[D&D-2e] Tales of Boldness and Bravery

[SCARY WIZARD]

Game Name Tales of Boldness and Bravery

Game System DnD 2e

Theme Heroic Fantasy, High Adventure

Flavour Adventurers seeking fortune and glory, righting wrongs and singing songs!

Plot Summary BLUEHOLME NEEDS HEROES! Map credit Dreamscape Design, 2019. By and for whatever means, you have made your way to Castle Camlann. Work for people with your particular sets of skills is booming, for the Elfway that cuts across the region is rife with goblin and bandit activity. Among the more interesting job prospects are rumours of Nuromen the Necromancer and his treasure hoard, lost since the fall of his domain deep in the Delvingwood. After equipping yourself for travel, you seek out like-minded companions in search of an old necropolis no doubt bursting at the seams with danger, answers to local problems, and treasure... Blueholme Well met, brave adventurers! For this adventure, we will be using the Blueholme rules published by Dreamscape Design. Blueholme can be picked up for absolutely free here! Now, you might be asking, "SCARY WIZARD, what's Blueholme?" Just sit right back and I'll tell you what Blueholme is! Blueholme is one of those "retroclones" of an earlier Edition of a beloved role-playing game, in this case the Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set penned by John Eric Holmes, M.D. in 1977. If I'm not mistaken, old school gamers will call this the "blue box". I've gathered that he wrote them to attract less experienced or younger players to the role-playing gaming hobby. Thing is, these rules were so simple, and so fun, that people who've been playing Dungeons & Dragons for forty years will still go back to play them again! People who cut their teeth on newer Editions like them, too, if I'm any indication. Whether you're an old hand at "retro role-playing", or totally new to it and want to see what it's all about, go on and take a look at my game and see if it's to your liking. If it is, go ahead and apply to the game! I am looking for around SIX (6) players for this game. The Game - Setting, House Rules, and Miscellany The Campaign Setting Northwestern Nerath   Located on the continent of Nerath, and to the south of the Nentir Vale region is a land no less plagued by difficulties... Settlements Blueholme: Situated on the Crystalmist River in the gap between the Blue Mountains and the Misty Peaks. Camlann Castle: An outpost of the Realm, Camlann Castle sits next to the Elfway, and a mere twenty miles away from the city of Zimrilas. The castle is the ancient White Tower of unknown antiquity, now sitting within a wooden palisade protecting the town. This village thrives, owing to its location on the Crook River and the Elfway. It boasts a mill, a church, an inn, a blacksmith, a wheelwright, a baker, a potter, and a furrier. Its current ruler, Lady Liecka of the Lily, is slowly working to replace the crude palisade raised by her ancestor two generations ago with a stone keep. Camlann's primary sources of income are farming and forestry, though their lumber industry has been booming with the declining Elven population. Cider from local orchards and pottery from the red clay of the Lonely Lake are also doing their part in making sure that Camlann prospers. Star Ferry: A small village on the Elfway under the protection of Blueholme, Star Ferry is known throughout the region for its fishermen and boat-makers. Hills and Mountains While the mountains in this region are ultimately a part of the greater Dawnforge Mountains, since the collapse of the Nerath Empire, the Humans in the area have recently begun to call them by different names. Misty Peaks: Formerly occupied by Dwarves, these are now the haunt of Orcish clans, as well as scattered Goblinoids. Blue Mountains: The source of many of the Goblinoids in this region... Roads The Elfway: An ancient road named for its long association with the "fairy folk". It has seen a significant drop in traffic due to dangers in the Delvingwood, to the point that the Elfway is now only braved by armed caravans. Blueholme and Zimrilas patrol this road at intervals, but this is less to protect travellers and more to ensure the long-term viability of the road. Water Crystlamist River: A clear, beautiful river named by the Elves in the region. Crook River: So named because of historical uses by smugglers and thieves... Lonely Lake: A lake, and the source of the red clay that Camlann's potters use in their craft. Woodlands The Delvingwood: Since time immemorial to the younger races, this ancient fairy forest has been home to Wood Elves. In recent decades, however, the Elves have slowly been fading from the forest to parts unknown, and Goblins have been taking their place, moving down from the Blue Mountains. Odd meetings between the two races have made the Delvingwood a battleground. Bears, boars, wolves, and other beasts also make this forest their home, as well as fairy creatures. All make travel through the forest interesting to say the very least, if not highly likely deadly. The only notable Human presence appears to be outlaws belonging to the White Company of Urvekos, and even they stay close to the road. Less than a quarter-mile from the Elfway, the Delvingwood becomes thick, almost impenetrable, and beyond this band of trees the forest regenerates with unnatural, and some say malevolent speed. The domain of Law's End, once where the necromancer Nuromen dwelt, lies somewhere deep within this wood... Pantheon   Dawn War Pantheon Avandra Portfolio: Change, Luck, Trade, Travel Description: The god of change, Avandra delights in freedom, trade, travel, adventure, and the frontier. Her temples are few in civilized lands, but her wayside shrines appear throughout the world. Halflings, merchants, and all types of adventurers are drawn to her worship, and many people raise a glass in her honor, viewing her as the god of luck. Her commandments are few... *Luck favors the bold. Take your fate into your own hands, and Avandra smiles upon you. *Strike back against those who would rob you of your freedom and urge others to fight for their own liberty. *Change is inevitable, but