Welcome! This is the background information and discussion thread for the Crimson Conquest PbP game. I will post some background information on my Homebrew world of Shalon in which this campaign takes place, the countries/kingdoms involved, and the town in which our band of intrepid heroes begin their journey.
Outsiders may feel free to post any thoughts or questions here should they like so long as it doesn't contribute substantially to the metagaming.
Our game will begin this coming Monday, May 14th. I will likely make the introductory post on Sunday evening/night.
Though I have been playing for 25 years, this is my first attempt as a DM for PbP. Hopefully it will be a successful venture.
Players: After I post the background, please post any description or history for your character that the others would know on this thread so we can keep it together. I will repost the house rules in effect here as well.
Let's have some fun!
Reminder of the house rules currently in effect:
We will play mostly RAW as I don't want to add to the complexity with a ridiculous amount of house rules. A few we will use however include:
1. At first level you get max hp as RAW. At level up you may choose to take the average (round up at even levels and down at odd) but you much choose whether or not to do so prior to rolling.
2. Intimidate may be used as either a strength or charisma based skill and will different effects/reactions depending on it's use.
3. All spontaneous casters get eschew materials as a bonus feat.
4. Whisper gnomes are +1 LA
5. Ray of enfeeblement is a 2nd level spell.
6. Spot and listen are considered class skills for all characters.
As this is a PbP game and I want to keep life simpler than it otherwise might be, I will only provide the necessary mechanics for the world. If you have any questions, please let me know.
The world is Shalon. Our adventure begins in the northeastern portion of the largest continent (Alon) in the small, but important empire of Ildonia.
Inhabitants on Alon have for hundreds (or even thousands) of years utilized a calendar given by the gods. The calendar is broken into 10 months, each having 40 days. Most citizens recognize 4 ten day peiods. This and the division of months and seasons is where the similarity ends among different people groups. Regionally the prevalent church, the ruling monarch, or any other dominant faction might determine what those 10 day periods are called (weeks, modes, periods, etc), whether and what the days are named and numbered (though most favor numbers 1-40). Most citizens recognize the term fortnight as referring to 20 days or half a month. Dates are typically referred to as day then date. For example, 21Helan. To keep things simple we can use weeks and numbered days unless otherwise specified.
The new year begins with the end of winter/beginning of spring.
The months are as follows:
Spring: Sarid, Sarith
Summer: Lanar, Lanan, Laned
Fall: Barid, Barith
Winter: Helar, Helan, Heled
Our campaign will begin in early fall on 10Barid.
In most areas this is a medium magic world. There are no magic emporiums on every corner. You may expect to find many potions at alchemists, divine scrolls at temples, weapons and aromor at shops, etc. Other items may or may not be available. Most magic items can be sold per RAW for 1/2 listed DMG value. There are areas, especially in truly large cities, where magic exists at a much higher level. This is more likely to be true in the heart of elven kingdoms.
As I mentioned, your characters begin in the northeastern corner of the continent of Alon in the empire of Ildonia. For purposes of this information consider Ildonia to be the center of your known world. It will make the descriptions easier to visualize.
To the west is the country of Lidralen. This is primarily a collection of halfling and gnomish settlements. There are hills and grasslands in the south transitioning to colder mountains in the north and finally ending at the shore of the ocean. The dominant alignment of Lidralen is NG. Halfling outriders are a common site in both hunting parties and patrols. There is very little military might in this 'kingdom' mostly because they are really associated tribes and gatherings rather than coordinated governments.
To the west of Lidralen lie a vast series of plains (even futher south and west 500-1000 miles away is the great western desert, home to a culture of people based from Al Qadim)that are home to a wide variety of mostly human settlements. Lidralen is bordered on the northeast by Vorland, southeast and south by Korgal and a sliver of Brekiir, and the east by Ildonia. Long ago a chest height wall was constructed on the border between Ildonia and Lidralen. Rumor has it that this wall is imbued with great magic that prevents the ruler of Ildonia from using military might to move into Lidralen.
Ildonia is bordered on the south by Korgal (western half) and Dreskana (eastern half). The Blackstone River is a large river with shiny black stones coating the bottom (volcanic?) that runs the southern border of Lidralen, Ildonia, and Lyranthul Kalana.
