All right. I had some inspiration to start world-building again recently, and based on what I've come up with (not without mucho help from Slash the Berzerker, mind you), I've decided to start up my very own play-by-email RPG, probably using the open source 3.5E d20 rules.
I've already had a few flickers of interest both here and elsewhere, but thought I'd make it official by starting a thread.
What I'm looking for are character ideas, the same way as with the last two games that got started up (Slash's and FlyingCow's). The most important thing is a sketch (however rough) of the character's history. The ones I ultimately settle on for the game will be the ones that best mesh with the world and allow for the creation of interesting story and roleplay situations.
The game will be strongly focused on roleplaying – I may not even be awarding experience for killing monsters, that has yet to be decided.
Here is some background about the world, which is based loosely on ancient Babylon...
GENERAL WORLD NOTES
The nation of Khadanira, in the world of Hadim, has natural borders on three sides – ocean to the west, desert to the south, and mountains to the east. Climate in the nation ranges from arid in the south to Mediterranean in the north, with yellowed grasslands crossed by the occasional river. The capital city, which shares the nation’s name, sits on a peninsula that juts out into the ocean. There are other cities of varying size along the coast, and several others inland on or near life-giving rivers.
Khadanira the city is a thriving, bustling metropolis. It is the seat of the God-King Naugadessar, being closest to the holy mountain of Abiratash – a dormant volcanic island just north of Khadanira. It is said to be where the first true God-King gave himself over to the Spirit of Maumatuch, the patron god of Khadanira.
Religion and superstition are of fundamental importance to the people of Khadanira, though the influence of organized religion lessens with increasing distance from the capital city. Maumatuch, though the patron god of Khadanira, is not supreme among the gods. Maruh, the First Word, that which wrote the other Words into the fabric of the Universe, rules over all of the gods. Maruh is patron to no country, but to the entire world of Hadim.
The priests of Maumatuch wield tremendous political and social power in Khadanira city. They are advisors to the God-King in addition to guiding the people in how best to live. In the city there are two ziggurat-temples – one to Maumatuch and one to Maruh. There are also smaller temples and places of worship scattered about the city.
Among the common folk, charms and other superstitions are everywhere. Commoners’ homes are made from sandstone or clay, and above every door and every window is carved a Word of warding. In the upper class, houses are made of harder stone – marble, or other ores, and the Words are less present.
In fact, stone and gems are one of the most important commodities in the nation. Khadanirans trade stone, gems, and grain with their neighbours to the north of the Earata river, both overland and on coastal sea routes. There is also some trade across the Akkad Sea. Khadanira city and other coastal cities such as Baladan, across the Bay of the God from the capital. The inland cities are lesser trade centres and trade stopovers for caravans from the north heading to the larger coastal cities.
To the south, in the Nezheb Deset, live the Berwaan. They are a nomadic people who only come north into Khadanira to trade quarrying rights to sandstone deposits in on the Nezheb’s outskirts for metal tools and other crafted goods they can’t make for themselves. They also trade other, less common things, such as the skins and eggs of the great sand lizards that live in the deep desert.
To the east, where the Nezheb meets the Kinshu Mountains, lie vast and largely unexplored ruins. These ruins are the sites of massive, ancient cities – the power-centres of a civilization long since scattered and ruined. The Kinshu separate Khadanira from the land of Ammur, about which very little is known.
The characters will be part of a travelling caravan coming from a large town in northern Khadanira toward Baladan, and ultimately on to Khadanira city itself.
SPECIFIC NOTES
Combat
Armor – because of the arid temperatures of much of Khadanira, heavy armor is quite rare. Most soldiers wear armor of boiled or studded leather, with chain and scale mail being common for heavy foot soldiers. Any armor type would still tend to expose as much skin as possible in non vital areas to keep the soldier cool. Bare legs with armored torsos are quite common. Plate and full plate would be almost non existent, as the temperatures would make such full body coverings unworkable.
