[Information] Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

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Frequently Asked Questions




Thematic Music

Each post will have a new article that may help you understand more about the ideas behind the EE (Eternity's End).

• Can I play at the EE?
• Can I be a Game Master at the EE?
• I love this game!!!
• What about all of the Paradoxes?
• How did Eternity's End come about?
• How are new rules and features made?
• I've got a quick question I can't find the answer to/I have a suggestion to make the game better.
• I have questions about Eternity's End Factions.
• Why are encounters harder at level six and higher?
• Why is Item Creation and Item Creation Feats not allowed at Eternity's End?
• Why is leadership and leadership feats not allowed?
  

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I love this game!!!

Wow! I really love your game! What a great PBP concept! Insert praise, etc.

Thank you very much... The EE staff is always happy to get PMs like this, but just for the sake of clarification...

Allthough it's a really exciting project and I'm glad to be a part of it, in the interest of full disclosure, the project isn't "MINE" or any other GM's at all. The game belongs to all the DMs and PCs respectively since it's a living entity and we all participate to make this a great place to game.

Around here even the Head GM is just a janitor who picks up trash and organizes messes and speaks a peace when necessary. They don't even make many choices (with exception to things that need immediate addressing), instead decisions are based on GM/Founder consensus through democratic vote. Honestly, the project could not exist without all the brilliant GM minds that have contributed and thanks belongs to each of them as well as the players who continue to make this a great gaming environment.

So... Although the staff really appreciates all the great letters you might send, please do the team a favor and congratulate and give thanks to them publicly in the OOC or in a personal PM if a particular individual has given you a great experience; they will be really happy to hear your praise-- and don't forget, as a PC, you're part of the team! We can't make this happen without you guys too!

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What about all of the Paradoxes?

Did you ever wonder where the bathroom is? Or why the characters never talk in the hallways together? Or why some people age and others don't? Why your teeth haven't rotted even though you never brush them?

What about why characters are instantly restored after a trip the arena or wake up in their private chambers after an adventure?

What are the deep philosophical conundrums that underlay the cosmic framework of a place of correspondence of time and place? What are the implications of that framework on existence as a whole?

The short answer is...

Don't ask.

The bathroom is located wherever it needs to be and you can assume you can use it whenever you need to unless you are writing a scene where it's completely occupied because that is what the story demands. All of the "off camera" stuff, MUST remain off camera for the sake everyone's sanity (you can include these in scenes where you are shaving if you want, but the important thing to remember is that you don't need to), and further, the exact reasons of who, what, when, where and why of EE are precisely a mystery by design, so although you can ponder the answers, and even have fun creating neat ideas that may even shape the Inn over time, you will never get a precise answer, ever, because quite frankly it doesn't make any sense and it's never going to, and even if it did, we wouldn't tell you because that would spoil the game and lead to exploits and other problems. So...

Don't ask. Have fun thinking about the existential implications of the nature of the EE, RP it IC, have a ball even, but don't ever expect a straight answer for these kinds of problems from the staff or even NPCs (they can only theorize too). It's part of the rules and design that there is no direct answers to these sorts of problems.

And remember, when asking directions, the Arena is located "that way" *points in that direction*.

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How did the Eternity's End come about?

The original format for this game was forged by a think tank over months of planning on a competitor site. After some various difficulties with formatting, the game concept was rebooted on DnDOG.

When brought here, it was brought to light that the game had many similarities to the Pathfinder Society (nearly identical even) and that Pathfinder rules would end up being more balanced and provide greater character customization than the original D&D 3.5 format due to Paizo's love of free online publishing of their source materials.

It was further noted that the game setting itself bore a striking resemblance to an old D&D module.

The current incarnation greatly resembles a hybrid of the World Serpent Inn as well as the format of Pathfinder Society, but with a few notable exceptions and alterations to account for the differences of PBP VS tabletop gaming, as well as some obvious creative presentation differences and tons of special features and ways to play the game that you won't find in other games. Oddly enough, none of these resources had anything to do with the initial creation, but it sure would have been nice to have seen them back then as it would have saved a ton of work and deliberation.

During the planning phases a team of dedicated GMs took up the mantle of discussing how this might actually happen on DnDOG. After a bit of planning vague ideas started to solidify and take shape. Not long after the first beta testers were privately invited, followed by the soft opening.

While the game runs on a very sturdy platform, Eternity's End is a living entity and requires constant upkeep and attention and as such, also evolves in new and unexpected ways. As such, you can expect all sorts of new features and expansions to come into place as time rolls on and the project continues to grow.

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How are new rules and features made?

The EE is run by a democratic affectionately known as the outer deitiescouncil of founders and senior GMs that undergo a rigorous entrance process.

The Head GM generally "guides" policy, but rules themselves are very tender and delicate subjects.

Generally a new rule or feature is a response to the suggestion box or a bit of GM inspiration, a new release from Paizo or sometimes a little of each.