Korgal is a very dangerous land of orcs, ogres, bugbears, and other monstrous humanoids. Mostly a tribal culture, this is also a starting point for many PC races such as Goliaths. The dominent alignment in this area is CE.
Dreskana is an extremely militaristic and political society. They are rigidly LE. They maintain forts every few miles along their border, have well developed road and communication systems, and favor the worship of Hextor. The closer to the center of the country a person lives, the more influence the government and military ha
To the east, Ildonia is bordered by Lyranthul Kalana, a series of elven kingdoms. Right on the border across the mountains are the high elves. They often live in beautiful houses made in the trees and are primarily CG. Their capitil is the shining dual city of Silkithilas. Half of their city is visible and open to the traders who pass through. The other half is rumored to be hidden and available only to elves. The famous River of Dreams runs through their area. The lake of Peace is a major feature as is hilly terrain. The nothern portion of this region houses the gray elves who tend more towards the neutral and even darker sides of lives. They often live in stone buildings and will even associate with the Duergar to their west. To the east are the Sylvan elves who live in small travelling tent towns and further west still the Drow have claimed an area for themselves, though the most often stay underground. The eastern border of Kalana is a massive break in the earth called the Perinthalisin. This is a sheer cliff on either side of a 1-2 mile wide chasm dropping to the ground below. The path below leads south to the open desert on the southern side of Dreskana. No one knows how this was formed or why it is there, but all know it is a dangerous place to travel. The nothern border of the elven lands is Lake Serethis. The southern is the Blackstone river which separates them from Dreskana. The western is the mountains shared with Ildonia and to the northwest Vorland. The eastern border is the Perinthalasin.
To the north of Ildonia is Vorland. Vorland is the home of many smaller dwarven kingdoms. Though all types of dwarves find a home within the mountains of this land, currently the dominant presence is that of the duergar. There are many rumors constantly afloat of the next plans of the duergar.
On to Ildonia itself!
Up until 20 years ago, Ildonia didn't exist. The same land with the same borders was called Porfuron. It was ruled by a benevolent king who truly cared for his people. Rumor and story say that the evil kindoms to the north and south were very unhappy with that situation and hatched a plan. Regardless of how it happened, one day the old king was simply gone. Things changed and certainly not for the better. A new ruler was in place. He was then and is now known only as 'The Emperor'. He has been a cruel and capricious dictator. The prevalent alignment of the ruling class is CE, which is not a lot of fun for those not in the ruling class. Slavery is not only legal, it is encouraged--especially for the smaller races. Military power, while not overly organized, is strong. The empire was divided into 8 segments and a military commander was named for each. These commanders, known as captains, wield great autority. They are assigned advisors who may or may not be loyal, but are also powerful in their own right (read: double digit level). The Queen, Celia, is beautiful and surprisingly very involved in the politics of the land. She is rumored to be far more than she appears, possibly even the Emperor's private assasin.
Many of the people of Ildonia are good, but they are terrified. They have lived in chaotic subjection for years and many feel defeated or lost. Some, however dream of a day when the land may be free once more.
In response to these feelings, a group which had existed for many years has recently gained prominence in the hopeful public eye. Though there are very few, if any, confirmed accounts, many stories are told of a group called Cold Steel. They are related to be mostly Chaotic Good with some Lawful Good as well. They tend to favor vigilante justice. One of their favorite sayings is "Good must prevail, and my swordarm be with it." Many are figher types, but they recognize the need for others as well. Their trademark/symbol is that of crossed swords etched into their primary weapon. Rumor has it that rank is indicated by red circles intertwined. The more circles, the higher rank. Priveleges are rumored to be many, but balanced by risk and responsibility.
A series of events occurred about 2-3 years ago that may be related to Ildonia's struggle as well. A group of adventurers traveled through Ildonia and to the elven lands as well in a rumored attempt to build enough support to overthrow the Emperor. At the same time, Beizarin a powerful warlock led an undead army on a rampage through Kalana. An elven army was massing to the east of the mountains. Halflings were banding together. Massive dragons were seen flying over Ildonia. Just as things were coming to a head, everything stopped. Beizarin inexplicably turned the army of undead around and disappeared into Korgal. The group of adventurers led by Caedmon Manning, a supposed heir to the throne of Porfuron suddenly disappeared. None have been heard from since and life has continued as before.
