Gauging Interest - 4E Eberron Adult campaign...

[woegman]

Howdy all!  I have had a real urge lately to run a campaign in my favorite D&D setting, Eberron.  My tentative name for the campaign is "Sharn by Lamplight", and the campaign will take place in the seedier sections of Sharn, the City of Towers...specifically in the Lower Menthis Plateau, home to the Firelight district.  I am open to character ideas, so long as they have good reason to reside and adventure in this area known for vice and seediness.

Now for the caveat - though I'd like to run this as a 3.5 campaign, since I am most familiar with that rule set, I would like to eventually turn my love of the setting and for writing into something publishable (clearly, none of what happens in this campaign will be included), and to do that, I really need to force myself to learn 4E, since all fictional novels published by WotC have "upgraded" to the new rules and conventions.  I have all of the following books, and their contents will be considered allowable for this game:  Player's Handbooks 1&2, Monster Manuals 1&2, DMGs 1&2, the Eberron Player's Guide, and the Eberron Campaign guide.  I haven't gotten around to getting the various Powers books, so will have to exclude them from consideration.

All that said, I am not an absolute stickler for the rules, and most of my story lines tend to be heavily role driven, not roll driven.  I'd like to keep the game small at first, maybe two or three players.  There will definitely be mature content, including sexual content, but I will respect player boundaries and avoid anything they specify as not acceptable.  I'd also like to respectfully reserve a DM's right to Rule Zero, by which I mean that I will sometimes make snap decisions that may occasionally contradict rules or dice rolls, so long as it serves the story to do so.

So, any interest in this?  It may take me a short while after generating interest to launch the game, but I am definitely interested in doing so as soon as I am comfortable with the characters and players.

[Ramael]

Given my recent interest in D+D, I'd put my interest forward for this, but only casually for now, being as I'm a newb to the topic and have never played the tabletop game (spinoffs and online spinoffs only).

I'd like to become a touch more familiar with DnD, more specifically the worlds and settings (Eberron being a good example).

[Creeper]

I am also interested, though I think I'm the only one on this board who likes 4E :(

[OldSchoolGamer]

I am also interested, though I think I'm the only one on this board who likes 4E :(

To me, 4E isn't Dungeons and Dragons, but rather WoW ported to paper-and-pencil.  Note that I'm not dissing Wow...obviously, the game has a lot of followers and I respect that.  But to me Second Edition was the last edition of true Dungeons and Dragons.  Third and higher ported video game and multiplayer-online into it, making it something different.

Or maybe I'm just getting old...

[Ixy]

I'm a big fan of the setting, though I have limited knowledge (as can be attested to by many, much to my shame).  I've been out for a bit, unfortunately, but I am applying to 1 other game (which will probably not be available to me) and am rekindling one other connection. 

Your description of your approach to the game is certainly preferable to me as a roleplayer.  May we PM a couple of character concepts for consideration?

Likewise, regarding rules-- I could learn 4e, but I'm far more comfortable with Pathfinder or 3.5.  Still, rules are secondary to me as long as I don't feel completely useless :)  I'm glad that this isn't going to be a big discussion of which is better or worse, because it's clear that from your perspective, you'd rather have interesting characters than debate the rules.

[woegman]

I'm certainly open to PMs with character concepts - send away!  Like I said, I am not the biggest fan of 4E myself, but I do have writing aspirations and I really should make an effort to learn the system that the universe I want to write about is set in.  I figure the best way to familiarize myself with the changes is to jump in and give it a shot.  Interesting characters are first and foremost, though - hell, a good portion of the game is likely to be diceless, save in certain situations where I feel checks are warranted or needed.

[Ptolemy]

I'm open to this. :)

[Ramael]

So...a character concept doesn't have to be a pre-rolled character sheet?

[Kunoichi]

Apparently not.  It can be something as simple as 'I'm going to be an Elven Ranger', or something a little more complicated, like 'I'm going to be a Valenar Elf Druid of the Siyyal Marain tradition, come to Sharn in an attempt to emulate her patron ancestor'.

...Incidentally, I'm rather interested in this game, but also not sure what I would want to play...

[Pandamonium]

If I haven't gotten into D&D before then does that rule me out for this? o3o

[Scya]

I am also interested and have some prior experience with D&D4e

[Tackyhillbilly]

I've got some experience with 4e and am interested.

