[3.5e: Eberron] The Forgotten Forge (and beyond!)

[Breithen]

THREAD IS CLOSED

The Forgotten Forge (and beyond!)

It's raining, of course. It always rains on warm summer evenings when there's murder in the air.

Curtains of water fall from the sky as you traverse the labyrinthine walkways of Sharn. The stone and wooden paths wind around and between the towers high and spires high above the ground, forming a complex latticework that can be very confusing on evenings such as this. The rain falls hard, running off higher walkways and balconies in drenching waves, making it difficult to see much more than a few feet ahead of you.

The distant glow of everbright lanterns, barely visible in the soaking gloom, does little to light your path this evening. It is enough, however, to illuminate a body lying in the shadows on the skybridge ahead of you...

Summary A 3.5e Eberron campaign for 4 1st-level characters in a "fantasy noir" setting. (FULL) Basic rulebooks only, any alignment but no party griefing. Apply with character concept; if you're accepted you'll be told the mechanics of character creation. Post frequency should be at least twice a week, expect to take an action roughly daily during combat.

Background The initial adventure is The Forgotten Forge from the Eberron Campaign Setting, but this is just the beginning! The initial adventure will let me warm up as a DM and let us all work out mechanical chinks, get to know each other, and establish a cohesive party before we get into the "meat". If you're familiar with The Forgotten Forge, you are still welcome to apply; as stated above, I hope that that adventure is just the prologue/hook to the real story. Just play your character appropriately -- you know the story, but he/she doesn't. You'll begin by investigating an unusual murder and its repercussions near-term and long-term. After completing The Forgotten Forge, the story will continue with an original campaign combining elements of political intrigue, organized crime, shadowy puppetmasters, and mysterious artifacts. Think Dick Tracy meets Indiana Jones meets Alfred Hitchcock, all in a fantasy noir setting with plenty of action. I'm looking for a very "noir" feel, so the RP should be moderately serious, but there'll be plenty of room for humor both IC and OOC.

Allowed Sources * PHB * DMG * Eberron Campaign Setting That's it. You likely have more, I have more, but for my first foray here I want to keep things simple. Exception: I've agreed to consider small variants from SRD Unearthed Arcana. e.g. Nikolasthe17th is using the Chains of Disbelief Illusionist variant. These are not automatically approved! PM me a proposal and I'll let you know whether I will allow it. Kalashtar are welcome, though I don't have the Expanded Psionics Handbook, so their psionic abilities will be "primitive". After the initial adventure, we may discuss pulling in specific outside sources for character advancement. If you find these sources boring, don't apply.

Alignments Anything but "Griefing Evil". That said, I expect (and prefer) a mostly-good party, so if you want to play Evil (or Chaotic Neutral), make sure it's of a flavor that can cooperate with Good allies. If you want to play an Evil character that wreaks havoc on his companions, don't apply.

Power Level Since I'm not telling you yet the mechanics of character creation (see below), let me give you the gist of the power level. Expect to have ability modifiers summing close to +9, with no single modifier greater than +3. Wealth is standard for first level characters. You will be allowed to gamble with hit-points if you wish, but may take a more conservative approach if desired.

How to Apply Applications will be processed first come, first served. I am free to reject your application (with stated reason, so you can improve and resubmit). Resubmitted applications get their own post (do not edit the original) and hold the respective position in line. First four applications to pass are the party. If an accepted applicant withdraws (or disappears) they are treated as not having applied and I move on down the list. If they wish to reapply after that, they can reuse their original application but they're at the back of the line. This is what should be included in your application: * Character Name * Race/Class/Alignment * Character Concept * In-Character Introduction Vignette The initial setting will be Sharn, quite urban. The vignette should be two to three paragraphs that explain via narrative why your character is in Sharn (do you live there? are you visiting as a tourist? on business?) and a little bit about their personality. Do not roll any stats or include mechanical details beyond race/class/alignment in the application. I just want a concept; worthy applicants will be given mechanical directions for full character creation. Example Application Accepted Applications: Player Character Alignment/Race/Class Embrodak Brother Thalamus LE Human Cleric Nikolasthe17th Jos N Changeling Wizard (Illusionist) Postes Jhonsin Hawklin NG Elf Rogue Grix Troz Loggir LN Dwarf Fighter Tentative second party: Player Character Alignment/Race/Class Gix Shanks CN Warforged Rogue mrunderhill Da'an NG Warforged Fighter ? ? ? ? ? ?