Some of the key locations/terrain in Ildonia are: the large forests in the southern half (which are rumored inhabited by Druids) known as the Corewood and Mossywood; the Redcast mountains to the east (beginning at Barren Falls and continuing into the elven lands; hills to the south, the blackstone river as the southern border, Carik the capital city in the center of the empire, and the wall that is the western border with Lidralen. Most of the rest of the empire is sloping hills and grsslands. There are a few dozen small villages and towns scattered around as well such as Rainfall, Crag, Grove, and Last Chance.
This is a temperate climate, but more towards the michigan end of the scale.
I am reposting Rasmus' physical description here for consolidation purposes.
He is 6'2". 205. His skin is dark grey with a noticeable deep red tint. His eyes are pupil free and red. He has two horns, that protrude about an inch from his skull right above his hairline, barely noticeable. Black hair, relatively unkempt. He is always smiling and it is this that softens his devilish appearance. Because of his otherwordly countenence, he almost always wears his full combat gear, including a full helmet, especially in town. He is in decent shape, but not superhero size, built more like a runner than a bodybuilder. His skin is rough and scarred from what seems to be a life filled with hard work, his hands are calloused and he clenches them often, in an attempt to keep them working despite the wear they have received.
His armor is not of noble quality but is kept in fine condition. The larger surfaces are painted a deep blue, the smaller are steel with patches of a dark bronze patina. The robes he wears under his armor resemble a peasant's but are clean. He carries a longsword and a large shield upon which is painted a lightning bolt, designating him as a devout follower of Heironeous.
His name is Rasmus and through the face holes of his helmet you can see his red eyes and big grin.
Barren Falls is a Large Town (about 3000 adults) that is more racially mixed than most in Ildonia. It is still about 80% human. Though nearly 5% are elves due to being on the border, elves are still not much liked. All elves would have a negative diplomacy modifier in this town. GP limit is about 5000gp. They maintain a group of soldiers in town and some at a keep outside of town as well. In total there are probably about 200 soldiers in the area.
Lodging can be had at several locations, but the most poplular are either the Sequester, a well appointed 2 story inn with a small kitchen but no alcohol which generally allows for higher end clientele who prefer a quieter experience or The Axe and Anvil, a Dwarvish run tavern and inn. The sign out front is made from polished steel and has a brightly painted picture of an axe and anvil together and the name in Dwarvish script. The double door entrance leads into the common room of the tavern. This seems to be one of the hot spots for non military folk. This is not a high quality establishment, but is the sort of place where deals can get done. Other possibilities are the Badgered Beaver and the Leisurely Lion.
Located in the north and central section is one of the most striking buildings in town: The temple of Erythnul. It is made of stone and red colored mortar. the walls seem to drip with blood to observers and screams can be occasionally heard emanating from inside..
Out past the barracks and off, but in sight of the path into the mountains is the Monks of the Mountain Monastery.
About 300 yards from the eastern edge of town is a fully fortified and prepared military outpost.
Braxtor Keep sits atop a steep hill about a half mile north of town. A road from town leads to this keep. The front gates are enormous and are paitned with the Braxtor crest. This is where Baron Braxtor, who walked into town 8 years ago and simply announced that he was here to run things, makes his home.
Here is the basic summary/intro to the town:
What was once a sleepy little village on the path to Lyranthul Kalan over the last 7-10 years has become a staging area for the military patrols moving through the mountains. Approaching from the west or south it seems to be a typical town. Farms begin to appear about 2 miles out of the town proper, a low mostly ceremonial city wall is passed, and a bustling, if somewhat subdued community is to be experienced. From the east is another story entirely. A fortified outpost with barracks has been constructed on the eastern edge of town by the waterfalls which give the city its' and which border the only path through the mountains. They are well fortified and anyone traveling from the mountains must pass to gain entrance to Ildonia proper. The town is cleaner than most largely due to military discpline.
Well, that is the basic information. I hope it is helpful both in giving you flavor and a clearer picture of where we begin our journey.
Feel free to ask questions if you have any.
I have recieved info from Magnus and Dreamweaver and a bit of it from Charles. I still have nothing from Arctaris and Rom. I suspect you were waiting for this info. I would love to have details settled by Friday or so which will allow me to prep a bit this weekend.
Finally, I would love to hear any thoughts you guys may have about what you read.
Let me know how I can help.
