I am planning on running a PbP version of the standalone adventure called Locathah Rising. If we get enough interest, six players will take on the roles of the titular locathah adventurers in a story about what happens when a normally peaceful species is pushed to the point of open conflict. Here's a brief overview of the adventure so you can gauge your interest:
The Sea of Fallen Stars connects the eastern and western sides of Faerûn. Many nations that border shorelines along its vast expanse also maintain major navies and trade fleets. A plethora of creatures and humanoid races typically found in the ocean depths live there, including sahuagin, sea elves, merfolk, and locathah. As elemental forces threaten the safety of the nearby locathah communities, heroes rise from among their number to strike back and defend their homes and families. This is a six-player adventure with pre-generated 9th level characters provided.
Now, I reckon this game won't be for everyone. Please review the following points below before determining whether to apply to this game:
Standalone quest: This adventure is more likely to play like an one-shot than a comprehensive campaign.
Not an AL game: Though this adventure can be set up like an Adventurers' League game, we will not fulfill the needed requirements.
Dungeon delving adventure: There will be opportunities to flex your exploration and social skills but be ready to throw down.
Exposition-heavy intro: This adventure requires a fair amount of background info up front. Be ready to read long posts at the very beginning.
Princes of the Apocalypse: This tale takes place after the PotA storyline. It is mostly an independent story but there are a couple minor PotA spoilers.
Game rules and best practices: I have a set of rules I expect all players to abide to. They have been refined over many PbP games, so they should be straightforward, albeit wordy.
Pre-generated characters: The six PCs are provided by the adventure itself, and I transcribed the sheets into D&DBeyond characters. You can take a look at them in the links below. The characters are all locathah and use fairly straightforward classes (no multiclassing). They were created via Point Buy. I am willing to discuss some limited tinkering with the character sheets.
Frequency of posts (out-of-combat): Players and DM are expected to post once a day. Higher frequency is always welcomed but not required. Please make sure you are comfortable with others posting more frequently than you as this may require you to catch up to several messages the next day (see rule on plot advancement). Of course some wiggle room is warranted here, as we are all busy people. Everyone will sometimes need a day off but let us all aim not to abuse this mutual agreement.
Character contributions: You'll also be expected to contribute to the story. Repeated posts simply describing how your character stands stoically and listens, for example, do very little to build that well-oiled character interaction machine we all love. No worries if you are not feeling particularly creative this week (we all have them), but remember we are telling a story not just rolling dice.
Plot advancement: The pace of plot advancement is determined by players’ posts. Once enough players (not necessarily all) indicate in their posts through characters’ actions or speech that they are ready for the next plot point and/or dungeon room, I’ll advance the story. This "go ahead" is often implicit in the posts instead of explicitly written, and extended periods of silence will also count as agreement to move the plot forward. If we must, your PC will be assumed to be ‘out-of-shot’ or ‘in the background’, quietly following the party’s decisions.
Expedited rolls (in-combat): During combat, to keep things moving and to avoid having players' posts consist of only a die roll, I may elect to roll on behalf of the players for things like initiative and saving throws in response to an enemy's action. You'll still be responsible for DEATH saving throws, but I'll jump in if deemed necessary.
Loose initiative (in-combat): During combat, players can post/take their turns as long as it comes up before that of the next enemy. For example, if initiative looks like this: PC1, PC2, Enemy, PC3; then, PC2 is welcome to take their turn without having to wait for PC1 to post, but PC3 would have to wait until the Enemy takes its turn. I’ll then make sense of the posts the next time I make my own post. I'll give preference to keeping initiative order regardless of the order posts were actually made, but that will not hold every time (refer to the flexibility rule below). Making your post flexible and/or conditional on others’ is quite helpful. This should help decrease the amount of downtime during a fight. Nonetheless, please note that the pace of the game slows down during combat, and you may not be posting once per day during these fight scenes.
The 24-hour rule (in-combat): If 24 hours have elapsed since the DM has asked for your input in combat, then I may elect to take control of your PC for that turn. I'll run your PC for that turn as you have been running it beforehand, or in a manner that seems useful for the party overall. I dislike doing this, but it is a necessary last resort to keep the action moving forward in a daily-post game. To help smooth out this process, you are always welcome to let me know beforehand if you think you can't post for an extended period of time; we all have busy lives after all. In such occasions, before-the-fact instructions on how you'd like to have your character auto-piloted are appreciated. Feel free to correct mistakes I make but please avoid the after-the-fact, non-constructive "should've, could've, would've" types of comments. You know your character better than I do and differences in our way of running them are inevitable (refer to the flexibility rule below).