[Creeper]

I know that you do not have access to the individual books, but would you allow them if made in the Dungeons and Dragons Insider Character Builder that wizards of the coast has provided? It includes the full descriptions of the powers, their sources, and other information. Any alterations outside of standard character creation get labled as homebrew. There's a free version of it that goes to levels 1-3 here: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/tool.aspx?x=dnd/4new/tool/characterbuilder

Barring that, I have a few character concepts:

Halfling Rogue: She's a Picker, a person who finds useless junk and sells it to whomever she can. Business is bad, and the starving girl is sick of living from hand to mouth. She's ready for a big score, even if it's dangerous.

Goliath Paladin: A worshiper of Arawai, she has traveled to Sharn to set up an shelter for the street children. It's surprising the number of heads she has to stomp to get her way.

Half-Orc Warlord: A disgraced commander of Thrane who got her whole unit killed in the last war. Traveled to Sharn to drink herself to death in obscurity. Booze is awfully expensive though...

Goblin Warlock: Developed an Aberrant Mark and is being hunted down for it. Hiding in human lands to escape her pursuers.

Human Fighter: Used to be a apprentice artificer, before a ill-planned trip to Xen'Drik got her tongue torn out by goblins. Though her familiar speaks for her now, she's learned a valuable lesson; Anything more complicated than a wall of steel and a huge freakin' mace is useless in the face of true combat.

Shifter Invoker: Originally came to Sharn to deliver a wedding invitation to her sister. Unfortunately, the sister has gone missing...

Gnome Wizard: They said she was mad! They said that making one giant warforged weapon was inefficient and illegal! Well, once the gnome had the funds, she'll show them it could be done! She'll show them all! WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!

Elf Druid: A scion of a Dragonmarked house hiding from an arranged marriage.

[NotoriusBEN]

4e is actually pretty easy to learn, despite my massive wall of text below. WotC may have pruned and streamlined things a bunch, but every character is built the same way, save different powers and such. Combat has a bit more "miniature orientented, but with PbP games, no need to buy that stuff.

Probably the *biggest* change from 3.5 to 4e is the introduction of turn, encounter, and daily powers.
At level 1, a character has 2 or 3 turn powers, 1 encounter power, and 1 daily power. Turn powers are things you can do every turn (a warrior can cleave or power attack), an encounter power is something that can be used once per encounter/fight/5minutes (warrior's viper strike, which does more damage to the target, and can prevent an enemy from moving around) and daily powers (can only be used once per day or extended rest). Dailies are the big signature moves, that *usually* grant some kind of effect even if you miss your attack. Some grant 3W damage and are reliable (roll your weapon's damage die 3 times, you dont expend the power if you miss), some grant half damage, some make area effects, etc. And there are some dailies that are *really* powerful that are all or nothing affairs. As a wizard, you'd probably have 4 or 5 spells a day at level 1 in 3.5e. In 4e, your spells are the turn, encounter, and daily powers. Magic missile is a turn power and thus can be cast *all day long*. Flaming hands, *every five minutes*. Fireball? Acid Arrow? every day.

As you level up, you get access to new powers and add more to your pool of abilities and you can switch out powers from the list you have available to you. I'll admit you dont get mechanical deviation of such orders of magnitude as 3.5e, but there are builds and power choices available to each class. With things in the PHB1, You can make a wizard be a nuker or an AOE controller, fighters can Sword 'n Board or Two-hand it, warlocks can be made damage over time or debilitators, etc.

Another thing WotC did was split the classes into groups. Defenders, Leaders, Strikers, and Controllers. Defenders are your typical fighters, paladins, meat shields. Leaders are Clerics, Artificers, Warlords, peeps that heal. Strikers are your Rogues, Rangers, Warlocks, damage dealers. Controllers are your Wizards, Invokers, Druids (now?), area of effect peeps.  Each class has a different power source (martial, arcane, divine, primal) that gives the overall flavor and fluff of how you do a particular job. Looking at leaders, Clerics are your divine healers and zombie smashers, Artificers attack from a distance and give buffs and arcane healing with magic devices, Warlords are like sergeants that allow for tactical advantage on the battlefield and inspire your team to push on and dig deeper than they thought they could (healing).

Plus, WotC has made a character generator program to help build characters in like.. 2minutes? *much* better than flipping through pages, I asure you.

All that said, Im thinking of an artificer. I'll get him posted later today.

