I'm relatively new to this site and have been playing in a couple PBP games, one seemed to fade but 2 have been going steady and I have been enjoying myself playing the game I came to love when I was younger. I take a look at the Forums for PBP alot and see a repeating theme. Everyone wants players but when it comes to UA content it is outright banned, no question. I thought i'd post this to the community so I can get some feedback and a possible explanation that I seem to be missing.
I never mind allowing UA content. Even if it's somewhat unbalanced, you can always update to the official version if/when it's later released. Or if they cause any problematic balance issues you can always talk to the group and all look for a homebrew fix.
In addition to the above, astute observations, I have two reservations when it comes to UA material.
Presentation. Published material is better polished, is easier and more enjoyable to read and usually have art assets that help cement the theme and style of the material.
Lifetime. When UA material goes away, it is archived on D&D Beyond, making it harder to access. This can mean that a game with certain UA materials in it now needs to finagle a homebrew variation to continue using it.
Additionally, DMs are in demand. Player's aren't. I haven't seen a single PBP recruiting thread that was halfway appealing that didn't fill up with applications. If a DM doesn't want to allow UA, they won't lose a group because of it.
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Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
Another problem is that every homebrew campaign starts at level 1.
Not running PbP myself, but for what it's worth: I can totally understand DMs starting a campaign with players they don't really know preferring to keep things simple and starting at lvl 1. I might consider up to lvl 3 due to some classes getting their subclass features only at that level, but I doubt I'd ever want to start higher than that with a "blind" group match.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
Another problem is that every homebrew campaign starts at level 1.
Not running PbP myself, but for what it's worth: I can totally understand DMs starting a campaign with players they don't really know preferring to keep things simple and starting at lvl 1. I might consider up to lvl 3 due to some classes getting their subclass features only at that level, but I doubt I'd ever want to start higher than that with a "blind" group match.
And what is so terrible about playing higher when you have players you don't know?
Another problem is that every homebrew campaign starts at level 1.
Not running PbP myself, but for what it's worth: I can totally understand DMs starting a campaign with players they don't really know preferring to keep things simple and starting at lvl 1. I might consider up to lvl 3 due to some classes getting their subclass features only at that level, but I doubt I'd ever want to start higher than that with a "blind" group match.
And what is so terrible about playing higher when you have players you don't know?
I didn't say anything about it being terrible. I said it's simpler to start at lower levels, and with players whose style I don't know (and who don't know mine either) I prefer simple. Easier to find common ground when I'm not setting up far-reaching high CR storylines (yet).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
Another problem is that every homebrew campaign starts at level 1.
Not running PbP myself, but for what it's worth: I can totally understand DMs starting a campaign with players they don't really know preferring to keep things simple and starting at lvl 1. I might consider up to lvl 3 due to some classes getting their subclass features only at that level, but I doubt I'd ever want to start higher than that with a "blind" group match.
And what is so terrible about playing higher when you have players you don't know?
Nothing terrible, but sometimes especially in something with as many options and idiosyncratic ways of playing as D&D, it helps to start at the beginning and play the fundamentals. Flexible DMs at least are able to get a sense of how the group works and can better tailor things down the line.
That said, while I don't hawk the LFP LFDM forum, I dont believe starting at level is a universal condition to homebrew campaigns, nor do I think it's limited to homebrew campaigns, most officially published campaigns start at level 1 as well. You may want to jump into a higher power level at the start, a lot of DMs don't for the above and a lot of other reasons.
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Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
You don't need to do that. "A 13th level combat-oriented campaign for 4-5 players" would attract players who are ready for combat-based scenes.
Quite possibly, but I wouldn't be surprised DMs who like to create homebrew campaigns - especially in this modern era of D&D - to be interested in things like intrigue, investigation and social interaction more than something combat-oriented (with all due respect to that style, there's nothing wrong with it either). From my experiences back in the day when I did run PbPs, on WotC's forums, I can say that running combat in PbP isn't always a whole lot of fun either; it's ok if everyone can manage to be online at the same time for the combat (we often switched to chat for combat if possible, and posted a story version of the fight afterwards), but otherwise it's a slog when simply getting confirmation your character hit or missed a monster can require waiting for the DM to find time to post. We had some other simple rules and agreements to speed things up when chat wasn't an option, but PbP is really not an ideal medium for that sort of thing.
That aside, regardless of whether I'd want to or not I wouldn't have a problem with a prospective player asking if I might want to start at a higher level. Asking politely shouldn't put off anyone.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
You don't need to do that. "A 13th level combat-oriented campaign for 4-5 players" would attract players who are ready for combat-based scenes.
I don't do anything at all. No one needs to do anything to advertise their availability as a DM. And I find it hard to believe no one anywhere isn't advertising or at least running the sort of games you're looking for. I don't think DDB's LFP/LFG subforum is the best way to find a game, there are many more focused alternatives whose natures lead to generally higher quality experiences than the mixed bag by nature of what it is in the LFP/LFG.