Weapons – because combat skills rely more on speed and accuracy than on the ability to penetrate heavy armor, most weapons are light and quick. Scimitars and other single-edged, one-handed swords are very common. Short bows that can be used from horseback are also a favorite weapon, as most soldiers are trained to fight while mounted. Spears and lances are used mostly by ground troops, though mounted soldiers may sometimes use a light spear. Tower shields are sometimes used by frontline shock troops, where large groups of pikemen tend to form defensive hedgehogs in close quarters battles.
Magic
Spells – there being no centres of wizardly magic in Khadanira, spell scrolls are few and far between. Spellbooks and scrolls carried by wizards, clerics, and messengers in the region require protection from the arid climate – scrolls are always bound in cases and books are always sealed.
Items – there are a great many items of magical nature… or at least, items that are believed to be magical. Commoners in the cities carry amulets and charms to ward evil or bring luck. Priests wear holy pendants that bring power or other benefits. Some of these are genuine, but most hold no more power than a rock in the street.
Character classes
Clerics – priests are very political in Khadanira. All clerics native to the city will hold multiple offices, both religious and temporal. They often act as magistrates and judges, and may control portions of the city guard. They collect taxes for the king, and demand obeisance be made to the many statues of the god-king, and of his patron Maumatuch. Berwaan clerics from the desert are exlcusively Water-Makers, a very specialized type of priest whose major purpose is the creation of water for his fellow tribesmen.
Wizard and sorcerers – non-clerical magic is forbidden in the capital city. Wizards within the borders of the empire are almost always members of trading caravans from other places, as there are no schools at which to learn magic inside Khadanira. Sorcerers who live in the empire will be secretive and unwilling to use their gifts openly, as any citizen who was caught using such arts would be taken before the priests for judgment. Foreign wizards are tolerated, but use of their magics in the larger cities would bring the priests down on them.
Fighters and paladins – there are many soldiers in the empire, including members of the kings armies, city guards, and caravan guards. There are holy warriors as well, though they will be closely tied to the priests of the city, and are often members of the God-King’s personal guard.
Barbarians and rangers – rangers can often be found as caravan guides and as scouts for the army. Barbarians will almost exclusively be members of the southern desert tribes. These men live in the harsh desert, and are skilled in survival and concealment. They are also rumored to be able to drive themselves into a battle fury that is terrible to behold. They will tend to be suspicious of those who pay fealty to the empire and the God-King, as they have their own gods.
Rogues and bards – rogues are the most common character class in the empire’s cities, though most do not possess a great measure of skill. Larger cities will have thriving theives’ guilds, though, who expect a cut of whatever chenanigans are conducted within the city’s borders. Bards are uncommon, though what few there are would either be travelling minstrels, singing on street corners or restaurants, or possibly attendants at the court of an upper-class citizen.
Druids – Khadanira has no druids. Druids could conceivably come from the north or across the ocean – though the Berwaan tribes that live as far south into the Nezheb as humans can are rumoured to be possessed of strange shapeshifting powers.
Monks – Khadanira also has no monks, since only state-sponsored organized religion is acceptable to the clergy in Khadanira. A monk in the nation would be a very strange occurance. The state and the clergy would not take kindly to a monk spouting blasphemous views in Maumatuch’s country.
Psionics – There are no psionicists in the world of Hadim, and with good reason.
Character races
Humans – yep, it’s basically all about the humans. The further south you go, the darker the skin and hair of the populace.
Halflings, dwarves, gnomes – there aren’t any. None in Khadanira, at any rate.
Elves – Elves are a rarity in Khadanira. No one knows where they’re from or why the mysteriously appear from time to time in cities, sometimes silently observing, sometimes preaching, spouting doomsday warnings. That they generally appear around the time of the celestial equinox of the moons – about three times per year.
Other, weirder races – No. This region of the world is for the humans.
_______________
If you're interested, either post here or drop me a line (raja at strobelight dot ca).
[ April 18, 2004, 12:23 PM: Message edited by: twinky ]
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Second, I'd like to again extend copious thanks to Slash for giving me so much help with design and names. Some of the text in the above post is his.