Have a great day!
I concur with Charlie's assessment. I will have a char posted by Friday as well. Thanks!
I read over everything. Kudos to our DM for creating this world.
In my opinion, the only reason to go to Barren Falls if you weren't born there is to either 1.) get a job working for the emperor and try to rise in the ranks or 2.) try to appear harmless while secretly plotting to put the emperor's head on a spike and take over.
I'm not really down with 1.) so unless I'm missing other options I'm assuming we're eventually going after the emperor? Or are there dungeons and old ruins or something we're supposed to explore?
As to slavery and the temple to Erythnul, any character I play will have to be opposed to both. I'm just not capable of roleplaying a desire to own people or torture people, so hopefully the rest of the group doesn't want to go the evil route! If so, I'd have to bow out of the game so as not to spoil it for everyone else.
If we are supposed to be the next freedom fighters then Frahraek will fit right in. However, I'd like us to be nice and sneaky so we aren't "disappeared" like the other power groups besides the emperor have been.
From both a player point of view and character, the taking on the emperor idea is very intimidating! I know Frahraek would not feel confident or ready to do that. He might be willing to start small, free some slaves perhaps, and build up.
I'd like to see some more details to help a new, 1st level guy out. What kind of adventures can Frahraek go on that won't get the attention of the emperor, what small options can he pursue to help the oppressed, and where can he go to learn more about Cold Steel.
Frahraek isn't a warrior, so Cold Steel might not want him. But no one else sounds friendly at all, so this group might be the only option for gaining allies outside of our group.
Oh, and I'd like to look for some good dragons. Maybe they could help us as well.
Thanks for the Kudos.
A few notes, and I will see if I can post more later this afternoon.
I can't speak for most of the other players, but Magnus' character will be LG so I promise he won't fit in to the evil theme either. :) I won't say more about him just yet, but you will find out in the opening scene.
As for Barren Falls, it is also a point of travel. This is the gateway between Lyranthul Kalana and Ildonia. It can serve as a supply stop for those staying in the mountains. It is a nearby respite for the surrounding villages. There are many reasons someone could go or even be passing through. At this point I'm assuming that your characters have just arrived in Barren Falls which is why I haven't thrown out any 'plot hooks' as possibilities as of yet. That and I still am not sure of the party composition exactly. You will have no shortage of appropriate adventures for your level. After we begin, if you stay in town for a day or so, you will likely come across several of them. I promise I won't leave you hanging...though Baron Braxtor may feel differently. :)
I posted about the general evilness to give you a flavor. That doesn't mean there is no good. It would be hard to imagine, for example, that the populace likes what's going on. That also doesn't mean that you have to be the ultimate ones to end all evil. Even Cold Steel, a well organized membership hasn't done that yet. But you might choose to take a bite out of the evil's power base. Or you might choose to travel from here.
One of the things I think my players tend to enjoy is that I like to offer options. This may prove to be more challenging in a PbP and I have no problem with highlighting certain of those options. All I ask is that you help a bit with the suspension of disbelief with party coherence and I'll try to do the rest.
As for Cold Steel, I wrote above that they recognize the need for non-fighters as well so if you end up truly interested and they in you, that may not be a problem. Other organizations will become known as you progress as well. Cold Steel is just on the top of the mind at the moment.
Finally, realize that wherever you travel, there is great evil, and the potential for great good. In this way, it is much like our current day. And today even the greatest people can't make it all better. That isn't to say they don't have an impact, however.
Great questions. Please let me know if I can be of further help. Thank you all for your efforts.
I read over everything. Kudos to our DM for creating this world.
In my opinion, the only reason to go to Barren Falls if you weren't born there is to either 1.) get a job working for the emperor and try to rise in the ranks or 2.) try to appear harmless while secretly plotting to put the emperor's head on a spike and take over.
I have had Shamgar as a DM before and I can assure you that you, and therefore Frahraek, will be motivated by some hook once we start. He is, in each of my experiences with him and his games, engaging, creative, fair, and sincerely committed to PC development and involvement. Do not fear. I think that many of your questions are a bit premature and should be answered by Frahraek's investigations in the game through gather info checks and the like. The party hasn't even met each other yet so its hard to come up with a group motivation at the moment.