Expected Posting Frequency TL;DR: Post at least once every three days, try and post daily during combat. I'd like to keep things moving, but I understand people have lives (including me). The TL;DR above sums it up, so if that's enough for you, good. For those that love details, expand the spoiler below.   This section is very specific, but that's as much so that you applicants can know your protections from other slackers as much as what's expected of you. You will be expected to post at a minimum once every 3 days unless an absence is explained to the party in advance. 84 unexcused hours absence is a "strike". 48 hours continued absence after that is a second strike, and each 36 hours after that is an additional strike. Once you post, you reset to the 84 hour timer. Three strikes is an "out", and you'll be referred to the party for a vote on expulsion. As a concrete example, say your last post was Monday morning. You have until Thursday evening before you gain a strike. If you haven't posted by Saturday evening, you get another strike. If you still haven't posted by the following Monday morning, you're out! If you instead posted Saturday afternoon, you've only accumulated one strike and you have until Tuesday evening to post again before you get the second strike. Again, if you explain why and how long you'll be gone before disappearing, we'll wait for you, no strikes. If the party votes no on expulsion, your strikes reset to zero, but the third out is an automatic expulsion. This is a lot of leeway, especially if you're otherwise keeping in the party's good graces such that they'll vote to keep you. During combat, the round timer is 36 hours, or until everyone's posted an action, whichever comes first. Missing a combat action is not a strike, by itself, it just means I'll play your character that round as an NPC. If we reach a combat situation and you know you won't be able to keep up right then but don't want to be a frequent NPC, you can request a pre-combat "recess" of up to one week, voted on by the party. Actions are executed in the order received; initiative will only matter for determining (1) if the NPCs or players go first, and if the NPCs go first, (2) whether a player is flatfooted. If you don't think you can keep up with that, you guessed it... don't apply. If your situation changes during the game such that you can no longer keep up, let us know and we'll wish you the best and start looking for a replacement. But don't just leave us hanging.

Writing Standards TL;DR: One to two paragraphs of decent English per post. I'm not going to require perfection. I don't want you stressing and spending hours a week composing your posts. But please do write in coherent English and put some work into describing your character's actions beyond "Belfus hits the kobold." On the other hand, I do NOT want a full heroic epic in every post. A good rule of thumb would be one to two short paragraphs to a post. Some posts will be shorter or longer than that, but those will be the exceptions.

[Inukotsu18]

Interest! Love Ebberon and going to apply my classic character; a Warforged Monk! Yeah, the stat adjust. don't align well but I have always loved the idea of a Warforged in a monk get-up and persona; so wrong yet so right.

Books allowed and whatnot would be good to hear as well. And if you were getting to that...my bad.

[Breithen]

No problem, I indeed was. They should be there now, I look forward to your application. I alos like playing "odd" characters... my first Eberron character was a Warforged Artificer that delivered spells from wands via slam attacks! Gotta love those warforged...

[Nikolasthe17th]

Originally Posted by Inukotsu18

I have always loved the idea of a Warforged in a monk get-up and persona

I once had a warforged monk that could run the equator of the Earth in 8 minutes or so, maybe an hour, I forget without looking at the paper.

I'll try to come up with something for this, too bad swashbuckler is out....? lol

[TheTad]

Interested, placeholder app

[Breithen]

This is an example of an application, to give you an idea of what I expect. Your formatting need not match mine exactly.

Gramm Hannely

Neutral Good Gnome Druid

Concept Unlike the majority of druids, Gramm has adapted to an urban existence. He realized early in his life that by abandoning the urbanites in favor of the wild, his druidic brethren have also turned their backs on the other life that exists in among the crowds: plants, vermin, urban birds, etc.

Introduction Gramm sat in his customary spot on the balcony, watching the birds frolick above him, hunting insects. He toyed with the blades of crab grass struggling for purchase among the cracked masonry. How can my peers forget that the cycle of life adapts and continues in this urban environment? he wondered, not for the first time. Those birds with their droppings... no doubt the seeds of this grass were carried in their bellies. This city teems with domesticated pets and their less domesticated offspring. Even the vermin underfoot deserves the respect of those that claim to love nature. After another short while his period of morning meditation ended and he stood, brushing himself off. He grabbed his day pack and locked his apartment behind him. Navigating through the crowds already filtering into walkways to perform their day's business was always a chore, but he had years of practice. Within 10 minutes he was opening his shop and accepting his first customer of the day. Well hello again, Belfus! he said with a smile. What have you been up to? But Belfus didn't respond; instead his owner reached down to ruffle the canine's ears and replied on his behalf. This naughty boy snuck into my study last night and downed a bottle of ink. Since then he's been acting ill and I just wanted to make sure he'll be ok. Gramm just smiled...

[Jasontheswift]

Character Name: TBC
Race: Draconic http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Draconic_(4e_Race)
Class: Black Knight http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Black_Knight_(3.5e_Class)
Alignment: LE
Character Concept: TBC not entirely sure what to put in im sorry to admit

Is this suitable so far ? I know about the race but I was hoping as just a slight chance.

[Embrodak]

Character Name: Brother Thalamus
Race/Class/Alignment: Human/Cleric/LE

Character Concept If it were not for that incident in his youth Thalamus would be leading the life of a farmer. Tragedy struck leaving a young Thalamus alone in the world. Saved by a group of Paladins of the Silver Flame he was brought to Flamekeep where he eventually sought out the priesthood.

