[Interest Check] Text-Based Exalted 3e (EST/GMT-5 Based)

First and foremost, I'm not saying that I will put together this game, but am merely considering interest between players on Roll20 and if this is something my existing group would like to see. The Premise: I currently run another game of Exalted 3e, and the Circle has been around for nearly a year in the setting, causing their own kind of chaos. I'm considering running a second game, where a second circle would be established, and would occasionally cross paths with the primary group. Effectively, telling a story from two sides - showing one group the aftershocks of the other's influence, and allowing broader stories to be told, with the implication that they're not the only Exalts out there. The Benefit: You're coming into a group of people who are established, and willing to work with people. They're welcoming, and we've basically built ourselves a community, over several years in many of the player's cases. Circles that cross paths mean you can tell stories with people who aren't necessarily in your regular group. You can build more intimacies, character interactions, and sometimes (based on schedules), we can move characters between circles to resolve any conflicts. We even have an Exalted In-character RP chat for players who wish to handle anything between sessions. More people means even more opportunities for such interactions. I'm a GM with almost 10 years of experience, and 20+ years of experience as a player. Specifically, I've GM'd nearly as long as I have been interested in Exalted, and, as a result, am comfortable with homebrew, and working with players on custom charms, evocations and artifacts, as well as conversion from older editions. The Cons: There is going to be an XP discrepancy between the circles . It's inevitable. The current group started as Experienced (after a reboot), and are 50 XP in now. The new Circle would likely start pre-exaltation mortals, making an obvious gap in power. Not everyone in both groups are going to get along. Let's face it, not everyone gets along with everyone else. Some personalities clash, and sometimes it's impossible for people to find a middle ground. So long as it's not outright antagonism, and everyone can be civil however, we should be able to find some sort of situation that works for everyone. I'm exacting in what I want from players. This probably puts people off, but I'm pretty particular about what I want in players. Having had several flakes, and generally poor experiences with some players, I tend to take a while to choose, and establish players into my games in order to avoid people bailing 2 or 3 sessions in - something that I have had happen several times over several games. Beyond those things, my general goals for groups are the following: A circle of 3-4 players (the existing one is 6, and I would not run a second circle of 6 players) I trend towards a 50/50 margin of male to female players; my current group matches that (3 male players, 3 female players. The circle also matches). Exalted is a game of mature subject matter, players are expected to handle some mature content at the table without feeling offended, or like I've 'invaded a safe space'. Gaming is supposed to be fun for everyone. Use common sense on what you might believe I'm willing to portray in a setting where Breeding is a status symbol, Selective Conception is a merit, an Elder Evil captures and tortures children in Battle Royale-style survival games to pick her next servant, and Slavery is considered the societal norm. The ability to vocalize issues you have with me, my game, players, or content is necessary. If you don't speak up, it can't be fixed. So long as it's not disruptive to the game. Don't silently fume, or think I'm unwilling to work with you until such a time that you leave. Players should respect each other, and feel free to express themselves. I don't care about race, gender, or sexuality. Those are things that have no bearing on whether I'm going to game with you. Your ability to handle yourself in social situations is what I care about. If you're a bigoted jerk, I don't care if you're straight, gay, black or white: I'm not spending my time with you.

I'd love to give Exalted a try! I'd definitely be interested in joining this if it does happen. As a player I'm really friendly and looking to have a fun time. I don't like picking fights with other players. I'm also respectful of others and have no problem with violent themes, should they arise in the game.

I would be interested in this depending on the time and day that it ends up landing on. Excited to finally find someone willing to Gm for Exalted rather than just play!

I'd definitely be interested, been looking to play Exalted for a long time now! I'm always willing to give new groups a try and am very welcoming to players. And the premise is very intriguing to me to boot, I love dual stories like that. I have about 10+ years experience with various RPGs but never got the chance to give Exalted a try, but I've heard lots of good things about it from a friend of mine who's played. I could probably grab another person if need-be (although they're likely to just post interest here anyway.)

I'm game if Noel is.