Allowed content: All content I own will be available for characters in this adventure through the Content Sharing functionality, but not all of it will be allowed. In the "Home" section of your Character Builder/Editor, please make sure that only officially published Forgotten Realms material is enabled. We may need some homebrewed content as well, so go ahead and enable that. All other content must be disabled. This means that Magic: the Gathering, Eberron, Rick and Morty, or content for most other settings must be toggled off. Playtest (Unearthed Arcana), Critical role, and Non-Core content may be OK upon discussion. In addition, advancement type must be set to Milestone, Hit Point Type must be Fixed, and prerequisites for Feats and Multiclassing must be turned on. Feel free to Ignore Coin Weight. Please double check the "Home" section of the Character Editor and make any necessary changes so that it is set up the proper way.
The flexibility rule: Be tolerant and forgiving. PbP games require some patience and flexibility. Also, everyone makes mistakes, including the DM (I’m always learning from each new game). I like to think I’m quite accommodating so if you see something you don’t like, reach out and we’ll find a solution. A sense of humor also goes a long way. Nonetheless, please take note that I reserve the right to change these rules, pause the game, and alter party composition, among other things, at any time.
BEST PRACTICES:
Be clear in your posts about what spell, class feature, racial feature, or whatever ability you are using. No one in this thread, including the DM, knows your character better than you do. The clearer we all are, the smoother the game will go.
Reactions should be posted within your first post following the post that triggered their use (e.g. if I post describing how an enemy left your melee attack range in post #45, then your first post after that, let's say post #49, should contain the use of your opportunity attack). Waiting too long to describe your reactions just becomes chaotic. I may elect to disregard your reaction if not posted within 24 hours of the triggering post.
Keep your sheets updated. Players are responsible for their character's sheet, from HP to how many ball bearings you still have left; it is all relevant. Please strive to maintain your character sheets updated as I constantly consult them while DMing in PbP format.
APPLICATION:
Name you like to go by (player): Preferred Pre-generated Character: Second choice Pre-generated Character:
Would you like to change the character(s) in any way (subclass, multiclass, spells, etc.)? If so, how? Committed to post once a day: yes/no Agree with all game rules and best practices: yes/no
That should cover it for now. I'm looking forward to getting this underwater adventure going.
Preferred name: any of the above—LST, Shadow, LordShadowthorn, Dragon
First preference: Shanty
Second: Undertow
Any changes? For Shanty, probably swap a few spells out, but the main one—what would you think about a multi class into Fathomless Warlock? It seems like it would fit the theme of the campaign well . . .
For Undertow, maybe changing the subclass to Horizon Walker and adding Sharpshooter? Would be fine with BM as well.
Currently playing in: Quest for the Shunned City, Coliseum of Conquest, DragonDenn's Dragonlords, Shipwrecked on Fugue, Tomb of Annihilation, Razor's Lost Mine of Phandelver, The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above
Currently DMing: Princes of the Apocalypse, Out of the Abyss, Coliseum of Conquest—The Arena (Sometimes)
Name you like to go by (player): MightyOwl, Owl Preferred Pre-generated Character: Barnacle Second choice Pre-generated Character: Undertow
Would you like to change the character(s) in any way (subclass, multiclass, spells, etc.)? If so, how?: Would want to change up Undertow's class using optional rules from Tasha's, or potentially swap out some of Barnacle's maneuvers for other ones. Committed to post once a day: yes Agree with all game rules and best practices: yes
Name you like to go by (player): Darth or DD as that is what most use.
Preferred Pre-generated Character: Gulp
Second choice Pre-generated Character: Barnacle
Would you like to change the character(s) in any way (subclass, multiclass, spells, etc.) Only thing I would want to change is probably the Combat Maneuvers and possibly change the fighting style from protection to dueling for Barnacle
Name you like to go by (player): MuggsHill Preferred Pre-generated Character: Bubbles (or Sandlot) (would be a major change from Saros in our Grung adventure) Second choice Pre-generated Character: Undertow (maybe review to see if Gloomstalker would work?)