it takes the work of the faithful to ensure that change is for the better Bahamut Portfolio: Justice, Honour, Nobility, Protection Description: Called the Platinum Dragon, Bahamut is the god of justice, protection, nobility, and honor. Paladins often revere him, and goodly dragons worship him as the first of their kind. Monarchs are often crowned in his name. He commands his followers thus... *Uphold the highest ideals of honor and justice. *Be constantly vigilant against evil and oppose it on all fronts. *Protect the weak, liberate the oppressed, and defend just order Corellon Portfolio: Arcane Magic, Beauty, Spring, The Arts Description: The god of Spring, beauty, and the arts, Corellon is the patron of arcane magic and the fey. He seeded the world with arcane magic and planted the most ancient forests. Artists and musicians worship him, as do those who view their spellcasting as an art, and his shrines can be found throughout wilderness. He despises Lolth and her priestesses for leading the drow astray. He urges his followers thus... *Cultivate beauty in all that you do, whether you’re casting a spell, composing a saga, strumming a lute, or practicing the arts of war. *Seek out lost magic items, forgotten rituals, and ancient works of art. Corellon might have inspired them in the world’s first days. *Thwart the followers of Lolth at every opportunity Erathis Portfolio: Civilisation, Invention, Laws Description: Erathis is the god of civilization. She is the muse of great invention, founder of cities, and author of laws. Rulers, judges, pioneers, and devoted citizens revere her, and her temples hold prominent places in most of the world’s major cities. Her laws are many, but their purpose is straightforward... *Work with others to achieve your goals. Community and order are always stronger than the disjointed efforts of lone individuals. *Tame the wilderness to make it fit for habitation, and defend the light of civilization against the encroaching darkness. *Seek out new ideas, new inventions, new lands to inhabit, new wilderness to conquer. Build machines, build cities, build empires. Ioun Portfolio: Knowledge, Prophecy, Skill Description: Ioun is the god of knowledge, skill, and prophecy. Sages, seers, and tacticians revere her, as do all who live by their knowledge and mental power. Corellon is the patron of arcane magic, but Ioun is the patron of its study. Libraries and wizard academies are built in her name. Her commands are also teachings... *Seek the perfection of your mind by bringing reason, perception, and emotion into balance with one another. *Accumulate, preserve, and distribute knowledge in all forms. Pursue education, build libraries, and seek out lost and ancient lore. *Be watchful at all times for the followers of Vecna, who seek to control knowledge and keep secrets. Oppose their schemes, unmask their secrets, and blind them with the light of truth and reason. Kord Portfolio: Battle, Storms, Strength Description: Kord is the storm god and the lord of battle. He revels in strength, battlefield prowess, and thunder. Fighters and athletes revere him. He is a mercurial god, unbridled and wild, who summons storms over land and sea; those who hope for better weather appease him with prayers and spirited toasts. He gives few commands... *Be strong, but do not use your strength for wanton destruction. *Be brave and scorn cowardice in any form. *Prove your might in battle to win glory and renown. Melora Portfolio: Sea, Wilderness Description: Melora is the god of the wilderness and the sea. She is both the wild beast and the peaceful forest, the raging whirlpool and the quiet desert. Rangers, hunters, and elves revere her, and sailors make offerings to her before beginning their voyages. Her strictures are these... *Protect the wild places of the world from destruction and overuse. Oppose the rampant spread of cities and empires. *Hunt aberrant monsters and other abominations of nature. *Do not fear or condemn the savagery of nature. Live in harmony with the wild. Moradin Portfolio: Artisans, Creation, Family Description: Moradin is the god of creation and patron of artisans, especially miners and smiths. He carved the mountains from primordial earth and is the guardian and protector of the hearth and the family. Dwarves from all walks of life follow him. He demands these behaviors of his followers... *Meet adversity with stoicism and tenacity. *Demonstrate loyalty to your family, your clan, your leaders, and your people. *Strive to make a mark on the world, a lasting legacy. To make something that lasts is the highest good, whether you are a smith working at a forge or a ruler building a dynasty. Pelor Portfolio: Agriculture, Summer, Sun, Time Description: God of the Sun and Summer, Pelor is the keeper of time. He supports those in need and opposes all that is evil. As the lord of agriculture and the bountiful harvest, he is the deity most commonly worshiped by ordinary humans, and his priests are well received wherever they go. Paladins and rangers are found among his worshipers. He directs his followers thus... *Alleviate suffering wherever you find it. *Bring Pelor’s light into places of darkness, showing kindness, mercy, and compassion. *Be watchful against evil The Raven Queen Portfolio: Death, Fate, Winter Description: The name of the god of death is long forgotten, but she is called the Raven Queen. She is the spinner of fate and the patron of Winter. She marks the end of each mortal life, and mourners call upon her during funeral rites,in the hope that she will guard the departed from the curse of undeath. She expects her followers to abide by these commandments... *Hold no pity for those who suffer and die, for death is the natural end of life. *Bring down the proud who try to cast off the chains of fate. As the instrument of the Raven Queen, you must punish hubris where you find it. *Watch for the cults of Orcus and stamp them out whenever they arise. The Demon Prince of the Undead seeks to claim the Raven Queen’s throne. Sehanine Portfolio: Autumn, Love, Moon, Trickery Description: God of the moon and autumn, Sehanine is the patron of trickery