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The Archives => Roleplaying (Archived) => Topic started by: Ishmayl-Retired on December 10, 2006, 01:00:44 PM

Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on December 10, 2006, 01:00:44 PM
Below is all the information you should need to play in the Memory Fading PbP game.  If you have any questions, please post them here, I will updating every few days until we actually start.

Quote from: http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?11692Memory Fading[/url]
Fires lit up the heavens last night, just beyond the beginning of the foothills to the Barrow Teeth.  In most cities 'round the world, this would cause little concern, but in Sal Boran, where no fires outside the city have been seen for over a month now, this stirred up some confusion and chaos.  The flames were in the direction of Sardatown, which is known to be deserted.

This morning, Captain Teral Graybeard asked for several volunteers to travel to investigate the mysterious flames seen last night.  These volunteers are to meet him in the common room of the Dog's Barn tavern at sunset this evening to discuss travel accommodations and recommendations.
[/ic]

Quote from: Your CharacterI recommend you use this character sheet format (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?1592) for your character, but it's not by any means necessary.

Please do not post characters in this thread.  When you've come up with one you're satisfied with, simply PM me with the details.  I'm not going to stop anyone from discussing with each other what kind of character they have, but I would rather you not.  However, once your characters are created, I'll have you introduce them to each other because your characters need to know each other before we start.

Here's how you will create your character:
[note=Here are the values if you need them]
StatPointsExtra
80
[td rowspan='11']If you would like to have stats below 8 for some reason, you are welcome to add point-buy values of 1 for each stat point you go below 8.  For instance, for a stat of 7, you get 1 extra point.  For a stat of 6, you get 2 extra points.  So on and so forth.[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]9[/td]
[td]1[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]10[/td]
[td]2[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]11[/td]
[td]3[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]12[/td]
[td]4[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]13[/td]
[td]5[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]14[/td]
[td]6[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]15[/td]
[td]8[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]16[/td]
[td]10[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]17[/td]
[td]13[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]18[/td]
[td]16[/td]
[/tr]
[/table]
[/note]
1. Your character will be level 3.
2. The character creation is diceless. We'll be using the 30 point-buy method to determine your stats.  
3. Your race will be of the standard D&D variety.  If you have any special requests here, discuss openly in this thread, and we'll see what we can do.
4. Your class will be of the standard D&D variety as well.  Once again, if you have any requests, let me know here and we'll see what we can do.
5. Choose your skills, feats, spells, etc from the PHB.  No outside skills or feats will be used; if you have outside spells you're interested in, post about them here and we'll talk.
6. Choose your equipment.  According to the DM's Guide, a PC's starting GP for level 3 is 2700.  That's what we'll go with.  Here is how you can distribute your wealth.
--6a  You can have 1 magic item worth up to 1200 gp in value, and two masterwork items (weapons, armor, or other equipment) or,
--6b  You can have 2 magic items worth no more than 900 gp in value each, and one masterwork item.  That should help you get rid of all that pesky money.
7. Write a background.  I know you have somewhat limited knowledge of the setting, and I apologize for that, but for the time being, just keep your backgrounds generic when it comes to locations.  Be as descriptive as you want without writing me a novel.

That should do for now.  I'll update this thread as I need to, and answer any questions asked of me.

Cheers!
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Furor on December 10, 2006, 01:40:43 PM
Multiclassing alright? If I were to be a ranger, what would the best favored enemy for my character be? If its compromising to the plot I'll choose another class, but the favored enemy is one of the bigger balancing abilities given the ranger, I'd rather not waste it.  
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on December 10, 2006, 02:40:37 PM
Good question.  Here's a list of some common creatures known to inhabit the areas around Sal Boran.

