(New Game)Iron Master's Raiders of Galath's Roost [OOC]

The peaceful land of Mistledale has been greatly troubled of late by raiding drow who strike on moonless nights and then retreat under cover of darkness. Surrounded on three sides by the ancient forest of Cormanthor, the dale is increasingly becoming a frontier where the interests of elves, humans, and drow clash. Drow raids on the peaceful villages and farms of Mistledale have become downright commonplace of late, especially on moonless or overcast nights. Mistledale is now at war.

This adventure focuses on Mistledale, in the Forgotten Realms, for four 1st level characters. Players should not have any previous knowledge of the adventure. If all goes well, the characters should end up at 2nd level, and the DM and Players can decide to continue with their characters at that point. The DM would like to see something episodic come out of this, if possible. Future adventures would center on The Dales, the Underdark, and possibly The North. The current adventure begins during the Fall of 1371, just before the return of Bane and the Shades.

Current Players
Krug -- Liksa, Halfling Female Rogue 1st lvl
Ferrix -- Stor, Illuskan Male Fighter 1st lvl
Erudite -- Sparrowhawk Thramne, Chondathan Male Devotee (Clc0/Wiz0) of Mystra 1st lvl
Tenser42 -- Kelwan Ganak, Male Shield Dwarf Cleric of Gorm Gulthyn 1st lvl

Thread Locations
OOC General -- You are looking at it! General questions should go here.
Characters (OOC) over at the Rogues Gallery. Character-related questions go here.
In-Character (IC) to see the game in actual play. In-character only!

Waiting List
D20Dazza
AmorSati
Hellspont

Requirements:
--Post daily (I can post daily weekdays, but do not guarantee my ability to post on weekends. Try to be able to do the same).
--Write with some semblance of grammar, punctuation, and legibility.
--Be civil to others.
--Accept the rulings of the DM as final word. I will listen, but you must accept that I am ultimately fair.

What to do if you are interested:
--Make a simple reply post to this thread. Something along the lines of “Hey, I’d like to join” works fine.
--Do NOT post a detailed character concept. Instead, simply state what type of character you would like to play (see Character section below first), like “Halfling Monk”.
--Wait for me to reply to you. I will reply when I have 4 characters, so depending on how lively interest is in this game; it may take more or less than a few days. Please be patient.
--When I have selected 4 players (and characters) I will make a reply post to this thread. I will place on a waiting list anyone who was not selected, if you ask me on it.
--Once players are selected, I will post more on character creation (though see below). You may be asked at this point to consider tweaking or changing you concept to ‘balance’ the party.

Characters (do not actually do any of this yet, until I give the go-ahead):
Source Material: Players Handbook, Dungeon Masters Guide, Monster Manuals I-III, Fiend Folio, Monsters of Faerun, The Complete Series, Races of Stone, Races of the Wild, Magic of Faerun, The Players Guide to Faerun, Faiths and Pantheons, Races of Faerun. Other material subject to approval (includes other WotC material and Dragon magazine. Do not bring up third party material).
Races: Standard PHB or Forgotten Realms subraces. No races with a LA. No drow.
Alignment: No evil characters.
Classes: PHB classes.
Ability Scores: 36 point buy OR 5d6 take highest 3 using the Grid Method at Invisible Castle (URL is http://invisiblecastle.com/statgen.py?a=grid, for an explanation of the Grid Method, go to http://invisiblecastle.com/help.py?p=grid_method)
Skills: All characters have Knowledge (home region) 2 Ranks for free.
Feats: Any from source material. Sorcerers and Bards get Eschew Materials for free.
Prestige Classes: Any from source material. A prestige class must complete three levels before taking a new one. Subject to DM approval. PM me if you have plans for a prestige class.
Money and Equipment: Maximum gold for a starting level one character. Equipment from the PHB only to start. Other equipment available after start.
FR Regions: Characters should be from The Dales, regardless of race. Those who have this area for their region get one of the regional feats (their choice) as a free bonus feat. Bonus equipment as per the FR regions rules in the Players Guide to Faerun. I can give you the information if you do not own that book.
Spells: Divine spellcasters must research anything not in the Players Handbook. Anything not in the PHB is not common knowledge (it may not be rare, but it certainly is not standard for all spellcasters). Players can access these spells through research, but not from getting spells simply for leveling up in a class, like the wizard. Sorcerers are not so restricted.

A Note: The party should fill out the basic roles required in a party. I may stipulate additional guidelines, but I can’t think of anything to add right now. Characters should be motivated to protect the interests of their homeland/The Dales.

About the DM: I have many years of DND to my credit, as well as games like Feng Shui and Exalted. I am looking for a PbP game since all of my regular FtF players have moved away or become to occupied with babies and jobs to play on a regular basis.

Reserved...