From both a player point of view and character, the taking on the emperor idea is very intimidating! I know Frahraek would not feel confident or ready to do that. He might be willing to start small, free some slaves perhaps, and build up.
I can assure you with all of my person that Shamgar will not have us attempt to take out the emperor at first, or even 10th, level. Also, his games are exceedingly about PC choice and if we choose, as a party, to leave the emperor alone, we can.
I am very excited about this PbP game and my only goal is to make it as great as I envision it being. I am intrigued and excited by the initial party ideas and would like to put your fears to rest, it will be great. Have a little faith, post often, roleplay heavily, and fight heavier and all will be well.
Rasmus looks forward to meeting all of you in Barren Falls on Monday. Look for a dark skinned, horned dude with a big 'ole grin on his face...that's him.
I sent shamgar my rule stuff for his okay and my goal is to get the rest of the roleplaying stuff out to him tomorrow morning. Then I can post some details here.
Well, I must say I was hoping for more posts when I returned from my weekend away. I am still missing one character (where is that Dwarf Cleric?), and I have not seen backstory or connection sharing/ideas posted, but otherwise we are ready to begin.
A couple of things before we do:
1. Please note that, especially in PbP, roleplaying matters greatly. Since all we have is the printed word description of tone/attitude and actions greatly impact the perception.
2. I allow choices and options and the world is fluid around you. I am not running a strick 'module' per se, though I may mix in one from time to time. Instead, I interpret how your actions would cause the world and its inhabitants to respond and work from there. I know their motivations, dreams, and desires, and therefore unlimited adventures await wherever you may look. I will provide hooks, some stronger than others, but in the end this is about doing what you guys enjoy. That said, I do ask that you work together as a team. Frankly, you will probably need it. :)
3. Know that not everything is meant to be a fight and that some things must be. Not everything (the emperor for example) is meant to be defeated by you right now (or possibly at all) but they still exist.
4. I will try to post as often as possible and I ask you to do the same. There will be times that I will simply move forward if I have a majority of your responses so as not to slow down the game. When I do so I will NPC (albeit briefly) any 'missing' people's actions. That is one of the main reasons I have asked for your character sheets. My desire is not to do this often, but I will as necessary.
5. If anyone gets to a point where they don't want to play or feel this is too much, please email me privately (djmacblue@comcast.net) to discuss. If this occurs I may open the game for others who are 'lurking'. Hopefully this won't be an issue, but I like to be prepared.
6. When you post, please think ahead and give the 'what if' responses. (ex. if I am successful at my move silently check, I x; If not then y.)
7. Finally, I want you to know that I am open to suggestions and questions. I want to make this a better game for you. Please use this thread for those issues. I have not intention of this game fizzling out after a couple of weeks and hope it goes on for a very long time. I am looking forward to it and hope you are as well.
Please be sure to use the alias of your character name when posting on this thread and the game thread itself.
Here is the roster as I currently have it:
Rasmus Fjolsvang(Magnus)--LG Hellbred Favored Soul of Heironeous
Xanros Duskwalker(Dreamweaver)--LN Gray Elf Scout
Frahraek(Charles)--CG Human Dragonfire Adept
Boeler Widsend(Hyrax)--LG Halfling Monk
Isnor(Rom)--?? Dwarf Cleric of ??
Rasmus knows none of you to begin, though you will meet in the opening scene.
Per their histories, Frahraek, Isnor, and Xanros are all coming from the mountains. I'm not sure about Boeler--he could have visited the monastary east of town (if so, I will provide more details of there) and have beeen leaving as the others passed through the mountains on their way to Barren Falls. As for why you are all in Barren Falls, that is up to you. Maybe you were passing through going west, checking in with civilization, looking for adventure, needing a rest, etc. That choice is up to you.
If you guys like this simple explanation, let me know. If not, please post another.
Rasmus knows his situation and will share appropriately when the time comes.
As soon as I have the character and connection confirmation, I will look to make the first post on our new thread. Please also feel free to post as much of the descriptions and background as the others would know on this thread asap.
I have a meeting from 9-2 tomorrow but should be able to post before or after that. Thank you for all of your work. Let's get this thing started!
Unfortunately Rom has had to step aside so at least for now our Dwarven Cleric is not so much. I will add a post on the connection thread to let people know there is one opening for either a melee or divine caster/healer. We will begin either way after you guys get the backgrounds up as listed above.
