Maybe starting a new Pathfinder or 3.5 game, or a game that mixes them. Interest?

Just posting to see if there is any interest if I were to start up a new Homebrew Pathfinder or 3.5 game. May even mix the two, as PF missing Beholders makes me sad. I have played 3.5 for 7 years, PF for 2 and DMed for 6 years. I have a good, but not perfect, grasp of the rules and I like to stick to them. I like my games to be taken seriously. Things I would want from my players: *Punctual *Serious (use game time to game, we can all chat over skype during downtime) *Creative (I love the RP aspect of these games, so lets use it) *Open to unique challenges. Sometimes things will be easy, sometimes stupid hard and sometimes in the middle. Be open to that. *Teamwork! I hate the one guy who takes it upon himself to run the party during game 1 cause people are quite. We all have to get over our intro shyness so let others play their toons. *I hate the saying of "DM is Law" but that does allow us to move game along faster. If I mess up on a rule, be quick and kind about it. IF it does not break a situation then let us just roll with it and talk about it post game. *Be ok with weird/tactical situations. "Hey, I want to climb these barrels, run across them and jump stab this dude in the neck." I will simply use my best judgement to determine how that happens. This is where skills will matter. If they are high, well that's a Climb check to get up. Likely an acrobatics/balance check if the barrels are wobbly, but then you get the run attack advantage for high ground. I will say this now: I am not open to 3rd party material. The reason I say this is because I will rarely use 3rd party, and when I do it will only be after ensuring it does not break the balance in terms of the players. Last, but certainly not least, I do NOT want any powergamers or min/maxers. They create boring charaters that are only good for a few things. I am tired of the fighter with 7 Cha and 19 Str at level 1. I use a point buy system to keep everyone on the same power level, as I find rolling to create too many random chances of a really strong and a really weak member. So feel free to post on this posting, please do not PM me just yet. I do not have a day or time, as part of that will be based off of the interest I gather and then work with those people I feel would fit best. Thanks much!

I rather like your stated preferences regarding playstyle and how to handle the rules, and especially with regard to the prerogative of the GM to make judgment calls during the session. [We can always discuss things afterwards, if someone thinks of an alternate solution.] I likewise enjoy non-combat / skill-based solutions, and versatile (as opposed to min/max-ed) characters. Having said all that, it may be good to determine what kind of game world and campaign style we're talking about. Colour me interested, though!

I'm interested. I'm happy with each of your bolded statements. 6 years experience with 3.5, currently reading up on PF, so I should have a grasp of it soon. (I did take a 7 year break from playing, so I'm a bit rusty). I have the same questions as Patrick v. regarding type of game world and campaign style. I'm not available Friday/Saturday. Monday evenings, Tue/Wed/Thu afternoons are best. (EST) I understand if this isn't workable.

As of now, a lot f the world is hidden, as you would all be starting in a remote town. So that would mainly mean you are ignorant to things more than 50 miles away from your town. The main story arc will not be revealed until it happens in game, to keep the surprise factor alive. I have run this campaign before with good reviews, though I will be changing some things, giving more freedom to the players as opposed to the more linear style I have run it before. How the party and game will run: *All members of the town guard, same rank, relatively intro rank. *Backstory must have this town, or surrounding area within 20 miles, to be place of birth. *Town is in a large open plain, woods to the west are known goblin territory (The Gobwoods). Kobolds do the mining in the south in which the town has a deal with them. Peace and supplies for ore. Large mountains to the east that block you from the capital city. *This town is an old garrison from the Great War that ended over 400 years ago, it is now simply a town to live in, yet kept is fortifications. *The setting would be fantasy, low tech. I do not allow Gunslingers as my games do not have that type of technology, at least not for your area. Guns may come into play later, but that's up to the Gnomes. *With the right Knowledge (Local) checks,your personal character might know some of the rumors of the surrounding area. Knowledge (History) may also be helpful for intro knowledge. all players could potentially start the game with different background knowledge, and would be expected to only share such knowledge IN GAME. *The campaign would start off small. Minor tasks for minor guards, but I find that the most safe for level 1 characters. It would escalate as events unfold. *PLEASE play smart, as I will do that on my end. The smarter enemies you fight the smarter I will act them out. Example: You fight a group of bandits. There is likely to be at least one that knows a little bit about magic, thus to target the healer, once exposed, would be a likely tactic. Play as a group, not as individuals, or you will certainly die. *I allow the "retrain" rules if you are unhappy with a feat, you simply must use the proper amount of downtime. If current events are dire and you take a week break, events will still unfold and you will deal with the consequences. Same goes for creation of magic items. Pathfinder took away the XP cost, which i love, and if we run 3.5 I will do the same for that game. However, time can often mean lives and you cannot craft a magical item on the road (it assumes 8 hours of undisturbed work for the days it says to need) NOTE: There is a specific story line in which this game will follow, however you can control a lot of how you get to certain points as well as the orders in which you do many events. I have no issue adjusting fights if you choose option C before option A. Encounters are easy to scale to proper CR of the party. Also, I like groups of 4, rarely do I take a 5th member. I like how much value each character has when it's only 4 people. Also, depending on the events, gold may seem high or low but please do not complain I drop enough magical items to make up for the lack of pure gold, and you can always sell those if they are not to your taste. I break a few rules when it comes to magic items, as I like to make some of my own at times. I ensure they scale well with the time in which you got them and, like other magical items, can often be upgraded to scale as you level, as long as you have the gold or the right friends) That is all for now, still going to do some fishing for interetst as I want to ensure I find people who fit well so we can do the long haul, as any DM knows that making a campaign is a lot of work. I want to finish it.