and illusions. She has close ties to Corellon and Melora and is a favorite deity among elves and halflings. She is also the god of love, who sends shadows to cloak lovers’ trysts. Scouts and thieves ask for her blessing on their work. Her teachings are simple... *Follow your goals and seek your own destiny. *Keep to the shadows, avoiding the blazing light of zealous good and the utter darkness of evil. *Seek new horizons and new experiences, and let nothing tie you down. Demi-Human Faiths These are the faiths of the demi-humans in the region, a nearly-exhaustive list of their deities and their demi-gods. Those in chief positions are named in bold, while those worshipped by members of other races are named in italics. Priests of these races seldom deal with outsiders and are even less likely to adventure. While a demi-human may favour one deity over the rest in their race's pantheon, they pay respects to all in equal measure during ceremonies and observances. Those that worship "human" deities are uncommon, but exist, and while seen as misguided, are more or less tolerated. Dwarven Pantheon: The Dwarves worship a pantheon known as the Morndinsamman, or "Shield Brothers on High", sometimes translated instead as "High Dwarves". -In alphabetical order these are Abbathor, Berronar Truesilver, Clangeddin Silverbeard, Dugmaren Brightmantle, Dumathoin, Gorm Gulthyn, Haela Brightaxe, Hanseath, Marthammor Duin, Moradin, Muamman Duathal, Mya, Roknar, Sharindlar, Thard Harr, Tharmekhûl, Thautam, Ulaa, Valkauna, and Vergadain. Elven Pantheon: The Elves worship a pantheon known as the Seldarine, or "The Fellowship of Brothers and Sisters of the Wood". -In alphabetical order these are Aerdrie Faenya, Angarradh, Alathrien Druanna, Alobal Lorfiril, Araleth Letheranil, Corellon Larethian*, Darahl Tilvenar, Deep Sashelas, Elebrin Liothiel, Erevan Ilesere, Fenmarel Mestarine, Gadhelyn, Hanali Celanil, Kirith Sotheril, Labelas Enoreth, Melira Taralen, Mythrien Sarath, Naralis Analor, Rillifane Rallathil, Rellavar Danuvien, Sarula Iliene, Sehanine Moonbow**, Shevarash, Solonor Thelandira, Taresllis Mennuidiun, Tethrin Veraldé, Vandria Gilmadrith, Ye'Cind, and Zandilar. * - Worshipped by most non-Elves as "Corellon". ** - Worshipped by most non-Elves as Sehanine. Halfling Pantheon: The Halflings worship a pantheon known as Yondalla's Children. -In alphabetical order these are Arvoreen, Brandobaris, Charmalaine, Cyrrollalee, Sheela Peryroyl, Urogalan, and Yondalla. Faiths and Philosophies Of course, to complicate things even further, there exist many philosophies that teach that true power is within and that gods are not (completely) necessary. Some see some gods as allies, others as enemies. The paladin who feels that her gods have forsaken her yet is still able to channel positive energy to smite her foes, and the druid who feels that gods distract him from oneness with nature are examples of such individuals. Who is to say that the gods exist at all? Perhaps your cleric's power comes from conviction alone? Those who stray from self-appointed - or well-known - paths or who lose faith have been known to lose their powers, often in times of great crisis. Below are just a few philosophical and mystical sects and cults in the world. This is by no means an exhaustive list but should give one an idea of such organisations. Cycle of Life, Death, and Rebirth: Some mortals believe that creatures are born, die, and are reborn in an unending cycle. Even the evilest of these priests despise the undead, who are said to have been removed from the cycle and must be destroyed. Some of these cults get along with followers of the Gods of Death, but not all. Druidism: The Druidic faith is one that seeks to maintain balance between civilisation and the natural world. While animals and plants are to be protected, hunts and harvests are permitted within reason, and sapient beings are also to be protected... so long as they are not overstepping their bounds. Druids, the priests of this faith, gain their power from attunement with the natural world, and all adherents of the faith respect the other gods regardless. Elementalism: Popular among Dwarves and some human cultures are cults that see the natural elements that are said to make up the world as nearly divine in nature. Philosophies: These philosophies have many names among many cultures and even sub-sects, but each teaches that the individual is nearly a divine being and that by attaining self-perfection through a variety of means they are able to become truly divine beings. An example of such a faith is below... -Paths of Order: Collectively referred to in contemporary religious texts as the "Paths of Order". They are charged with spreading good and joy across the world. They are said to be agents of good, extraplanar beings. -The Way of Infinity: The Way of Infinity is a faith that teaches that emotional, mental, and physical self-perfection are the keys to spiritual perfection ("Infinity"). Adherents of this faith are known as "Travellers" or "Seekers", and refer to one another as siblings. Senior Members are referred to as "Guides", though they will also answer to "Priest" or "High Priest". Adventuring priests of this faith journey in search of enlightenment, and seldom, if ever, butt heads with one another. -Paths of Discord: Collectively referred to in contemporary religious texts as the "Paths of Discord". They are charged with spreading evil and misery across the world. They believe that foul deeds create foul thoughts and that such action can generate foul energy. They are said to be agents of evil, extraplanar beings. House Rules General   Languages Languages in italics are uncommon, and might be harder to justify an adventurer knowing under normal circumstances. Alignment languages, such as Abyssal, Celestial, Infernal, Primordial, and Sylvan are "free", and like the languages that a character might know due to their race do not count against the limit of languages known based on Intelligence. Abyssal - A harsh and frightening language spoken by demons and their cultists. Many Clerics and Magic-Users take the time to learn it, and it is very