Immediately Surrounding Sal Boran
Orcs
Ogres
Hill Giants
Gnolls
Lizardfolk (in the bogs to the south of the city)
Ettercaps (in the Derryhill Woods to the west of the city)
Giant Spiders and other Vermin (in the Derryhill Woods)


Yes, multiclassing is okay.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Endless_Helix on December 10, 2006, 05:49:12 PM
Are psionics allowed? I'm assuming that by 'standard DnD' you mean core rulebooks 1-3 (PHB, DMG, and MM). Also, is Tome of Battle allowed?
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on December 10, 2006, 05:55:06 PM
I don't own the Tome of Battle, so that would be a bit difficult for me.  As for psionics, I could deal, but I'm really not super familiar with the rules, so may not be the best DM in the world to run a campaign that involves them.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: limetom on December 10, 2006, 07:36:32 PM
My entry may be a little... delayed.  I have exams this week, and as soon as they're done, I'm going back to Maryland for the holidays.

I'll be in, but it might take a week or so.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Numinous on December 10, 2006, 07:42:04 PM
My entry might take a while too, I'll probably build a character during Christmas break.  I assume it might be best just to start the game itself after the holidays.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on December 10, 2006, 08:45:57 PM
That shouldn't be a problem at all.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Darkxarth on December 10, 2006, 09:23:40 PM
I'll start working on mine ASAP.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Endless_Helix on December 11, 2006, 10:18:44 AM
Alright! So core it is! Onward... TO CHARACTER PWNAGE!
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Tangential on December 11, 2006, 10:50:38 PM
Echoing limetom and CT, my build may take a little while. Midterms are eating me alive.

How do you feel about the Spell Compendium?
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Darkxarth on December 12, 2006, 12:32:14 PM
Err... hmmm.... instead of ASAP I should have said ASAF, As Soon As FinalsarefreakingoverandIcandostuffagain.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Darkxarth on December 14, 2006, 11:11:22 AM
Okay, how do we do HP?  1st level is max, obviously, but how do we do 2 & 3?
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Endless_Helix on December 14, 2006, 12:20:11 PM
I just used the average of my hit die + con mod for those levels
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on December 14, 2006, 06:04:24 PM
Yup, high average + mods is the way to do it.  Also, I have 2 characters in so far.  Make sure you noticed this under the character creation process:

"You can have one masterwork item (either weapon or armor), and one magical item worth up to 900 gp in value."

Cheers!
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Darkxarth on December 14, 2006, 08:50:36 PM
I am actually working on my character, now that finals are over.

EDIT: Decided the questions should be PMed.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on December 15, 2006, 06:44:37 PM
Okay, there's an addendum in the "What you can buy" section.  SOrry for the confusion.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on December 15, 2006, 06:49:01 PM
Okay, now it's updated ;)
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Captain Obvious on December 15, 2006, 07:35:14 PM
There room for one more?

Also, would other humanoids be allowed? i.e. orcs? goblins? other?
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on December 15, 2006, 10:07:22 PM
I think I would like to stick with six honestly, but I'll be happy to keep you on stand-by in case of any "drop-outs."

To answer your question, if anyone's interested in non-standard races, just PM me and explain to me what you want, and we'll see what we can do.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on December 19, 2006, 09:54:25 PM
Any updates here on characters or availability?
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Endless_Helix on December 19, 2006, 10:00:56 PM
You've got the URL of mine. I've got to fix the equipment still.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Furor on December 19, 2006, 10:22:03 PM
updated my equipment already (the changes made all the difference, AC 18, +6 for both attacks)
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Darkxarth on December 21, 2006, 11:27:39 PM
Quote from: IshmaylAny updates here on characters or availability?
I currently have next to no Internet access, though I should be back to normal after January 8th.  I have a character sheet I'm working on, but I won't be able to post it until after the 8th, sorry.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Tangential on December 26, 2006, 12:36:58 AM
Well, here's the news. I can make up a character for this, but after the 3rd of January I will not be able to play for nearly a month. Instead I'll be traveling in India with only sporadic access to the Internet.

