This is a general interest check thread for an idea that I've seen done before and tried once, but without the resounding success on my part. The original idea came from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKHotBZFJwY&t=0s , though I would want to put a few additional tweaks on the same basic principle. Give it a look if you find yourself intrigued by the idea of playing a game as a member of fantastical pantheon - the premise is stated pretty clearly within the first minute of said video.
IF I were to DM this sort of game, I have in mind a structure to keep things from growing particularly stale - a kind of very loose turn-system where, ideally about once a week or so, every player in the pantheon states a set of goals or instructions about what they want their character to do for a period of time - say, a century, to keep things nice and even. This would be handled by PM. As DM, I would give a timely response, ask for rolls as needed with whatever DC seems appropriate to the task being attempted (is the task related to your god's stated domain? If so, low DC. Outside of it? Well, unless one can give a reasonable explanation, higher DC). If, and ideally when, the goals of different gods conflict, or overlap, the game would start to develop more player interaction between threads, perhaps eventually resulting in shared threads of different sizes as gods meet for councils, send requests and ultimatums, and generally start to get along or undermine each other. All's fair, it's said, in love and war.
This is more or less how I would go about starting the game. Given the amount of time that I have, I would expect a similar level of commitment from players. Reasonable check-ins, roughly every day or so, not always requiring a response but with greater intensity as events warrant. Try not to leave a conversation hanging for too long - that sort of thing. I would also probably ask to start the game with only a few players - about three would be ideal. I would want those three to be brought on as sort of co-founders to this new pantheon- elders among gods as we gradually expand the world with more stories and the pantheon with more players. For those three starting players, I would love to bring on those with DMing experience, since those who have already tasted of that sweet and bitter cup would probably know best how to go about acting like a god in an imaginary world, since that's about as apt a description of being a DM as any.
Speaking of, who am I? I am a DM of some experience - not a lot, but I did DM for a group of friends through college and have been active on Beyond for quite a while. I live in HST, so unless you are hailing from Asia, broadly speaking, don't expect any AM hours responses from me on most days. I am a longtime reader and fan of fiction, from Tolkien to Aasimov to Sanderson, with many others along the way. Thus equipped with having read a great many words, I feel up to the challenge of providing an expansive backdrop upon which to collectively weave a tale of gods and mortals, eternal conflicts and worlds yet unimagined but in whispers of dreams.
Anyways, I tag this as recruiting since I hope to eventually move this towards an actual play-by-post. Open to suggestions on structure or form, or if others have tried this same idea before. Ideally, as mentioned, I am looking for about three experienced players to co-found the world and take up roles as Elder gods within and above that world, whatever that world ends up becoming. I am open to ideas on how gods come to be, the sources of their power, and general worldbuilding at this stage. I have in mind a few challenges worthy of the gods to be met down the road.
If you read all of that and are intrigued by my vague promises and grandiose portrayals, leave a response and I'll get back to you. If you already feel excited and invested in whatever this game turns out to be, send a PM my way. We'll discuss the Beginning; what Was and Is, and what might yet Be. If you are not at all interested, thank you for your time. Best of luck on your next endeavors.
Thanks for making me aware of that leapingmountain! I hadn't known of it before submitting the above post, but having perused their free material, I can see why incorporation might be appealing. Given that I own none of the actual content created by 2CGaming, I would suggest that taking inspiration or particular mechanics from their very polished and playtested work is entirely appropriate, and a matter for further discussion. Are there any particular parts of their system that you think would be useful or fitting for the game as I have described it? To reiterate what is said above, I don't really have any hard rules for the game thus far, andI had hoped to discuss such things in greater detail with the three players who will be kicking off the pantheon, so to speak. Once a rule is set, however, I will hold everyone to it, as is only fair.
I do not have full command of the rules thus far but the basics for players are:
create a 1st level character.
cycle through and bring that character to level 20, 1 level at a time.
consult the DM in reference to magic items at the like.
Characters are not Gods though, gaining the rank of Demigod at level 28 but gives a pretty good idea of level progression. And in a D & D format, leveling is what characters aspire for :)
Then, depending on the path the character chooses, based on their class, the players adventure (perse) and gain levels up to level 30. Each level after 20 grants the character a specific Epic ability.
Do you have a specific "pantheon/mythos pattern" you would like to follow? All stories of the "gods" have a pattern, destroying a evil or neutral being, using the body of that being to create a world, etc...
(My thoughts and typing may seem disjointed at times so I apologize in advance...my mind outruns my typing)
Good questions, leapingmountain. And no worries about disjointed typing - I find I have to reread what I write several times to make sure it follows and gets my point across meaningfully.