receptive to use in spell casting. Chaotic Evil individuals can understand and read this language, and those with an Intelligence score of 13 or higher can speak and write in it. Celestial - A beautiful, yet alien language spoken by celestials and agents of Good. Many Clerics and Magic-Users take the time to learn it, and it is very receptive to use in spell casting. Good-aligned individuals can understand and read this language, and those with an Intelligence score of 13 or higher can speak and write in it. Common - This refers to the Common language used across the known world, as well as the multiverse. It is a combination of many Human dialects, with a smattering of terms from other languages. Humans, of course, speak their own dialects at home, but all learn Common. Deep Speech - An alien and disturbing tongue spoken by beings from other realms. It has no known script, but has been transcribed phonetically by other races. Some mages, especially those who have made strange pacts, speak this, and use it in their spells. Draconic - Dragons speak this, as do other reptillian creatures, such as lizardfolk. There are several dialects of this spoken by individual types of Dragon, who are loathe to share this information with "lesser beings". This language, and its dialects, are favoured by mages. Dwarvish - A language best described as pragmatic. It is consonant-heavy, and sounds gruff to non-native speakers. When spoken in anger it sounds guttural, but can just the same be melodious and even rhythmic. Elvish - A lyrical, beautiful language with subtle intonations and complex grammar and syntax. Favoured over Common by most mages for its ability to convey that which cannot be seen. Giant - A guttural language spoken by Gnomish - A fluid tongue rich in consonants, and utterly daunting to non-native speakers for the range that the Gnomes use to express distinction. Goblin - An unpleasant, but pragmatic language spoken by Goblinoids. There are also several dialects spoken by individual races. Halfling - A practical, flowing, and almost lyrical language whose words typically only have one or two syllables. Don't forget to gesture when you speak it! Halflings love to gesture when they speak their own language, often speaking about multiple subjects at once while doing so. Infernal - A harsh-sounding language, spoken by devils and their cultists. Many Clerics and Magic-Users take the time to learn it, and it is very receptive to use in spell casting. Lawful Evil individuals can understand and read this language, and those with an Intelligence score of 13 or higher can speak and write in it. Orc - A guttural language spoken primarily by Orcs, as well as some of their Goblinoid enemies and allies, and the more intelligent lesser Giants that they associate with. Primordial - Spoken by Elementals, as well as their agents on the Mortal Planes. This is the "common" form of Primordial, spoken between Elemental families. This, and its individual dialects, are favoured by some mages, especially those who are particularly "married" to spells of certain elements. Priests whose faiths are elemental-based also enjoy speaking these tongues. -Dialects are Aquan, spoken by the Water Elementals; Auran, spoken by the Air Elementals; Ignan, spoken by the Fire Elementals; and Terran, spoken by the Earth Elementals. Neutral individuals can understand and read this language, and those with an Intelligence score of 13 or higher can speak and write in it. Sylvan - A beautiful language, spoken by Fae creatures and intelligent animals, as well as some Elves and Druids. Undercommon - A trade language spoken in the strange corridors where mountains take root. Adventuring Skills In the name of making things easier on everyone, assume that your character knows how to do the following things... -Using ropes up to tying to to three knots -Simple fire-building -- Enough for a campfire and torches. -Simple first aid, such as applying bandages and pressure, and cauterisation -Climbing with equipment -- None of that Andy Serkis free-climbing stuff for you! -Horseback riding -- Fighters and combination class Fighters are able to fight effectively from horseback. -Cooking over a campfire -- Sustenance-level stuff. -Hunting small game. -Gathering -- Although identification of things is up in the air... the purple berries might taste like burning, and the mushrooms might make you see a Yeti in a swamp. -Identifying wildlife local to where they are from -- No, I don't think an Elf born in a temperate forest would really know what a camel is. -Maintenance of class-based gear To speed things along, these don't really require rolls, and if they do, I'll let you know. This might be unrealistic and immersion-breaking for you, so if it is and your dopey yet loveable Magic-User gal who's a fish out of water wouldn't know how to identify berries or nuts, let me know and we can work with that. Downtime Lifestyles Between adventures, you're gonna be in a town, or something. I hope. Room and board aren't free, though, you know! So even if you're not at home, once you get to a town, you're going to spend some coin to live comfortably. Wretched: Live a life of possible disease, danger, and violence by sneaking into barns, huddling under broken-down wagons, and having your equipment coveted by people who are just as bad-off as you. You get by on the good graces of others, but little more, and legal protections are few for you. -Costs nothing per month. Squalid: Perfect for people who like to pay a Copper a day to sleep against a rope in a smelly, vermin-ridden boarding house. There are few legal protections, and you're as likely to encounter violence as you are to be ignored. -Costs 1 Silver Piece per day, 30 per month. Poor: Is this sufficient? Yes. Is it unpleasant? Oh, yes. You've at least got food and a roof over your head, but might not have a fireplace... or as many legal protections as others. -Costs 2 Silver Pieces per day, 60 per month. Modest: You're not in the slums, and you can maintain your equipment. You might have a rented room in an older pert of town, or have lodgings at an inn or a temple. You're not hungry or