The world of Lysorum has 7 major islands, each with its own stories and problems. Each island holds countless adventures for the daring and brave-hearted. Some islands are consumed by politics and intrigue, others by rampant monsters, and some are just lawless lands with ample opportunity for treasure hunting.
But our story takes place on only one of those islands. On the island of Bough, there has been a war raging for the last 100 years. Between the organized and metropolitan mages of Magus and the roaming and barbaric warrior tribes of Boora, this war has shown no signs of stopping or even slowing. With the tribes of Boora wanting to erase the plague that they believe arcane magic is from the island as a whole, the tribes have become never feverish in their pursuit, and in the last few decades, the tribes of Boora have begun to press farther into Magus taking more and more land as they continue their conquest against magic. On the other hand, the mages of Magus, who have long scoffed at the weakness of those stupid enough to wield weapons instead of magic are now terrified as they are slowly being overrun by the endless onslaught. At the center of the island, the Silver Lake seems to be the last defense of Elementum, the capital of Magus, as it forces the barbaric tribes to split their forces and pincer around the large lake in order to prevent the mages from simply relocating their capital or fleeing. With the forces of Boora split into two parts, Magus is making its last push to try and repel the invaders and save their home.
Note: The location marked as Debona on the map is not an actual city, but instead a location that the barbaric tribes use as a primary meeting place.
https://inkarnate.com/m/rEQGOv--bough/ (Note: I am new to Inkarnate and this is my first time using it, so I apologize if the editing is a bit messy, but the general locations of things are correct.)
DM/Player Information:
Hello all! Some of you may recognize me from around the forums, but I will do a quick introduction here for those that do not.
Firstly, you can call me Mathemagician, or just Math for short. I am on CST (GMT-6), but my sleep schedule is pretty wack so don't overthink it if I post at extremely weird times. I have played and am playing in a number of games on these forums, and I also DM a game here, so I would like to think that I have a decent amount of experience navigating and playing on the forums. I have also DMed a game IRL and have played in quite a few others. Long story short, I am not completely new to this, but I don't have the oodles of experience that might come from playing the game for 10+ years. That being said, I am always open to learning and if you have feedback or advice, I am more than willing to listen and adapt. But enough about me...
Things that I am looking for in a player:
1. Post at least every other day - I am flexible with this, and I understand that sometimes life comes up, but look at #4 for that.
2. Argue respectfully - I understand if you disagree with one of my rulings, and I love having debates about rules so I will totally engage you if you feel that I made a mistake. However, there are two things to remember about that. (1) You should have an actual argument. Don't just repeat a claim without any warranting or evidence. If you are going to make a point, make it well. (2) The game must go on. I will likely make a ruling on any given point immediately, and that is the ruling that we will go with for that particular instance. If you manage to change my mind with your debate skills, then we can alter the rulings going forward, but I won't stall the game for all the players just because you and I have a disagreement.
3. Include the word "Sharkovsky" somewhere in your backstory... I just want to know that you read this! Bonus points if you can tell me what Sharkovsky was famous for at the bottom of your backstory (don't google it!).
4. If for some reason you cannot make a post for a few days, that is totally fine... Just shoot me a message and let me know. When you let me know, you should also choose one of the following options: (1) I would like you (the DM) to choose my character's actions in combat or (2) I would like ________ (Player Name) to choose my character's actions if necessary (and they have agreed). Outside of combat, your character won't be doing anything, but I am not a fan of auto-dodging any character that is absent so if you don't select one of the options above, the default is that I will choose your character's actions based on your actions in previous combats.
5. This is just a personal pet peeve of mine... Please capitalize when you post. I know it sounds like a nitpick, but the way I see it, DnD is almost a form of collaborative storytelling, and it shows a distinct lack of effort in the story if you can't even put in the effort to capitalize properly.
6. If you have any questions, PLEASE ASK ME! I cannot emphasize this enough, but I really want this to be an enjoyable experience for you, so if you aren't sure about something, ask me! I am super flexible and the worst that could happen is that I will say "no". More often than not though, I am willing to work with you to help figure out what you want and make it a reality.
Game Information:
These are just some important things about my DMing style or a particular optional rule that we will be using in this game. Please read this carefully! If something doesn't make sense shoot me a PM and I can explain it!
1. We will be using a variant initiative (Initiative Scores) where your initiative is just equal to 10 + (Initiative Modifier). If you would normally have an advantage on initiative checks, you add an additional 5 to that score. The monsters will calculate initiative the same way, and it will make posting much easier because we don't need to wait for everybody to roll initiative and can instead get right into the fight.