Very keen to have Bubbles be the first to ignore the best laid plans of the group whenever the smell of potential battle hits., but happy to let others get their preferences - I will take up the challenge for any of the characters on offer - happy to play the support Cleric or Ranger in this one if you need someone to take Sandlot or Undertow
Would you like to change the character(s) in any way (subclass, multiclass, spells, etc.)? If so, how? Committed to post once a day: yes/no Yes (absolutely) Agree with all game rules and best practices: yes/no Yes
Name you like to go by (player): Ori or Orileo is fine by me. Preferred Pre-generated Character: Sandlot Second choice Pre-generated Character: Shanty
Would you like to change the character(s) in any way (subclass, multiclass, spells, etc.)? If so, how? Once I know a bit more about the character's base background as to better justify some changes(perhaps!), might wish to change out some spells and the domain. In Sandlot's case, it might be Tempest or Peace, and maybe even exchange an ASI upgrade for a feat. Similiar thing for Shanty, exchanging Lore for Creation for a bit of Disney level of silly magic and possible song numbers. Committed to post once a day: yes/no Yes Agree with all game rules and best practices: yes/no Yes
Name you like to go by (player): Delta Preferred Pre-generated Character: Undertow Second choice Pre-generated Character: Barnacle
Would you like to change the character(s) in any way (subclass, multiclass, spells, etc.)? If so, how? No, I'm good with Undertow Committed to post once a day: yes Agree with all game rules and best practices: yes, definitely, absolutely
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Just another extradimensional, reality-warping guy He/Him *smacks table* DRAGONS "You are only given a spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." -Robin Williams Head of comms of the "oops, i accidently destroyed someone's brain" cult here is our terms It's completely safe* * note, the OIADSB Cult is not responsible for any loss of limb, soul, or sanity Ammus Qelunax - White Dragonborn Ranger (Drakewarden) | Dernis Zorqrin- Black Dragonborn Ranger
Second choice Pre-generated Character: Gulp (a.k.a. Gl’Ulp) (Monk (Way of the Drunken Master))
Would you like to change the character(s) in any way (subclass, multiclass, spells, etc.): multiclass - no, subclass - may be (also, stats for ranger could be a bit tweaked). It feels like there is a story behind every name (have an idea about the moniker for the monk) and it is bound to the chosen subclass, but if you are curious of later UA - there are new "dragon" subclasses for both Rangers and Monks (Drakewarden and Ascendant Dragon). Might be interesting to see them in action.
UPDATE: Thank you everyone for being interested in this one-shot and for throwing in your hat. Recruitment is now closed and selections have been made. No more applications will be considered unless recruitment is reopened for some reason. Those who were selected have already heard from me directly through a PM and claimed their spot. If you were not selected, thanks for applying again and I hope to see you in another PbP game soon. Should we have any drop-outs or no-shows, I may reach out to you.
Hello deep sea dwellers.
I am planning on running a PbP version of the standalone adventure called Locathah Rising. If we get enough interest, six players will take on the roles of the titular locathah adventurers in a story about what happens when a normally peaceful species is pushed to the point of open conflict. Here's a brief overview of the adventure so you can gauge your interest:
Now, I reckon this game won't be for everyone. Please review the following points below before determining whether to apply to this game:
PLAYABLE CHARACTERS:
GAME RULES:
Frequency of posts (out-of-combat): Players and DM are expected to post once a day. Higher frequency is always welcomed but not required. Please make sure you are comfortable with others posting more frequently than you as this may require you to catch up to several messages the next day (see rule on plot advancement). Of course some wiggle room is warranted here, as we are all busy people. Everyone will sometimes need a day off but let us all aim not to abuse this mutual agreement.
Character contributions: You'll also be expected to contribute to the story. Repeated posts simply describing how your character stands stoically and listens, for example, do very little to build that well-oiled character interaction machine we all love. No worries if you are not feeling particularly creative this week (we all have them), but remember we are telling a story not just rolling dice.
Plot advancement: The pace of plot advancement is determined by players’ posts. Once enough players (not necessarily all) indicate in their posts through characters’ actions or speech that they are ready for the next plot point and/or dungeon room, I’ll advance the story. This "go ahead" is often implicit in the posts instead of explicitly written, and extended periods of silence will also count as agreement to move the plot forward. If we must, your PC will be assumed to be ‘out-of-shot’ or ‘in the background’, quietly following the party’s decisions.
Expedited rolls (in-combat): During combat, to keep things moving and to avoid having players' posts consist of only a die roll, I may elect to roll on behalf of the players for things like initiative and saving throws in response to an enemy's action. You'll still be responsible for DEATH saving throws, but I'll jump in if deemed necessary.