Hi! I am currently in Animus' other Exalted game and I'm interested in how this will go. :D He's a pretty gosh dang good DM and a fairly chill person, so I'm totally excited to see how y'all have to deal with our tomfoolery!!

First of all: thank you for bringing this thread to my attention. The premise sounds really, really promising : it makes it feel like the world is alive and constantly changing, just as it should be in a world that is alive -and doubly so in the world of Exalted, where God-powered beings pursue their own goals and ambitions restlessly in a constant competition against one another. I would enjoy the benefit of coming into a group of people who are already established and I don't have any problems getting into already-existing groups: I am confident that I can be a fun person to play roleplaying games with who is not disruptive to the preestablished order of things. About the XP discrepancy is not   an issue  for me, to be honest: there are always bigger fish in the sea, that's how the world works. You can't pretend to be the most badass right of the bat: not even in the world of Exalted... but you're still plenty badass. Room for growth and all that. Yeah, not all of us are going to get along , but I am not an aggressive person and I try to smooth things over as best as I can, OoC. IC problems are something completely different, of course, and it can be all in good fun I believe. I also have no problems with assertive GMs/Storytellers : the players are not the only ones that should have fun at the table, that's a golden rule. A circle of 3-4 players sounds like my cup of tea (I wouldn't go over 5 players, otherwise it gets too bogged down) Since you said that there are mature contents, I expect people to bring the same amount of acceptance I will bring to the table: I have no qualms with this game having dark themes , because that can and will happen. I can handle it, I assure you. I've been called names before, but I've yet to be called a bigot: anyway, I have no problems with anyone, as long as they don't have a bone to pick with me. We are all here to have fun, after all! Let's leave RL burdens behind, yes? If you would like to speak to me in person, you can feel free to add me on skype: the_larker is my username. Just say that you're the guy for Exalted so I will actually accept the request. And before I forget it: would it be possible for me to play one or two try-out sessions? Just to see if this would actually be the game for me? I hate to flake out of games, because non-commitment is what I hate most in other people and I would hate myself for doing that aswell...

So, because two players have already stated (one here) that they're fine with this (and I'm waiting on the others, but don't find they're likely to have real issues with it), I'll lay out my expectations, times, and hopefully hear back on what people are interested in, and how they feel about such things. First , the times I'm available: I currently have games on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday (most of the time). This leaves: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday , for days I'm available. My preference is evenings, but can be flexible about this. Second , the sessions themselves: My primary intent is to do a single solo session  with each player. At the end of this session, we should find your character with their Exaltation, or poised to Exalt. This session isn't about the Circle, but about that character - it's designed to ensure you know who your character is, what they do, and help you through the mechanics of the system one-on-one. It'll also put your character in a position to join with the other players. Third , expectations & the style of game: I'll lead with the expectations of what I'll have to do - which is that there will be a strict calendar that will be filled out as both groups progress. We'll know what events occur on which days, and if a group gets ahead of the other (which will inevitably happen), we'll know when the effects of those actions start to be seen. Sometimes immediately, sometimes it'll take a few days, or even weeks. The style is going to start as mortals, and fresh Exalts. Whether you exalt in a Tomb, facing off against an army, or escaping the clutches of the Guild, you're going to come in feeling big - the solo session will establish who you are, your friends, family, and the life you're about to leave behind. And the first session will thrust you into the world of being a Solar Exalt, and all of the mystery therein. That said, I'm curious what -players- want out of such a game as well? Do you want to learn about the Cult of the Illuminated, save the Dream-eaten victims of the Fair Folk, wage war against the mobile fortress of the Mask of Winters? It's all something to think about, because both groups will be following their own plots. Fourth , on a shared setting: This is one of two groups. Players will occasionally go back and forth, making cameos, or aiding in each other's sessions - such cameos will not provide XP for the crossing character, but may provide other benefits (merits, artifacts, allies, information). On top of that, there is an IC chat channel that we use, where, once these characters have met, can mingle, and build bonds when they've had such chances. No 'super circle' will ever form, however - you'll both be on your own paths, following your own goals. They might be shared goals at times, but that's just one way that the two circles can help - or hinder - each other. Fifth , and finally, the method of play and communication: As the title says, all In-Character gameplay will be done via text - a medium for which Exalted thrives in. However, for Out of Character means, increasing speed of play, and clarification, Discord (preferrably), or Skype (if Discord is not an option, for whatever reason) will be used. Keep in mind, at this point, the group is a bit of a small community - we're not just a bunch of people who play games together; we're friends and hang out. Socializing with the group is totally encouraged, and there will be many people in the Discord channel. If necessary, we'll begin making voice channels expressly for the sessions, as not to prevent people from communicating while playing games, or hanging out (There may be Overwatch fever for several players recently.) I apologize for the walls of text, but this is probably a fairly solid idea of how I write, and handle text-based games. Lots of text. >->

