apprentices to a Cooper with an over eager son. She flirted with the boy, one day after a long day she got mad at him and lashed out broking his fingers and arms, She then left hating being a cooper, hatinf the shire and goes to see the world? And avoiding the aurhorities od her home.
Gonna be fun playing a halfling lass who is tunn8ng from the law and figuring out how to control her impulsiveness and cruel streak
Grizzled, arrogant, loyal woth a low Con. Thinking an older rogue with a drinking problem (accounting for the low Con) and not doing a damned thing about (accounting for the low Int).
Ok...here is the avatar I will be using. What world are we in? Greyhawk or another land?
Thanks
World stuff is Mystara world stuff, though we are not delving much into it. The module is still from the 'known-world' days, so no need to go too much overboard. Baby steps.
As intro for the 'new' characters, I was thinking we keep it simple - perhaps you three have traveled together, and while you are perusing the shop, or on your way to the bailiff, you overhear bits of the conversations taking place, which might indicate these are like-minded individuals.
Let me know if that works.
Works for me
sounds good to me too
Talomyr here.
Introduction sounds good to me.
Obermind, you might want to have another thief pregen ready. I don't think poor Kallum is gonna last too long with his 3 HP. ;)
Talomyr here.
Introduction sounds good to me.
Obermind, you might want to have another thief pregen ready. I don't think poor Kallum is gonna last too long with his 3 HP. ;)
I have a lot of thoughts about BX Thieves, and have also done some reading on them - one thing important to keep in mind is the fact Thieves are not the modern day rogues in any way, shape or form. You REALLY need to play to their strengths (same goes for the other classes tbh), and yes, if you face off against an armed opponent (not a 'normal' person) commando style, a single hit can bring you down.
That being said, there are a lot of things which can be done to 'change/perhaps improve' the Thief class, even while still using the BX chassis, and I might consider suggesting to you all implementing some of them in the future - however for now we are here for the 'classic' experience (minus rolling for HP at level 1 and perhaps dying at 0hp - still mulling that last one over), so I am counting on you to accept the challenge of keeping Kallum alive! Heck, we might realise the Thief is fine just the way it is ;)
Rizana wants to compulsively crack faces, knees, hands, ect. Hince her Mace. She likes to inflict pain. Little Sadist!
Hmmm, I think the Slouchiness will be from having to carry Human sized Barrels ans materials for humansized Barrels on her nack, as well as her not caring until she gets the opportunity to be cruel. It also explains her Strength.
Kallum, just stay behind Rizana and no one will target you :)
I wonder what Dobin is Intolerant about...must be orcs...or people who talk and eat at the same time...lol
Sorry for the slow posting Team, been having a particularly busy week overall - professionally and personally. Fortunately Friday is upon us ;)
Sorry for the delay everyone - another busy week at work!
Will have an update for us soon.
I think this is a good moment to introduce you all to the Wilderness Sequence of Play:
1. Decide course: The players decide on their course of travel for the day.
2. Losing direction: The referee determines whether the party gets lost.
3. Wandering monsters: The referee makes checks as applicable.
4. Description: The referee describes the terrain passed through and any sites of interest that the party comes across, asking players for their actions, as required. If monsters are encountered, follow the procedure described in Encounters.
5. End of day: The referee updates time records, with special attention to rations, spell durations, and the party’s need to rest.
This serves only the purpose of sharing with you (maybe some are already familiar with it), the procedural nature these older versions of D&D used to have.
And also to let you know I am going by the book here, for the full experience :D
Feel free to ask questions if you have them, I am discovering this as we go.