Quite possibly, but I wouldn't be surprised DMs who like to create homebrew campaigns - especially in this modern era of D&D - to be interested in things like intrigue, investigation and social interaction more than something combat-oriented (with all due respect to that style, there's nothing wrong with it either). From my experiences back in the day when I did run PbPs, on WotC's forums, I can say that running combat in PbP isn't always a whole lot of fun either; it's ok if everyone can manage to be online at the same time for the combat (we often switched to chat for combat if possible, and posted a story version of the fight afterwards), but otherwise it's a slog when simply getting confirmation your character hit or missed a monster can require waiting for the DM to find time to post. We had some other simple rules and agreements to speed things up when chat wasn't an option, but PbP is really not an ideal medium for that sort of thing.
That aside, regardless of whether I'd want to or not I wouldn't have a problem with a prospective player asking if I might want to start at a higher level. Asking politely shouldn't put off anyone.
I think negotiating character starting point is perfectly fine in setting up a game. I think there are more "artiste" DMs now, who also push up intriguing investigative social interactions over 90% of the character features designed for combat, so there may be less wiggle room now than the days of a DM calling in players to bring what they got and throwing a combat challenge suitable to them. Rare is the DM who says "anyone want to play?" with the implication that they'll cater to whatever the players want to do. They happen, they're just less common than DMs with something in mind including character progression sequence.
What I can say with absolute confidence this thread under the terms of the recent complaint is unlikely to change many DMs ways of building a table.
Bringing characters up from low levels to higher levels gives the DM info on what they can do, so that they can plan and prepare for it - not just to keep the combat challenging, but to allow the players to use their abilities. If I were to suddenly start a game with strangers at level 10, I would have to call a session 0 to ask everyone exactly what they can do, and then I would need to go away and prep the adventure to fit. For example - I would not prepare a game where you have to climb up a necromancers tower to slay him at the top if the game included players who can fly or transform into spiders without laying precautions like no-fly zone magic and unclimbable walls.
I'll second (from my experience in the dm training thread) that play by post combats are something of a drag. But that's not really much to do with the level thing.
Have you tried posting a "looking for level 10-13 group" thread in the looking for players/groups forum? You might find that they are around but are seldom advertised.
The problem is that I don't want to use discord with a bunch of people I don't know. Most groups use discord rather than play by post.
Have you considered asking such a group if they are happy for you to hang around and get to know the group before you commit to the game? The issue of not knowing them before you start playing would be eliminated and you'd be able to lessen your concerns about whether you'll enjoy their company without any sort of commitment on your part.
It sounds like if you can get past this obstacle, either by working around it or sucking it up and having a go, you could find what you're after. Plus, playng over discord (or any voice/live chat) is far, far smoother than play by post.
I don't care if it is smoother, the discord is not an option.
Fair enough - the implication was that the issue was with them being unknown people, not with the medium of play!
In that case I guess your best bet is to either advertise your desire to join (or start) a level 10-13 play-by-post group, or to adjust your metrics for a suitable game!
Hi all,
I'm relatively new to this site and have been playing in a couple PBP games, one seemed to fade but 2 have been going steady and I have been enjoying myself playing the game I came to love when I was younger. I take a look at the Forums for PBP alot and see a repeating theme. Everyone wants players but when it comes to UA content it is outright banned, no question. I thought i'd post this to the community so I can get some feedback and a possible explanation that I seem to be missing.
Thanks!
UA is by definition unbalanced and subject to change. Games that are expected to be going for a while may want more consistency.
I never mind allowing UA content. Even if it's somewhat unbalanced, you can always update to the official version if/when it's later released. Or if they cause any problematic balance issues you can always talk to the group and all look for a homebrew fix.
In addition to the above, astute observations, I have two reservations when it comes to UA material.
Additionally, DMs are in demand. Player's aren't. I haven't seen a single PBP recruiting thread that was halfway appealing that didn't fill up with applications. If a DM doesn't want to allow UA, they won't lose a group because of it.
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
Another problem is that every homebrew campaign starts at level 1.
Not running PbP myself, but for what it's worth: I can totally understand DMs starting a campaign with players they don't really know preferring to keep things simple and starting at lvl 1. I might consider up to lvl 3 due to some classes getting their subclass features only at that level, but I doubt I'd ever want to start higher than that with a "blind" group match.
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
And what is so terrible about playing higher when you have players you don't know?
I didn't say anything about it being terrible. I said it's simpler to start at lower levels, and with players whose style I don't know (and who don't know mine either) I prefer simple. Easier to find common ground when I'm not setting up far-reaching high CR storylines (yet).
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
Nothing terrible, but sometimes especially in something with as many options and idiosyncratic ways of playing as D&D, it helps to start at the beginning and play the fundamentals. Flexible DMs at least are able to get a sense of how the group works and can better tailor things down the line.