thirsty, and your conditions are clean, if simple. -Costs 1 Gold Piece per day, 30 per month. Comfortable: Look, you can afford nicer clothing! You've probably got a nice, small cottage, or a private room in a nice inn. -Costs 2 Gold Pieces per day, 90 per month. Wealthy: Mmm, good food, a spacious home in a part of town, and maybe even servants to wait on you are hallmarks of this lifestyle. -Costs 4 Gold Pieces per day, 120 per month. Aristocratic: You've got it made. You get the best of the best with this lifestyle, and for all that you are likely to be drawn into political intrigue! No free meals for you, kiddo! -Costs 10 Gold Pieces per day, 300 per month. Combat Rules -GAME MASTER rolls Initiative for both sides at the onset of combat encounters. -Clerics and Fighters may "bash" foes with shields, dealing 1 extra point of damage with their attack, but losing the Armour Class benefit for the round that the shield was used to attack in. -Fighting with two weapons is done as follows... --You gain +1 to hit while carrying two weapons, but roll to attack and for damage dealt only once. ---Fighters are able to carry any two weapons from the categories of daggers, hand axes, maces, short swords, spears, swords, and war hammers in their "off-hand" while fighting in this manner. ---Non-Fighters are able to carry daggers and possibly short swords, depending on their proficiencies, in their "off-hand" while fighting in this manner. -Fighting with a weapon in two hands grants you +1 to your damage rolled. Races   Dwarves: Dwarves speak Dwarvish, Common, Gnomish, and Goblin. In order to learn more languages than these, a Dwarf must have an Intelligence score of 14 or higher. -Dwarves may be Fighters or Thieves; they may also be combination class Fighter/Thieves. Dwarves use a six-sided die (d6) for hit dice. -Dwarves do not need to meet the Prime Requisite Ability Score minimums required of Fighter characters if they choose to combine classes. Elves and Half-Elves: If a Player wishes to roleplay their Elf character as a Half-Elf raised primarily among Elves, then that is fine! -Elves speak Elvish, Common, Goblin, and Orcish. In order to learn more languages than these, an Elf must have an Intelligence score of 14 or higher. -Elves may be Fighters, Magic-Users, or Thieves; they may also be combination class Fighter/Magic-Users. Elves use a six-sided die (d6) for hit dice. -Elves do not need to meet the Prime Requisite Ability Score minimums required of Magic-User characters if they choose to combine classes. -The optional Blessing of Corellon lore from Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes, which while originating in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, is permitted for Elven and Half-Elven characters. Gnomes: Gnomes speak Common, Dwarvish, Gnome, Goblin, and Halfling; they are also able to speak empathically with burrowing mammals. In order to learn more languages than these, a Gnome must have an Intelligence score of 15 or higher. -Gnomes may be Fighters, Magic-Users, or Thieves; they may also be combination class Magic-User/Thieves. Gnomes use a six-sided die (d6) for hit dice, unless they are Magic-User/Thieves in which case they use a four-sided die (d4). -Gnomes adhere to the same weapon restrictions as Halflings. -Gnomes are able to see up to 60 feet in the dark like Dwarves and Elves. -Gnomes gain +1 to damage against Goblinoids, who are their hated enemies. -Gnomes do not need to meet the Prime Requisite Ability Score minimums required of Magic-User characters if they combine classes. Halflings: Halflings speak Common and Halfling. In order to speak more languages than these, a Halfling must have an Intelligence score of 12 or higher. -Halflings may be Fighters or Thieves; they may also be combination Fighter/Thieves. Halflings use a six-sided die (d6) for hit dice. -Halflings do not need to meet the Prime Requisite Ability Score minimums required of Thief characters if they choose to combine classes. Humans and Half-Humans: Humans and Half-Humans raised among them gain one additional Hit Point per level gained, including at the 1st level. -If a Player wishes to roleplay their Human character as a Half-Elf or Half-Orc raised primarily among Humans, then that is fine! -Humans and Half-Humans raised among them may combine any two classes if they so desire, but must meet the Prime Requisite Ability Score requirements for each class. Classes   Clerics: Clerics may also wield daggers and light cross bows. Lawful Clerics are able to wield magical swords, while Chaotic Clerics are able to wield magical axes. -Clerics with an Ability Score of 13 or more in Wisdom are entitled to one extra 1st level spell... this includes at 1st level, when they would not normally be able to cast spells at all. Such is their enlightenment! Magic-Users: If a Magic-User insists, they may use Charisma as their Prime Requisite Ability Score instead of Intelligence. ...Intelligence is still needed to properly learn their spells, reflecting the mage's ability to memorise the gestures and incantations necessary to cast their spells. -The PLAYER chooses Magic-User spells that they attempt to learn at the beginning of play. Spells that they have failed to learn can be re-attempted upon gaining a level. -Detect magic and read magic are known by all Magic-Users, and do not count against their maximum number of spells known per spell level. Thieves: Thieves can backstab opponents with ranged weapons, at a range of up to 30 feet. Combination Classes are as in Blueholme. Ask your Game Master for more information, if you have questions! In general, a character must have a score of at least 13 in the Prime Requisite Ability Scores of their desired classes. Experience Points required to advance are also increased. If you really, absolutely HAVE to play a combination that is not normally permitted for your character's race and class, I'll work with you. I mean, dude, one time I played a Half-Elven Cleric/Thief with little to no complaints from the Game Master, so I'm not exactly going to throw a tizzy over you all deciding to do the same. TO MAKE CALCULATING HIT POINTS EASIER, PLEASE