[woegman]

Wow, glad to see this is generating a lot of interest!  Thanks NotoriousBEN for the write-up...you sound pretty knowledgeable about 4E.   Question for you – would you consider being a co-DM as opposed to a standard player?  I could definitely use the technical help as I get used to the system, and I am not opposed to having you play a character that assists the party as necessary.  How does that sound?  I’ll do most of the story work, I just may need a little help with the tech details (balancing encounters, skill challenges, etc).

In keeping with 4E "Standard" size party, I'd like to have 5 players max (not counting the possibility of a co-DM character), at least to start with.  I know I initially asked for concepts to be PM’d to me (and thanks those who did, some great ideas in there!) but as this grows I’ve realized that it’s best to build the group in the open, so that we can ensure a good balance to the party.  I don’t necessarily think the group needs to be “pure” party built (ie, one Defender, two Strikers, one Controller, one Leader), but it can be difficult for an entire party of rogues to handle some challenges.   I’m not expecting full character write-ups at the moment, but keeping in mind N-BEN’s list, a good balance of characters from the different class groupings.

Another reason I’d like to discuss the characters in this thread openly is that I feel it would work best if they all have some sort of pre-established connection before game.  Perhaps some of the characters have worked together, some may be on-again-off-again lovers, some may be related in other unmentioned ways.  The point is, I’d like all the characters to have a reason for associating with each other, a vested interest in the rest of the party’s well being.  I don’t believe in the alignment system – one of the things I love about Eberron is that it emphasizes the “shades of gray” mentality when it comes to such things.  That said, having a party that knows each other and WANTS each other to succeed prevents the “chaotic evil backstabbing thief who ruins everyone’s fun” syndrome that occasionally pops up.  Agreed?

My other concern is minor, at best, but I want to put it out there so there is no confusion – I am definitely, assuredly male, and the interest in this game thus far has been predominantly male.  This is also a game that will have sexual situations (Firelight being a red-light district).  Now, I don’t have ANY problem writing sex scenes with other guys – I have been told that I write woman pretty damned well, and I find writing steamy sex scenes fun.  I also have no problems with guys playing girls, so long as they also do so well.  I just want to make sure that everyone else involved is ok with these things, before accepting them as a player.

Which brings me to the last bit of this long bloody message – picking players.    I’d like to see a writing sample/forum game that each prospective player is in – no offense meant to anyone, but certain posting styles clash with my own, and I just want to make sure we all play nice together.  I would prefer players that are at least passing familiar with the setting – Eberron is a much different world than most other D&D settings, especially when it comes to story related fluff…racial roles in society in particular.  A favorite saying of mine is “Eberron – where the elves are the marauding hordes and the orcs are the tree-hugging hippies.”  ;)  I really don’t want to exclude anyone who is truly interested in playing just because they don’t have an encyclopedic knowledge of Eberron, though…so I would ask that if you are totally new to the world, you put yourself on the standby list and follow the game for a bit, so that you get a feel for the world.  Does all this sound fair? 

[Ramael]

In keeping with 4E "Standard" size party, I'd like to have 5 players max (not counting the possibility of a co-DM character), at least to start with.  I know I initially asked for concepts to be PM’d to me (and thanks those who did, some great ideas in there!) but as this grows I’ve realized that it’s best to build the group in the open, so that we can ensure a good balance to the party.  I don’t necessarily think the group needs to be “pure” party built (ie, one Defender, two Strikers, one Controller, one Leader), but it can be difficult for an entire party of rogues to handle some challenges.   I’m not expecting full character write-ups at the moment, but keeping in mind N-BEN’s list, a good balance of characters from the different class groupings.

Righto. Here's my PM to woeg, then;

OK, so I've done a quick bit of research, and I have a rough idea for a character. There's definately some stuff that needs smoothing out in this, but I hope this will do for a rough draft.

I wanted to play a human rogue, who spent his time in Center Bridge. He is the brother of a noble in one of the houses, and has been dispatched (after much sibling bickering and alpha-male horn locking) to the Firelight district to be the eyes and ears of his ambitious brother, who has heard of a gathering of powerful individuals in the Firelight district and wants to keep his finger to the pulse. Having sent spies to most other parts of Sharn, he is running low on manpower, thus resorting to asking a favour of his brother, my character.

My character isn't much interested in political intrigue, but is bored most of the time and, although he is loathe to admit it, enjoys being sent on "missions" and finds the prospect of the Red Light District distinctly appealing to him. He has private aspirations of his own, and likes to have his noble brother in debt to him in any way. My character keeps his own small net of contacts and aides, and tries to expand his tiny personal net of power when he can, and entertains himself with notions of getting completely out of the city with his own gang, free from the bickerings of Sharn and his brother.