Posted by Son_of_Priam (Member # 6411) on :
seeing as I have virtually no life, and all the immagination hasn't been beaten out of me yet I think i can put something together, maybe sketch up some stuff. I would definately like in on this though.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
An addendum:
I've already been asked about a deadline by a couple of people. I'm thinking a week at the least. So definitely one week, maybe eight or nine days.
The party will be starting at either the second or third level.
And just to stress this again, you're going to need a plausible explanation for your character's presence as a member of (or guard of) this trading caravan.
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
Should we post our ideas in this thread or email them?
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Well... email, I suppose, since it's probably best if the characters don't know one anothers' history. But general question should be posted so the thread doesn't die. Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
It sounds fun, twink, but I've never done RPG before. Are you wanting people with experience?
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Not necessarily, no. Both myself and the more experienced players will be able to give you rules help if you need it.
Take a gander at the archives of Slash's game for an idea of how it works. Usually, the rules don't come up all that often for the players, and that'll be even more true of my game.
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
go get a life
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
I have over four thousand posts on this forum. Clearly I have no life.
I was just asked about starting level – it'll either be level 2 or level 3. Level 1 is a bit too fragile for this world; I'd like the characters to live at least a little while.
Edit: One more thing. Whenever you email your character ideas to me, include your Hatrack username so I know who you are.
[ April 11, 2004, 04:54 PM: Message edited by: twinky ]
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
It sounds cool. I'll need considrable help though, since I haven't played D&D for a loooooooonnng time.
Posted by saxon75 (Member # 4589) on :
Dang, twink, your world sounds cool. But since I'm already in two games, I think it'd be kind of unfair for me to try to get into this one too. Of course, if you don't get enough applications, let me know.
Also, it sounded on sakeriver like you've got the whole archiving thing worked out, but if you decide that you'd like to keep your archives at sakeriver, I'd be more than happy to accommodate you.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Any restrictions on alignment?
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
I like it. A third level character? Good level. Are those the only classes available? I've been playing with the idea of a Favored Soul or a Marshall. But I haven't done a Rogue or a Ranger yet (or a real wizard for that matter).
Sounds really cool. I'll see if I have time.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Nonevil alignments would be nice. I'd like the party to at least have a chance of getting along.
Favoured Soul? Marshal? These words mean nothing to me If you want to play something different – and you're sure it'll fit with the world – just explain to me what it is or tell me where to find it in the rules when you send me your sketch.
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
Cool.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Upon consultation, a Favoured Soul is a no-go... it doesn't work in the world, for mechanics reasons.
[ April 12, 2004, 01:18 PM: Message edited by: twinky ]
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Just sent you a character sketch twinky; let me know what you think.
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
'sokay! I think I wanna do a Ranger or Rogue anyway. (prob a rogue) I'll email later....
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
The characters will be starting at level 3, I've decided.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
The character I submitted was for a thief/sorcerer. We'll see if twinky likes it.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Are you allowing multi- and duel class characters? I envisioned the character I sent you as being multiclassed rather than duel classed, by the way.
Posted by msquared (Member # 4484) on :
I'm in, if you'll have me. Look for a profile in the next day or so.
msquared
Posted by Bob the Lawyer (Member # 3278) on :
I don't think there's a difference in 3.5
All classes gain XP at the same rate, when you go up a level you pick a class and add 1 level of that class. So if you're a 4th level fighter and go up a level you could pick 5th level fighter or 1st level anything else.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Really? That makes more sense, actually. I always thought that the idea of a duel class character was kind of stupid, honestly.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
BtL's right.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Cool.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
As far as stats are concerned, the point buy system works as follows:
Each stat starts with a base of 8. You have 30 points to spend to increase that as you see fit:
9-12 costs 1 point each 13-15 costs 2 points each 16-18 costs 4 points each
Stats over 18 aren't allowed.
I'm only posting this because I know at least one person who likes to work out stats before shaping the character's personality and backstory. When you send me your character concept, I don't want to see stats. Not yet. Classes/levels yes, stats no. Once the final party is settled I'll want to see the stats of the players and how they spent their points, but not till then.
[ April 12, 2004, 03:24 PM: Message edited by: twinky ]
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
Generous stats! Thanks!