Introduction Clunk... Clunk... Clunk... The walls reverberated with the sounds of boots walking on stone. It was a wide hallway, made of marble stone with a silver thread through it. A solitary figure walked down the lonely hallway, his boots echoing with every step. It was not too long of a walk before the figure stopped at the large mahogany door. There was a quick tap, followed by a few moments of silence. The door creaked open a moment later. and the figure entered the room. In contrast to the stark cold feel of the hallway, this was a lushly furnished room, with plush carpets and rich tapestries on the wall. A man stood by a table and ushered the new entrant in. The man was older, his formerly black haired peppered with grey. He was also much more stout than his younger days, with a little round belly. He smiled to the new entrant, a much younger man. "Thalamus, thank you for coming to see me." the elder man said with a nod. "I am hear at your pleasure High Cardinal Krozen" Thalamus said getting to a knee. The Krozen shook his head and indicated for the younger man to stand, showing him a large map on the table. "These foolish spawn of Jarot, think it over.. They are wrong. The seeds have been planted, as the people tire of these noble fools." Thalamus just nodded to the Cardinal. "I am in need of men such as you Thalamus. Those that do what needs to be done. Those not afraid to get a little dirty for the greater good." he says taking a breath. "What I ask is simple. I need you to travel the other three nations and become a beacon of what is right in the world. Show the people what the Silver Flame is about. Then as when the time is right, the people will naturally flock to the Flame. We will have won this war with out striking a blow." "Yes Sir. The enemey will do it to themselves and we won't have to risk another Thrane in this War." Thalamus is quick to add his voice in agreement. "Just where am I to start." he asked. "I have agents throughout the nations. I need you to go to Breland. I need you at the most difficult of assignments. I need you to go to the biggest den of sin." The Cardinal said simply. "I am to go to Sharn?" he says in a questioning tone. "Precisely" is all the Cardinal said in response.

[Breithen]

Originally Posted by Jasontheswift

Character Name: TBC
Race: Draconic http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Draconic_(4e_Race)
Class: Black Knight http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Black_Knight_(3.5e_Class)
Alignment: LE
Character Concept: TBC not entirely sure what to put in im sorry to admit

Is this suitable so far ? I know about the race but I was hoping as just a slight chance.

Sorry, no. I'd like to stick to the basic races and classes for this go round, as I stated in the advert, even if the alternate material is available online. This restriction applies to both your proposed class and race.

Draconic: Additionally, beyond that, the Draconic race linked is 4e (I don't want to spend the time "porting" it to 3.5e), and frankly looks unbalanced. +2 to multiple abilities, along with other buffs, without any penalties to be seen? Even if I did allow that, that'd be a LA, and you're starting at level 1.

http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Draconics_(3.5e_Race) is the proper edition, and looks more complete and balanced. But (1) that balance includes a +6 LA, which is definitely out, and (2) it's still a source outside what I've decided on for this campaign.

You will need to choose a race from either the PHB or the ECS.

Black Knight: To replace the Black Knight, your best option is probably a "mirror Paladin", which I will allow. This is a Paladin as in the 3.5e PHB but with the following modifications:

* Alignment: Lawful Evil
* Aura of Good -> Aura of Evil
* Detect Evil -> Detect Good
* Smite Evil -> Smite Good
* Lay on Hands inflicts damage, heals undead.
* Turn Undead -> Rebuke Undead
* Spell list changes appropriately. I'd finalize this before you reach 4th level, but e.g. Cure X Wounds -> Inflict X Wounds
* (optional) Special Mount -> Undead Ally (details to be worked out before 5th level). You can keep the Special Mount instead, if you wish, but the steed will hail from the infernal plane rather than the celestial.
* Remove Disease -> Contagion
* Code of Conduct as for your linked Black Knight.
* Some other abilities may be renamed for flavor, but remain mechanically identical.

Character Concept: Just describe in a short paragraph (see my example), what you plan on your character *being*. If you don't have more you want to share, simple descriptions like "Bow-and-arrow ranger", or "Sword-and-board tanky fighter" are acceptable. Enough to tell me how you plan to use your chosen class.

[Breithen]

Originally Posted by Embrodak

Character Name: Brother Thalamus
Race/Class/Alignment: Human/Cleric/LE

Accepted.

The relationship between your chosen alignment and your concept/introduction is not incompatible but is a little... ambiguous. I'd like a little more explanation, but if you want that to be a surprise for the rest of the party, feel free to PM me.

[Nikolasthe17th]

Can we use variants from the unearthed arcana?

[Embrodak]

It's Eberron... Shades of Grey and all that...

[Breithen]

Originally Posted by Nikolasthe17th

Can we use variants from the unearthed arcana?

No. See the advert:

Originally Posted by Breithen

You likely have more, I have more, but for my first foray here I want to keep things simple.

[Breithen]

Originally Posted by Embrodak

It's Eberron... Shades of Grey and all that...

Yup, that's what I expected.

[Nikolasthe17th]

OK, I was just looking for a +4 to DC for Illusions.