That sounds fair for a starting environment. Sadly, it also means that there's virtually no known lore, which means it's hard to really bed a character in. Some level of known mythology, and especially religion, would be good. There's a reason that the longest-running campaigns tend to have a lot of registered lore - people love that kind of thing! And good players can still play their character as being unaware of much of it. I would strongly suggest to flat-out forbid magic item crafting, beyond scrolls and potions. Especially in Pathfinder, it's too easy to circumvent virtually all prerequisites if your Spellcraft is good enough, and that creates all sorts of problems. It also disrupts the spread of wealth around the party, which isn't good for harmony in the long run. Regarding play times: unavailable for me are (EST) Tuesday, Thursday evening, Friday evening, and Sunday afternoon; the rest is negotiable.

Interested, if the time and day work out. I concur with Patrick re: crafting Items. Best time for me are most mornings, CST.

Interested as well, pathfinder based. Just would need a day and time.

I'll throw my hat into the ring. I have been playing (running) D&D 3.x/Pathfinder since each of their respective releases off and on. Your style sounds good sir, and I'd be interested to play, times and days depending as well. I would also suggest we roll up the item creation rules in a carpet and throw 'em off a bridge... 8th level wizard and cleric created a glass golem in my game. It died soon thereafter when the party underestimated a certain ogre barbarian chieftain's ability to smash things, but still.. If things don't pan out I could run a game - I have a campaign world seed I want to explore but am still vetting groups at the moment. It does impose some hefty restrictions on character creation, however. It's always that or an AP, which I usually modify a bit.

Interested if Pathfinder-based. I don't mind the restrictions except if we are expected to follow a storyline too closely -- part of the fun as a player, to me, is not just the strategy of combat, or the skill puzzles, or the RP, or the satisfaction of a functional and engaging character... beating the DM in his own game also ranks high up there. Trying to get past a fight with a negotiation, brute forcing our way through when the game clearly calls for brains over brawn... those are things I quite enjoy because it makes me feel I own the story too, yannow? Anyway, if you are square with that, I'm all up for this.

I'm usually directly opposed to people who go against the GM. We are supposed to build a story together, and that means avoiding throwing too many sticks into the cogs. One good way to make a GM give up in frustration is to show no respect for his story. And yes, I'm a GM myself. It's a surprisingly common occurance, and especially online where it's harder to get a good vibe for one another.

I would love to play pathfinder game with some 3.5 elements ( 3.5 sirene feels more true to me than pathfinder siren). Is there any chance time can be set so someone in GMT+2 (me) can join? My experience is onhly 2 years of pathfinder (if you dont count computer games based on 3.5) and i wish i can play a game where people immerse in the situation, not just "i full attack the second ogre". Combat oriented games have their charm, but its not my thing. Do the story assumes all PC's are humans? Is more long-lifespan race like elf or dwarf will not fit?

I'm interested in either system, although I am weaker in 3.5. I just enjoying playing it out and the revealing of the story, I'm pretty smart and I enjoy RPing, I'm down for Sunday Mornings, Saturday all day, Monday all day. I'm definently in it for the long haul but I may miss some sessions around christmas (22-25)