Edit: Oh, and....
quote: All classes gain XP at the same rate, when you go up a level you pick a class and add 1 level of that class. So if you're a 4th level fighter and go up a level you could pick 5th level fighter or 1st level anything else.
In v3.5 multiclassing is still the same. You forgot to mention XP penalties for classes that are more than two levels apart. In d20 Modern, however, there is no XP penalty for multiclassing.
Humans often make good multiclass characters, along with half elves, in that their highest level is not considered for XP penalty purposes.
But I am not an authority yet. Ask Tom and Slash about XP penalties....
[ April 12, 2004, 03:41 PM: Message edited by: eslaine ]
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
By the by, I'm tentatively giving an in, if I can think of a decent character...
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
Gee, Ryuko, I thought you would hold out for the BESM (Big Eyes Small Mouth) supplement. Some of the anime character stuff is great!
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
Actually, I've fallen madly in love with Feng Shui. It's like fecking PLAYING an ACTION MOVIE. AHHHH!!!
My character is a martial artist. #^-^#
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Actually, those stats are less generous than Ty's game, and equivalent to Matt's game, IIRC.
Edit: I'm aiming to have a party of six. Right now it looks like I'll have more submissions than party spots, so I'll just choose the six that fit best with the world and story.
[ April 12, 2004, 03:56 PM: Message edited by: twinky ]
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
Actually, eslaine, the penalty is for classes that are more than *1* level apart, not 2.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
OK, here's some questions about this world:
Are there any humanoids like kobolds, orcs, goblins, ogres, trolls, giants, etc?
What are appropriate racial enemies for a ranger?
How common are magic items in this world? How possible is it to commision specific magic items?
You have changed how divine magic works. How does the spell Faith Healing work now?
What languages are used in this area?
Are there any prestige classes that we could eventually qualify for?
[ April 12, 2004, 04:09 PM: Message edited by: mr_porteiro_head ]
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
Sorry, see what I mean? But you are, of course, correct.
[ April 12, 2004, 04:39 PM: Message edited by: eslaine ]
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
Another question:
How tight of a leash does the church keep its priests on? Is there a possiblity for someone like Friar Tuck?
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
Another question: Are there any groups that practice any kind of healing magic but that don't worship any god?
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
>> Are there any humanoids like kobolds, orcs, goblins, ogres, trolls, giants, etc? <<
Not really. On the fringes in some areas there are some monsters such as these – for instance, where the desert meets the mountains, there are some goblins. In the northeast, where the mountains meet the sea, there are also goblins. There are no such humanoinds in the east.
>> What are appropriate racial enemies for a ranger? <<
Ah, racial enemies. Your options at the outset will be quite limited, but if the game goes for long enough for you to choose a second, you will have more choices.
There are the aforementioned goblins in the southeast and northeast. There are also elves in the east, though that would require some backstory. There are various kinds of monsters in the Akkad sea, so a ranger from the coast could conceivably take a class of sea monsters as a racial enemy. Additionally, it would be quite possible to choose a human racial enemy – the soldiers of a foreign power, or the Berwaan to the south. One of the northern nations – Masuur – is not at all friendly with Khadanira, though the two nations do engage in trade. There are occasional border spats. Also, the God-Kings soldiers occasionally roam south and "cull" the Berwaan tribes as much as they can, since the Berwaan sometimes raid southern villages and so forth.
>> How common are magic items in this world? How possible is it to commision specific magic items? <<
True magic, or charms that people believe have power? All sorts of people carry amulets and whatnot, but most of it is just superstition. Items of real power are rare among the lower classes but more common among the upper classes, some of whom can even distinguish true magic-workers from the far more common charlatans.
It isn't possible to commission magical items unless you can find a poweful wizard somewhere. There aren't any who live openly in Khadaniran cities.
>> You have changed how divine magic works. How does the spell Faith Healing work now? <<
I don't see that spell in the lists. You'll have to tell me how it worked before.
I have changed the power behind "divine" magic; priests who can work true magic gain their spells through a combination of prayer and study of their sacred texts. An analogous situation in the real world would be if you could spend a night studying the Qur'an and then get up the next morning and heal someone by touching them.