Thoughts? I've left the noble family nameless for now, as I wasn't sure which family would best suit these kind of characters (or even if it mattered much). Also maybe I could find a better reason for my character being dispatched by his noble brother other than "having heard of a gathering of powerful individuals". That to come.

Now I see one of the possible benefits of keeping my character vague - given the write up, he could be either Striker (typical rogue), Controller, or even Leader, with a bit of fiddling, and maybe changing his class.

Another reason I’d like to discuss the characters in this thread openly is that I feel it would work best if they all have some sort of pre-established connection before game.  Perhaps some of the characters have worked together, some may be on-again-off-again lovers, some may be related in other unmentioned ways.  The point is, I’d like all the characters to have a reason for associating with each other, a vested interest in the rest of the party’s well being.

Good idea for any RP, I think. Wouldn't mind seeing some other character profiles for this reason.

My other concern is minor, at best, but I want to put it out there so there is no confusion – I am definitely, assuredly male, and the interest in this game thus far has been predominantly male.  This is also a game that will have sexual situations (Firelight being a red-light district).  Now, I don’t have ANY problem writing sex scenes with other guys – I have been told that I write woman pretty damned well, and I find writing steamy sex scenes fun.  I also have no problems with guys playing girls, so long as they also do so well.  I just want to make sure that everyone else involved is ok with these things, before accepting them as a player.

Not really a massive problem.

Which brings me to the last bit of this long bloody message – picking players.    I’d like to see a writing sample/forum game that each prospective player is in – no offense meant to anyone, but certain posting styles clash with my own, and I just want to make sure we all play nice together.  I would prefer players that are at least passing familiar with the setting – Eberron is a much different world than most other D&D settings, especially when it comes to story related fluff…racial roles in society in particular.  A favorite saying of mine is “Eberron – where the elves are the marauding hordes and the orcs are the tree-hugging hippies.”  ;)

PMs to come then, but haven't had the oppurtunity to get involved with any group fantasy-set RP's yet. Not for want of trying!

I really don’t want to exclude anyone who is truly interested in playing just because they don’t have an encyclopedic knowledge of Eberron, though…so I would ask that if you are totally new to the world, you put yourself on the standby list and follow the game for a bit, so that you get a feel for the world.  Does all this sound fair?

...I guess that means me, and it does sound fair enough if I put myself in your shoes.

[woegman]

I just want to post real quick and say that I am really impressed with Ramael - he independently researched the setting, despite not having familiarity with it, and came up with a good opening concept that fits the setting and feel of the game.  That's above and beyond, especially since this was a gauging interest thread and not yet in the planning phases when he sent it.

Ramael, I definitely want you to stick around and keep up with the game.  If past experiences have taught me anything, its that players, even the best of them, have to drop out all the time.  The efforts you have made thus far have impressed me, and while I still would prefer the initial core players to have a good grasp on Eberron, I wonder if you would consider a different kind of role in the game, at first.  Firelight is a popular place, with lots of different people therein.  Normally, these people would be played/voiced by me - but perhaps you'd consider playing a few minor roles, as you get to know the game world?  Essentially, I would PM you with a character concept, their goals and motivations, and an outline of the actions they might take...but when in the game itself, you would step up to play those characters, following the rough guidelines I provide.  This will give you some experience in the world, and when the time comes to bring a character of your own in, you should have a good understanding of the setting.  What do you think?

[Ixy]

Let me say, first off, that I think all Creeper's concepts sound pretty awesome :)

Also, here's the concept I'm currently working with:


Renegade spellcaster human: Born into the disciplined ranks of a dragonmarked house, this young woman showed strong potential early-on as a mage, despite her rebellious streak and morbid interests.  When her dragonmark emerged, however, it was immense and-- to her mother's horror-- aberrant.  To contain the chaos that would inevitably result from such scandal, the girl was cast out and threatened with death should she return.  Among fellow renegade casters and dark street-cults, she's found her calling: (undecided: either Dread Necromancer or Sorceress)

Next: As far as group dynamics: sounds fine to me.  I will post between 1-3 times per day, most of the time, with no more than 1 day missed in-between.  Guys and girls are both okay with me as far as writing goes.  I also have no problem with letting people know what I'm not comfortable with, so we should be good to go.