Lets do it.

Edit: since most of the applicants and the GM himself are not european, I don't mind playing on friday either, since when it's 17 PM there, it will be 24PM/0AM where I am. Thus no complications. As for my character's most ambitious desires: I still need a bit of time to think about that, but I'll get back to you on that sooner rather than later. We can also discuss it in private/Discord/Skype or any other channel you'd like. And of course: Discord is also fine. I actually prefer it over Skype, most of the time.

Hey, this is another player in the main group and I can pretty much swear up and down by Animus's ability as a GM. As far as the group goes, we're a bunch of anime and video game nerds who make bad puns, in and out of character. (Me and April are notable examples :p) As was mentioned, we are a sort of little tight knit community and do a lot of stuff outside of just the games, such as playing Overwatch as of late. Animus's GMing style is very much story and narrative based, so massive system mastery is not required at all; this is my first time (second if you count the reboot as a second go) playing Exalted, and I've yet to feel like I made 'wrong' choices when building my character.

Alright, all of that sounds excellent, but I'll respond to each of your points directly. 1. I have a preference for Friday or Sunday, although I'm free any of those days.  2. I've never done a solo session before, but I really like this idea for establishing characters. Too often do players walk in with only base ideas for their character and no real fleshing out, and that could really help establish what the player wants to do. 3. You have no idea how happy I am to hear about the scheduling, really truly happy. Too often have I been a part of a game that just fizzled out because of a lack of solid scheduling and players gradually losing interest as a result. This is fantastic. I'm kind of confused by one thing you said though, are all players going to be Solar exalted? Not really a problem, just wondering.  4. Not much to say on this, just all of that sounds awesome and are signs that you've really thought this out. That's exactly the kind of thing I look for in a GM and it's a great sign to me. 5. That's my preffered style of play, so that's perfect. I don't have too much experience with Discord, but I have no problems with it. I have and use skype regularly as well, if it's ever needed.  And I wouldn't worry about the walls of text, it's a pretty useful skill for this sort of thing!

Noel said: 3. I'm kind of confused by one thing you said though, are all players going to be Solar exalted? Not really a problem, just wondering.  4. Not much to say on this, just all of that sounds awesome and are signs that you've really thought this out. That's exactly the kind of thing I look for in a GM and it's a great sign to me. On three: All players will start as mortals, and exalt as Solars (i.e., the kind presented in the core rulebook). This is simply easier on everyone - my other group possesses a single Lunar character, but they have a bit more experience and it was very much a testing ground for the homebrew ruleset I was provided/wrote. On four: it was actually rather spur of the moment - it was more that I saw a thread/LFG listing go up, a bunch of people get burnt by a GM who wasn't really forthright with what he was presenting, and decided to give players another option for a game that has very little representation as it is.

Exalted? All I can say to that is YES! YES! YES! One question though, what part of Creation will this be taking place in?

It will be, likely, somewhere else in the Riverlands (the Southeast). The primary group is based out of there, and I'd like to give the two groups a chance to effect each other.