2. I roll your saving throws and contested checks! Waiting for people to make saving throws and contested ability checks on a monster's turn can easily lead to long delays for simple actions, so I will be rolling all of your saves and contested checks that are needed on that monster's turn. Note that if a save is required at the start or end of your turn, I will totally have you roll those, it is only the saves that would normally be rolled on the monster's turn that I roll myself.
3. I am rolling death-saving throws privately. I remember watching this on Youtube somewhere, but I can't find the video to credit it, so this shoutout will have to do... I will roll your death saves in a private thread between myself and the player whose character is dying. This way, you will have no way of knowing how many failed death saves any ally has and must choose your actions carefully.
4. Death is expected. I fully expect some characters to die at some point throughout this adventure, so if you are a person who becomes extremely attached to a character (to the point where you can't deal with them dying) then you (or at least that character) is not for this game.
5. We will either be using the Gritty Realism (Rest Variant) or the Lingering Injuries (Damage Variant), but I am not yet sure which one... I think using both is a little extreme, but I do want to introduce some aspect of seriousness and danger to the game so I will choose one. As players are chosen, I will also let them have input on which Variant Rule we will use.
6. Characters will start at level-0. I know this sounds confusing, but trust me it's not that bad. Before we all join each other on the main thread, I will run a mini-adventure for each of the chosen PCs (it will probably just be 1 combat and a little exploration/social interaction). By the end of this mini-adventure, the PC will have reached level 1 and can choose the class that they will take. Hopefully (if I do my job well) by the end of the mini-adventure, each of the PCs will also have met each other, and have had a chance to join up. At level-0, your character has access to their Background, Race (Racial Features), and Ability Scores (duh!). Your character also has proficiency in Daggers, Quarterstaves, Darts, and Slings and can choose one of those weapons to start with along with the starting equipment from their background.
7. I have a different way of rolling for stats, that I also stole from a video that I watched, XD. After I choose players/characters, I will roll 3 sets (6 numbers) of 3d6. From there, the group will decide which set of rolls they would like to use, and each character can then assign those 6 numbers to an ability score of their choice. This keeps the party balanced so that one character is not head and shoulders above the others because of good stat rolls. The reason that I am rolling 3d6 is, again, because this game is meant to be difficult and the lower averages will reflect that. If you want to play in a game with super-powered characters that steamroll everything, this is not the game for you!
8. I am probably looking to recruit 4-5 players unless there is immense interest in which case I might take 6 players.
How to Apply:
This section is the stuff that I actually want you to include in your application.
1. Please reply to this post with your applications... Only PM me with the information that I ask you to PM.
2. IN A POST/REPLY; Include Character Race, Background, and Starting Weapon Choice. Please also list your top 3 choices of class/subclass. These choices can all be the same class (with three different subclasses) or three completely different classes... Up to you!
3. IN A PM; Send me your character's backstory. The more detail the better, and if you are unsure of whether something exists/can be included, ask away. Also, include whether you would prefer Gritty Realism (Rest Variant) or Lingering Injuries (Damage Variant).
Hook:
While the rest of the island is torn by a war between spells and swords, some of the citizens of Bough have found that life still moves on. While most of the tribes of Boora are warring and actively involved in the fighting with Magus, there are those tribes that have decided to instead settle down and some have even converted into makeshift settlements. Most of these settlements are along the Silver Run River which runs out of the Silver Lake and into the Northern Ocean that lies to the East of Bough. Whether you are from Boora or Magus, from a makeshift settlement, or just a passing tribesman or tribeswoman, somehow you have found yourself along the banks of the Silver Run, where our story takes place.
You have been hearing stories from the people upstream of strange creatures coming out of the river and terrorizing the folk that have made the banks of the Silver Run their home, but the creatures they are describing are clearly fictional and you have continued to dismiss their tales as nothing more than horrific excuses for being overrun or kicked out of their home by the mages of Magus or not having enough money to support their family. That was until you saw one yourself. Somehow, you came into contact with one of these horrible creatures, and now you aren’t sure what to do with yourself, but what is clear, is that something must be done. (Your encounter with one of these monsters will be a part of the mini-adventure so do not include that in the backstory)
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions (about the world, the rules, or my DMing), shoot me a PM!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Background: Acolyte (serving whichever god/goddess controls death/the afterlife, preferably a non-evil one. Kelemvor in the FR Pantheon is the best example)
1. Fighter (Battle Master) 2. Wizard (Order of Scribes) 3. Warlock (The Genie)
(Will send Backstory soon.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
2. IN A POST/REPLY; Include Character Race, Background, and Starting Weapon Choice. Please also list your top 3 choices of class/subclass. These choices can all be the same class (with three different subclasses) or three completely different classes... Up to you! Name: Robin Holdcrest Race: Custom Lineage Background: Sage Starting weapon: Light Crossbow.
