It wouldn't be too hard to manage on a smaller scale. Four groups at once would be too much, I think. Biggest problem would be post frequency and player turnover rate.
Search Posts
Will try listing things out another way, see what kind of role spectrum we're working with. If I miss any one or get something wrong, feel free to call me out. There's probably a lot of multi-functional class submissions that are built to emulate a certain style of play that I'll no doubt overlook. Just point it out for me. I'll address it in any following updated lists. Also, I'm going to regard "skilled" as anything with 6+ skill ranks per level. As above, if you've elected to dump Int and shift your focus far away from high skill ranks, let me know. Also 2.0: I'm not marking down dots and interesteds at this point. If someone has submitted a character to Thron via PM, I'll obviously miss those too.
So, if I start direct quoting passages from the AP in-character. . . that's kosher, right?
Going to switch things up, I think. Also going to play with a random background generation -- not done that in a good bit. Background Roll Wall: (Human) (Town or Village) (Both of your parents are dead) You have siblings. Sibling is a female (human, untainted). Born of unwilling means (demonic corruption)
Several Inconsequential Relationships
Whatever WotC has done in the past, good or bad, the newest edition is an attempt to bridge divides that have formed between the gaming community over the past half-century. Whether it does a good job at this or not is likely to vary from person to person, but it is a noble effort nonetheless. As to the settings, Forgotten Realms is going to be the flagship setting for 5E's launch (or maybe I should say "is currently the flagship. . .") and the next year or so, if I'm recalling correctly. Dragonlance, Eberron, Greyhawk, and Ravenloft are all either confirmed or *wink-wink, nudge-nudge* confirmed. I wouldn't be surprised to see Planescape making a reappearance in the near future as well (one can hope). As to the game itself, it seems to have a generally positive-lukewarm reception (leaning more towards the former from what I've seen/read/experienced, which is admittedly limited). A lot of the staunch opponents were digging their trenches before the game released, so I'm not surprised to see the bile hasn't lessened from that camp. Bottom line? You're getting the setting books and materials you want, plus a new edition. I've greatly enjoyed 5E thus far, especially from the DM side of things (all three sessions I've ran, that is). So for my own super personal objective anecdote of an opinion, I'm glad they pressed forward with a new game.
For what it's worth, 5E Realms seems to be doing everything in its power to bring the setting back to its roots. While they aren't ignoring everything that came before, everything I've heard points towards it being less a soap opera of the Gods and their Chosen (even though it is precisely that plot device that's bringing about this detachment) and more an age of exploration and high adventure for the mortal races again. Then again, it is the Realms we're talking about. They'll probably have 18 more RSE out the door before this time next year.
The Basic rules probably aren't a prime example of the system's alleged modularity. We'll probably be waiting for the DMG until we see that sort of changing power.
I'm still on the fence about Concentration being broken by damage on all Concentration spells. I think for spells like hold person it fits nicely, but on things like stoneskin (especially with a 100g cost per cast) or protection from energy I am a little concerned. I don't think it will be too bad at early levels, but against higher level foes doing a lot of damage on any given attack, it becomes a crit-or-nothing situation, even for players taking pains to maximize their CON saves. Beyond that, I can appreciate the one-at-a-time limitation on Concentration spells. I also enjoy that a lot of spells have a better home on other characters besides the caster—a rogue is better off with that invisibility typically.
Cantrips known seem more limited at a glance, but they're also more viable, especially damaging cantrips. A ray of frost begins at 1d8 with a slowing effect, and scales all the way up to 4d8 (that's an endless resource, mind you). While shield is far different than its former versions, AC values don't climb as quick or high as they have in recent editions. My guess is that mage armor + shield boiled down to either too much AC or too much of a spell slot tax. My gut reaction to shield was negative at first, but the more I think about it the more I appreciate it. Given that Wizards likely won't be making Opportunity Attacks often, having something to spend a Reaction on is important. On detect magic: it is a 1st level spell now, but it is also a Ritual spell. As such, it will likely avoid wasting too many spell slots (memorizations is a different story, however).
I'm sure there'll be some fan made documents floating around for various races. Barring that, I'd count on the DMG having guidelines for creating a race.
Do bear in mind we're only looking at the Basic ruleset so far. There might be more to wow you when the PHB and DMG are out. Personally, I'm excited for many of the same reasons others are: simpler rules/faster play. I'm pretty deep in the well of 3.x fatigue. Paizo is awesome in about every way imaginable, but Pathfinder's system still has a lot of kinks in it. That's not to say I think 5E is or will be perfect, but I think it is a little more conducive to a game that plays like an older edition. Would be nice to see quick play that didn't involve constant rules-referencing or calculus equations (an obvious exaggeration, in case someone's going to take that literally) every combat round.
One of the strengths of Pathfinder in particular is the quality of content independent of system. Even if I were to resolve to stop playing Pathfinder itself altogether (which I doubt will happen any time soon) it wouldn't stop me from continuing to pick up APs and setting guides. There's a lot of inspiration in those, at the very least.