So as of looking through all of these I have decided on a few things: *Pathfinder rule set, though you will see a few 3.5 things at times. Meaning monsters. I promise to ensure they are fair to the party and will never be something that has a huge chance of death, unless you play poorly obviously. Main reason, Beholders are only not in PF due to Copyrights and they have brought me some of my favorite and most challenged fights ever. Be ok with this and other small editions, such as templates, to join this. I have done it before and I promise I do it fairly. *Magic Item crafting is either to be thrown away or heavily changed. I hate the idea of banishing it but I have seen the issues it can bring forward. Obviously scrolls and pots would stay, but many good points were brought up and I agree with many. This final decision will be made as a full group, not just by me, for fairness. *No 3rd party at all. PF did a great job of balancing all of their new material with its core classes. Some Arches seem weak at times but I have found they are actually just more specific to certain situations. *Things not allowed* Gunslingers: This technology simply does not exist in the current setting. As players progress, it might, depending on your choices, in which you could then start taking feats or reroll upon an unfortunate death. I do not simply allow "I want a new character" so please pick what you are cool with playing all game, assuming no deaths occur. Summoners: I am iffy on them. I have looked over them a lot and wanted to play them myself but I have also seen them control a game on more than 1 occasion. This will be a group decision as this will be a 4 person party. Super strong Eidelons that act as another PC can make for a poor experience for non-summoners, so its a maybe. Min/Max builds. If you have one, you will be asked to remake the stat block. If you have a 6-7 in a stat, I really hope your race also has a -2 to that stat. racially. Please, build an interesting character that has pros, cons and a BALANCE. This is not simply a combat game, if you build a character to such you will have a rather boring time for much of the game. Some combats are simple "attack" some are tactical an some are 100% avoidable (and still grant XP) . If I want you to think and not always fight, then I must still reward you. I run games on XP, they are what you earn via your play. I always think to do individual XP bonus based on players contributions but seem to always get opposition to that...then the ones who opposed are the quite ones who just follow the party. So to encourage, or discourage that, I would like to promote bonus xp based on RP, player growth, following character concept, unique thinking and other worthy areas of play. We will discuss this when the group is formed to smooth it out (or rid of it) but I like its concept. Fighting with me and others during session. I have a pretty good grasp of the rules but cannot know them all. If I mess up on one and it doesnt break the game, let it go or give a swift solution. And if you do, please be kind about it. As we cannot see faces, tone means a lot. We all simply want to enjoy our times, not find that one guy/madam that we just dread hanging with. Lastly, and this one is the most important to me: do NOT chew your food or drink into your microphone. I don't know why but I cringe every time I hear it so please dont >_< I am certain I have missed something but we can all talk. Now please, list me your available times/days (In MTN if you could) and I will gather who can fit the most frequent. In the same post as your times, please tell me a little about yourself: Name you prefer: Age: Class/races you are interested in (pick a few): Play Experience: What you want from the game: What you want from me: Play Style: Random fact you want me to know: Please post here so I can sift through them all together. Once I see a few good ones I will start the invites. Thanks everyone for the interest! I look forward to running this with 4 of you! If you have already posted, please do so again so i can see it in a more organized fashion.

Name you prefer: Patrick Age: 44 Class/races you are interested in (pick a few): human, gnome; bard, inquisitor, oracle (quite flexible in general, but skills appeal) . There are several classes I enjoy (say, paladin) that are crippled by a lack of skill-points. Play Experience: Since the late 80s What you want from the game: character development, and I mean mostly psychological/personality-wise. Low-magic would be nice. The games loses interest for me post-level 10 or so, since full casters become too dominant,and magic overrules skills too often. What you want from me: A story that challenges us to be curious, investigate and explore. World lore. Play Style: Low-combat, high-challenge. The best challenges involve both skill checks, legwork, and NPC interaction. Good-aligned, no exotic PC races. [I cringe when I'm again the only human in the party). Prefer older gamers, but willing to give anyone a chance. Random fact you want me to know: I'm a librarian and anthropologist. Some favourite fantasy books / series are: The Silmarillion (JRR Tolkien), Fafhrd & the Grey Mouser (Fritz Leiber), Riddlemaster trilogy (Patricia McKillip), Left Hand of Darkness (Ursula LeGuin), Amber series (Roger Zelazny). Available Monday (daytime preferred), Wednesday daytime, Thursday daytime, Friday daytime/evening, Saturday evening. My home timezone is EST.

Name you prefer: Paul Age: 21 Class/races you are interested in (pick a few): Support (healer / buffs) or Rogue-like characters. Race wise I just kind of go with the flow but I tend to enjoy swift races such as elves or gnomes Play Experience: 3 Years What you want from the game: I just want to get together and play some Dnd with a group of nice folks sometime during the week What you want from me: Just a comfortable experience (i'm pretty low maintenance and I'll go with anything really) Play Style: I'm more of a reactive player depending on the situation unless my character itself would not go for a decision and I usually work for the good of the group and other players in general, i'm pretty much neutral good with a side of shenanigans Random fact you want me to know: I've got over 1000 hours on roll20, and have a terrible naming sense. Available Saturday, Sunday and other days quite possibly (don't be afraid to kick me out if others have better times for you)

Name you prefer: James Age: 32 Class/races you are interested in (pick a few): Humans ONLY lolol but really I'll play Halfbreed Elf or Half-Tusker (orc) perhaps. I haven't honestly been a player very much over the years and am interested in all core classes. I feel like I can stick to core for the rest of my gaming career and have no shortage of good ideas. Play Experience: Since about 1999 just before 3.0 was launched. I think my first two sessions were AD&D 2e then we made the switch when the 3.0 PHB came out. I've played other PNP games like Paranoia, Vampire, and a few others, but prefer good ol' D&D of whatever form. What you want from the game: A good time with people looking to have fun. I enjoy the ruleset of PF et al, for combat and skills and to fully realize a good character concept, though all too often some of my character hooks go unnoticed. A good character who will be a team player with some good far-reaching goals is great, and being on a team of like-minded people with some minor conflicts is always fun. What you want from me: A good time with some cool challenges. Fair rules decisions are good but not the end-all be-all of a good game. Play Style: I honestly do make some amount of OOC jokes and banter - I try to keep it to a minimum at first until I get a feel for the group. As a player I try to ensure I keep things moving and play off others' coolness - I mean what better way to be a team player than to showcase the rest of my group?! Other than that, I like to think I know the rules quite well and will help with obscura if called upon. I have played online with a few pick-up groups and didn't enjoy the experience because the players had a lack of knowledge of the system but never bothered to try to confirm their rulings. Pathfinder/3.x rules primarily exist to balance combat, as such I do enjoy interesting combat encounters. Random fact you want me to know: I'm a giant Canadian so I'll try to not say 'aboot' too much. Availability is Thursday/Friday any time from 10 AM MST to 11 pm or midnight, and Saturday/Sunday I can go from 6 PM to around 1 AM.