REFER TO THIS TABLE ON COMBINATION CLASS HIT POINTS PER LEVEL FOR HUMAN AND HALF-HUMAN CHARACTERS Cleric/Fighter: d6; 6 Hit Points at 1st level -Can wield any weapon, as a Fighter Cleric/Magic-User: d6; 6 Hit Points at 1st level -Can cast Magic-User spells in armour. Cleric/Thief: d4; 4 Hit Points at 1st level -Can only perform Thief skills in leather armour -Can wield any weapon, as a Thief Fighter/Magic-User: d6; 6 Hit Points at 1st level -Can cast Magic-User spells in armour; can use shields while still retaining spell ability -Can wield any weapon, as a Fighter Fighter/Thief: d6; 6 Hit Points at 1st level -Can only perform Thief skills in leather armour Magic-User/Thief: d4; 4 Hit Points at 1st level -Can cast Magic-User spells in leather armour Why did I do this? Because I love Holmes, and I love multi-classing. That, and maybe you want to play a Paladin lady, or some sort of a Warlock dude, but still play a good, old OSR game. Why'm I gonna get in your way? Experience Point System   Look, play-by-post and levelling are kind of like oil and water. One Game Master that I played under, who really liked to see his players level up and stuff, handled things this way... Each level requires 10 Experience Points to advance to the next level. A +5% bonus to Experience Points makes this 9 Experience Points every other level, while a +10% bonus to Experience Points makes this 9 Experience Points every level. -Characters with two classes require 15 Points to advance to the next level in both of their classes. Each "accomplishment", such as a discovery or goal achievement nets you 1 Experience Point. Fights, meanwhile, grant 0.20 Experience Points, although fights against more powerful creatures or, say, a large group of creatures, will net you 1 Experience Point. So, we're gonna do what he did. Trust me, I got a Cleric to 5th level this way before Real Life got in the Game Master's way, it's fine! Will this mess up other parts of the game, though? Probably. Will this make advancement linear and predictable? Yes. Do I still like it? OH, HELL YEAH! Miscellany Character Creation   Character Name: What is your character called? Note, "called" suggests that they might not be providing their real name to others... which is just as good as providing their real name! I once played a Human named "Resolve", so if you wanna call yourself "Chance" or "Temerity" or something like that, then go right ahead, sport! Character Concept: What is your character? Character Motivation: Why your character is choosing to risk their life to go muck about in a forest and steal some dead wizard dude's swag. About You (Optional): Pat your hips and claps your hands, and tell me about yourself and not just your elf! Starting Level: You're starting at 1st level. That way, the new players get that feeling of accomplishment when they reach 2nd level! Ability Scores: Roll 3d6 six times, and distribute the scores as you desire. So, if you get a 12, a 10, a 15, an 08, a 14, and a 13 you're not required to be a Cleric. You could just as easily be a Dwarven Fighter/Thief for all SCARY WIZARD cares! SCARY WIZARD has had a lot of fun having to make do with what was rolled, but that can be kind of scary and un-fun for some people, so I'm not gonna force you to do that. I mean, if you want to, ball's in your court, but yeah. I ain't forcin' nothin' on ye. -You may use the information under Raising Prime Requisite Scores on page 5 of the Blueholme Prentice Rules book to adjust your Ability Scores to your liking. -If you do not get at least one score of 13 or higher, you are entitled to one re-roll until you do get at least a 13. Races and Classes: Pick what ye wants. Seriously. Don't feel obligated to make This or That. That's what followers are for. Hit Points: Maximum! I'm not going to run a meat-grinder, but just the same, well, dying is the pits. And you're brave and bold, by the gods! Maybe those extra Hit Points reflect that. Equipment: Start out with 180 Gold Coins. Things like wooden holy symbols, spell books, and thieves' tools are free for 1st level characters. Alignments: Look, as long as you aren't disruptive or a total card about it, you can play an Evil alignment. Just don't be gross, don't act out your weird antisocial fantasies, and don't make everyone else uncomfortable. I believe in you! Don't disappoint me. Posting Guidelines   General rules of conduct apply, here. Be cool, and I'm cool with you. Don't be cool, and we've got a problem! Just post regularly, we'll work out expected rates once everything's under way. Game Master is still working, so between 1100 - 1930 (11AM to 730PM) Pacific Time, don't expect posts from them then. If you're going to be gone for an extended period of time or real life hits you, let me know! --If you're gone for a week, then I'll NPC you until you come back. --If you're gone for a month, then as soon as your character ends up somewhere fairly safe, I'll drop them off there. If you come back, cool. If not, well, sad to see you go! I'm not gonna be a jackass and kill your character, that's juvenile behaviour. ---If you do come back after this, I'll see what I can do about getting you back into the game. No promises, though! --Honestly, this is kind of a "soft rule", because real life happens, and sometimes games slow down during holidays, or because of natural disasters, livestock, or even ending up in Narnia or Toril! Credits   The campaign world, Points of Light, belongs to Wizards of the Coast. So does Dungeons & Dragons, although at one point it belonged to Tactical Studies Rules, Incorporated. Blueholme and the module that this game is going to be run using, as well as the territory in which it is run belong to Dreamscape Design. Pretty much the only things that are actually original to me are the "philosophies and faiths", and those were just things I pitched to Game Masters who actually let me be a Cleric without a deity. Mind, I don't take credit for Duiridsm, but I hope you get the gist of what I'm saying. Pay it forward, SCARY WIZARD! House rules are a hodgepodge of things taken from other Editions of Dungeons & Dragons, other players, and people with blogs.