Priests with true power are few and far between in Khadaniran cities; a "Friar Tuck" type is what you'd be more likely to run into outside of a major urban centre. Priests with true power tend to follow one of two paths – either they become independent, or they realize that their power can get them a long way in the structured clergy of cities and abuse it.
>> What languages are used in this area? <<
Khadanirans share a common tongue, but the Berwaan have a language of their own. Some northerners would have familiarity with the languages of the two bordering countries to the north.
>> Are there any prestige classes that we could eventually qualify for? <<
Haven't even thought about it. But given that you're starting at level 3, that sort of thing isn't going to come up for a looooong time. I'm the sort of DM with whom you'll spend as much time at level 3 as you do at level 13; I don't power my players through low levels.
Edit: as to your last question – no, not currently, but I'd be open to the possibility of such a group if you're willing to sketch it out for me.
[ April 12, 2004, 05:13 PM: Message edited by: twinky ]
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
Twinky: Check your email for my profile draft. Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
Some more questsions: Is this more of a city-based or wilderness-based campaign?
You say we will be starting out as guards of a caravan. Where is this caravan going from and to?
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Where things go from the caravan will depend entirely on the actions of the party.
The caravan is leaving from a city in northern Khadanira and heading for Baladan, then the plan is for it to go from Baladan on to Khadanira city.
Edit: You don't have to be guarding the caravan, you just have to be part of it in some way. This saves me the trouble of contriving some means of bringing the party together.
[ April 12, 2004, 09:59 PM: Message edited by: twinky ]
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
twinky, if I send you my basic idea for a character, can you help me fill in the details? It's been a long time since I've played D&D. A very long time.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Oh, THAT Babylon! I am glad I popped in here. I am writing a story set in ancient Sumer, and I would love to learn how to play your game. Is it hard to learn?
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Derrell, at this stage, all I want is the basic idea. Once I've chosen six players, I'll work with those six on fleshing out character details.
Elizabeth, it isn't the real Babylon, but rather a world of my own design based on ancient Babylon. D&D is... hm. I wouldn't say it's hard to learn, but I wouldn't say it's easy either.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
Only six players, eh? I guess that will make it kinda hard to get in?
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
I wasn't expecting there to be nearly this much interest. I figured most people would be put off by the world and how particular I am about flavour. Evidently I misjudged
Edit: But yeah, six players. PBEM would just go way too slowly with more than that, and I think that's about the right size for a party anyway. If there hadn't been very much interest I might have even gone with five.
[ April 12, 2004, 10:38 PM: Message edited by: twinky ]
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
You could make a teaching version.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
You mean a teaching version of the game?
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
yes
A beginner's game.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
That'd mean running two games... and either introducing the rules slowly or cutting out complexity... right? Or am I misunderstanding you?
Posted by Suneun (Member # 3247) on :
You could run the game for a couple weeks and have her watch, then join the game after that time at a prearranged spot.
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
Well, I just sent my submission. It hasn't bounced back yet. If you don't get it, let me know....
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
How many submissions have you gotten so far twink?
Posted by saxon75 (Member # 4589) on :
twink, will you be giving us a link to your archives?
Posted by Rakeesh (Member # 2001) on :
OK, so I asked most of these questions in an email to Twink, only to have it occur to me, "Post them, stupid!" Sorry if I've overlooked any previously-asked questions.
(For the record, you rabid vultures, I've already sealed a spot. Finally! In on the friggin' ground floor )
What is to the north of Khadanira? Geographically, culturally, politically, etc. Since the caravan is coming from the north, I'm considering making my character a native of those regions. What is imported from the north in return for the gems, grain, and stone exported there? (Possibly relevant for any professions or skills my guy will know)
Are the mounts horse, or camel, or other? Re: sorcerers and wizards (foreign), are there actual laws against them practicing magic openly throughout Khadanira? Is it merely restricted to the cities? (To know how a wizard or sorcerer might behave in a samll village, or a caravan)
Are there clerics or soldiers of Maruh in Khadanira, or are they not persecuted or anything? What deities do the southern barbarians worship?