Unfortunately Rom has had to step aside so at least for now our Dwarven Cleric is not so much. I will add a post on the connection thread to let people know there is one opening for either a melee or divine caster/healer. We will begin either way after you guys get the backgrounds up as listed above.
Wow, I'm very surprised. Rom didn't tell me. What a bummer.
Frahraek wanders through the mountains, breathing deeply of the crisp, cool air. He spent a lot of time with the dwarves of Vorland but now he is ready to move on. He is moving toward Barren Falls, a human city and trading stop.
His god Haku seems to be pulling him south. Frahraek is ready to put his newly discovered abilities to the test.
Frahraek stands tall and radiates almost unearthly vitality. While he doesn't look powerfully built, he doesn't seem tired at all by the winding climb through the mountains.
Scarred, deeply tanned, and with a cheerful smile Frahraek seems a study in contradictions. His stranglely colored bronze eyes move quickly and carefully over every rock, every crevice yet he moves almost carelessly, letting his path wander where it wants.
Frahraek is cloaked in a patched, travel-stained cloak that has been well cared for. He wears leather armor and carries only a dagger and a few darts as visible protection. An oiled backpack, small and light, rests on his back. A wooden carving that looks like a whirlwind hangs at his throat.
OOC: Frahraek is looking for some simple things right now:
1.) some friendly companions to travel with and for safety.
2.) bracers of armor.
3.) rumors of dragons or of people in need.
If any of the other characters lived in Vorland he might have made a friendship there and be traveling with them. He would certainly stop at the monastery, have some wine, and maybe meet another friend there.
Frahraek has reached the end of one chapter of his life and is looking to start another. If he finds others of a similiar mind who appear to be a decent sort he would love to travel with them to Barren Falls. Once there, he will look for a way to put his new talents to good use.
Rasmus waits....
Xanros looks down on Barren Falls and wonders if the Cold Steel contact he was told about would be at the Axe and Anvil.
"Am I ready to start on this journey? Am I ready to find my parents killers? This is the only thing I have thought of for almost sixty years but now that it is so close maybe I am not ready to dig up the past." All these thoughts race through Xan's head as he starts down the hill. "I am probably getting ahead of my self because they probably want let me through the front gate anyway."
Xan pulls his cloak a little further over his face and unconsciously stays in the shadows as he walks toward the gate.
Thanks for the postings. I am waiting to finalize a couple of things with the group here and then we can begin. Nice job with the backgrounds and such.
As a note, I apologize if I've been overbearing about any of this. I'm just passionate about all that I do. I want to make sure that the PbP meets the needs/desires of the majority of those playing. I also want to make progress with our story each week.
I understand that there will be a day here or there where someone won't be able to post as much as they like. That is why the npc idea is out there...not for any punitive reasons. Overall I think our target is to average two posts per day most days. If we can do more that will be great. If something comes up and you need to do less for a couple of days, just let me know and we can roll with it.
The main idea is to have fun.
As soon as I have these final details worked out...the final roster so to speak we will begin. I'm aiming for tomorrow, but it will be no later than Wednesday. If I can get all questions answered today there is a very tiny chance it could be tonight. I say tiny, because one of my PnP games is tonight.
Isnor OOC:
I have given the DM a profile and char sheet of Isnor Rockbrother, dwarf cleric of Moradin. A proper description for Isnor will be forthcoming, when I can join on a daily basis. Till that time, happy hunting and be safe my friends!
Isnor: feel free to add the description now and post as you can. You will be coming to town with the others from the mountains. Glad to have you here.
Alright, we are in need of an arcane caster.
Charles has had to step aside due to time constraints. Ron is back in and I have his stuff. As soon as I have all the info on the arcane caster we will be good to go.
Updated: Here is the roster as I currently have it:
Rasmus Fjolsvang(Magnus)--LG Hellbred Favored Soul of Heironeous
Xanros Duskwalker(Dreamweaver)--LN Gray Elf Scout
Boeler Widsend(Hyrax)--LG Halfling Monk
Isnor Rockbrother(Rom)--NG Dwarf Cleric of Moradin
Gimble 'Shadowalker' Turen(Arctaris)--N Gnome Illusionist
If there are any changes, please let me know asap.
Though I'm still waiting on some info from Arctaris, I think we are ready to begin.