[zevonian]

How many players are you looking for?

[Sarge67]

This old man is in. Roll

Name; Mobraeline Bitterbelly
Gender; Female
Race; Dwarf
Class; Fighter
Align; LG

Character Concept: Fighter
Character Motivation: I risk my life just being a Dwarf. I live under a mountain, have bitter ancestral enemies constantly seeking my destruction, and then there is that guttrot drink that will eat through your armor. Outside of that, the question shouldn't be why? but why not? I like gems, gold, and one day hearing stories about me. One day...One day.

About You (Optional): By the forge of Moradin, the story Gods think Dwarves are unqualified to be clerics. As if we aren't devout enough to serve. It makes me so angry to be considered less by the Gods that I want to squish something. Aint no male dwarf gonna strut around boasting about how he squished an Orc or jumped a Giant or even ganked a Gobbo without me havin a tunic sayin 'Been Der, Dun Dat'. I may also be shorter than them pointy ear elves, but they aint gonna have all the fun clobberin things. I can also hold my ale as good as any Dwarf.

Attributes; 8, 12, 11, 14, 11, 16
Starting Level: You're starting at 1st level.
Equipment: Start out with 180 Gold Coins. Things like wooden holy symbols, spell books, and thieves' tools are free for 1st level characters.

Posting Guidelines: I can post at least x1/Day though I know that most people have lives that keep them busy.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Originally Posted by zevonian

How many players are you looking for?

Ope! I forgot to add that, and character creation...
Given the interest this has drummed up in so short a period of time, around six is a comfortable number for me. And here I was willing to just take three and call it a day!

[Drachenspirit]

Application - WIP Character Name: "Mad Eye" Maribel, mostly known just as 'Mad Eye.' Character Concept: She is a Mage Thief, looking to gain wealth and magic knowledge, and make a name for herself in so doing as it makes both of the former things that much easier to get. Character Motivation: Treasure, Magic items or tomes, and in short, power. About You :   Father or 5, all but two out of house now. Veteran, Work in IT field, Degree in Computer Science Networking, currently Software Analyst. My spouse can no longer RP due to health issues, so I often play female characters to feel like she's still in games with me; Vicarious living I suppose. I have lots of interim time during my work day while waiting on Compiling, DB updates and restores, transfers, software installs and loads, as well as server migration moves that allows me to post quite often - though in random spurts. Been in DND and other systems for right at 30 years, play by post for about 19 years. Hobbies other than this are Family, community theatre, and riding my Newly acquired about 2 months ago. Had to sell last one a few years ago to get $ for spouse surgery.bike with friends - all of which means finding time for them, which is not often. Ability Scores: STR-10, INT-15, WIS-12, DEX-13, CON-7, CHA-8 Rolls Races and Classes: Human Mage/Thief, but a more apt description is a Thieving Mage. Hit Points: Five (5) Equipment: Start out with 180 Gold Coins. Things like wooden holy symbols, spell books, and thieves' tools are free for 1st level characters. Alignments: CG   CHARACTER: "Mad-Eye" Maribel PLAYER: Drachenspirit ADVENTURE Tales of Boldness and Bravery RACE: Human CLASS: Mage/Thief LEVEL: 1 ARMOR CLASS 7 HIT POINTS 5 HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5'6", 135 lbs ABILITY SCORE ADJUSTMENT SAVE VS. THROW STRENGTH 10 - BREATH WEAPON 16 INTELLIGENCE 15 6-10 spells per level WAGIC WAND 12 WISDOM 12 - GAZE 13 CONSTITUTION 7 - RAY OR POISON 11 DEXTERITY 13 +1 to hit SPELL OR STAFF 15 CHARISMA 8 - - - - - ATTACK ROLL: 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 ARMOUR CLASS: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 -1 -2 RACIAL TRAITS: CLASS TALENTS: 75% chance to learn new spell. Thief ability list % Chance to succeed at Level 1 Climb Smooth Surface 80 Hear Noise 35 Hide in Shadow 10 Move Silently 20 Open Lock 15 Pick Pocket 20 Read Language 35 Read Scroll 5 Remove Trap 10 Use Wand 5 EQUIPMENT: Dagger, Quarterstaff, Composite Bow, Quiver of 20 arrows, Leather Armor, Backpack (Wineskin, week's Iron rations, Torch (6), Tinderbox, 50' rope, Hammer, Iron Spikes (12) MAGIC ITEMS: EXPERIENCE: WEALTH: 74

[GodBob]

Definitely interested! Saving this space for the future app. Also love the leveling up system - if I run something on this site again I am most likely stealing that lolol

Magic-User Human, Elon Character Name: Elon Alignment: Chaotic Good - his desire to help others isn't restrained by what is legally (or socially) allowed, and his poor childhood in a thriving port town cemented a resentment for law. Character Concept: Focused and considerate Magic-User human with a love for mysteries who has nothing left to lose. Character Motivation: With what little magic he knows, he hopes that the necromancer's dusty possessions can fill in the blanks for a life-restoring spell he could use on his dead wife. Worse case scenario, a necromancer's riches sounds like just enough money to drink your sorrows away for the rest of your quiet, studious life. About You (Optional): My main hobby has been tabletop for ~3 years by now, mostly with 5th Edition. Last year I started spreading out to more systems, which made me realize how much I love a fast, rules-lite system. On any given week, I am DMing 2 games IRL, posting in 2 PbP games, and daydreaming of more world building that my players will never run into lol. When I'm not working at my job or doing tabletop stuff, I'm either hanging out with my girlfriend or playing video games - my players aren't gamers, so they get blown away by all the cool stuff I steal from places like Dark Souls, WoW, etc. etc. :Pusually ones I can rip ideas from. Rolls

[BlueArrow]

Greetings, complete newbie on the RPG Crossing site and I was pointed here by Scary Wizard. Looking to play Rune, a brute of a man, a former slave/pit fighter, shackle galls on wrists and ankles, numerous fighting scars, scars on his arms where he’d been branded and cut the branded flesh free. He broke free, killed or maimed those he had to to gain his freedom. He’s a tough as nails melee fighter. His eye sight isn’t so good, so he doesn’t bother with missile weapons. He’s not well educated, but not stupid. I figure hide armor, a bardiche or bastard sword, either short sword or hand axe, and a dagger for weapons, no shield. He’s slow to trust folk, but has something of an unconscious desire to have comrades. This concept comes with the need for fairly impressive physical scores. If the dice rolls don’t support it, I would need to rethink the concept.