For Game Information

Regarding Participation: Real life happens. If you know you are going to be away from your game for more than a day or two, please email me or post to this thread (I prefer the email). I will DMNPC your character until you return. If you know you will be gone longer than a week or two, we need to work something else out together.
If you drop off the planet, without a word, and your absence is longer than a few (2-3) days, I will automatically DMNPC your character for a short while. If I still do not hear from you in a reasonable amount of time (a week or two), I will work something out myself, and solicit the next person from the waiting list.

DMNPCing a character: When I do this, I will make decisions for your character based on how you have played them, up until that point. I will avoid overtly foolish or destructive behavior, edging towards conservate. Please do not yell at me about how I ruined your character! If you must step away from the game for a while, and we work this out together, if will be more to your liking.

Posting Behavior:
1. Please post regularly. It makes the game move more smoothly.
2. Post meaningful content. Make your post count, since this is a slow medium anyway.
3. Do not presuppose a reaction from another character, or from the game world. End your post in a way that leaves it open to interpretation.

Example: [Do Not Do This] Berck moves forward and strangles the guard, easing his dead body to the floor

Example: [Do this] Berck attempts to move forward, throwing his arms so as to try to place the guard in a sleeper hold. If he does so, he eases him to the floor and hides him behind a tapestry. If he fails, he grunts out a curse to Tymora, and attempts to flee before any hue and cry is raised.


Example: [Do Not Do This] Berck says "Hey, let me in!" The guard agrees, too tired to care.

Example: [Do this] Berck suggests "Hey, let me in!" He hopes the guard is too tired to question his flimsy disguise.

4. Put all spoken dialog in "quotes" and bold type "Like this"

5. When posting OOC, please start the section with

Reserved...

For Character Information (newest update as of Sept. 24, 2005: Summoning Spells (below))

From an email sent out on 09-10-05 to the players:

Okay, some of you have already started on your characters, but I did have a complaint about the Grid Method. You CAN use it if you like, or 36 point buy, but heck, if you want to go 5d6 (3 highest) six times in any order you like. GRID gives you some extra rolls, but less choice in assigning them, so I can see how you may not care for it if you like random rolls.
That gives you three choices of how to do this.

Why so generous? Having looked at the stats for many NPCs in many sourcebooks, long ago, I realize that the designers did not start out with 28 point buy characters. I want the PCs to be potential movers and shakers, not pot boys and serving girls. Hence, the wacky phat ability scores. BTW, if you do not like a roll, try again as many times as you care to, but only the last one counts. Once you get something that fits your concept, stop.

Erudite suggested the use of Flaws. I am not a fan of flaws, but not truly opposed to them, IF they make sense, AND actually make a difference either in the game mechanics or your playing behavior. If you have Unearthed Arcana you may use the flaws there after
requesting permission for those flaws from me. I am know of flaws in Dragon Magazine, but can't be bothered to look them up. If you want to use those, send me the information, the Dragon Magazine number, page number, etc. If you want to make one up, base it on an existing flaw and send me the write up. Again, I must approve any flaws before play. I am quite sure the limit is two flaws, but if you can get away with using fewer, try to do so.

Equipment will be basic to start, PHB only, but as the game progresses, you will have access to almost anything, provided you can find it or make it.

If you do not have access to any material listed under Sources, let me know and I can provide you with the information.
End Email Excerpt

Additional Info

Regional Bonus Equipment may NOT be sold prior to the start of the game.

Important for spell casters!
I am using the customized summoning rules found in Unearthed Arcana. For now, when you learn a Summoning Spell, you choose three (3) creatures of the appropriate type that you may summon. When you gain access to a new spell level, you may add one (1) creature to any Summoning Spell you know.

Summoned creatures must fit a theme appropriate for the character. Please run anything by me first. Templates may be applied to creatures to expand the possible selections, decided on a case-by-case basis.

Standard Character Sheet (from Wizards Boards). Please include all references for non-Core books after each particular item. Page numbers are helpful. For feats, please include how they were gained in ( ) after the feat name. Use spoilers([sblock][/sblock]) to hide any lengthy lists.

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Name
Gender Race Class ??st lvl
Alignment

Str ?? -- (?? pts)<-- show pts if using the pointbuy system
Dex ?? -- (?? pts)
Con ?? -- (?? pts)
Int ?? -- (?? pts)
Wis ?? -- (?? pts)
Cha ?? -- (?? pts)

Hit Points ??
AC ??, Touch ??, Flat ??
Init +??
BAB +??, Grap +??
Speed ?? (base ??, load 0/33, armorcategory)
Fort +??, Ref +??, Will +??