With regard to the system you have described, it seems like a reasonable way to approach character creation, which would in turn imply either that mortals, as a rule, have a line of progression towards godhood OR that the PC mortals have been led to or brought to that level through unusual means. Both are narratively intriguing to me at this time, so I won't rule out one or the other, but it is good to be aware of such a thing.
I think my initial idea of what the game could be was something a little less structured, though I agree with your note that leveling is something that all players aspire to. Perhaps a blend of leveling systems might be in order? One might create one's character, forge one's narrative, so to speak, until level 20, having explained what has transpired such that you reach that stage. All of this would be handled level by level at the player's discretion. For level 20-28, the ascension from mortal to demigod, Player and DM would go through each level with similar detail, until at last the three players reach level 28, demigod status, and are perhaps assigned to a fresh world, along with a batch of mortals to inhabit it. Thus, the stories and nature of the three starting demigods would reflect what peoples one would find in this fresh, recently created world, now to be overseen and maintained by a new pantheon. Would you say that this seems like a reasonable way to handle character creation? Once we begin the game proper, of course, depending on how we want to say that gods acquire more and greater power, leveling might increase beyond level 30 (after all, what does level 30 mean? How is it functionally different from level 29?)
I don't have a set mythos in mind at this time. I think something suitably multiversal, if I may coin the term, and so various cultures and styles are appropriate. I think the very nature of following the ascension of mortals to deities will end up reflecting certain real-world pantheons without needing to explicitly name many of them. Furthermore, I think part of the reason I would like to begin with only three players is so that they might set a pantheon/mythos pattern for themselves, for later players to experience anew down the line.
In the 3.5 Deities and Demigods, it has the max level as 20 but the divine can multiclass, gaining as many levels as they like and add "Divine Powers" to the being. And TSR put out a box set called "Immortals" in 1986. Both could be great references.
Once we begin the game proper, of course, depending on how we want to say that gods acquire more and greater power, leveling might increase beyond level 30 (after all, what does level 30 mean? How is it functionally different from level 29?)
-True, levels may just be a number.
Perhaps a blend of leveling systems might be in order?
-Sounds reasonable.
Thus, the stories and nature of the three starting demigods would reflect what peoples one would find in this fresh, recently created world, now to be overseen and maintained by a new pantheon. Would you say that this seems like a reasonable way to handle character creation?
-I would agree.
Ultimately it is your vision of what you wish to create, the story you want to tell, that guides everything. We. as players, can help you tell that story. I run a Homebrew based in the Old West. I have a good story outline (I believe) but it's been the players that have made the story worthwhile. Their impact in the story has changed it in ways I never thought about and, I feel, made the story so much better.
Of note as well, and this is getting far more into homebrew territory, is something that the narrator mentioned in that video I posted earlier, that the player-gods basically had 2 abilities: the abilities to reform in the Halls of the Gods if they died (thus, immortality) and some relatively minor power based on their affiliation and service to a particular deity, whose powers were in turn based on the worship and prevalence of their own particular domains. All that to say, a system of progression might well be achieved apart from leveling through the acquisition and development of one's domain powers.
I note that three people have posted to this thread thus far, with many others having stopped by for a looksee. If any of you care to take up the challenge of kicking off the pantheon in a new world, send me a PM. Otherwise, I will consider your posting in this thread as a mark for later recruitment after the first three have had some time to rule the world.
Alright, that's 2 so far! We are still working out some details on how we are doing character creation, as this kind of game naturally strays a little bit from your regular 5e goblin-whomping romp, but I would be happy to take on one more, with plenty of more spots to open up soon.
I would also like to join. I know for a fact that some of the other posters and not myself deserve to part of the Three Divine, however I would love to be a subsequent "Lesser God" .
To those I've played with before..... HI AGAIN !<3 Its been some time and a lot has happened. It's nice to see you guys are still on. ^_^ Please feel free to PM me any time!
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Drow enthusiast Lover of lore and magic. -The White Crow-
OculisAlbumCorvum - Hey! Thanks for the interest! I'll let you know once our three founders have had a chance to settle in, but you are for sure in the running for the first among the next generation to enter into this world. I may start up a new thread with the recruitment tag on it once we get going and post broad overview updates on how the world is shaping up and changing over the first amalgamated few millennia, just so any possible new players won't be utterly blindsided going into this new world. I'll also be sure to drop a link to that thread here once it goes up. I expect most of the first few scenes and story moments will occur in PM, though. Thanks again for the interest!