Lastly, a writing sample... I tend to get a little enthusiastic with description sometimes-- hopefully this is okay.

A hanging brass lantern illumines the inn's hall with a soft amber glow, casting teasing, mysterious shadows and warming the details of the corridor... much like Joli's smoldering smile as she sways her way down the hallway and casts a coy glance over her shoulder when she pauses at the door.  She inserts the slim iron key into the well-oiled, but simple, lock, and gives it a twist.  She closes the door behind as she glides inside, but-- almost as if by accident-- the catch does not quite close and the door stands apart from its jamb.

Much like the Tavern itself, the room is rustic and charming, the furniture of polished maple varnished to a deep brown gloss and the woven rug a worn, faded maroon.  The bed is not huge, but it looks quite comfortable, topped with a clean quilt stitched from cotton scraps over white linens.  A rocker in the corner sits beside an open trunk where several extra wool blankets wait like patient servants.  The only light is from a fire that must have been lit when they first ordered the room a half-our earlier, but it sheds an orange, flickering glow and a welcoming, pervasive warmth through the small room with the sweet perfume of burning cedar and ash-wood.  Rain still patters at the black square of a window and the broad roof above, a rhythmic percussion that soothes and stirs the mind to shake off its preoccupations and simply listen.

By the time the door is opened, Joli has already piled her gear in the shadow-cast corner by the trunk and hung her still-damp cloak on a peg by the fire.  She doesn't seem to notice, and is working at the buckles of the leather cuirass over her body.  She speaks softly, sharing her thoughts with a measure of shyness.  "My uncle's armor... not very flattering, I know... I never thought I'd wear it.  And I never thought I'd take it off in front of anyone." 

[woegman]

Awesome, Ixy - I love both the character concept and the writing sample!  Consider yourself in!

[woegman]

Creeper, got your writing sample, and it was great!  I am really, really fond of the following idea:

Human Fighter: Used to be a apprentice artificer, before a ill-planned trip to Xen'Drik got her tongue torn out by goblins. Though her familiar speaks for her now, she's learned a valuable lesson; Anything more complicated than a wall of steel and a huge freakin' mace is useless in the face of true combat.

Talk about an interesting character to plot for!  Change the tongue torn out by goblins to being torn out by cultists, and its perfect for the story I am building. Does that work for you?

[Creeper]

That works fine and dandy for me! Cultists it is. What level will we be starting out as?

Note to others: I'd be willing to change my character's class to paladin if you REALLY want the fighter class.

[woegman]

First level.  I like Eberron being a relatively low level campaign world, with the heroes rising up to greater ranks, becoming the new legends of the realm.  :)  Please keep that in mind all, while building your character concepts.  Ix's fledgling mage, newly fled with an aberrant mark, and Creeper's failed artificer restarting life as a fighter/paladin are both great first level concepts.

Another quick note, that I should have thought of before.  I am NOT a stickler for Experience Points Awarded per the Book.  I tend to give XP for lots of things beyond challenges and combat, so it is likely you will level fairly quickly, at least through the first part of the campaign.  If that bothers you, best you are warned now.

[Creeper]

Cool beans. Character sheet is done using only the sources you mentioned previously. File is avalible in PDF or in the charactor builder file type. How would you like to recieve it?

Edit: Actually just look here: http://4e.orokos.com/sheets/2113

[Tackyhillbilly]

Eladrin Rogue, Merelus. Beauty loving child of the Fey, leaving his home behind to seek out what life is like beyond the displaced cities of the Eladrin. Most likely one of the lost branch of House Phiarlin, bearing the Mark of Shadow.

If someone else wants the Striker Role, I can switch over to a leader. Probably a Warlord, an injured old soldier from the last war whose just trying to get by without ending up dead.

---

Sample (From an old Exalted Game)

Kalan awoke easily, comfortably, in contrast to the past few nights. The bed wasn't that uncomfortable, and the smell Jasmine was comforting. With her eyes closed, she could pretend that she was back in the Manor of the Ragara Family, or the 'small' Townhouse she had taken to dwelling in once she had accumulated sufficient wealth. Unfortunately, she knew that wasn't the case. When she opened her eyes, she could be in the 'Jasmine of Dawn.'

"Life goes on, and I must adapt."