That said, while I don't hawk the LFP LFDM forum, I dont believe starting at level is a universal condition to homebrew campaigns, nor do I think it's limited to homebrew campaigns, most officially published campaigns start at level 1 as well. You may want to jump into a higher power level at the start, a lot of DMs don't for the above and a lot of other reasons.
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
You don't need to do that. "A 13th level combat-oriented campaign for 4-5 players" would attract players who are ready for combat-based scenes.
Quite possibly, but I wouldn't be surprised DMs who like to create homebrew campaigns - especially in this modern era of D&D - to be interested in things like intrigue, investigation and social interaction more than something combat-oriented (with all due respect to that style, there's nothing wrong with it either). From my experiences back in the day when I did run PbPs, on WotC's forums, I can say that running combat in PbP isn't always a whole lot of fun either; it's ok if everyone can manage to be online at the same time for the combat (we often switched to chat for combat if possible, and posted a story version of the fight afterwards), but otherwise it's a slog when simply getting confirmation your character hit or missed a monster can require waiting for the DM to find time to post. We had some other simple rules and agreements to speed things up when chat wasn't an option, but PbP is really not an ideal medium for that sort of thing.
That aside, regardless of whether I'd want to or not I wouldn't have a problem with a prospective player asking if I might want to start at a higher level. Asking politely shouldn't put off anyone.
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
I don't do anything at all. No one needs to do anything to advertise their availability as a DM. And I find it hard to believe no one anywhere isn't advertising or at least running the sort of games you're looking for. I don't think DDB's LFP/LFG subforum is the best way to find a game, there are many more focused alternatives whose natures lead to generally higher quality experiences than the mixed bag by nature of what it is in the LFP/LFG.
I think negotiating character starting point is perfectly fine in setting up a game. I think there are more "artiste" DMs now, who also push up intriguing investigative social interactions over 90% of the character features designed for combat, so there may be less wiggle room now than the days of a DM calling in players to bring what they got and throwing a combat challenge suitable to them. Rare is the DM who says "anyone want to play?" with the implication that they'll cater to whatever the players want to do. They happen, they're just less common than DMs with something in mind including character progression sequence.
What I can say with absolute confidence this thread under the terms of the recent complaint is unlikely to change many DMs ways of building a table.
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
Bringing characters up from low levels to higher levels gives the DM info on what they can do, so that they can plan and prepare for it - not just to keep the combat challenging, but to allow the players to use their abilities. If I were to suddenly start a game with strangers at level 10, I would have to call a session 0 to ask everyone exactly what they can do, and then I would need to go away and prep the adventure to fit. For example - I would not prepare a game where you have to climb up a necromancers tower to slay him at the top if the game included players who can fly or transform into spiders without laying precautions like no-fly zone magic and unclimbable walls.
I'll second (from my experience in the dm training thread) that play by post combats are something of a drag. But that's not really much to do with the level thing.
Have you tried posting a "looking for level 10-13 group" thread in the looking for players/groups forum? You might find that they are around but are seldom advertised.
Make your Artificer work with any other class with 174 Multiclassing Feats for your Artificer Multiclass Character!
DM's Guild Releases on This Thread Or check them all out on DMs Guild!
DrivethruRPG Releases on This Thread - latest release: My Character is a Werewolf: balanced rules for Lycanthropy!
I have started discussing/reviewing 3rd party D&D content on Substack - stay tuned for semi-regular posts!
The problem is that I don't want to use discord with a bunch of people I don't know. Most groups use discord rather than play by post.
Have you considered asking such a group if they are happy for you to hang around and get to know the group before you commit to the game? The issue of not knowing them before you start playing would be eliminated and you'd be able to lessen your concerns about whether you'll enjoy their company without any sort of commitment on your part.
It sounds like if you can get past this obstacle, either by working around it or sucking it up and having a go, you could find what you're after. Plus, playng over discord (or any voice/live chat) is far, far smoother than play by post.
Make your Artificer work with any other class with 174 Multiclassing Feats for your Artificer Multiclass Character!
DM's Guild Releases on This Thread Or check them all out on DMs Guild!
DrivethruRPG Releases on This Thread - latest release: My Character is a Werewolf: balanced rules for Lycanthropy!
I have started discussing/reviewing 3rd party D&D content on Substack - stay tuned for semi-regular posts!
I don't care if it is smoother, the discord is not an option.
Fair enough - the implication was that the issue was with them being unknown people, not with the medium of play!
In that case I guess your best bet is to either advertise your desire to join (or start) a level 10-13 play-by-post group, or to adjust your metrics for a suitable game!
Make your Artificer work with any other class with 174 Multiclassing Feats for your Artificer Multiclass Character!
DM's Guild Releases on This Thread Or check them all out on DMs Guild!
DrivethruRPG Releases on This Thread - latest release: My Character is a Werewolf: balanced rules for Lycanthropy!
I have started discussing/reviewing 3rd party D&D content on Substack - stay tuned for semi-regular posts!
I would like to remind everyone to please remain on topic of the thread you are posting in and do not hijack threads
Find my D&D Beyond articles here