YeOldeAlbatross
First Post
CHARACTER CREATION RULES
1. First Level Characters
2. 32 Point Buy for ability scores.
3. Maximum hit points at first level. We will use fixed hit point advancement for future level ups.
4. Maximum gold by class to start, but please spend it. The maximum amount of money any one can start with as the game opens is 20 gold pieces.
5. For any source other than what is found in the SRD, please annotate your character sheet so that I can know what the feat/spell/class ability/whatever does generally, in case I do not have immediate access to a book in question.
6. Please put on your character sheets a section for 'Tactics'. This should just be a brief idea of how your PC approaches combats and some basic things you think they will do on a normal basis. This is to help me run your PC in a combat, if you are absent for some reason.
7. A picture of your PC is not required, but is strongly encouraged. There's lots of good artwork available all over the web.
HOUSE RULES & EXPECTATIONS
**I expect everyone to have fun with this game, and to do his/her best to make sure everyone else has fun too. Conflicts between PCs are fine, but please make sure these issues do not become big conflicts between players, as this rapidly ruins the enjoyment factor for everyone. Likewise, if there is any issue with the DM...a question about a ruling, or a suggestion for how the game can be improved...feel free to bring it my attention in a kind way. I'm not a powermonger, I see my role as facilitator, not as adversary. I'm certainly open to suggestions and corrections, so long as things remain friendly and constructive.
**I should be able to post on average about once per day. I expect the players to be able to post on a regular basis as well. This is the way the game keeps moving, and doesn't stagnate (the kiss of death for PbP). If you must miss some time due to illness, vacation, burnout, whatever, I just ask to be informed. If more than 2-3 days have passed, I reserve the right to step in and NPC your character for the sake of keeping the game moving. Any player that does not post for more than two weeks without informing me, is subject to being removed from the game (and his PC meeting a gruesome fate!![:]](http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/devious.png "Devious :]")
)
**Please note that I need the players to help me drive the game forward. Here's what I mean by that. I have observed games where, when facing a crossroads, the characters discuss several options, but never actually state that they are undertaking any of those options. Delays ensue, requiring the DM to prod the players to do something. Posting this:
Krunk suggests, "Hey guys, I think we should go down the left passage!"
is not the same as posting this:
Krunk holds his torch aloft and leads the way down the left passage.
The latter advances the game, the former does not. Now, by all means, roleplay your characters, discuss options, etc. Just realize that PC actions are what will allow the game to move forward...not talking about PC actions.
**It is important to me that the players actively keep their character sheets up to date. If you pick something up, note it on the sheet. If you cast a spell, note it on the sheet. Very outdated character sheets are a major pet peeve, because I will be referring to them as well...I will not be keeping my own records separately.
**Please choose a color for your PC that is dark-background friendly, and post dialogue in that color. I will do the same for major NPCs. Please post in third-person present tense (e.g.,'Krunk attacks the goblin.' NOT 'Krunk attacked the goblin' and NOT 'I attack the goblin.')
**Handy reminders of skill modifiers, attack and damage numbers, and so forth, are always welcome...encouraged, even. Anything that saves me the time of having to go back to refer to your character sheet = goodness.
**Leveling up will happen mid-adventure when applicable. I know this is not the most realistic way to handle things, but it definitely is the most fun. Multi-classing or entry into Prestige Classes must be cleared through the DM before being allowed. In most cases, I will consider past role-playing very seriously before making these allowances, especially if the new class is very different from the old. Classes which require much academic study or intense spiritual discipline (wizard, cleric, monk, paladin come to mind) will be more difficult to get approved without supporting role-playing.
**The DM will handle all dice rolling. Please just let me know if you want me to resolve a skill check, ability check, or anything else for you.
**I also have a few house rules that serve to minimize bookkeeping, a major hassle in this format, I believe. As follows:
First, I will not keep track of normal ammunition for this game. Buy some arrows or sling bullets to start if applicable, and then we won't worry about it. This does not apply to javelins, darts, or the like, nor to magical ammo. We will just assume that most of the normal ammunition is recoverable after the battle ends.
Second, unless the party is trapped in a situation where food and water is scarce, I will not track provisions either. It is assumed the characters have a little money stashed away for mundane food, drink, and lodgings so I won't ask you to deduct money for these things unless something is purchased in excess. If you're going away from civilization, carry a few rations, and I'm good.
Third, I will not track encumbrance too closely, as long as the load is kept reasonable. If your equipment list looks sensible, no worries. If you try to lug around five suits of armor, three full chests of gold, and a lifesize statue of Orcus, then penalties will certainly be applied. Mostly, though, we'll just rely on common sense.
Fourth, I tend to be pretty soft on identifying magical items. My preference is that you get to use the fun stuff you find, not having to stash it away in your pack until scrounging up enough cash for that identify spell. Often, some skill checks and experimentation will be enough for me to tell you what you've got.