That had been Kalan's mantra since she gave up on Exalting. The Elemental Dragons had not found her worthy of raising up. Most crumbled. Kalan refused. She adapted, moved on, making herself useful. She had clawed her way back. And then, she Exalted. But not the way she was supposed to. Not into one of the choosen of the Elemental Dragons. Instead, she was what was called 'Anathema.' She knew the title was wrong, but it put her at risk. And in the end, it had forced her to flee. So, she would just have to do it again. She was not about to give up. The Exaltation had given her new options. Kalan would make the most of them. Kalan was looking for a place that could serve in that regard. Dawn would not be it, most likely. She might be able to forge it into what she required. She had been talented before the Exaltation, and with the power that she had been given, even the Materials she had here could be crafted. But why? There were other places, other things to see. Dawn had yet to offer her anything but barely acceptable service.

There it is now.

Kalan pulled a robe from one of her bags, adjusting it around herself and tying it closed. She reached to her nightstand, combing her hair.

"Yes, I would prefer to have my Breakfast brought up. If you have anything else to ask, feel free to enter."

Kalan would not have let another Dynast see her like this. Just awoken from sleep, hair still unprepared, in a simple, unadorned robe. But Jarem was hardly that. He was little more then a servant, and she would not force herself to talk through the door to keep him from seeing her before she was completely ready to face the world.

[NotoriusBEN]

I can certainly help with the mechanics and balancing, and don't fear that I'll rules-lawyer (cause I hate that guy). I'd... rather not DM though. I've been doing that a lot lately when I've had time from work (home DnD, online Shadowrun 4e). I want a fix of player-dom for the moment before I launch another game.

just anecdotally (hey, used the word in proper context  XD ),

Just for those that think 4e can't go RPG (or gonzo), I was in what can only be described as a "World War II Monster Campaign". The Humanatti and their HumaNazi goons were bent on subjugating the world and remaking it in their image. The players were monsters under the heel of the HumaNazi masters and formed a Resistance Cell to strike back at the oppressors.

What we ended up with was:
a Marxist Kenku Warlord that would have made a great propaganda officer for Khrushchev,
a Kobold Invoker of Tiamat with a penchant for blowing things up,
a snarky Goblin Ranger,
a Bullywug Monk with a soccer hooligan attitude,
and me, a work camp escapee Goblin Artificer.

Adventures investigating Airship tech, freeing elves from logging camps, and sneaking around after curfew were abound as we sparked the seed of Revolt into the jackbooted masses. We couldn't win the war by ourselves, but our actions against supply lines and stealing tech for the Elven empire helped turn the tide back on the HumaNazi oppressors.

Good tongue-in-cheek fun... MechaNazis were *not* fun...

[woegman]

Cool beans. Character sheet is done using only the sources you mentioned previously. File is avalible in PDF or in the charactor builder file type. How would you like to recieve it?

Edit: Actually just look here: http://4e.orokos.com/sheets/2113

Way cool, I like that site!  That is handy...I think we'll probably use that for storing character sheets then!

[woegman]

Eladrin Rogue, Merelus. Beauty loving child of the Fey, leaving his home behind to seek out what life is like beyond the displaced cities of the Eladrin. Most likely one of the lost branch of House Phiarlin, bearing the Mark of Shadow.

If someone else wants the Striker Role, I can switch over to a leader. Probably a Warlord, an injured old soldier from the last war whose just trying to get by without ending up dead.

I like the initial concept, but would like to flesh it out a bit more - how would Merelus know the party, how would he fit into the sleazy, rather poor area of Firelight?  Other than that, I'm happy - you're in! :)

[woegman]

I can certainly help with the mechanics and balancing, and don't fear that I'll rules-lawyer (cause I hate that guy). I'd... rather not DM though. I've been doing that a lot lately when I've had time from work (home DnD, online Shadowrun 4e). I want a fix of player-dom for the moment before I launch another game.

That's totally cool - you are still most welcome to play! :)  Still thinking of an artificer?

just anecdotally (hey, used the word in proper context  XD ),

Using words in their proper context...does that even happen on the Internet? ;)

[Kunoichi]

Hmm.  Defender, Striker, Leader...  So I guess that leaves a Controller for me to come up with, if there are any spots still open. ^^;

I'm thinking a Tiefling character of some sort, and since they're called out as descendants of those from the ancient Sarlonan nation of Ohr Kaluun...

*opens up Secrets of Sarlona*

Ah, here we go.  'The Heirs of Ohr Kaluun'. ^^ Just what I was looking for.