I will update the recent connection of your group in a few minutes or later tonight. I will make the first post on the campaign thread either tonight or before noon tomorrow.
Unless there are objections, below is the basic end of the backstory for your characters. If you want changes, please let me know.
Just yesterday all of you (except Rasmus) arrived in town.
Gimble and Boeler hail from Lidralen and came from the west through the length of Ildonia. They traveled mostly on the military patrolled roads but, to avoid unnecessary trouble, detoured around the capital of Carik. They passed a number of small towns, the inhabitants of which all seemed to live fearful lives. Despite passing several military patrols, the two friends managed to stay out of trouble. Upon entering Barren Falls (see description a few posts ago) in the evening they were pleased to find a somewhat lighter atmosphere, though still foreboding. After asking for direction, they were found lodging at The Leisurely Lion, a Mid-level inn with a tiny bar run by a halfling who calls himself Tryme. He is a cheery fellow, especially for this country, and the evening passes well.
Xanros and Isnor, friends whose unlikely relationship was forged in the Redcast mountains east of Ildonia also entered town last evening. Passing through the military outpost was very easy for Isnor, but uncomfortable for Xanros as elves are not appreciated in the least. When passing through you note that this is a fully fortified and prepared outpost about 300 yards from the east of town. You observe 4 catapults at the ready and archers on alert. Inside the outpost is an open area with several outbuildings and a stables with about 50 horses. While you are passing through, you notice several bulletins posted, some offering rewards for completion of various tasks, some extolling future entertainment. Most you do not have time to read as you are hurried through, but one catches your eye. It contains a large headline that has a picture of a massive humanoid wearing breeches and little more and reads: "Win your chance at fame and glory...or die a gruesome death at the hands of our own KINLESS!!! 2000 GP to the first who can best Kinless in hand to hand combat." Smaller print at the bottom reads "Next bout at fortnight's end".
The two friends then proceed into town down the main road, pass Breska's Supply Emporium, and are are greeted with the welcoming sight of the Axe and Anvil on their left. The sign out front is made of polished steel and has a brightly painted picture of an axe and anvil together and the name in Dwarvish script. The double door entrance leads to the common room of the tavern. Entering to find lodging the two see quickly that this is one of the hot spots in town for non military folk. On one end is a common sleeping room with a raised up section that is heated when necessary and (mostly) bug free in the center and also a series of stalls about the size of small prison cells without doors but with a mat in each. On the other end of this large building are private rooms. This seems to to be a high quality establishment, but the sort of place where deals can get done. You met the proprieter of the establishment, a muscular Dwarf who goes by the name of Krellish. He seems rather a pessimist but welcomes the business as you request a private room. He has a distinctive scar across his forehead that you learn during dinner was left when an axe pierced his helm and forced his retirement some years ago. His rates and ale are both good and the evening passes uneventfully.
Now that I consider it, I will cut and paste these two posts into the first thread for the game assuming noone requests changes this evening.
The first campaign post from me will be posted either late tonight or in the morning and will feature the introduction of Rasmus.
As you have talked about town, you have learned that the majority of establishments are contained on the east-west main road which is a 30' wide throughfare (called simply 'The Road') or on one of 5 north-south offshoots that are about 15' wide. The roads going north are Ivy Lane and Temple Road.
The westmost road, Ivy Lane, features shops that include the bakery Sweetness Itself, Polly's Perfumery, Rockstone Rocks, and Braden's Boudior, in addition to the Tourge Estate at road's end.
Temple Road features The Temple of Erythnul(see above for description), and Alphor's Exploding Delights and leads up to Braxtor Keep (also see above).
To the south are Mossy Lane, Cobble Way, and Metallwork Lane.
Mossy Lane features the Leisurely Lion, Kalek's Killing Blades, and Just in Time Enchantments.
Cobble Way features The Master's Smithy and Gerda's Fountain of Fate.
Metallwork Lane features Bowyer Bill's The Shield of Defense, and Kidok's.
The Road features The Wooden Wheel, Horses-n-More, Toothless Tack and Saddle, The Sequester, The Axe and Anvil, The Badgered Beaver, and Breska's Supply Emporium.
This may be more info than necessary but might also answer a series of questions later should you stay here or visit again.
I've read most of the thread, I'll read the rest soon.
Here is a description of Gimble, both his character and his appearance.