please tell me a little about yourself: University student with way too much free time on his hands as of late Name you prefer: Spork is fine Age: 22 Class/races you are interested in (pick a few): Usually play Bard or Ninja (vanilla rogue is sort of lackluster,) interested in the hybrid classes and most comfortable playing skill heavy builds. I do enjoy atypical races, though it isn't a priority for me if it clashes with the setting. Play Experience: Played 3e as a freshman in high school and picked up games when I had the time from there What you want from the game: Interesting interactions and a world where victory is not always assured for the PCs. Sometimes, the group can fail missions. On a bad day someone might die. But the reality of these situations would make the days we do well feel earned. What you want from me: Reasonably reliable attendance and options to allow us to approach situations as we please, within the realm of possibility in the scenario. Play Style: I tend to end up in group face roles, throwing out ideas openly and charging forward when there is some confidence in the given situation. Occam's razor tends to subconsciously direct most of the characters I play, and a balance between playing out a scenario properly and advancing our progress in game usually directs my actions. Random fact you want me to know: The king of hearts is the only king without a mustache. Saturday afternoon as mentioned by player above would be my preferred time, followed by Thursday daytime.

Name you prefer:Kirby Age:44 Class/races you are interested in (pick a few):I tend to do my best work as a battlefield control Wizard, although I use a variety of specialists to do so. I am also very good at playing the Paladin people actually want to play with. I tend to play Humans, Elves, and Half-Orcs. Right now, though, I have a character concept in mind I really want to try. An Aasimar (of Human, if Aasimar is overpowered) Oracle of the Apocalypse who has been receiving what he believes are prophetic dreams of the end of the world from Nethys. He now feels drawn to (name that location) to prepare a group of heroes? for that event. Play Experience:30 years, beginning with old school D&D. So long, I'm friends with Gary Gygax's son Luke. What you want from the game:A fun environment where I can fully flesh out a character concept through RP and combat. What you want from me:Someone to drive the story and control the elements in such a way all the players have opportunities to play their characters fully. Play Style:I'm a problem solver, tactical player. I prefer grand plans to seat of the pants action, although the latter can be fun too. Random fact you want me to know: My favorite character EVER was a Half-Orc fighter, a drunk, possibly schizophrenic, who once killed a Green Dragon with a called shot AD&D 2E) to the eye with a Dragon Bane bolt in a plain old heavy crossbow. Rolled a nat 20 to hit and a nat 20 to confirm the called shot. The rest of the party was dead or incapacitated and Gleepworp had 1 HP left and a broken battle axe... Time Available: Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat 5AM MST - 12PM MST. Anywhere in there is ok for a start time if the sessions last 3-4 hrs.

Name you prefer: Teddy or Arelius (skype is greatarelius1) Age: 39 Class/races you are interested in (pick a few): Human fighter, old guard who doesn't have family remaining and focuses on his community/job. Half orc brawler, a young tough who is out to prove himself to the people of his home. Human wizard, wood element, who hopes to use his insight and spells to farther his community and the guard. Lastly, human cavalier; of cockatrice. he has joined the guard for prestige. He is definitely full of himself but is capable, his banner is connected deeply to the town. Play Experience: 20 years What you want from the game: I would love to have a lengthy campaign with a good story and actual role playing. Most games I've been in lately are filled with more OoC chat than rping. What you want from me: Selfish reason, to pick me :) As for the game; keep it going and engaging. Not forget about the another arcs or players even though they might off the main scene. Play Style: Mixture but lean towards tactics than kicking in the door style. I could go sessions without combat as long as its interesting and engaging. Random fact you want me to know: I'm reliable. If I can't make it, I will let you know. This common courtesy isn't perform often enough. I've GMed many games in my 20 years, mostly super heroics with tabs on AD&D, D&D and pathfinder mixed in. Available time: (MNT time zone) Mon-Weds 9am-1pm (could go longer but have to break for 30 mins of picking son up from school) Monday & Wednesday nights 10pm until whenever