Would you like a character anyway?
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on December 26, 2006, 01:59:16 PM
It would probably be best to not, then.  I imagine not even getting truly started until around the 3rd, so that wouldn't really help you.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Endless_Helix on December 27, 2006, 09:06:29 PM
So, What's the word on the campaign? Where's everybody at?

I've got my character sheet all set at Myth-Weavers.com (Ishy, I'm pretty sure I've PMed you the URL) and am eagerly awaiting the start of a true epic, like the one we've got on our hands now. :)
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on December 27, 2006, 10:16:35 PM
I do have your character Helix, it looks good.  I'm currently awaiting word from the possibly-new sixth player, and then after that, I'm going to start rushing some character creation, possibly with the enforcement of a first play-date (as-of-yet, unset) :)  Cheers!
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Captain Obvious on December 27, 2006, 11:44:24 PM
So i have been informed there is room for me to join. Just wondereing whether any of you have consulted each other to balance the class mix, or have we just been picking blind?
Starting to work on my character now and he should be up soonish.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Endless_Helix on December 28, 2006, 07:52:35 AM
I picked at random, for what it's worth. I don't know about the rest of the group.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on December 28, 2006, 12:58:02 PM
Yeah, I would prefer you guys to go ahead and choose your characters in a more random fashion.  More realism, I believe.  But then again, I'm not going to harass anyone if they consult with each other.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Tangential on December 31, 2006, 12:41:38 AM
I'll be watching this with baited breath. Er...I'll be mixing my metaphors over there. *points at corner*.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Furor on January 02, 2007, 04:44:17 PM
Equally as anxious ( though maybe not as metaphorical). Looking forward to playing
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on January 02, 2007, 04:47:13 PM
Glad to hear it; I"ll post an update this evening with whose characters (or character ideas) I have and we'll go from there... so far, I only have 2, and word from 2 others about possibilities.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Numinous on January 02, 2007, 05:56:30 PM
Update from me, I've discussed my character concept with Ishmayl and it has been approved.  I'm making the sheet right after I click the little reply to thread button at the bottom of my screen. ;)
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Captain Obvious on January 02, 2007, 08:38:46 PM
I should hopefully be sending by character to you by tommorow evening.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Endless_Helix on January 02, 2007, 10:56:41 PM
Yay! It shall begin! I've been hankering to be a player for almost 2 years now... YAY!
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Furor on January 05, 2007, 02:59:26 PM
heh, same here, i'm always the DM and never the player
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on January 05, 2007, 05:22:01 PM
Okay, first post updated with current status of players and characters; as you can see, only 2 people have sent me specific characters yet, though I have spoken with Crit and the Captain about their characters.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Furor on January 09, 2007, 05:54:57 PM
any word on when we start?
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on January 09, 2007, 06:01:06 PM
I just got Sidekick Boy's character in today, still awaiting a couple more.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Captain Obvious on January 09, 2007, 06:01:48 PM
Hey Ishy, did you get my PM about how to count less expensive magical items into out 2/1 or 1/2 magic/MW item selections?
Also, how would special materials count? (like cold iron or silver or whatever. do the go under magic? or does it come from your MW allotment? or something else?
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on January 13, 2007, 05:55:46 PM
Updated with Supadupaman's character; still awaiting characters from Crit and limetom.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: limetom on January 14, 2007, 05:33:57 PM
Character sent.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Numinous on January 14, 2007, 06:00:30 PM
Character sent.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on January 14, 2007, 08:11:16 PM
Alrighty, first post updated, I'll get a nice update soon and we can start playing.  Cheers!
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Furor on January 19, 2007, 12:34:02 AM
any info?
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on January 19, 2007, 12:46:05 PM
Hey guys,
Sorry for the lack of info; I promise I haven't forgotten, nor is this a dead project.  It's just that, for the same reason I've been such a deadbeat with LC's game recently, I've got a lot of "real-life" stuff going, including a possible career change (which is what I've been focusing all my energy on for the past couple weeks).  I'll get some info and we can do this, I still really want to play and am still excited about this.
Cheers!
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Gwaihir Windlord on January 22, 2007, 05:21:17 PM
Is it too late for me to join?  If not, then say hello to Aramis Lazurus, sorcerer.  If so, then, well, PM me when someone dies or if an opening arises.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on February 06, 2007, 06:08:38 PM
Hey guys,
Procrastination is done.  I got my new job, so I'm done working on resumes, interviews, etc.  It's now time to begin.  I'm going to post the first opening dialog/session/chapter this coming Sunday, and will be attempting to update it every day.  If every day is too much for you guys, we can make it 2 or 3 times a week.  Basically, here's how I'll do things  (since I don't know anything about running a PbP):