Everything sounds good to me! At the moment I'm free any of those days, though Sundays might be tricky later on. I would personally prefer Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday. I'm in the GMT timezone though, so my evenings will be your afternoons. EST evening games usually run too late for me to take part in. I know this might add more difficulty to deciding on a day/time that suits everyone, I don't want to make things difficult for the other players. I think having a solo session is a great idea and am totally on board with that. I'm also on board with using Discord as I've basically stopped using Skype these days due to it slowing down my computer by quite a lot. Socializing also sounds good, it personally also makes me more comfortable to then roleplay as well.

Animus said: Noel said: 3. I'm kind of confused by one thing you said though, are all players going to be Solar exalted? Not really a problem, just wondering.  4. Not much to say on this, just all of that sounds awesome and are signs that you've really thought this out. That's exactly the kind of thing I look for in a GM and it's a great sign to me. On three: All players will start as mortals, and exalt as Solars (i.e., the kind presented in the core rulebook). This is simply easier on everyone - my other group possesses a single Lunar character, but they have a bit more experience and it was very much a testing ground for the homebrew ruleset I was provided/wrote. On four: it was actually rather spur of the moment - it was more that I saw a thread/LFG listing go up, a bunch of people get burnt by a GM who wasn't really forthright with what he was presenting, and decided to give players another option for a game that has very little representation as it is. Alright, I just wanted to make sure I had read that correctly. And I can really admire that, I just had to leave a game that turned out to not at all be what I was expecting. It's wonderful to see someone giving that option to people, especially for games that aren't as common to see (getting kind of tired of all this D&D and Pathfinder, myself).

Rythulia said: I'm in the GMT timezone though, so my evenings will be your afternoons. EST evening games usually run too late for me to take part in. I hadn't considered that some people interested may be GMT - I've had stranger timezones to work with though (Had a player for whom the game started at ~6/7AM in the morning). As a result, it becomes a matter of what times are best for players and seeing what meshes well.

Animus said: It will be, likely, somewhere else in the Riverlands (the Southwest). The primary group is based out of there, and I'd like to give the two groups a chance to effect each other. Hmm, not really sure what kind of character would fit there, but I should be able to come up with something. Also, how exactly will the mortal section take place?

The mortal section will take place buy sort of a pseudo-charGen. We'll understand what caste you want to exalt into, and what ability is your character's Supernal Ability, and we'll build a mortal sheet that will become a Solar sheet afterwards. In part of this I'll craft a solo session designed to accentuate the character's supernal skill. If a character is a Dawn Caste with Melee Supernal, then it'll be about the character's martial prowess. If the character is a Twilight, with Occult Supernal, and wants to learn Sorcery, then it'll be a session that pulls back the veil of Creation. Regardless of the Caste, Supernal Ability, or intent, I'll be crafting a session for the express purpose of ensuring that players feel like the solo session is about that character - that they have a connection to their friends, family, and home - and that their Exaltation is, perhaps, a great burden, or thrilling adventure that's going to move their story forward. Their time as a mortal is intended to show off -why- they're chosen by the Unconquered Sun. EDIT: Noted that I put "Southwest" for Riverlands. Which is super wrong. The River Province is the Southeast.

Ah, so a prologue. I was a bit worried it might restrict my options, but that doesn't seem like a problem. Just to check, how much use would I get out of a pirate character? Edit: Never mind. I was writing that when it still said South West. I'll work on something else. Edit again: Wait, that's just another name for the Scavenger lands, isn't it? In which case, I may have several ideas already...

Could you tell me a bit about the Southeast? I'm on a restricted wifi connection at the moment and cant look much up. I'm curious mostly about the geography and culture of the region. 