Each feature, rule, expansion or otherwise game altering substance is weighed against (among others) the following metrics:

Is it simple? (will it create more paperwork? do we have the resources to accomodate?)
Is it fun?
Is it necessary?
Does it promote a better gaming atmosphere?
Will it unbalance the game or its goals?

These basic notions are then discussed ad infinitum until a general conversation loop pattern is formed that weighs the pros against the cons against each other. Sometimes this is brought to player discussion at the EE or even DnDOG discussion boards for fact or opinion research.

Once a general trend of conversation surfaces that seems to encapsulate different sides of the arguments both for and against the idea, the idea then goes to vote. While all GMs are invited and encouraged to participate in discussion, only senior and council member GMs are given votes (barring special circumstances) as they understand the project rules and premise best and will be most inclined to make the wisest decision based on what is good for the game. Each vote, including the Head GM, counts as one vote, however, the Head GM vote is considered a tie-breaker should a tie arise.

Voting members have made a habit of voting maturely and responsibly, and even to go against their own personal wishes (at times) to concede a vote that they feel is best for the game.

Once a new idea is voted in, it is inserted into the existing rules and announced by the Head GM. In most cases a two week grace period or more is offered before the new rule is implemented fully to allow GMs and players time to adjust.

If as a player you feel you would like a greater voice in the democratic process at the EE you are welcome to undergo the entrance process to GMing at the EE when you meet the minimum requirements and then participate regularly to not only offer your input to steer discussions, but also to one day become a senior GM with voting privileges.

The process of becoming a senior GM generally includes a routine running of games at the EE (minimum 3 consecutive), great posting habits, a firm understanding of PF and EE rules as well as underlying theory and concepts, volunteer participation in needed areas and generally just being a personable team player.

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Can I play at Eternity's End?

Open recruiting is done on an First Come First ServeFCFS basis (meaning, as soon as someone submits a legal character they will be accepted,) here, until the slots are filled. More slots are created as more GMs join to run games. The best way to ensure you accepted as a player is to join as a Game Master or apprentice as one, as all GMs are guaranteed a player slot.

Once a total staff of 60 regular participants is reached it seems reasonable to expect that full time open recruiting can then occur, allowing that any person on the site can join, even if it's their first day and they have no experience with PBP or RPGs.

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Can I be a Game Master at Eternity's End?

YES please. This game requires as many qualified GMs as can be begged, borrowed or stolen.

Please familiarize yourself with all informational articles on this board to proceed.

Even if you can't but you know someone who can, pass them a link and tell them to check this opportunity out.

Further, there is a whole mess of GM incentives both OOC and IC that make this a great place to GM.

If you aren't a confident GM yet you can also always sign up for the PBP GM Academy.

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I've got a quick question I can't find the answer to/I have a suggestion to make the game better.

Please visit the HELP board and we'll be happy to assist.

For a quick question please post in the Quick Questions and Answers thread. For longer discussions please make a thread on the HELP area.

Someone will be along shortly to answer your questions, but recognize that while other players can be helpful and even link you directly to the correct answers, official answers on specific rules queries can only come from EE staff members.

Alternately, if you have a suggestion to make the game better please visit the Suggestion Box and the help staff will review your suggestion. Please note that many great GM minds have put in hundreds of hours to make this game the best it can be, but that doesn't mean we've thought of everything! If you have a great idea we'll be happy to hear it. Please do note that there may be specific reasons your idea could/should not be implemented. When possible we will do our best to explain these reasons but doing so may not always be possible.

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I have questions about factions...

I'm a new player here at Eternity's End. This faction thing is huge and I'm not sure which faction is best for my character, what should I do?

 

A faction choice is a big decision for sure, it will unless you start out as "The Lost" faction, at which point you may change factions at level 5 as part of your optional "Into the Breach" respec questpermanently affect and shape your character and their story just as much as your choice of class and race, possibly even more so. If you're not sure which faction is right for you, ask your auditor as part of your character audit. All auditors can help you find a faction that is probably suiting to your character concept, and if you still aren't sure, you can always join "the lost" for now and change your faction at level 5.

When is my character considered to have joined a faction since they are a brand new character?

 

This result can be achieved many ways. In some cases, like with the cartel, they might have been previously in their employ before discovering Eternity's End, or if Schaduwen they may have been off seeking immortality on the Shadow plane before they died and made the pilgrimage, died and now have found themselves at Eternity's End... or they might get to the pub, wander off through some door and complete their faction joining quest as described in the joining the faction section of faction charters before interacting in the pub, or they could do it in the Story Teller as a part of their level 1 Story Teller reward, making it a full XP worthy venture and whole quest completed.

How you choose to rationalize this completely up to you as long as it make some sort of sense within the scope of the faction, doesn't effect game mechanics and keeps with the theme of the faction. This is left wide open to help you tailor your specific character's story in a way that helps you shape the kind of PC that you are looking to play, and further, allows you to not have much to do with factions if you're not terribly interested in making factions a big part of your character's overall story here at Eternity's End.

This all has to do with what kind of story you intend to tell with your character overall, and at Eternity's End, we want to give you as many options as possible to play the kind of hero you want to play and tell the kind of story for them you want to tell.