Are the rare Elves any different than those described in the handbook?
Do characters start with any Fate points, like Tom or Ty's games? Finally, do we start at new-L3, or almost-finished L3?
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Argh, I just lost a lengthy post.
All right. From the top. Once more, with feeling.
I've had about ten submissions or people say that they were absolutely definitely going to submit something, plus two or three more people who may submit something.
I'll definitely be linking the archives for whoever's interested.
There are two nations to the north of Khadanira – Masuur, and a second, as-yet-unnamed country. Masuur is the equivalent of Assyria. I haven't done any design work on the other country yet, so if you want to have a character come from there, you get to make it up. If I like it, it becomes canon.
The caravan will be leaving from northern Khadanira, from a city about 150km south of the river that marks its northern border.
Khadanira trades stone, gems, and grain with its northern neighbours for fruit and vegetables, preserved goods (meats, dried fruit/vegetables), some livestock, and certain delicacies (chocolate among them).
Mounts for soldiers and messengers are horses; for merchants with caravans it's camels, typically extravagantly adorned with cloths and pillows for their comfort. For short treks, donkeys are used as pack animals.
The rule of thumb for wizards is "don't cast spells in big cities." Elsewhere, whether you're foreign or native, it's fine.
There are clerics of every god in the Khadaniran pantheon in the nation, but in Khadanira city itself, they are almost always either priests of Maumatuch or Maruh. In other cities, there is a wider variety.
Soldiers are loyal to the God-King. There are garrisons in each of the major cities, and the cities are allowed to use the soldiers with some autonomy, but their first loyalty is always to the monarch.
The Berwaan have gods of their own, but I haven't named them them yet. Making stuff up is allowed.
Physically, no, the elves get all of the same racial bonuses and everything. If you do want to be an elf, though, email me with your idea, because there's some world-specific stuff that they do additionally.
As to fate points, I haven't decided, so as far as stats are concerned do them as though you don't have a fate point.
You'll be "just started L3."
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
quote:The rule of thumb for wizards is "don't cast spells in big cities." Elsewhere, whether you're foreign or native, it's fine.
Wait...so if my character were to cast a spell while en route to a big city, if full view of everyone else in the caravan, he wouldnt' be informed on upon reaching said big city? That might change how I was conceiving of playing the character I submitted to you earlier--assuming that I'm one of those chosen to play, that is.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Probably not, depending on what his role was with the caravan and who else was part of it. Obviously a zealous priest WOULD put you on the wanted list, so to speak, but most normal people wouldn't.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Good to know.
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
What's the best way to make up a name?
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Take a real word from the civilization and modify it. That's how I got most of mine.
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
Babynames.com is also a good resource. It can make your character's name mean something to them. Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
I sent you an email twink. Did you get it?
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Okay, I'm sending you a character sketch. I really have no idea how to do this...
It'll be coming from an asu.edu address. Just so you know.
Posted by fallow (Member # 6268) on :
Twink? Is your real name twink? I gotta know.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Do a google search for "Babylonian names", or "Persian names", or something like that. I found a name I liked well enough that I didn't even modify it, but he was obscure enough of a historical figure (from the perspective of a 21st century American--his subjects probably wouldn't have agreed) that I didn't think it would get in the way. I wouldn't name my character Nebuchadnezer, or Gilgamesh, or anything like that.
[ April 14, 2004, 08:57 AM: Message edited by: Noemon ]
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Fallow, my real name is at the bottom of my first post to this thread, if you're interested in knowing it.
I'm quite flabberghasted by the amount of interest in this game. There are more than enough submissions to run two separate six-player games!
IMPORTANT UPDATE
This is something that characters don't need to know – it has no impact on character design – but that players should probably know before they jump into the game:
After ancient Babylon, the next strongest influence in my development of things has been the work of H. P. Lovecraft. In other words, the game is going to get very dark.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Eeeexcelent!
::rubs hands together::
[ April 14, 2004, 12:58 PM: Message edited by: Noemon ]
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
So, how are you choosing? The people you like best, or the characters you like best?
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
The combination of characters that makes the best party for the story.