The Southeast is the center of trade - the largest section of the East is made up of the Confederacy of Rivers, a trade agreement made by all of the major river settlements in the River Province, and Lookshy, in order to protect Trade and Commerce, in the East. Far to the East are the exotic forest of Halta - with it's enormous redwoods, and stories that fae beasts roam the forest floor, and the very forests drive men mad. On the coast of the Southeast, lays cities like Nexus - the largest trade center in the East, ruled by the Merchant Princes, where Law is merely Rule, and rule is enforced by thugs and thieves; Sijan, a funereal city engaged in a near-permanent Day of the Dead, with great mausoleums where surgeons and priests intern the dead, keep the First Age tombs of the Solar Exalted safe, and service the Deathlords with surgery and embalming for their servants; Thorns - a once thriving metropolis that was brought to it's knees by the cunning Deathlord, the Mask of Winters. Rather than merely take Thorns by force, he instead forced Thorns to surrender to him - catapulting corpses over their walls and into their city until they pleaded for him to stop, and opened the gates, and is now reminded of their surrender by the hulking fortress of the Mask, the Behemoth Juggernaut, that can be seen from their homes. There are also smaller groups - such as the horselords that live on the plains in the Southeast, and the beastfolk bred and raised by Ma-Ha-Suchi, to rail against the last Bastion of the Realm in the East - Greyfalls. There are several newer areas that have relatively little information on, beyond that some have had no connections with the rest of Creation, and fail to understand the basic traditions, or faiths used by those who have been under Realm rule for much of the last thousand years.

Ooh, sounds like the perfect place for adventuring then, with just the right amount of hooks to interest me. Halta especially sounds interesting, I'm a real sucker for mystical untamed forests. Are there any particular areas that the players are likely to start from? One of the trade cities, for example?

I would be down to overthrow the Mask of Winters: he sounds like a huge supervillain that needs a good whooping.

Noel said: Are there any particular areas that the players are likely to start from? One of the trade cities, for example? All of this will be based on what it appropriate for the players following their solo sessions. Larker said: I would be down to overthrow the Mask of Winters: he sounds like a huge supervillain that needs a good whooping. There'll be plenty of opportunities to thwart the Deathknights and the armies of the Undead. Perhaps not the Mask of Winter himself though. There may be other players at work, though. ;)

Might be interested, have read through exalted 3e, and it sounds fun. I have participated in online text games before, and my schedule is....weird, to say the least. (live in gmt+1, prefer playing nights, which would be about 8 pm for you). Might not have that much time to socialize outside of sessions. I have played and game mastered for 10+ years tho, so in case you need a last player. contact me. My skype handle is Seskibedalix.

There's been suggestions of a 4PM EDT (16:00PM) session start time so far. So, if you could only start at 8PM my time, that'd be a no-go. It comes down to there being any real conflicts with that time between other players.

The setting sounds super interesting! I'm going to have to start thinking of a character... 4PM EDT sounds good to me!

4 p.m. EDT is pretty good for me as well, almost perfect even, as that's just a bit after I get home from my last class.

Unfortunately, I don't finish work until 10PM GMT, so I won't be ready until about 17:30 EDT.

Mmkay, sorry to hear it.  Damn my more than slightly random schedule.

Pushing this back up to state that we're still looking for one person, after a difference of expectations in game-style. The time and date seems to be set at 4~5PM EST, on Fridays. To clarify what the expectations vs. style: I understand that Exalted can be a setting about Solar fan-wankery, and how the setting truly falls apart if the Solars aren't being the most important beings, but I've found that Exalted is more compelling when you're struggling against the current - when Solars have to do twice as much to prove their worth, because history has had 15 generations to establish that they're demons who steal the bodies of the pure. Where good deeds sometimes have bad consequences, and it's how one deals with the consequences, and pushes forward that makes the Exalted what they are - and that there's still a human element to them. They don't become divine beings with no connection left to their former lives, because that makes them the mad Tyrants of the First Age: the beings who had no scope or concept of individual responsibility, and tried to make sweeping changes that ultimately brought suffering and ruin, before finally being usurped. If you think this is what you might be interested in, then please, by all means, let me know if you can make that time slot, and I'll take the time to see if you're the right fit for the group.

Hi there, I know Noel and Echo from several other games and I'd be interested in joining up as well.I have experience in other role play systems and platforms  but I haven't played in Exalted before. However I'm always up for learning a new system!