Motivation: mostly earn coin to keep himself fed and to remain free. Being abused as a child, he has a soft spot for children and will not abide their mistreatment. He also is rather against slavery and may help free slaves, even if they are not mistreated.

[zevonian]

Welcome to the site, BlueArrow. For you and others joining the site, I strongly suggest you get your post count up to four so you can "shed your yellow" new user status. Browse the site, there's numerous active threads to post in.

[Maskain]

Withdrawn.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Excellent... keep 'em coming! Really impressive stuff I'm seeing. I'm gonna fire a redirect at the old posting at the other place, and given the amount of interest I'm seeing keep substitutes and replacements in mind. I went ahead and pestered people from the Baldur's Gate community, and a handful if others, to come over here, as well. At the least, there's more people aware of this place!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Alright, I went ahead and added some of you kids what've got complete applications... if you wanna fill out a, uhh, 2nd Edition, character sheet, go right ahead. If you just wanna throw a sheet together under a SPOILERBUTTON tag, that's fine, I'm not gonna lose sleep over stuff like that!

So, we've got...
Sarge67: Mobraeline Bitterbelly - Dwarf Fighter
Drachenspirit: "Mad Eye" Maribel - Human Magic-User/Thief
GodBob: Elon - Human Magic-User
Maskain: Baldur Moonwine - Halfling/Human Hybrid Thief
Awaiting Rune the Human Fighter from BlueArrow.
Attention people whose race is "Human"! Be sure to add that extra Hit Point!
We've got a pretty good-looking party right about now! I'm gonna keep recruitment going until 6PM Pacific Time on Sunday. Waiting on someone who had a Cleric, and am just keeping this open so people can get a chance to look, though I'm still gonna look at replacements in case Real Life happens, or someone drops. Even if you don't get any Clerics at all, that's fine, I can either toss a mule with no personality your way or, ehh, somehow... have potions of healing find their way into one or two of your bags. And no one oughta feel obligated to make a Cleric! I've been That Cleric, and while I had a lot of fun, not everyone can or will.

Originally Posted by GodBob

Definitely interested! Saving this space for the future app. Also love the leveling up system - if I run something on this site again I am most likely stealing that lolol [/FIELDSET]

Ohh, I take zero credit for that! The person I got the idea from went by/goes by "locojedi". I think, think, think he actually got that idea from someone else, too. I could be way wrong, for all I know. Dude loved to scratch his chin at some rules, go, "Nah!", and have fun with them.

[GodBob]

Just did the rolls for my character and am writing up a sheet! I noticed that magic-users can only use daggers and staves - would using a sling as a magic-user apply a penalty to related rolls, or are magic-users unable to use anything outside of daggers/staves in general so there wouldn't be a roll in the first place?

Edit: Another question - I rolled a pretty good score that I put into INT (18). Does that mean I should know a minimum of 8 spells at 1st level? If so, am I right in understanding that I can pick 8 spells from the 1st level spells list and roll 95 or under on a d% to learn it when the game starts?

[Drachenspirit]

Originally Posted by GodBob

Just did the rolls for my character and am writing up a sheet! I noticed that magic-users can only use daggers and staves - would using a sling as a magic-user apply a penalty to related rolls, or are magic-users unable to use anything outside of daggers/staves in general so there wouldn't be a roll in the first place?

Good question. On that note, is there a "meet in the middle" for Mage/Thief since thieves can use any weapon?

[Drachenspirit]

Originally Posted by GodBob

Just did the rolls for my character and am writing up a sheet! I noticed that magic-users can only use daggers and staves - would using a sling as a magic-user apply a penalty to related rolls, or are magic-users unable to use anything outside of daggers/staves in general so there wouldn't be a roll in the first place?

Edit: Another question - I rolled a pretty good score that I put into INT (18). Does that mean I should know a minimum of 8 spells at 1st level? If so, am I right in understanding that I can pick 8 spells from the 1st level spells list and roll 95 or under on a d% to learn it when the game starts?

On the spells, you're close. You get the minimum and according to the book the DM rolls randomly to determine which spells you get (Maybe our kind and benevolent DM will let us choose???).
Then, you begin rolling that 1d100sh95 on every other spell not chosen from the list in the book. From those that got a successful roll, the DM will randomly choose which you'll also get up to your maximum. In short, minimum chosen first, no rolling, rest up to max, chosen by rolling. And of course, you'll roll if you find another spell somewhere to see if you can copy it down as well, as long as you haven't hit your max.
And since there's only 14 1st level Magic-user spells... your character might know them all. But they can only cast one per day!!!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Magic-User: Eh! Why not. Cross bows, too. I had a pal who was a big weapons buff and liked that in 3E they got to use those. He argued that, compared to bows, cross bows were far easier to use.
-Spell book has all spells; roll to see what ones you can understand. Detect magic and read magic are always known and do not count against maximums. And since this is the 4E setting* and Sorcerers and Warlocks are in it, I'm allowing people to "bootstrap" those by permitting Charisma as an alternative Prime Requisite. Intelligence just reflects how many spells one knows.
[Strike]Multi-class[/strike] Combination class: Best proficiency applies. So you get Thief armour and weapon allowances and combination class Magic-Users can cast in armour. Clerics get Fighter weapon allowances.

* - Had a hard time reconciling the other two Core Races as Player Character options without making them too strong... sorry scales and horns!