Edit: Though "story" is a bit of a misnomer since you won't be following a defined path.
[ April 14, 2004, 01:45 PM: Message edited by: twinky ]
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
When are you going to decide on the players, and when are you planning on getting the story started?
Also, I have never played on-line in a manner like this. How does it work? Do we do it all via email? That seems like it would take forever. Do we ever get together in a chat room to play?
Posted by Phanto (Member # 5897) on :
My only concern is how the RP system will be handled as to satisfactory.
Once that's explained, I'll hand in my bio.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
The deadline is Saturday. The absolute latest I'll choose the party is the following Saturday, but I'll most likely be settled on them much sooner than that.
This will be play-by-email only. Have a look at the archives for Slash the Berzerker's game, which are here, to see how PBEM works. Generally speaking, Slash aims for one turn per day, Monday through Friday. My game will likely be slower than this, depending on how the rest of this month goes for me.
Yes, it takes a long time to do things. Patience is a virtue in PBEM.
Edit: As to system functionality, once the characters are created and the game starts, I roll all of the dice.
[ April 14, 2004, 02:34 PM: Message edited by: twinky ]
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Porter, it does go slowly, but it allows for much deeper roll playing than pen and paper roll playing does. You can really craft each of your responses if you're interested in doing so, and there is plenty of time to consider how your character would react to circumstance.
Elizabeth, I wouldn't be put off by not having played before. I hadn't played D&D for years before starting Matt's game, and Suneun had never played, and neither of us are having any particular trouble yet. New players often try to tell the DM (twinky, in this case) how other players or the environment itself reacts to their player character, which is a no-no, but it's easy enough to learn the games boundaries through trial and error.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
Could you give me some more information about the priests? Do worshipers of different gods have access to different spell domains as is the case with normal D&D? Also, what are the favored weapons for these "gods"?
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Actually, I've received a good number of submissions from folks who haven't played before. For those who wind up in the party, I'm quite happy to help them with the specifics of character creation (stats and whatnot), and with the rules as need arises.
>> Could you give me some more information about the priests? Do worshipers of different gods have access to different spell domains as is the case with normal D&D? Also, what are the favored weapons for these "gods"? <<
Spell domains are determined by character alignment alone, rather than by character alignment and deity alignment as described in the normal rules. Thus, an evil priest who actually has true power can still be a priest of Maumatuch, who is ostesibly a "good" god.
As to favoured weapons I have no idea. I haven't even sketched out the entire pantheon. The idea is that if you want to worship a god who doesn't currently exist, make one up – favoured weapons and all, if you like – and I'll tweak it as needed before adding it to the world's canon. Thus far at least one character submission has brought a new god to the pantheon.
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
...be Saturday already!! It's driving me all kinds of crazy, this waiting! Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
twinky, I just sent you a character idea. I'd appreciate your thoughts on it.
Posted by Bob the Lawyer (Member # 3278) on :
Just thought I'd remind the slavering hordes that the man *is* currently trying to finish a degree.
Patience, buttercups, patience.
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
I don't mind that. I just like my character, and not knowing whether I'm in or not is killing me!!
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I hear you.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
If you guys can't wait until Saturday, you'll have a hard time waiting for me to help other people do up character sheets and waiting for me to send out turns once things get rolling
Since I'm posting, I may as well reiterate my committment to running a very dark game, including the potential for the game ending by reason of characters going insane rather than dying.
[ April 14, 2004, 07:10 PM: Message edited by: twinky ]
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
I am so there, man!
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
Sounds like Call of Cthulu! I'm interested.
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
I LOVE writing insanity!! Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
twinky, I just sent you the back story for my character. It explains how he came to be involved with the caravan as well as where he learned his fighting skills.
If you think my character is a good fit for your game, I can make any minor or major adjustments that need to be made.
Posted by Rakeesh (Member # 2001) on :
Twink, can you give us some idea of how often missile weapons of any sort are used in Khadanira?
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
All the time. Soldiers are light and fast, and what's probably the optimal Khadaniran soldier from a mechanics perspective is a quick mounted warrior with a short bow and scimitar.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
I know that is Ty and Matt's games, characters have been granted a magic item at the beginning of the game (either a single +2 item or two +1 items in Matt's case; I can't remember how Slash handled it). Are you going to do something similar?