I'll post a chapter opening with a "cliffhanger" (I'll ask a question, or leave an opening, something similar).

The next person to post has the first opportunity to respond to the opening.  Then, the next person must respond in real time, assuming the previous person has already done their action.  Thus, if King Bob asks, "Which one of you people will hold my hand," and the next person to respond is Crit, saying, "I will hold your hand, my liege," then Darkxarth can't come around next and say, "I will hold your hand, Master Bob," because the action has already been done.  Make sense?  Sound fair?

I have the first three weeks planned out (at least, the basic outlines) as a sort of exposition, which will go relatively straight-forward; after that, you guys are running the show, and I'm simply playing the NPCs.  Hope to see you all soon!
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Darkxarth on February 06, 2007, 07:50:54 PM
All right!  Glad to hear that you got the job, and also glad to hear that the game is going to start up!  I can do a day-by-day game.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Captain Obvious on February 06, 2007, 07:54:07 PM
Congrats on the new job dude.

And as for the game, allow me be the first to submit a joyous Woohpp!
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on February 11, 2007, 10:15:30 PM
The Game has Begun (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?26169)
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on March 03, 2007, 10:24:30 PM
Hmm.... have I already bored everyone into not playing? :(
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Captain Obvious on March 04, 2007, 05:23:39 AM
well, it's maybe going a bit slower than i'd prefer, but it's fine.
Mostly i just don't see a reason for me to post at certain points.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Darkxarth on March 04, 2007, 11:20:10 AM
Sometimes, I just can't think of anything for Fizz to say.  But it's going fine.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: brainface on March 04, 2007, 06:29:21 PM
I think ishmayl, to speed things up, you should have your npc talk about muffins.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: limetom on April 03, 2007, 05:58:05 PM
So... uh... are we going to get started again sometime? :-|

Just wondering.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Ishmayl-Retired on April 11, 2007, 03:56:49 PM
Guys, I've gotten a couple questions concerning this, and I apologize I haven't answered very quickly.  The reason is, I wanted to think about it.  Personally, I think I may have started the campaign off on the wrong foot.  I'm 100% new to PbP's, and it's obviously I kept things going rather slowly, and probably didn't really know what I should have been doing to make things more interesting, so I apologize for that.  Maybe we can regroup here and speak of some things I could be doing, as well as things you could be doing, that would help things run a bit smoother.  I don't want to end the campaign before it's even begun, and I have a lot of (what I think of as) fun stuff to do, but we've got to get there first.  Let me know what you think.
Title: Memory Fading PBP [Pre-Game Exposition and Out-of-Character Thread]
Post by: Darkxarth on April 11, 2007, 04:30:33 PM
I was okay with the way the campaign was going, though I will admit it was moving slowly.  I've seen this problem several times before, PbP campaigns that start slowly usually don't get off the ground, unfortunately.  So while the role-playing opening works well for some real life games, it tends to kill off PbP games.

Good methods tend to include the instant action start.  Usually it means that the PCs are thrown together suddenly when something exciting happens.  This isn't a guarantee, but it usually insures that the players are excited enough about playing their new characters to get truly into the ideas of the campaign.

Finally, PbP games in general seem to need to include more action/puzzles/etc. in order to keep players.  There's less guilt about leaving a PbP game than a RL one, probably has something to do with Internet anonymity.