Gimble is tall for a gnome. He has black hair and black eyes. Instead of the normal, cheerful mannerisms of his race his face is set in a grim manner. He is quite and alert, always watching those around him.
I'll email the questionnaire and my personal history to the Dm as soon as I get home on Thursday.
The Campaign thread can be accessed here
I have cut and pasted the intro town information and the character's entrance into town. Hopefully I can have the first post that engages you guys up in a little bit.
It sounds like the first couple of days may be slow for us due to everyone's commitments this week but that the speed should hit normal(2-3 posts per day per person) by about Monday.
Feel free to explore. You have a few threads you could pursue if you choose (anything about the town, the posted notices, Cold Steel, etc) and the more you interact, the more you will find. I will work with whatever direction the group decides to take. If necessary I will direct more strongly, but I suspect it won't be.
Let's get it started!
There. The initial posts are up. That should get us up and running.
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I have a question on your take of the skirmish ability. If I ready an action and wait for some one to attack will I be able to use the skirmish damage? The same applies to a surprise round or if I wait in ambush to attack. My thought would be that in ambush or a readied action a scout would wait for the best shot possible and cause the most damage he could. What do you think?
Movement is an essential part of the skirmish. In readying an action, you can complete your move action and ready the standard action. If you were to move at least 10' (activating the skirmish) and then ready an action to attack, it seems reasonable to me to allow the skirmish damage. If the readied action doesn't take place before the next round, you would have to move again to keep the skirmish active. In other words, I think overall we can accompish your goal. Does that answer your question?
I was wondering if I could use my Track feat in reverse. Make an opponents track DC higher by using my Track feat. My train of thought is this since I would know how to track something I should know how to make it harder the be tracked. I know a scout will sooner or later get the pass without a trace ability but if I could use it to help the rest of my group that would be great. I also thought it would be a pretty cool addition to the track feat.
My instinct is this: If you have survival and track and travel at 1/2 movement (to represent the time spent) you could effectively increase the DC of any track check made by someone following you as you attempt to obscure your trail. It's not perfect because as your character is well aware, leaving no trail is nigh impossible. But you could certainly make it harder, lead them on wild goose chases, etc.
It is an interesting question maybe deserving of its own thread on these boards. Feel free to post one if you like. Until someone convinces me different, I will play as written above.
My wife said she may have seen something about that in one of the complete or environment books, but she's not sure. If anyone else knows the 'official' answer, please feel free to jump in.
Hope that helps.
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I know that in the PHB it states under the track feat that a party may attempt to hide its tracks and moves at half speed, doing so increases the track DC by 5. It doesn't state any specifics about the tracked party, though, ie do they have Track feat, etc. Shamgar is correct that a thread should be started about this.
Much appreciated Dreamweaver. It seems that the consensus is roughly what I was trying for with my previous explanation. My thoughts are still that you could get an even bigger bonus though (based on a successful survival check).
Where is everyone? I see we have 3 of our players posted to the opening scene. I knew it would be slow this week, but this is somewhat disappointing, I must say.
Hopefully we can all be to the 2-3 times per day we discussed before by Monday. IF there are some issues, please let me know.
A couple of clarifications (I will update the main thread tomorrow morning as well): The street you are currently by is not Temple Road, but rather west of that. I apologize if my description was not clear.
Secondly, ummm...where do you guys think the guards are? Rasmus appeared out of nowhere but there are no (visible at the moment anyway) guards chasing him. He looks like he is being chased and the listed actions could make sense based upon that, but there are not visible. Some are patrolling but as noted in the text passed you earlier.
Anyway, hopefully all will be better over the next couple of days. I'm still waiting on detailed info from one of you as well (you know who you are. :)
There aren't guards?!? Oops. I guess I'll make the same actions in hopes of getting the attention of anyone who might be pursueing him.
Changed my last post with the guards in it. I failed my will save so the new threat is the silent image. I am just waiting to see what happens now.
Well, I tried to wait for Rom. Hopefully he (and therefore Isnor) will be on tomorrow.
I believe I responded to all actions and questions. If I missed something, just let me know.
Hopefully we can get this moving now that we are all here.
I'm not afraid to go into combat with the illusion becuase I know its an Illusion. I'm afradi of going into combat in general becuase Gimble isn't terrible adept at physical combat.