Loose initiative (in-combat): During combat, players can post/take their turns as long as it comes up before that of the next enemy. For example, if initiative looks like this: PC1, PC2, Enemy, PC3; then, PC2 is welcome to take their turn without having to wait for PC1 to post, but PC3 would have to wait until the Enemy takes its turn. I’ll then make sense of the posts the next time I make my own post. I'll give preference to keeping initiative order regardless of the order posts were actually made, but that will not hold every time (refer to the flexibility rule below). Making your post flexible and/or conditional on others’ is quite helpful. This should help decrease the amount of downtime during a fight. Nonetheless, please note that the pace of the game slows down during combat, and you may not be posting once per day during these fight scenes.
The 24-hour rule (in-combat): If 24 hours have elapsed since the DM has asked for your input in combat, then I may elect to take control of your PC for that turn. I'll run your PC for that turn as you have been running it beforehand, or in a manner that seems useful for the party overall. I dislike doing this, but it is a necessary last resort to keep the action moving forward in a daily-post game. To help smooth out this process, you are always welcome to let me know beforehand if you think you can't post for an extended period of time; we all have busy lives after all. In such occasions, before-the-fact instructions on how you'd like to have your character auto-piloted are appreciated. Feel free to correct mistakes I make but please avoid the after-the-fact, non-constructive "should've, could've, would've" types of comments. You know your character better than I do and differences in our way of running them are inevitable (refer to the flexibility rule below).
Allowed content: All content I own will be available for characters in this adventure through the Content Sharing functionality, but not all of it will be allowed. In the "Home" section of your Character Builder/Editor, please make sure that only officially published Forgotten Realms material is enabled. We may need some homebrewed content as well, so go ahead and enable that. All other content must be disabled. This means that Magic: the Gathering, Eberron, Rick and Morty, or content for most other settings must be toggled off. Playtest (Unearthed Arcana), Critical role, and Non-Core content may be OK upon discussion. In addition, advancement type must be set to Milestone, Hit Point Type must be Fixed, and prerequisites for Feats and Multiclassing must be turned on. Feel free to Ignore Coin Weight. Please double check the "Home" section of the Character Editor and make any necessary changes so that it is set up the proper way.
The flexibility rule: Be tolerant and forgiving. PbP games require some patience and flexibility. Also, everyone makes mistakes, including the DM (I’m always learning from each new game). I like to think I’m quite accommodating so if you see something you don’t like, reach out and we’ll find a solution. A sense of humor also goes a long way. Nonetheless, please take note that I reserve the right to change these rules, pause the game, and alter party composition, among other things, at any time.
BEST PRACTICES:
Be clear in your posts about what spell, class feature, racial feature, or whatever ability you are using. No one in this thread, including the DM, knows your character better than you do. The clearer we all are, the smoother the game will go.
Reactions should be posted within your first post following the post that triggered their use (e.g. if I post describing how an enemy left your melee attack range in post #45, then your first post after that, let's say post #49, should contain the use of your opportunity attack). Waiting too long to describe your reactions just becomes chaotic. I may elect to disregard your reaction if not posted within 24 hours of the triggering post.
Keep your sheets updated. Players are responsible for their character's sheet, from HP to how many ball bearings you still have left; it is all relevant. Please strive to maintain your character sheets updated as I constantly consult them while DMing in PbP format.
APPLICATION:
Name you like to go by (player):
Preferred Pre-generated Character:
Second choice Pre-generated Character:
Would you like to change the character(s) in any way (subclass, multiclass, spells, etc.)? If so, how?
Committed to post once a day: yes/no
Agree with all game rules and best practices: yes/no
That should cover it for now. I'm looking forward to getting this underwater adventure going.
Happy delving!
Preferred name: any of the above—LST, Shadow, LordShadowthorn, Dragon
First preference: Shanty
Second: Undertow
Any changes? For Shanty, probably swap a few spells out, but the main one—what would you think about a multi class into Fathomless Warlock? It seems like it would fit the theme of the campaign well . . .
For Undertow, maybe changing the subclass to Horizon Walker and adding Sharpshooter? Would be fine with BM as well.
