DM Notes: This is my first time as a
DM, and my first time working with a virtual tabletop. I’m an
experienced player and been a part of a number of real tabletop
campaigns but this is a branch in two different directions. Because
of that, I want to note what I’m planning and what I’m looking
for. I plan on running this bi-weekly with the opportunity to go
weekly if the players want and I eventually get used to the prep
time. This could be very quickly, I just want to make sure I’m not
overwhelmed preparing situations. I plan on running this extremely
open world. I will set up places and events and the players will do
what they want, when they want. (The idea is they stay within Cormyr
for those familiar with FR.) I hated linear campaigns as a player and
this is the chance to be a part of a campaign I always wanted. It
will be somewhat of a “traditional” game, anything too off the
wall is a bit of a stretch for me as a DM at this point. I plan on
doing roleplay. You should be prepared to think about your characters
thoughts and motivations and ideally be able to interact in conflict
with your party members without trying to kill them or thwart their
goals. A large part of the “big” overarching story will be
political. Ideally I would like players that have played together
before. I’m not interested in an acrimonious group. Whether you
have played together or not, I plan on getting together for an
initial meeting where we work out connections between enough of the
player characters that our party generally sticks together, uncover
the kinks of Roll20, and generally introduce ourselves. I will start
with 6 players to buffer against the inevitable loss of a couple of
people over the course of the campaign. I plan on running this 55-60
hack and slash and the rest roleplay, maybe a 5% chance of a puzzle
or mystery, unless I get good at creating them or come across some
good premade ones. I also expect commitment, as well as voice chat.
Hopefully this post illustrates I am viewing this as concretely as
any real tabletop campaign. I understand RL but you should have the
timeslot open and be prepared to commit a year, I plan on taking this
campaign through level 10, and perhaps expanding to level 20
depending on how things turn out. Most of all I would like players
that understand I’m a first time DM and are looking to have some
fun, make some internet DnD friends, and willing to give me pointers
without trying to run the campaign themselves. Monday night 10pm-2am EST.
Facts, TLDR version
1) Game system is Pathfinder, in
the Dungeons and Dragons Forgotten Realms 3.5 setting.
2) 6 players to start as a buffer,
if we drop below 4 will look for alternates
3) Roll20 is our virtual tabletop,
voice chat is mandatory barring the occasional RL issue
4) Level 1 start standard
Pathfinder gold, 32 point PATHFINDER buy.
5) All Pathfinder books allowed,
races are the exception. Core Pathfinder races only, unless you come
to me first with an excellent backstory about why you’re a
githyanki living in a quaint logging village.
6) Hitpoints will be max at 1 st
level and either rolled live in game or taken at half hit dice for
free.
7) All standard Pathfinder
alignments allowed except any evil.
8) Backgrounds will be discussed
either via email or at our first test session. Some thought is
required, though no written essays are needed.
9) 55-60% hack and slash, 45%
roleplay, maybe 5% puzzle solving. Political intrigue and roleplay
will be a strong theme as well as killing things 10) Contact me at <a href="mailto:jonsimo@aol.com" rel="nofollow">jonsimo@aol.com</a> . Skype is synch3r Want to have the first trial session this weekend or next week.
Thanks for reading, here’s the
introduction.
A Pathfinder Forgotten Realms Campaign
- Cormyr 1372 DR
You begin in the fortified hamlet of
Dhedluk in the middle of the King’s Forest. The King’s Forest is
very much a traditional high fantasy forest with nonexistent
undergrowth, ancient trees, and a tall canopy. Cormyr, after many
years of prosperity, is in turmoil. King Azoun IV, ruler of Cormyr,
was slain less than 1 year ago in the goblin wars, leaving reagent
Alustair Obarskyr, his eldest daughter, on the throne until his son
comes of age. The nobles distrust her adventuring past, and, sensing
weakness, other forces come to try to exert a larger influence on the
stalwart Kingdom. During this time Arabel, the third largest city in
the country, was sacked in the goblin wars. It was reclaimed recently
by the Purple Dragons, the knights of the realm, and the orcs were
driven west into the King’s Forest. The scattered remnants have
been reforming in the wilderness, and raids are becoming more daring
on the palisade walls of Dhedluk, the small fortified logging
village, and center waypoint on the forest trail between Eveningstar,
Waymoot, and Immersea. Dhedluk is also a retirement town of the
nobility and royal guard of Cormyr. How you ended up spending time
here is your business, whether you were a wandering soul who took an
extended rest and just became part of the local society, forced out
of poverty or contract, or you grew up in the area and have known
nothing else. But after spending at least the last two years living
nearby, you are summoned by Lord Thiombar, the local ruler, to The
Blushing Maiden, the local inn.
Citizen,
It has been a pleasure to get to
know you the last few years. You have been a valued part of what
makes Cormyr so magnificent. I wish to offer you an opportunity that
has recently come to my attention. I hereby request your attendance
at the Blushing Maiden this evening to discuss matters of the Crown.
I have invited a number of friends that you might recognize.
Lord
Garen Thiombar