+?? Melee, weaponname, 1d6+??, 20/x2
+??/+?? Melee, weaponname/weaponname, 1d6+??/1d6+??, 20/x2
+?? Ranged, weaponname, 1d6+??, 20/x2, 30'r
+??/+?? Ranged, weaponname/weaponname, 1d6+??/1d6+??, 20/x2, 30'r

Sizecategory, ??'??" tall, ?? wt, ?? yrs old
Colortype hair, colortype eyes, tonetype skin

Speaks languagename, languagename, and languagename

+?? Skillname (4)
+?? Skillname (4)
+?? Skillname (4)
+?? Skillname (4acp) add acp if susceptible to armor penalties
+?? Skillname (2cc) add cc if cross classed
+?? Skillname (4 + 2cc) show multiclass ranks seperately
+0 Listen (0)
+0 Spot (0)

Feats
-featname (optional brief summary here)
-featname (optional brief summary here)

Racename Traits
-brief summary
-brief summary
-brief summary

Classname Abilities
-brief summary
-brief summary
-brief summary

Classname Abilities
-brief summary of second class' abilities

--delete this section unless wizard, cleric, or druid--
Spells Prepared
0th- Spell1, Spell2
1st- Spell1, Spell2 (D) if domain spell
2nd- Spell1, Spell2 (S) if specialization spell

--delete this section unless wizard--
Spellbook
0th- All cantrips
1st- Spell1, Spell2, Spell3

--delete this section unless sorceror or bard--
Spells Per Day ??|??/??/??
0th- Spell1, Spell2
1st- Spell1, Spell2

--delete this section unless psion, wilder, or psychic warrior--
Power Points ??
1st- Power1, Power2 (D) if discipline power
2nd- Power1, Power2

--delete this section unless special things are listed--
Special
List any special abilities or miscellaneous information that doesn't fit anywhere else on this character sheet. You can include animal companion stats, familiar's benefits and stats, horse/steed statistics, etc.


Write a long paragraph of character background and history here. Try to take advantage of using this section to make your character interesting instead of just a "video-gamish" list of D&D statistics. But don't write so much that it makes people's eyes fall out, keep it focused and stick to the highlights.

Write a paragraph that describes the characters personality, manners, attitude, motivations, likes, desires, goals, aspirations, fears, habits, quirks, and similar things. Thinking about that stuff and writing it down will help you role-play much much better and your games will become more fun for you and everybody else playing with you. Who knows, your role-playing might help you win an Academy Award someday (riiiight).

Write out another paragraph with details describing the way your PC looks when first encountered. Make him/her unique enough so that your character isn't just another boring face in the crowd. Also be sure to describe all your clothing colors and materials so that everyone isn't walking around looking like perfect clones wearing duplicate copies of Adventurer Jumpsuit Outfit #9!!


Armor (worn, ??wt) ??gp optional
Robe (worn, ??wt) ??gp optionally continue for each item below
Outfitname (worn, ??wt)

Medium Weapon or item (belt left, ??wt)
Medium Weapon or item (belt right, ??wt)
Tiny Weapon or item (belt front, ??wt)
Tiny Weapon or item (belt rear, ??wt)
Other items attached to belt (location, ??wt)

Bow or Crossbow (left shoulder, ??wt)
Quiver or Javelin Tube (right shoulder, ??wt)
Backpack (center back, ??wt)
Bedroll (below backpack, ??wt)
Other items worn on back or shoulders (location, ??wt)

Headband, Hat, Helmet (head, ??wt)
Lenses or Goggles (eyes, ??wt)
Cloak, Cape, or Mantle (worn, ??wt)
Vest, Vestment, or Shirt (worn, ??wt)
Ring (left ??th finger, -wt)
Ring (right ??th finger, -wt)
Amulet, Brooch, Medallion, or Necklace (worn, ??wt)
Belt (worn, ??wt)
Gloves or Gauntlets (hands, ??wt)
Bracers or Bracelets (wrists, ??wt)
Boots or Slippers (feet, ??wt)
Other minor accessories (location, ??wt)

Waterskin- water (backpack, ??wt)
5 Torches (backpack, ??wt)
Flint & Steel (backpack, ??wt)
Trail Rations- 1 days (backpack, ??wt)
Other backpack contents (backpack, ??wt)

Coins- ??gp, ??sp, ??cp (pouch, ??wt)
Gemname- ??gp (pouch, -wt)
Gemname- ??gp (pouch, -wt)
Other pouch contents (pouch, ??wt)

Remove any items from this sample list that the character doesn't have. Keep a blank line between the seperate categories (main clothing, belt things, shoulders/back, accessories worn, jewelry, backpack contents, pouch contents) to help organize the character.

The equipment listed should show where everything is usually carried during "hands-free" situations, such as when sitting in the tavern drinking an ale, or climbing up a rope in a dungeon, or carrying your unconscious companion's body back to town to be healed. Even though the character may typically carry certain equipment in his hands, writing your character sheet like this will help visualize where everything goes during any hands-free situations that come up.
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Put me down for a human wizard.

Hi, I'd like to join this one as a dwarven cleric.

I'm down for a human fighter.

Halfling female Rogue, though human female Necromancer is interesting to me.

I'd like to try for a female half-orc barbarian!

I'm not in any Realms games and have been looking for an excuse to buy the last couple of FR releases so I'll stick my hand up.

Half elf Sorcerer

Cheers

Daz

Hey, I’d like to join! Half-Orc Druid or anything else that balances the party.

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