Class: Artificer / Wizard / Cleric. (Hoping to go Artificer 1 / Wizard X, but we'll see what works out here I guess.)
Welcome to the world of Lysorum.
The world of Lysorum has 7 major islands, each with its own stories and problems. Each island holds countless adventures for the daring and brave-hearted. Some islands are consumed by politics and intrigue, others by rampant monsters, and some are just lawless lands with ample opportunity for treasure hunting.
But our story takes place on only one of those islands. On the island of Bough, there has been a war raging for the last 100 years. Between the organized and metropolitan mages of Magus and the roaming and barbaric warrior tribes of Boora, this war has shown no signs of stopping or even slowing. With the tribes of Boora wanting to erase the plague that they believe arcane magic is from the island as a whole, the tribes have become never feverish in their pursuit, and in the last few decades, the tribes of Boora have begun to press farther into Magus taking more and more land as they continue their conquest against magic. On the other hand, the mages of Magus, who have long scoffed at the weakness of those stupid enough to wield weapons instead of magic are now terrified as they are slowly being overrun by the endless onslaught. At the center of the island, the Silver Lake seems to be the last defense of Elementum, the capital of Magus, as it forces the barbaric tribes to split their forces and pincer around the large lake in order to prevent the mages from simply relocating their capital or fleeing. With the forces of Boora split into two parts, Magus is making its last push to try and repel the invaders and save their home.
Note: The location marked as Debona on the map is not an actual city, but instead a location that the barbaric tribes use as a primary meeting place.
https://inkarnate.com/m/rEQGOv--bough/ (Note: I am new to Inkarnate and this is my first time using it, so I apologize if the editing is a bit messy, but the general locations of things are correct.)
DM/Player Information:
Hello all! Some of you may recognize me from around the forums, but I will do a quick introduction here for those that do not.
Firstly, you can call me Mathemagician, or just Math for short. I am on CST (GMT-6), but my sleep schedule is pretty wack so don't overthink it if I post at extremely weird times. I have played and am playing in a number of games on these forums, and I also DM a game here, so I would like to think that I have a decent amount of experience navigating and playing on the forums. I have also DMed a game IRL and have played in quite a few others. Long story short, I am not completely new to this, but I don't have the oodles of experience that might come from playing the game for 10+ years. That being said, I am always open to learning and if you have feedback or advice, I am more than willing to listen and adapt. But enough about me...
Things that I am looking for in a player:
1. Post at least every other day - I am flexible with this, and I understand that sometimes life comes up, but look at #4 for that.
2. Argue respectfully - I understand if you disagree with one of my rulings, and I love having debates about rules so I will totally engage you if you feel that I made a mistake. However, there are two things to remember about that. (1) You should have an actual argument. Don't just repeat a claim without any warranting or evidence. If you are going to make a point, make it well. (2) The game must go on. I will likely make a ruling on any given point immediately, and that is the ruling that we will go with for that particular instance. If you manage to change my mind with your debate skills, then we can alter the rulings going forward, but I won't stall the game for all the players just because you and I have a disagreement.
3. Include the word "Sharkovsky" somewhere in your backstory... I just want to know that you read this! Bonus points if you can tell me what Sharkovsky was famous for at the bottom of your backstory (don't google it!).
4. If for some reason you cannot make a post for a few days, that is totally fine... Just shoot me a message and let me know. When you let me know, you should also choose one of the following options: (1) I would like you (the DM) to choose my character's actions in combat or (2) I would like ________ (Player Name) to choose my character's actions if necessary (and they have agreed). Outside of combat, your character won't be doing anything, but I am not a fan of auto-dodging any character that is absent so if you don't select one of the options above, the default is that I will choose your character's actions based on your actions in previous combats.
5. This is just a personal pet peeve of mine... Please capitalize when you post. I know it sounds like a nitpick, but the way I see it, DnD is almost a form of collaborative storytelling, and it shows a distinct lack of effort in the story if you can't even put in the effort to capitalize properly.
6. If you have any questions, PLEASE ASK ME! I cannot emphasize this enough, but I really want this to be an enjoyable experience for you, so if you aren't sure about something, ask me! I am super flexible and the worst that could happen is that I will say "no". More often than not though, I am willing to work with you to help figure out what you want and make it a reality.