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Undecided as yet.
Exams are still going strong.
Posted by saxon75 (Member # 4589) on :
Slash did the same thing Matt did, except that Slash didn't necessarily grant special attributes if you put both points on the same item (e.g. Rennik's axe detects people, but Garyth's sword just has the bonuses--which is, mind you, still pretty cool.)
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Sa'id's ring has an unknown special power that I have been unable to discover.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
Considering the time that this campaign is based on, what will the technilogical level be? Standard D&D? Bronze age?
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
I'm hesitant to answer that question with a broad statement. I think based on what I've said publically about the world so far, everyone should already have a general idea.
Posted by Rakeesh (Member # 2001) on :
Twinky, what would the physical appearance be of a native to northern Khadanira? I could guess, but I'd probably be wrong, and I think you or co-creator Slash would have a pretty good idea.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
OK, let me re-phrase. Are there any mundane items from the Player's Handbook that will be unavailable to the characters? Long bows? Crossbows? Longswords? Tanglefoot bags?
Posted by Rakeesh (Member # 2001) on :
Longbows would be unavailable, I think. They weren't widely used in the period. Also, horses are very much emphasized-can't use a longbow mounted. I'm not sure about alchemical items; since they're not magical, they don't fall under anything Twink has mentioned yet. Swords would be used, but I think at the time they were largely bronze. Slash would know, too
Posted by Rakeesh (Member # 2001) on :
What Knowledge skills will there be that you can tell us about, that aren't in the book?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Twink, I think both Slash and I allowed items based on the recommended GP value for characters of a given level.
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
I sent you my character sketch, twinky.
*waits for Saturday*
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
>> Twinky, what would the physical appearance be of a native to northern Khadanira? I could guess, but I'd probably be wrong, and I think you or co-creator Slash would have a pretty good idea. <<
Think Syria and Turkey. People are generally dark-skinned, but the skin tones get lighter as you go north (again, as a general rule).
>> OK, let me re-phrase. Are there any mundane items from the Player's Handbook that will be unavailable to the characters? Long bows? Crossbows? Longswords? Tanglefoot bags? <<
>> What Knowledge skills will there be that you can tell us about, that aren't in the book? <<
Both of these questions are seriously premature, guys. Give me some time here. Rakeesh is, however, right about things like longbows.
>> Twink, I think both Slash and I allowed items based on the recommended GP value for characters of a given level. <<
*nod* that makes sense. I'm going to have to review the equipment list, though, and cross off things that are inapropriate. It's still early for that, but it's on my list of things to do during the numerical character creation stuff once the party is settled.
[ April 16, 2004, 04:00 PM: Message edited by: twinky ]
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
Even though I'm a RPG virgin, I found this funny: 8 bit D&D Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
Sorry, twink. I'm just so excited about this. I'll calm down and hold my breath until I find out I actually get to play. Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Deadline's today.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
*twiddles fingers*
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
*jumps up and down in chair*
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
Be careful there, sm. You don't want to fall out of you chair again, do you? Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
again?
Posted by Mr.Funny (Member # 4467) on :
Wow, you must have hit your head pretty hard when you fell the first time.
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
must have Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
*bumpity*
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
All right, let's get the proverbial ball rolling.
I was honestly overwhelmed with the number and quality of character submissions. I really was expecting people to be put off by the restrictive nature of my world and the relatively dark feel I expect the game to have. I had a heck of a time choosing and in the end settled on what I think is the set of six characters that form the most balanced party. This way I maximize their chances of survival. Also, I tried to give as many first-timers a chance to play as I possibly could, which sadly meant setting aside some great character concepts from experienced players... but I'm hoping that the new folks will enjoy the game and that things will work out.
So thanks to everyone, and to the six in the party, you'll hear from me today.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Angst]](graemlins/angst.gif)
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I'm just so excited about this. I'll calm down and hold my breath until I find out I actually get to play. ![[No No]](graemlins/nono.gif)
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