Where the Realms are concerned, I'm reading and hearing a lot of promising things from the Greenwood/Salvatore camp. It remains to be seen if the baggage of 4E Realms can be carried and still produce something worthwhile, but the fact that the company is at least willing to listen to the creator this time around is nice. They're also heralding this as the last Realms Shattering Event. We'll see how long that lasts. As to 5E itself, most of what I'm seeing sounds and looks promising. I went ahead and ordered a copy of the Starter Set. Assuming they provide a Classic Vancian in one of the core books to replace the Neo-Vancian thing they're running, I'll be set. Even if not, it's probably not a hard thing to houserule in that direction.
I understand that some people didn't like the immense roster of deities that The Realms boasted or the immense roster of impossibly high level NPCs PCs could never hope to contend with. I even understand why (some of these gripes are ones I've had myself over the years). The wholesale slaughter and consolidation method was too much to bear. I don't know if they just expected people to keep hanging on "because it's The Realms" or what, but the facelift made it unrecognizable for a noticeable chunk of the fanbase. Hell, I thought the Time of Troubles mess was dumb/overkill. The Spellplague era stuff just left me with nowhere to continue buying in. Granted, I can always continue playing in an older era of The Realms (and do, in fact) just fine. It would be a lot nicer of new content had a purpose for my table, though.
I'll probably try out D&D when the new version releases. I remain skeptical about whether or not they can pull off their original goal: replicating/including multiple editions of play. My skepticism points mostly towards too many hands in too many cookie jars. If they pull it off, however, I'd probably be willing to convert wholesale. Pathfinder is great, but system fatigue begins weighing me down after a certain point. The wheels still seem to fall off at or just after 12th level, things are too overly codified for my tastes, I feel like there's too much emphasis on min/maxing to "play it the right way", etc. Only managed to get about three sessions of 4E under my belt before I threw in the towel there (and despite what that sounds like, I did go into the game with a mind at least as open as when I had tried 3.0). In its defense, there may have been more redeeming qualities to the system than I witnessed. For me, I couldn't forgive the tendency to express everything in combat terms. I could see then how the combat approach might have appealed to some, but it played out rather bland for my tastes. Where I'm at right now? Currently and finally getting some distance between myself and Pathfinder at the table. Wrapping up a game of Hellfrost in Savage Worlds, and getting ready to start up a game of Myth & Magic (which more or less replicates AD&D 2E play). That's the horse I have in the race, generally speaking: 2nd edition. It is precisely what sparked hope from me when D&D:Next was announced. While I have serious doubts that it's going to live up to what I was hoping to get out of it, I will give it a shot and hope my doubts are unfounded.
Alrighty, I think I've settled on something. Name: Karm Twice-Banished (Karm Kolgsunu, Karm Raven-Tongue, Karm Calamity-Cloak, Rìkrǫdd)
Personality: Power, blood, greed, and loss. Karm wears a tapestry upon flesh that tells plainly of wrongs recent and ancient, though in a language understood by few and spoken by fewer. A man consumed often struggles against tides he noticed too late. There are many paths to Power, and many false trails: blade, glory, and wealth—merely transient fetishes for the uninitiated. Blood is the fuel for the pyre of knowledge forbidden. It is Greed that drives the seeker forward, lash relentless as one claws ever higher up a mountain of their own making. Loss reveals truth. There is naught beyond the pursuit but emptiness and despair: power without purpose. Torments myriad overtax a soul unselfish. One is forced to search for a sliver of redemption to a life spent recklessly.
Crunch: Str: 12
Karm is old: gnarled and bending to the ravages of time, he is still large and imposing thanks to his Hrim heritage. His left eye is dead and his hearing fails, but his wits remain sharp and honed. Gear (Load 7): "Spellbook" (Seiðr Loom), Dungeon Rations (5), Bag of Books (5), Leather Armor (+1), Staff (close, 2-hand), 3 anti-toxins, 3 healing potions
I think I may go ahead and dive in. Leaning towards a Northman themed Wizard.
My plate is full, sadly. I really think PbP would be a wonderful match for Dungeon World, and the game is crazy-fun. Tempted to go for it anyways. I will say that for any one who is reluctant to apply based on system ignorance: apply anyway. It's deliciously simple and easy.
So if I start posting a single period until a natural twenty on every check, you'd kick me from yer game? Maybe this AIN'T 'MURICA. Maybe my Consatutional rights what's promised me ain't honored here.
Anyone who has played with me before can testify I don't have any ability to alter dice rolls. I tend to roll very poorly, very often. I can attest to this. If he breaks a 5 on the dice roller, it's deemed miraculous.