Posting interest :] I love a good home-brew game! please tell me a little about yourself: My name is Shane and I've been a fantasy fan for years, since I first read the Wishsong of Shannara when I was like 8. I live in northern California, just about 45min north of San Fransisco. I'm an avid gamer, PC, console, tabletop and you name it. I prefer RPGs and Adventure (Currently playing: Shadows of Mordor), MMOs(World of Warcraft... been playing it for 9 years now.), FPS's(Advanced Warfare, Destiny, Titanfall...) On a more personal basis, I'm an easy going lad, with no drive towards drama. I'm charismatic and tend to get along with about everyone I meet. I find that being negative is a waste of energy, and life can be much more enjoyed if you keep a positive attitude. That being said, I'm no goody-goody, overly friendly annoy the hell out of you kind of guy, I'm just friendly ^^. Besides gaming, writing and drawing... I am a lover of good brew, and up here we have some of the best!(Lagunitas, Mendocino, Lost Coast, Bear Republic....) . I've tried well over a few hundred different beers in the last few years, various delicious microbrews. I'm an IPA guy well over anything else, though I do like a good Red or Stout. Okay that's enough about me, lets get to the rest of this! Name you prefer: Spazz or Shane, either or. Age: 29 (Just turned 29 on the 9th of December ^^.) Class/races you are interested in (pick a few): I have no clue what content is allowed, but if we're going all paizo published material that's available on the d20pfsrd, then I'd likely pick an interesting race first and foremost, Grippli perhaps, Dwarf is higher on my choice list.. though most of my character concepts end up being human. When it comes to classes, I think I can build just about anything and make an interesting and fun character. I love the writing of character stories, roleplaying examples and personalities. First thoughts, Warpriest, Cleric or Paladin, also have some ideas for more skill/sneak based ranger, slayer or rogue. No specific archtypes in mind yet, just some ideas out there... haven't played many casters lately, so that's also brewing back there. Play Experience: I've been playing table-top every other Saturday for the past 8+ years or so, started with D&D 3.5 and moved to Pathfinder a few years back.(Never turned back, because we love pathfinder.) Now that being said, we're still finishing our last campaign in the Forgotten Realms universe, then after it's over we're switching to paizo's world. (I've also done a bit of DMing myself, though not all that much.) I've been doing forum roleplaying off and on for damn near 20 years, started when I was 11. Basically just writing stories back and forth with other folks, in a fantasy sense... what got me into this was playing MUDs, and getting into the RP aspect of that, then somebody introduced me to the other... and well that hooked me. It wouldn't be long before D&D was off and on a part of my life. Now I've been playing PbP for about a year and half, really enjoying it's slower pace. What you want from the game: I'm wanting one quicker paced game to play, outside of my regular table-top session. Something that will be long term at least I hope it is, that I can put a good lot of work into character story, journals, background and things of that sort. I want a friendly easy going group, one that we can all get along and develop a friendship over time, hopefully getting to know each other IC and OOC. What you want from me: As a DM, I'd like to see you keep to your word on ruling and keep the players interest. I'd like if you made sure that drama was nipped in the butt, and tossed aside for the wolves. Many DMs don't take into account that the players are there to have fun, and when a DM never bends to make characters have a better chance of surviving situations, then it can be pretty lame. ( I mean this in the sense that many players will make mistakes, slip up not just on failed rolls, but something will slip the players mind, or they won't think about what their character may know.) I just like a somewhat flexible DM, though player death and TPK should always be part of the game, always... divine intervention should be very seldom. Play Style: My play style is more focused on the roleplaying side, I try to include other players into decisions as often as I can. The style can greatly depend on the character I'm playing, as I try to play them as I see they would be. Random fact you want me to know: Most of my time spent RPing and playing on sites like this, are spent while I'm at work. (Security is a rather dull gig, especially when you work across the street from the police station.) Available Times: Sunday Mornings: 8am - 4pm(PST) so 9am - 5pm(MTN), Monday - Thursday: 4pm - 12am(PST) 5pm - 1am(MTN) Thanks for reading and considering. -Spazz

Name you prefer: Secret Wizard, Wizzy, Secret, SW, The Situation Age: 28 Class/races you are interested in (pick a few): For classes - Fighter (Tower Shield Specialist?), Slayer (Sczarni Executioner or Vanguard?), Skald (Spell Warrior?), Bloodrager (Steelblood?), Monk (Martial Artist or Sensei?). For races - I'm partial towards Goblins, Orcs, Hobgoblins, Monkey Goblins, Grippli, Half-Ogres, perhaps also Kobolds or Gnolls. Play Experience: 1 year. What you want from the game: A good campaign, character development, HIGH difficulty combat, fun. What you want from me: Keep the game engaging, present new puzzles and challenge, kill me if I screw up, give us some agency to shape the story too and perhaps choose our alliances, some spot to RP would be nice. Play Style: Tactical play but sometimes I just go roll with how my character would act, even if it means a disadvantage. Random fact you want me to know: I'm writing this in spite of my cat's best efforts. Available time: GMT +00:00 Mon-Thu: 9pm to 3am, perhaps longer Fri-Sat-Sun: No idea.

Alright, lets see if I can qualify. Name you prefer: Split Age: 24 Class/races you are interested in (pick a few): Any Caster (Sorcerer,Wizard,Cleric)/Melee Rogue/Archer Ranger; Human,Elf, or Halfling (Fleet of foot alternate race feature. I have horrid memories of low movement speed.) I will try any role I'm needed in. One thought is a Human Archer Cleric. Wizard or Sorcerer are probably better suited to more experienced players. The rogue or ranger would likely be Elven, maybe Halfling for the rogue. Play Experience: Honestly, very little. Though I have played a bit of both 3.5 and Pathfinder. What you want from the game: Ever since I got an interest in d&d it's been hard finding a game that didn't fall apart. I want to be able to experience it in all its glory, to learn how to roleplay and adapt to a fantastical world. I want this to be a learning experience that I can develop through and be satisfied with. What you want from me: Patience and understanding, maybe a little help figuring out the finer details of being a PC. Play Style: I generally try to have fun, and stick to how my character would react to situations. I'm still learning how to take on a role and play it out 'properly', it'll take some time as I'm not usually a very social person. It's likely that if I'm needed as a caster that I'll be learning it as I go along, just like my character who is likely just unlocking the mysteries of magic. Random fact you want me to know: I don't want my love of d&d to die early, but every game I've been in (save one) have been horrible experiences or been a total disaster. If I'm accepted, I hope this'll change things. Available Times: My time zone is EST so I believe I'm 2 hours ahead of MST. I can adapt to most any schedule right now, but I have other stuff to deal with Thursdays at 5:30pm MST, and after midnight (also MST) on Sunday mornings. Any other time I can make it.