Game Information:
These are just some important things about my DMing style or a particular optional rule that we will be using in this game. Please read this carefully! If something doesn't make sense shoot me a PM and I can explain it!
1. We will be using a variant initiative (Initiative Scores) where your initiative is just equal to 10 + (Initiative Modifier). If you would normally have an advantage on initiative checks, you add an additional 5 to that score. The monsters will calculate initiative the same way, and it will make posting much easier because we don't need to wait for everybody to roll initiative and can instead get right into the fight.
2. I roll your saving throws and contested checks! Waiting for people to make saving throws and contested ability checks on a monster's turn can easily lead to long delays for simple actions, so I will be rolling all of your saves and contested checks that are needed on that monster's turn. Note that if a save is required at the start or end of your turn, I will totally have you roll those, it is only the saves that would normally be rolled on the monster's turn that I roll myself.
3. I am rolling death-saving throws privately. I remember watching this on Youtube somewhere, but I can't find the video to credit it, so this shoutout will have to do... I will roll your death saves in a private thread between myself and the player whose character is dying. This way, you will have no way of knowing how many failed death saves any ally has and must choose your actions carefully.
4. Death is expected. I fully expect some characters to die at some point throughout this adventure, so if you are a person who becomes extremely attached to a character (to the point where you can't deal with them dying) then you (or at least that character) is not for this game.
5. We will either be using the Gritty Realism (Rest Variant) or the Lingering Injuries (Damage Variant), but I am not yet sure which one... I think using both is a little extreme, but I do want to introduce some aspect of seriousness and danger to the game so I will choose one. As players are chosen, I will also let them have input on which Variant Rule we will use.
6. Characters will start at level-0. I know this sounds confusing, but trust me it's not that bad. Before we all join each other on the main thread, I will run a mini-adventure for each of the chosen PCs (it will probably just be 1 combat and a little exploration/social interaction). By the end of this mini-adventure, the PC will have reached level 1 and can choose the class that they will take. Hopefully (if I do my job well) by the end of the mini-adventure, each of the PCs will also have met each other, and have had a chance to join up. At level-0, your character has access to their Background, Race (Racial Features), and Ability Scores (duh!). Your character also has proficiency in Daggers, Quarterstaves, Darts, and Slings and can choose one of those weapons to start with along with the starting equipment from their background.
7. I have a different way of rolling for stats, that I also stole from a video that I watched, XD. After I choose players/characters, I will roll 3 sets (6 numbers) of 3d6. From there, the group will decide which set of rolls they would like to use, and each character can then assign those 6 numbers to an ability score of their choice. This keeps the party balanced so that one character is not head and shoulders above the others because of good stat rolls. The reason that I am rolling 3d6 is, again, because this game is meant to be difficult and the lower averages will reflect that. If you want to play in a game with super-powered characters that steamroll everything, this is not the game for you!
8. I am probably looking to recruit 4-5 players unless there is immense interest in which case I might take 6 players.
How to Apply:
This section is the stuff that I actually want you to include in your application.
1. Please reply to this post with your applications... Only PM me with the information that I ask you to PM.
2. IN A POST/REPLY; Include Character Race, Background, and Starting Weapon Choice. Please also list your top 3 choices of class/subclass. These choices can all be the same class (with three different subclasses) or three completely different classes... Up to you!
3. IN A PM; Send me your character's backstory. The more detail the better, and if you are unsure of whether something exists/can be included, ask away. Also, include whether you would prefer Gritty Realism (Rest Variant) or Lingering Injuries (Damage Variant).
Hook:
While the rest of the island is torn by a war between spells and swords, some of the citizens of Bough have found that life still moves on. While most of the tribes of Boora are warring and actively involved in the fighting with Magus, there are those tribes that have decided to instead settle down and some have even converted into makeshift settlements. Most of these settlements are along the Silver Run River which runs out of the Silver Lake and into the Northern Ocean that lies to the East of Bough. Whether you are from Boora or Magus, from a makeshift settlement, or just a passing tribesman or tribeswoman, somehow you have found yourself along the banks of the Silver Run, where our story takes place.
You have been hearing stories from the people upstream of strange creatures coming out of the river and terrorizing the folk that have made the banks of the Silver Run their home, but the creatures they are describing are clearly fictional and you have continued to dismiss their tales as nothing more than horrific excuses for being overrun or kicked out of their home by the mages of Magus or not having enough money to support their family. That was until you saw one yourself. Somehow, you came into contact with one of these horrible creatures, and now you aren’t sure what to do with yourself, but what is clear, is that something must be done. (Your encounter with one of these monsters will be a part of the mini-adventure so do not include that in the backstory)
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions (about the world, the rules, or my DMing), shoot me a PM!