Soon as I saw big chunks of semi-heated arguing, I stopped caring about the content. Not the place or time, imo. And ultimately it doesn't really make a difference—that's just a list to tally the total number of applicants and what type of class they're playing. Given that the first list was dominated by Melee (and as a means of helping get the update in front of GM Thron) I was curious to see how the field had changed since the initial wave of applicants. Thankfully, it seems to have diluted a fair bit. I likely wouldn't have included the urls at all, but I worked off of a copied base from Thron's initial post. I would highly recommend adopting a less combative style in your posts. Difference of opinion is fine (and healthy) but stirring a pot that needs no stirring accomplishes little. By intention or otherwise, and recognizing that text on forums tends to come off more harshly than spoken word, it results in a volatile label. As you said, people come here to escape stress and have a good time—frequently arguing semantics over trivialities is antithetical to that goal.
Hopefully that didn't miss any submissions.Not that you can still edit the listing by any means, but tell me, is there a reason you chose not to link to the post containing all of Marko's mechanics? You and one other (Airon87) had no profile created, but otherwise had made submissions.
...Your characters will be able to interact prior to game start in the Gameplay Thread, partly as a way to have fun and pass the time, partly to help me evaluate your posting style/frequency/character personality. The pre-game RP will be taking place during the festival... Way ahead of ya ;> Feel free to dive in.
Hahaha, yes. Them's some atrocious dice rolls, my friend.
Melee
Ranged
Skill
Arcane
Divine
Working on Xamarath's backstory. I'll join the fray in the Gameplay forum soon afterward.
Yeesh, even Dwunderbran has a 6—A paragon of dwarven hygiene.
A 4. Impressive.
Haha. "Okay, Archaeologists. You can step on their pinky-toes, but THAT'S IT. NO MORE toe-stepping!"
Too tired last night. Going to try and get the wizard lined up before work today. *wave Jelani*
I'll go ahead and get cracking on the wizard alternate then. If the role spectrum hasn't increased between now and then, I'll submit him as an alternate. Besides, it would be a shame to have a campaign based on Ancient Thassilon that lacked a proper mage. *When I get home from work, that is.
Oh. Wow. Maybe the wizard wasn't such a bad call, hah!
Alright, I think I've narrowed it down to three likely choices:
I may just bite the bullet and jump on a Paladin. Giving consideration to another wizard, too, but my idea is a little far-fetched for that one. Haven't done a Lawful Stoopid in a good while.
Utterly clueless for the time being. With that stat array, I can pull off pretty much anything.
Mu. Hu. Ha. 12
Sam Beckett to the rescue!
Some sort of lich-spawned lesser lich brood? I just had a thought of a phylactery acting like a router for several lesser ones all at once; a community phylactery, I suppose. Cherry-pick some lich features, downgrade them, then slap them on a coven of undead caster sorts. Or not caster sorts. The assumption (by me, at least) is that such a thing would involve a Lich cutting corners with a phylactery to create incomplete liches as apprentices/underlings.
Got Hrodlan updated and his Background finished.
Speaking for myself, it doesn't really change the character himself. I may have read too much into the DM's hope that each Mythic path was spoken for, but there's a pretty decent turnout of applications all piling into a boat my predictions wrongly assumed would be unmanned. It's certainly not a "back to the drawing boards" kind of situation, by any stretch—the overall scope of Chance Encounter and Stolen Fury aren't very far removed from one another. Mostly, it frees up the crunch to match Slayer better. I agree with the sentiment of sticking to your guns, but a large part of the game is also about sharing in a group narrative. There's no point in losing an idea wholly to compromise, but that doesn't mean there's no room for alterations as well.
None of those people are guaranteed a spot, though. Just submit something and hope for the best. Worst case scenario, you're where you are now, eh?
Welp, it's totally alright in my books. Champion was my first choice to begin with. Also might free up another trait choice. Gives me something to momentarily occupy me tonight after work, if nothing else.
Yeaaaah, that settles it: I'm repurposing Hrodlan as a Champion path. Fortunately, the Trickster and Champion traits aren't terribly dissimilar. I'm kind of in awe that there are 6 Tricksters, hah.
I'm working on a Slayer (Trickster Path) currently. Will look into the possibility of Dual-Pathing, although I am pretty keen on the notion of one-of-each being the case in the final roster.
May give a Slayer-Trickster a whirl. Will at least start formulating ideas after I get home tonight.
Dotting. Drawbacks are permitted, yes? Really wanted to give Slayer a look, but if it's looking like everyone is diving on the Champion path from the outset, I will likely look over other options instead.
Made changes to my background to reflect the ghast. Keeping things kinda vague and general though.
Sounds good to me. Thondrir would certainly have no compunction about killinating a ghast. It was actually a Neh-Thalggu (Brain Collector) and not an Intellect Devourer, though. I wanted to go for something way out of our reach as a duo; enough so to shock us into pursuing more recruits with a little more pep in our step.
Typically, you'll want to read through the Recruitment forum for campaigns and submit a character as per whatever guidelines the GM lays out in those threads. In essence, it's the Players who come to the GMs, and not vice versa.
|