Sorry, I responded early, then have been off Roll20 for a couple of days. I'm also on vacation next week, so from Sunday to Sunday (this week) I won't be able to reply. However, your game sounds great: please tell me a little about yourself: I'm a recently married graduate student studying Shakespeare. My wife lives and works about 4 hours from where I go to school, so I'm looking to fill the hours between classes with something other than homework. I played D&D for years in high school and college, and am looking to get back in the game Name you prefer: Marshall Age: 28 Class/races you are interested in (pick a few): I prefer non-casters, especially now since I'm just getting back into it: Half-Elf Paladin - recently called. Has been a standard guard for 10 years or so, doesn't tend to see much combat, and has suddenly been called to be a Paladin. He doesn't quite know what to do with that or where to go, so he's biding time until he sees the reason. I'd like a mounted Paladin if I go this route, although I'd want to discuss this with you since many campaigns do not lend themselves to mounted combat. Dwarven Ranger - two weapon combat type (I like the idea of axe and hammer), who hunts either the goblins or the kobalds mentioned, as best suits the game. Probably from the mountains you described. Fighter (archery focused). I've been picturing this guy as a half-orc raised by humans, civilized but kind of a bull in a china shop and given to putting his foot in his mouth Historically, I've played elven rogues and rangers as well. I'm happy to do so again. Play Experience: 7 years (HS/College) of 3.0, then converted to 3.5 when it came out. I've not played for 6 years What you want from the game: I'm looking to have fun, and be part of a good story. I stopped playing D&D as my friends started to get married and have lives, and, ironically enough, since getting married, I've been itching to play again. I'm looking for a few hours each week that I can play a game and immerse myself in a character. What you want from me: A good story and to keep the game moving. I don't mind side comments or joking around, but when I want to play, I want to play. I don't like sandbox style very much (although my experience with it is limited). I also like when a GM is able to integrate a character I'm playing more fully in the world. There's a reason so many PCs are orphans - a lot of GMs that I've played with aren't interested in allowing for a character to have a brother, wife, father, etc. Mostly, if I play in this game, I'd want to have a real connection with the starting town - to know who some of the local NPCs are and what my connection is to them. Play Style: I try to stay focused on the character. I usually pick some traits that are tangibly different than myself so that I can use those as restrictions. I have found that characters I play tend to be the mouthpiece of the group, so I try to know the voice of the character (not like I do a weird voice, but I like to know how he talks). I prefer not to have long conversations during combat about what folks 'should' do. We should all know our characters, and whether they are the type to flank, heal, etc. Calling out 'I need cover' or 'anybody able to heal me?' doesn't bother me, but I don't like long conversations about how a specific move would provoke an Attack of Opportunity or if I take one less step I'll be flanking. That takes me out of the game, and I'll ask such questions of the GM if I'm interested in them. Also some patience as I get the rust off and acclimate to Pathfinder (I've been reading up on it, but I've not played it. I have the book and d20pfsd. Random fact you want me to know: I'm prone to quoting Shakespeare more often than relevant pop culture references. Available Times: Even though I haven't played in a long time (or ever played an online game) I'll be very dedicated once committed. I normally know my schedule months in advance. I'm a grad student, so semester changes and summer will affect my times somewhat. For this winter/spring (Jan-Apr): Sunday: after 6pm MST Monday: After 4 MST Tuesday/Thursday: Before 2:00 MST, after 6:00 MST Wednesday: Before 5:00 MST (all day after first week of Feb) Friday/Saturday: Unavailable There is no too early on the 'before x time' days

Lots of interest. Glad to see a bunch of rpers who want the same style of game.

Strongly agreed.