Do I need to know the rules for all of the factions in order to play?

 

Absolutely not, there is only one rule for a faction that pertains to all characters and that is the Reporting Technoratti Agents as AWOL rule, and you don't have to do it if you don't want to. It presents a unique scenario which can earn you bonus XP; for details see the section: Technoratti > Mechanics > Level 1 > With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility.

It is entirely possible that you as a player and your character is mostly ignorant of the other factions and that is a viable way to play.

I think 'X' faction is better than 'Y' faction...

 

And you are completely entitled to your opinion. Our experienced staff has taken great pains to balance each faction and separated them by player tier prior to the release of the faction expansion and maintains and amends as necessary the faction mechanics for the sake of game balance.

Some people prefer some character builds over others and that's fine. Other people may not readily understand why one ability is more or less powered than it seems to be. If you are particularly concerned with a specific rule you can always voice your opinions at the Suggestion Box. Please explain your position thoroughly and offer a potential solution. Doing so in know way guarantees that any rule will be changed.

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Why are encounters harder at level six and higher?

Due to the game mechanic addition of factions characters become significantly more powerful than typical Pathfinder characters.

The Game Master is ordered to put an increase of +1 CR on adventures level 6-11, +2 CR at levels 12-17, and +3 CR at levels 18+. These increases coincide directly with faction bonuses.

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Why is Item Creation and Item Creation Feats not allowed at Eternity's End?

At Eternity's End we strive to give you as many player options as we can while still keeping the game balanced and fun. Unfortunately standard item creation rules would infinitely abuseable at Eternity's End, and though we would like to allow it as another viable option of play, we simply cannot.

Item creation restrictions designed to balance them are in total, not aligned with how Eternity's End functions which is explained as follows:

 

Questing for Components: At Eternity's End there is no guarantee a particular GMs adventure will yield any components ever. GMs are given freedom to run any kind of adventure they would like as a Core feature to allow GMs to exercise their creativity to any extent and direction they wish, which is not only important, but necessary to draw in new GMs to EE, as without GMs, there are no adventures.

Morkert's Conerns: Why quest for components when you can buy them at Morkwert's Emporium? It doesn't make much sense. Further, Morkwert's has plenty of Artificers that make all kinds of gadgets and magic items in their employ, you would be considered competition for them and they are not fond of competition. Competition for Morkwert's tends to assimilate or disappear, in either case, effectively ending your character's adventuring story.

Feat Mitigation: To have item creation abilities you must take item creation feats, which will thereby make your character less effective in a party scenario as the feats they have spent on item creation will be at the expense of feats that would make them a more effective party member. At Eternity's End, the rotating party mechanics make it so that you can't count on the idea that others will be able to fill in for your character's weak points as they would in a typical epic, single-party campaign. This places greater liability on the other players, which is not fair to them and in some cases can lead to permanent character death.

Time: Eternity's End is Timeless, meaning that you have infinite time to make items and you could do so repeatedly, forever, thereby generating an infinite flow of cash flow and profit, thereby allowing you to buy any gear you like, infinite heal potions, rez scrolls, a portable hole to hold it all in, and more. This potentially makes your character infinitely powerful and destroys game balance.

WBL Concerns: Wealth By Level is a core balancing mechanic at EE, along with EM binding at the enchanter. In order to have an item bound to you, you would have to pay full EM to keep it, thereby making your creation efforts, feat selection and component questing completely pointless when you could have just bought it at Morkwert's or earned it during an adventure and later have it bound at the enchanter.

Custom Items: Custom Items are not allowed at Eternity's End in a permanent sense. GMs may use them as plot devices within their games but they are not allowed to be permanently bound to characters due to power balance issues.

You can still play a crafting character though! Just see the alternative crafting options listed at Morkwert's Emporium!

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Why is leadership and leadership feats not allowed?

Very similarly to Item creation above, leadership unbalances the game in a fashion that isn't suited for mass role-play and is far more suited to single-party, epic campaigns.

Leadership effectively doubles a character's turns they may take right from the start through commanding their NPC. One might argue that summoner eidolons, animal companions and similar do the very same thing, however these creatures are never as potent. For examples, compare a level 10 Eidolon to a level 8 PC with feats, class features, prestige classes, gear, etc. and you'll quickly see the comparison doesn't add up. When considering followers, while they may not be as potent, they do have the capacity to do lots of things at once. In a This can actually get much, much worse given class features, animal companions, feats, magic, etc.near worst-case scenario if you have 135 followers each for five PCs, that's 700 friendly tokens on a battlemap, which probably won't fit on almost any battle maps your GM is willing to create. Now lets consider that you now take 700 party turns per turns the GM takes for all challengers. Even with appropriate CR the multitude would qualify as a swarm.

It simply doesn't work at Eternity's End, it requires too many special EE rules, too much to keep track of, an overall in a PBP setting, will destroy a game due to how slowly one round of combat will move.

Like Item creation, we would like to allow these options, but they simply are not viable possibilities in this game.