Excited and can't wait to see how this plays out. I also wanted to add the 20 is pretty low for a demigod. Kronos/kronos is around 54, but then again he was put there KILLING gods.(possible conflict point /bbeg idea)
https://youtu.be/jw5xAhwqPt8 I love this guy's who makes these videos. This one can help put some power level into perspective. It's about the strongest creatures in D&D and may hold some fun competition and conflict to the world later on. Also, do we get to choose our portfolio/profile of our domain and can we have more than one domaine? So many questions lol. I wouldn't mind having arcane magic be my portfolio 😊 or even the patron of patrons, like the god of warlocks. Idk, many ideas. I hope it's going smooth with you and the elders.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Drow enthusiast Lover of lore and magic. -The White Crow-
Oh yeah, for sure, the scaling of levels rather goes out the window. At this point, I've actually had the founding three players make level three characters with no multiclass restrictions to describe their character's baseline abilities and skills (fighting style, magic and whatnot). We are also tracking a secondary ability score that I am calling Divinity, which is acquired by successful management and/or worship of/in your god's primary domain, on a milestone basis.
I'd say that down the road one's particular domain can and will tend to reshape itself around its dominant god(s). We'll figure out more specifics as they arise, and probably not sooner.
I find this idea really interesting! Are you still accepting players? Not sure if the recruitment tag is still active for a reason. Would love to be considered for any additions. Perhaps a nature-based deity who has been aloof or sleeping for a long period of time and who begins to awaken, surprised/alarmed at the way civilization has advanced. Alternatively, a war god who has gotten tired of constant brutal battle and is becoming open to other ways of solving conflicts. Shall I PM you?
This is fascinating! I've only just discovered this forum, so I gather I'm a bit late. if any demi-God positions open up, I'm game! (bad pun?) So many things I could say, but it's late in my time zone. Just wanted to hop in to show interest, and I could PM tomorrow, I'll check first to see if the post still shows up as 'recruiting'.
Sure! Yes - thus far I am still interested in recruiting. The First Three are in the process of putting the world together, so we still have a little ways to go before the Second Wave hits, but I look forward to your PM!
This is a general interest check thread for an idea that I've seen done before and tried once, but without the resounding success on my part. The original idea came from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKHotBZFJwY&t=0s , though I would want to put a few additional tweaks on the same basic principle. Give it a look if you find yourself intrigued by the idea of playing a game as a member of fantastical pantheon - the premise is stated pretty clearly within the first minute of said video.
IF I were to DM this sort of game, I have in mind a structure to keep things from growing particularly stale - a kind of very loose turn-system where, ideally about once a week or so, every player in the pantheon states a set of goals or instructions about what they want their character to do for a period of time - say, a century, to keep things nice and even. This would be handled by PM. As DM, I would give a timely response, ask for rolls as needed with whatever DC seems appropriate to the task being attempted (is the task related to your god's stated domain? If so, low DC. Outside of it? Well, unless one can give a reasonable explanation, higher DC). If, and ideally when, the goals of different gods conflict, or overlap, the game would start to develop more player interaction between threads, perhaps eventually resulting in shared threads of different sizes as gods meet for councils, send requests and ultimatums, and generally start to get along or undermine each other. All's fair, it's said, in love and war.
This is more or less how I would go about starting the game. Given the amount of time that I have, I would expect a similar level of commitment from players. Reasonable check-ins, roughly every day or so, not always requiring a response but with greater intensity as events warrant. Try not to leave a conversation hanging for too long - that sort of thing. I would also probably ask to start the game with only a few players - about three would be ideal. I would want those three to be brought on as sort of co-founders to this new pantheon- elders among gods as we gradually expand the world with more stories and the pantheon with more players. For those three starting players, I would love to bring on those with DMing experience, since those who have already tasted of that sweet and bitter cup would probably know best how to go about acting like a god in an imaginary world, since that's about as apt a description of being a DM as any.
Speaking of, who am I? I am a DM of some experience - not a lot, but I did DM for a group of friends through college and have been active on Beyond for quite a while. I live in HST, so unless you are hailing from Asia, broadly speaking, don't expect any AM hours responses from me on most days. I am a longtime reader and fan of fiction, from Tolkien to Aasimov to Sanderson, with many others along the way. Thus equipped with having read a great many words, I feel up to the challenge of providing an expansive backdrop upon which to collectively weave a tale of gods and mortals, eternal conflicts and worlds yet unimagined but in whispers of dreams.