Hello everyone and thank you all for your expressed interest! I will try to dish out the details as organized as I can to ensure a simply read for all. Start: I plan to start this campaign in early to mid January, as to avoid the holiday issues of people (including myself) being unable to game due to friends and family commitments. Number of players: 4, maybe 5 if I just really love too many applications. Frequency of Game: Weekly or every other week, depending on the general wants and availability of the chosen players. When you can expect an invite: Anytime between 1-3 weeks. I am getting more of the lore of this world fleshed out, as requested, so people can make their final decisions if they want to join or not. Expectations of you: Please, do not make a character. The way I run my games is as such: When all players are chosen, we find a proper time to ALL meet together. From there, players will lay out 3 classes that they would like to play and then they build their party AS A GROUP. I like to run difficult campaigns, meaning party optimization is one of the few MetaGame techniques I allow. Trust me, you want a healer. Also, if you are unfamiliar with the macro system in Roll20, I ask that you be willing to learn. I will be glad to teach. I will supply every character with a premade journal sheet that will represent your Roll20 character sheet (still keep your own in Mythweavers). Once invited I can explain how it all works and you will see the ease to it all. What you can and expect from me: I am currently going to school both for a B.A. in Education as well as a Masters in Applied Physics, so I am a busy person. This means that during midterms and finals weeks I will likely not hold a game session. Also, I like to be prepared, so I will often end a game session in a place that gives me time to prepare your next step, visually. I love creating explorations areas such as dungeons, abandoned castles and what not for the party to explore. I also love to have traps and monsters already set up with macros and such so when combat starts it can go smoothly without all of the "let me look this up" stuff. This means you will, almost always, know somewhat of what to expect for the next session because I need to know where you have decided to go so I can build your map/s. Also, if you decide at some point that this just isn't the game for you, please just tell me. I will not hold hard feelings against you. I would find it respectable that you tell me as to give me time to find a new player instead of simply waiting around to start a session for a player who has to plans of showing. I cannot garentee a perfect campaign. There are too many rules and ideas to make it perfect but I will do my absolute best to make it as great and fun to play as possible. The more I see in your characters the more I can do that. If I see no RP, then I will have a hard time creating social situations (remember, you don't have to stab everything). Also, I do like to encourage the idea, from time to time, that not every combat is meant to be fought. Sometimes running away is 100% viable. Hell, if you can skill check/RP your way out of a combat, you can still gain XP! You technically beat the encounter...so yeah. I will also give minor XP (based on a percent of XP needed to level) to those who RP in creative and fun to watch ways. This to to encourage everyone to do so. Yes, this can lead to some character leveling at different rates, but I have played in games that do that and I have always seen it build strong characters. If you plan to just sit back and watch others RP and only do things in combat, then please retract your application. I am here to give you a story and watch it be played out. To me, DMing is like watching a movie that you helped create half of. The rest is all you and a complete surprise to me. Also, as I know it was mentioned, I do not allow Evil characters. You can be a tough C-N, but Evil will simply not work for this campaign as it will eventually become a Good vs. Evil concept, which would mean logical RP of your character would pit them against the party. Also, and this is important I WILL ASSIGN ALIGNMENTS BASED ON YOUR BACKSTORY. I run alignments black and white for good/evil. C/L is where we see our fun grey area, but I simply need a black and white G/E alignment system to make this campaign work. If you wish to argue I will win with a simple, "Ok, you dont see yourself as Good even though your simply are? Then fine, the Devil doesnt see hismelf as Evil thus Smite Evil no longer effects him." That is an example reason as to why I need black and white for good and evil. Chaotic and Lawful will still be viable and somewhat grey, but those can fluctuate more easily than good and evil. I may have missed something but will answer all questions to those invited. Sorry for the long post, here is a potato for you inconvenience .

How will you handle G/E alignments, if class features depend on it? In other words, what process do you use to process shifting alignments? I am not against a GM-controlled alighment system (it's pretty refreshing, frankly), but it does involve it's own set of obstacles that need to be clearly laid out. A definition of each of the alignments from the GM would be much appreciated :).

The books alignment system is what I use. It is rather simple and the alignments are laid out by the concepts of the Gods. It is simple to figure out of an act was good, bad or in the middle. I have heard many arguments to try to dispute it but I tend to give good rebuttals. And yes, some actions will require thought to discern its morality but it is never difficult. At least not for me, as I will be the one who will truly know its morality in full context while your character may not. Also something I will go into further detail with when we speak over voice, as I find that to be more simple in conflicted ideas.

I'm going to pass on the campaign. Sounds like too many alignment discussions on the horizon, which is never appealing.

I'm still interested. This sounds like the type of game I'm looking to play (and as a graduate student, I like that there will be midterms/finals that will mean weeks off). I've never played online (only in person) so I'll gladly accept help learning anything I need to about Roll20.

im still down for it

In terms of Patrick's response (I do not mean to come off as defensive) The idea behind the black and white good/evil is to keep the alignment discussions to pretty much non-existent. Pretty much think the ideas of angels and devils. Killing can be good or evil depending on the situation and it should normally be very obvious which it is. Killed a lot of goblins who have terrorized a town...that's good. Killed a local merchant who refused to give you a discount...that's evil, as its led by greed. The 7 deadly sins (and their opposite virtues) are likely a better example as to how good and evil can be viewed. The reason I place this rule is because in previous games I have played in someone would kill innocent people but say "im not evil, just chaotic neutral" And sure, maybe he was not evil at first, but after his 10th murder...I'm pretty sure that's an alignment shift as all of the deaths were innocent people. Most players never even make this an issue, I simply had to state it as one of the apps wanted to be an evil character, which I cannot allow in this game. Since this will be good vs evil, in the end, we need a good or neutral party (as neutral nearly always leans towards good). (A Druid is likely True Neutral but will happily step in to help the good guys defeat and evil Necromancer before helping the Necromancer kill innocents children of nature.) (Usually).