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Character Name: Requiem
Race: Tiefling (Vanilla subrace)
Background: Acolyte (serving whichever god/goddess controls death/the afterlife, preferably a non-evil one. Kelemvor in the FR Pantheon is the best example)
Starting Weapon: Dagger
Class:
1st choice) College of Spirits Bard
2nd choice) Grave Domain Cleric
3rd choice) College of Whispers Bard
Sending PM with Backstory.
Character name: Nadine
Race: Elf (Wood elf)
Background: Outlander
Starting weapon: Darts
Class: Druid (The circle of the shepherd), Monk (Way of the long death), or Cleric (Tempest Domain)
Rathos Grizzleback
Race: Satyr
Background: Outlander
Preferred Class: Barbarian (Beast), Druid (Moon), Warlock
Starting Weapon: Sling
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
Name: Balevor
Race: Half-Elf
Background: Criminal
Preferred Class: Monk (Way of the Open Hand), Rogue (Thief), Warlock (Fiend)
Starting Weapon: Quarterstaff (if monk), Dagger (if rogue or warlock).
Just sent backstory
Sounds interesting, I'll read over this a bit more when I have computer access and see if I can work a character together
Character Creation
Name: Elmyra
Race: Forest Gnome
Class: Rogue (Scout)/ Druid (Circle of the Land: Forest)/ Ranger(Gloom Stalker/ Hunter)
Background: Soldier
Starting Weapon: Dagger (Rogue)/ Quarterstaff (Druid)/ Ranger (Dart)
Backstory: PM sent
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Name: Radis.
Race: V. Human (Inspiring Leader).
Background: Soldier.
Class Options:
1. Redemption Paladin.
2. Storm Sorcerer.
3. Ancients Paladin.
Starting Weapon: Dagger.
PM coming... soon.
Varielky
Classic swords vs magic! I'm gonna side with magic on this one.
Race: Tiefling
Classes: Sorcerer (shadow magic), Warlock (hexblade), Paladin (oath of conquest )
Starting Weapon: Dagger
Background: Guild Artisan
Sending PM with backstory!
Character Name: Erandel
Race: Custom Lineage (or Varian Human)
Background: Urban Bounty Hunter
Starting weapon: Sling
Class Choices:
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Name: Hobbs
Character Race: Human
Background: Smuggler
Starting Weapon Choice: Quarterstaff
Top 3 Choices of Class/Subclass:
1. Fighter (Battle Master)
2. Wizard (Order of Scribes)
3. Warlock (The Genie)
(Will send Backstory soon.)
Name: Cornelius Galbraith
Race: Human (variant)
Background: Investigator
Starting weapon of choice: Light crossbow
Top 3 classes: Wizard (divination), Sorcerer (Aberrant mind), Warlock (Great old one)
Pm coming
Name: Gleaming Claw
Race: Tabaxi
Background: Urchin
Starting Weapon: Dagger
Class Preference: Cleric (Trickery), Rogue (Thief), Monk (Drunken Master)
I'll send backstory in a little bit.
Name: Kenan Firesky
Race: Centaur
Background: Uthgardt Tribe Member (or whatever would be closest to a Boora tribe member in your world)
Starting Weapon: Quarterstaff
Class:
1. Druid, Circle of the Land (desert)
2. Barbarian, Path of the Storm Herald (desert)
3. Cleric, Grave Domain
Backstory: PM sent
2. IN A POST/REPLY; Include Character Race, Background, and Starting Weapon Choice. Please also list your top 3 choices of class/subclass. These choices can all be the same class (with three different subclasses) or three completely different classes... Up to you! Name: Robin Holdcrest
Race: Custom Lineage
Background: Sage
Starting weapon: Light Crossbow.
Class: Artificer / Wizard / Cleric. (Hoping to go Artificer 1 / Wizard X, but we'll see what works out here I guess.)
Sending PM with backstory shortly.
Alright! Thank you all for your interest! I am going to go ahead and close recruitment as I am going through applications and making my choices.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to choose everyone, so for those of you that are not picked, I wish you luck in your future games!
For those that are picked, let the adventure begin!
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Thanks again to everyone for applying! I got so many amazing applications, but my final decisions have been made and a PM has been sent out.
I wish everyone luck in their future games, and may the dice ever roll in your favor.
- Math
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”