Posting once a day? Yes
Following rules/practices? Yes
Check out my Extended signature here
Class Guides: Barbarian, Rogue, Sorcerer, Bard General Guides: PvP
Currently playing in: Quest for the Shunned City, Coliseum of Conquest, DragonDenn's Dragonlords, Shipwrecked on Fugue, Tomb of Annihilation, Razor's Lost Mine of Phandelver, The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above
Currently DMing: Princes of the Apocalypse, Out of the Abyss, Coliseum of Conquest—The Arena (Sometimes)
Name you like to go by (player): MightyOwl, Owl
Preferred Pre-generated Character: Barnacle
Second choice Pre-generated Character: Undertow
Would you like to change the character(s) in any way (subclass, multiclass, spells, etc.)? If so, how?: Would want to change up Undertow's class using optional rules from Tasha's, or potentially swap out some of Barnacle's maneuvers for other ones.
Committed to post once a day: yes
Agree with all game rules and best practices: yes
Name you like to go by: LAXGunner, LAX
Preferred Pre-generated Character: Bubbles
Second choice Pre-generated Character: Undertow
Would you like to change the character(s) in any way? No major changes, but would look at spell options for Undertow,
Committed to post once a day: Yes
Agree with all game rules and best practices: Yes
Name you like to go by (player): Darth or DD as that is what most use.
Preferred Pre-generated Character: Gulp
Second choice Pre-generated Character: Barnacle
Would you like to change the character(s) in any way (subclass, multiclass, spells, etc.) Only thing I would want to change is probably the Combat Maneuvers and possibly change the fighting style from protection to dueling for Barnacle
Committed to post once a day: Yes
Agree with all game rules and best practices: Yes
Name you like to go by (player): MuggsHill
Preferred Pre-generated Character: Bubbles (or Sandlot) (would be a major change from Saros in our Grung adventure)
Second choice Pre-generated Character: Undertow (maybe review to see if Gloomstalker would work?)
Very keen to have Bubbles be the first to ignore the best laid plans of the group whenever the smell of potential battle hits., but happy to let others get their preferences - I will take up the challenge for any of the characters on offer - happy to play the support Cleric or Ranger in this one if you need someone to take Sandlot or Undertow
Would you like to change the character(s) in any way (subclass, multiclass, spells, etc.)? If so, how?
Committed to post once a day: yes/no Yes (absolutely)
Agree with all game rules and best practices: yes/no Yes
"Bubbles the Barbarian" (Locathah - Lvl 9) - Locathah Rising; Shai'ere Delatete (Githyanki Monk - Lvl 9) Rrakkma (deceased - MindFlayer); Saros Rockfoot (Deep Gnome Diviner - Lvl 5) - The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above; Tagret (Goliath Barbarian - Lvl 2) - Tales of Faerun;
Name you like to go by (player):
Ori or Orileo is fine by me.
Preferred Pre-generated Character:
Sandlot
Second choice Pre-generated Character:
Shanty
Would you like to change the character(s) in any way (subclass, multiclass, spells, etc.)? If so, how?
Once I know a bit more about the character's base background as to better justify some changes(perhaps!), might wish to change out some spells and the domain. In Sandlot's case, it might be Tempest or Peace, and maybe even exchange an ASI upgrade for a feat. Similiar thing for Shanty, exchanging Lore for Creation for a bit of Disney level of silly magic and possible song numbers.
Committed to post once a day: yes/no
Yes
Agree with all game rules and best practices: yes/no
Yes
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Name you like to go by (player): Delta
Preferred Pre-generated Character: Undertow
Second choice Pre-generated Character: Barnacle
Would you like to change the character(s) in any way (subclass, multiclass, spells, etc.)? If so, how? No, I'm good with Undertow
Committed to post once a day: yes
Agree with all game rules and best practices: yes, definitely, absolutely
Just another extradimensional, reality-warping guy
He/Him
*smacks table* DRAGONS
"You are only given a spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." -Robin Williams
Head of comms of the "oops, i accidently destroyed someone's brain" cult here is our terms It's completely safe*
* note, the OIADSB Cult is not responsible for any loss of limb, soul, or sanity
Ammus Qelunax - White Dragonborn Ranger (Drakewarden) | Dernis Zorqrin - Black Dragonborn Ranger
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
UPDATE: Thank you everyone for being interested in this one-shot and for throwing in your hat. Recruitment is now closed and selections have been made. No more applications will be considered unless recruitment is reopened for some reason. Those who were selected have already heard from me directly through a PM and claimed their spot. If you were not selected, thanks for applying again and I hope to see you in another PbP game soon. Should we have any drop-outs or no-shows, I may reach out to you.