As more houserules and thoughts come up, I will post them here.
1. First Level Characters
2. 32 Point Buy for ability scores.
3. Maximum hit points at first level. We will use fixed hit point advancement for future level ups.
4. Maximum gold by class to start, but please spend it. The maximum amount of money any one can start with as the game opens is 20 gold pieces.
5. For any source other than what is found in the SRD, please annotate your character sheet so that I can know what the feat/spell/class ability/whatever does generally, in case I do not have immediate access to a book in question.
6. Please put on your character sheets a section for 'Tactics'. This should just be a brief idea of how your PC approaches combats and some basic things you think they will do on a normal basis. This is to help me run your PC in a combat, if you are absent for some reason.
7. A picture of your PC is not required, but is strongly encouraged. There's lots of good artwork available all over the web.
HOUSE RULES & EXPECTATIONS
**I expect everyone to have fun with this game, and to do his/her best to make sure everyone else has fun too. Conflicts between PCs are fine, but please make sure these issues do not become big conflicts between players, as this rapidly ruins the enjoyment factor for everyone. Likewise, if there is any issue with the DM...a question about a ruling, or a suggestion for how the game can be improved...feel free to bring it my attention in a kind way. I'm not a powermonger, I see my role as facilitator, not as adversary. I'm certainly open to suggestions and corrections, so long as things remain friendly and constructive.
**I should be able to post on average about once per day. I expect the players to be able to post on a regular basis as well. This is the way the game keeps moving, and doesn't stagnate (the kiss of death for PbP). If you must miss some time due to illness, vacation, burnout, whatever, I just ask to be informed. If more than 2-3 days have passed, I reserve the right to step in and NPC your character for the sake of keeping the game moving. Any player that does not post for more than two weeks without informing me, is subject to being removed from the game (and his PC meeting a gruesome fate!
)**Please note that I need the players to help me drive the game forward. Here's what I mean by that. I have observed games where, when facing a crossroads, the characters discuss several options, but never actually state that they are undertaking any of those options. Delays ensue, requiring the DM to prod the players to do something. Posting this:
Krunk suggests, "Hey guys, I think we should go down the left passage!"
is not the same as posting this:
Krunk holds his torch aloft and leads the way down the left passage.
The latter advances the game, the former does not. Now, by all means, roleplay your characters, discuss options, etc. Just realize that PC actions are what will allow the game to move forward...not talking about PC actions.
**It is important to me that the players actively keep their character sheets up to date. If you pick something up, note it on the sheet. If you cast a spell, note it on the sheet. Very outdated character sheets are a major pet peeve, because I will be referring to them as well...I will not be keeping my own records separately.
**Please choose a color for your PC that is dark-background friendly, and post dialogue in that color. I will do the same for major NPCs. Please post in third-person present tense (e.g.,'Krunk attacks the goblin.' NOT 'Krunk attacked the goblin' and NOT 'I attack the goblin.')
**Handy reminders of skill modifiers, attack and damage numbers, and so forth, are always welcome...encouraged, even. Anything that saves me the time of having to go back to refer to your character sheet = goodness.
**Leveling up will happen mid-adventure when applicable. I know this is not the most realistic way to handle things, but it definitely is the most fun. Multi-classing or entry into Prestige Classes must be cleared through the DM before being allowed. In most cases, I will consider past role-playing very seriously before making these allowances, especially if the new class is very different from the old. Classes which require much academic study or intense spiritual discipline (wizard, cleric, monk, paladin come to mind) will be more difficult to get approved without supporting role-playing.
**The DM will handle all dice rolling. Please just let me know if you want me to resolve a skill check, ability check, or anything else for you.
**I also have a few house rules that serve to minimize bookkeeping, a major hassle in this format, I believe. As follows:
First, I will not keep track of normal ammunition for this game. Buy some arrows or sling bullets to start if applicable, and then we won't worry about it. This does not apply to javelins, darts, or the like, nor to magical ammo. We will just assume that most of the normal ammunition is recoverable after the battle ends.
Second, unless the party is trapped in a situation where food and water is scarce, I will not track provisions either. It is assumed the characters have a little money stashed away for mundane food, drink, and lodgings so I won't ask you to deduct money for these things unless something is purchased in excess. If you're going away from civilization, carry a few rations, and I'm good.
Third, I will not track encumbrance too closely, as long as the load is kept reasonable. If your equipment list looks sensible, no worries. If you try to lug around five suits of armor, three full chests of gold, and a lifesize statue of Orcus, then penalties will certainly be applied. Mostly, though, we'll just rely on common sense.
Fourth, I tend to be pretty soft on identifying magical items. My preference is that you get to use the fun stuff you find, not having to stash it away in your pack until scrounging up enough cash for that identify spell. Often, some skill checks and experimentation will be enough for me to tell you what you've got.
As more houserules and thoughts come up, I will post them here.
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