Anyways, I tag this as recruiting since I hope to eventually move this towards an actual play-by-post. Open to suggestions on structure or form, or if others have tried this same idea before. Ideally, as mentioned, I am looking for about three experienced players to co-found the world and take up roles as Elder gods within and above that world, whatever that world ends up becoming. I am open to ideas on how gods come to be, the sources of their power, and general worldbuilding at this stage. I have in mind a few challenges worthy of the gods to be met down the road.
If you read all of that and are intrigued by my vague promises and grandiose portrayals, leave a response and I'll get back to you. If you already feel excited and invested in whatever this game turns out to be, send a PM my way. We'll discuss the Beginning; what Was and Is, and what might yet Be. If you are not at all interested, thank you for your time. Best of luck on your next endeavors.
Are you incorporating the Epic Legacy Core Book by 2CGaming?
I am interested.
Put me down as interested. It's a novel concept that I haven't seen in a while.
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
Thanks for making me aware of that leapingmountain! I hadn't known of it before submitting the above post, but having perused their free material, I can see why incorporation might be appealing. Given that I own none of the actual content created by 2CGaming, I would suggest that taking inspiration or particular mechanics from their very polished and playtested work is entirely appropriate, and a matter for further discussion. Are there any particular parts of their system that you think would be useful or fitting for the game as I have described it? To reiterate what is said above, I don't really have any hard rules for the game thus far, andI had hoped to discuss such things in greater detail with the three players who will be kicking off the pantheon, so to speak. Once a rule is set, however, I will hold everyone to it, as is only fair.
I do not have full command of the rules thus far but the basics for players are:
Then, depending on the path the character chooses, based on their class, the players adventure (perse) and gain levels up to level 30. Each level after 20 grants the character a specific Epic ability.
Do you have a specific "pantheon/mythos pattern" you would like to follow? All stories of the "gods" have a pattern, destroying a evil or neutral being, using the body of that being to create a world, etc...
(My thoughts and typing may seem disjointed at times so I apologize in advance...my mind outruns my typing)
Good questions, leapingmountain. And no worries about disjointed typing - I find I have to reread what I write several times to make sure it follows and gets my point across meaningfully.
With regard to the system you have described, it seems like a reasonable way to approach character creation, which would in turn imply either that mortals, as a rule, have a line of progression towards godhood OR that the PC mortals have been led to or brought to that level through unusual means. Both are narratively intriguing to me at this time, so I won't rule out one or the other, but it is good to be aware of such a thing.
I think my initial idea of what the game could be was something a little less structured, though I agree with your note that leveling is something that all players aspire to. Perhaps a blend of leveling systems might be in order? One might create one's character, forge one's narrative, so to speak, until level 20, having explained what has transpired such that you reach that stage. All of this would be handled level by level at the player's discretion. For level 20-28, the ascension from mortal to demigod, Player and DM would go through each level with similar detail, until at last the three players reach level 28, demigod status, and are perhaps assigned to a fresh world, along with a batch of mortals to inhabit it. Thus, the stories and nature of the three starting demigods would reflect what peoples one would find in this fresh, recently created world, now to be overseen and maintained by a new pantheon. Would you say that this seems like a reasonable way to handle character creation? Once we begin the game proper, of course, depending on how we want to say that gods acquire more and greater power, leveling might increase beyond level 30 (after all, what does level 30 mean? How is it functionally different from level 29?)
I don't have a set mythos in mind at this time. I think something suitably multiversal, if I may coin the term, and so various cultures and styles are appropriate. I think the very nature of following the ascension of mortals to deities will end up reflecting certain real-world pantheons without needing to explicitly name many of them. Furthermore, I think part of the reason I would like to begin with only three players is so that they might set a pantheon/mythos pattern for themselves, for later players to experience anew down the line.
Man, this sounds awesome already!
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
In the 3.5 Deities and Demigods, it has the max level as 20 but the divine can multiclass, gaining as many levels as they like and add "Divine Powers" to the being. And TSR put out a box set called "Immortals" in 1986. Both could be great references.
Once we begin the game proper, of course, depending on how we want to say that gods acquire more and greater power, leveling might increase beyond level 30 (after all, what does level 30 mean? How is it functionally different from level 29?)
-True, levels may just be a number.
Perhaps a blend of leveling systems might be in order?
-Sounds reasonable.
Thus, the stories and nature of the three starting demigods would reflect what peoples one would find in this fresh, recently created world, now to be overseen and maintained by a new pantheon. Would you say that this seems like a reasonable way to handle character creation?