Soulkrist said: In terms of Patrick's response (I am do not mean to come off as defensive) The idea behind the black and white good/evil is to keep the alignment discussions to pretty much non-existent. Pretty much think the ideas of angels and devils. Killing can be good or evil depending on the situation and it should normally be very obvious which it is. Killed a lot of goblins who have terrorized a town...that's good. Killed a local merchant who refused to give you a discount...that's evil, as its led by greed. The 7 deadly sins (and their opposite virtues) are likely a better example as to how good and evil can be viewed. The reason I place this rule is because in previous games I have played in someone would kill innocent people but say "im not evil, just chaotic neutral" And sure, maybe he was not evil at first, but after his 10th murder...I'm pretty sure that's an alignment shift as all of the deaths were innocent people. Most players never even make this an issue, I simply had to state it as one of the apps wanted to be an evil character, which I cannot allow in this game. Since this will be good vs evil, in the end, we need a good or neutral party (as neutral nearly always leans towards good). (A Druid is likely True Neutral but will happily step in to help the good guys defeat and evil Necromancer before helping the Necromancer kill innocents children of nature.) (Usually). Makes sense, i like the idea of it.

I'm down to clown around. My character won't have any concern about alignment.

I like the direction of it - story first, alignment after.

Alignment is a far simpler concept than most people make it, anyway. They just complain because they want to take the easy road. I like a clear alignment system. That said, your alignment doesn't define you, it is part of you. Lawful Good people frequently have unLG thoughts, occasionally the have unLG actions. Same as every one else. That doesnt change their alignment, it makes them more real. OTOH, if a Paladin can act out of alignment with no penalty, he becomes less than he should be.

Hm, i rather like the idea of doing away with stated alignments and having the gm make skills effective or ineffective based on character actions in game. When it comes to Paladins and the like, a loss of power should only ever happen when they intentionally do something heinous against their faith, and left alone in grey area situations. Of course, the 'no evil' decision only makes sense in most situations. Kind of hard to be the big damn heroes with a cackling madman in the party!

No cackling? Guess Witch is out of the question. :P

I'm still good to go with this. I rather like the idea of the GM having a say on alignment based on background.

See, I declined to play because I feel that the "alignment is relative, it all depends on the circumstances" is nonsense. Torturing a devil for information is still evil, even if the info can save innocents. It just has an excuse that some people may feel can grant forgiveness for their actions. So, I feel that an alignment system that rests solely in the judgment of the GM, especially when "how good can I get my 'greater good' Bluff check" is a valid concern, would not be conducive to a constructive RP environment. Well, not for me, at least.

I think you misunderstood the GM, Patrick. He wasn't saying "alignment is relative". He was saying "alignment is reality, and has role playing applications that can't be ignored". Too many people try to ignore that reality, in an effort to excuse crappy behavior. But hey, one less applicant means I have a better chance!!

Kirby is very accurate. I want alignment to matter. Too many DM's ignore character actions when they should change alignment, and alignment matters to a lot of class and combat situations. Trying to be diplomatic with a Paladin when you ping as Evil will cause a higher difficulty than a good aligned character, and I simply do not want Evil characters in this game as it would logically make them turn against the party at some point, thus the player would need a new character.

I used to run "If your alignment hits evil, you become an NPC" and I never had to enforce it, but again, I've hardly played with strangers.

Why not accept that there's gradients of good and evil? The "Evil" alignment box is not homogenous and not every creature in it should be treated the same way. That orc barbarian may be able to reform himself a lot easier than, say, a pit fiend. Both might ping evil, but they should not be treated the same way. Having said that, I don't play evil characters if it can be avoided, and the vast majority of my characters are firmly in camp "good". They are also firmly in camp "redemption", mind. Smiting something into oblivion because it's an orc and raised as such is, in my opinion, just as evil as being that orc, if not more so - since it's a choice. Things change with, say, mindless undead and such, where volition is not a consideration.

Sure, there is evil and then there is EVIL. But an orc, raised as evil by a race that savage/evil in the day to day, is no less evil than a pit fiend. It is part of their identity. An orc, raised by good people has a chance to overcome his nature and not be evil. A pit fiend, raised by good people, is still evil incarnate. Certainly, there are different degrees of evil among humans and other ostensibly good races. Your average low level bureaucrat is petty evil, not because they are truly less evil, but because they are less brave or less imaginative.

Mm, maybe try thinking about it like this: most actions fall in the neutral category- self preservation, and all included in that, is considered neutral. Mercenaries, frugal tradesmen, and most others fall in this category. Heck, you could kill a guy in a him-or-you situation and it would still just be a neutral action. Evil characters willingly and knowingly commit acts for the sake of personal gain, actively harming others in doing so not because it is necessary but because it is the easier route. In a burning building, for instance, the neutral guy would run out quick as he can. The good character would try to get others out of the building at the risk of their own safety, and evil characters would block the door and extort someone for their freedom. So ya see, marking a character as 'evil' means you are not in any sort of gradient- you would be in it for yourself and nothing more, and any grey tones send you into neutral.

I'm just (hopefully) gonna play and see how we mesh.

James said: I'm just (hopefully) gonna play and see how we mesh. sounds good to me :D