-I would agree.
Ultimately it is your vision of what you wish to create, the story you want to tell, that guides everything. We. as players, can help you tell that story.
I run a Homebrew based in the Old West. I have a good story outline (I believe) but it's been the players that have made the story worthwhile. Their impact in the story has changed it in ways I never thought about and, I feel, made the story so much better.
Great!
Of note as well, and this is getting far more into homebrew territory, is something that the narrator mentioned in that video I posted earlier, that the player-gods basically had 2 abilities: the abilities to reform in the Halls of the Gods if they died (thus, immortality) and some relatively minor power based on their affiliation and service to a particular deity, whose powers were in turn based on the worship and prevalence of their own particular domains. All that to say, a system of progression might well be achieved apart from leveling through the acquisition and development of one's domain powers.
I note that three people have posted to this thread thus far, with many others having stopped by for a looksee. If any of you care to take up the challenge of kicking off the pantheon in a new world, send me a PM. Otherwise, I will consider your posting in this thread as a mark for later recruitment after the first three have had some time to rule the world.
Alright, that's 2 so far! We are still working out some details on how we are doing character creation, as this kind of game naturally strays a little bit from your regular 5e goblin-whomping romp, but I would be happy to take on one more, with plenty of more spots to open up soon.
This sounds super interesting. I’d be in!
I would also like to join. I know for a fact that some of the other posters and not myself deserve to part of the Three Divine, however I would love to be a subsequent "Lesser God" .
To those I've played with before..... HI AGAIN !<3 Its been some time and a lot has happened. It's nice to see you guys are still on. ^_^ Please feel free to PM me any time!
Drow enthusiast
Lover of lore and magic.
-The White Crow-
OculisAlbumCorvum - Hey! Thanks for the interest! I'll let you know once our three founders have had a chance to settle in, but you are for sure in the running for the first among the next generation to enter into this world. I may start up a new thread with the recruitment tag on it once we get going and post broad overview updates on how the world is shaping up and changing over the first amalgamated few millennia, just so any possible new players won't be utterly blindsided going into this new world. I'll also be sure to drop a link to that thread here once it goes up. I expect most of the first few scenes and story moments will occur in PM, though. Thanks again for the interest!
wish to join as well.
Excited and can't wait to see how this plays out. I also wanted to add the 20 is pretty low for a demigod. Kronos/kronos is around 54, but then again he was put there KILLING gods.(possible conflict point /bbeg idea)
https://youtu.be/jw5xAhwqPt8 I love this guy's who makes these videos. This one can help put some power level into perspective. It's about the strongest creatures in D&D and may hold some fun competition and conflict to the world later on. Also, do we get to choose our portfolio/profile of our domain and can we have more than one domaine? So many questions lol. I wouldn't mind having arcane magic be my portfolio 😊 or even the patron of patrons, like the god of warlocks. Idk, many ideas. I hope it's going smooth with you and the elders.
Drow enthusiast
Lover of lore and magic.
-The White Crow-
Oh yeah, for sure, the scaling of levels rather goes out the window. At this point, I've actually had the founding three players make level three characters with no multiclass restrictions to describe their character's baseline abilities and skills (fighting style, magic and whatnot). We are also tracking a secondary ability score that I am calling Divinity, which is acquired by successful management and/or worship of/in your god's primary domain, on a milestone basis.
I'd say that down the road one's particular domain can and will tend to reshape itself around its dominant god(s). We'll figure out more specifics as they arise, and probably not sooner.
Also, thanks Fugyfun for your interest!
I find this idea really interesting! Are you still accepting players? Not sure if the recruitment tag is still active for a reason. Would love to be considered for any additions. Perhaps a nature-based deity who has been aloof or sleeping for a long period of time and who begins to awaken, surprised/alarmed at the way civilization has advanced. Alternatively, a war god who has gotten tired of constant brutal battle and is becoming open to other ways of solving conflicts. Shall I PM you?
This is fascinating! I've only just discovered this forum, so I gather I'm a bit late. if any demi-God positions open up, I'm game! (bad pun?) So many things I could say, but it's late in my time zone. Just wanted to hop in to show interest, and I could PM tomorrow, I'll check first to see if the post still shows up as 'recruiting'.
Sure! Yes - thus far I am still interested in recruiting. The First Three are in the process of putting the world together, so we still have a little ways to go before the Second Wave hits, but I look forward to your PM!
I'm excited and look forward to more gods joining the pantheon!
Drow enthusiast
Lover of lore and magic.
-The White Crow-