Of course, then comes the question of just why a self-styled 'Rebel Princess' would flee to Khorvaire and take up residence in the seedy underbelly of Sharn...

Edit: Oh, wait, right...  Riedra is basically '1984 meets Akira'. >>; She could give a different reason every time someone asks, and they'd all be perfectly valid.

Okay, and now to pick out the class. ;D ...And come up with a name.

[NotoriusBEN]

Here is Edwin Charce, the Artificer.

As for my writing styles...

To Soothe the Savage Beast
The Tournament
Shadowrun 4e

[Kunoichi]

*points to the Shadowrun 4e link above as an example of her own writing style*

...So, Invoker or Wizard, everyone? ^^; I'm leaning towards Invoker at the moment, myself, but...

[NotoriusBEN]

Invokers are fun. Yes they are divine types, but the fluff text says they're the warriors of the gods. Who doesnt like to blast enemies with 3rd degree sunburns? :P

[Kunoichi]

A fiendish-themed Invoker who instead burns them with the baleful fires of the Dragon Below? ;)

Alright then, Invoker it is. ^^ The Tiefling Invoker, Princess Lerissa Damaia Kallista Nemeia Ohr Kaluun. :P

[Tackyhillbilly]

I like the initial concept, but would like to flesh it out a bit more - how would Merelus know the party, how would he fit into the sleazy, rather poor area of Firelight?  Other than that, I'm happy - you're in! :)

Depends on what the party is doing. As for what he is doing in Firelight, beauty is in the eye of the Beholder. He's left the cities of the Eladrin to observe the world of Khorvaire, and find the beauty that lurks there. Firelight is quite different for his home.

I'll put together a full sheet later tonight.

[Kunoichi]

Princess' Character Sheet

It's still under construction, but I'm almost done with it, so I'm putting up the link to it now.  Aaaaand it's done.

I have to admit, I'm excited about playing this character. ^^ I think she's going to be a lot of fun to roleplay.

[Tackyhillbilly]

http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=121371

Merelus' sheet.

[Kunoichi]

Hmm.  I dare say Lerissa and Merelus are likely to get along well...

[Tackyhillbilly]

Probably so. Merelus is likely to be doing the fish out of water thing... except he's pretty much a deadly, deadly fae, and not some poor lost little soul.

[Kunoichi]

And Lerissa is going to be doing the haughty foreign noblewoman thing.  Although I'm not sure that's a thing to begin with... >>;

Either way, think it would make sense to have them know one another when the game starts?

[Tackyhillbilly]

I do love backstory integration, so yes?

[Kunoichi]

Alright then. ^^ So let's figure out how to integrate those backstories.  One's the exiled leader of a rebel movement within Riedra, and the other is a Fey thief known for stealing objects of great beauty.  So how would these two have met?

...Attempted kidnapping, perhaps? :P

[Tackyhillbilly]

Kidnapping really isn't his style. He steals things of great beauty, but not people. Breaking in to her palace to see her, and having things mistaken for kidnapping is entirely so. And acting shocked and annoyed that they took it the wrong way.

[Kunoichi]

Hmm.  In that case, perhaps he broke in and they chatted with one another for a bit.  If woegman will let Lerissa start the game with her own palace (old, abandoned temple she's moved into, perhaps?) then he certainly could have broken in there, but aside from that, I suppose it's more likely that he would have approached her while she was out and about.  They spoke together, probably hit it off pretty well, and now...

Maybe Lerissa helps Merelus out from time to time?  Her skills make her a good social character, so she could certainly handle things like negotiation, or setting up distractions in cases where he's likely to be recognized.  Plus, who would expect an Eladrin to be working with some crazy, horned, demon-summoning chick? :P

[Tackyhillbilly]

Sounds good. Would she ask things of Merelus as well? I assume the leader of a rebellion likes things stolen as well.

[Kunoichi]

Well, probably some little things to help make life more comfortable.  Curtains, some nice blankets, a few good, soft pillows and thick rugs...

Lerissa: "...Jewelry, some good incense, a mirror, fancy clothes, fancy food, scented bath oils, a chess set, my own personal servant..."

Yes, Lerissa, we get it already. >>;

Lerissa: "...And a pony." ;D

But yeah, he could probably just pop by with a gift every now and then, and she'd be perfectly happy with their little partnership.  Right at the moment, she's trying to figure out what she's going to do with her life, now that the purpose she was groomed for from birth is looking impossible to achieve, but aside from trying to survive, she hasn't come up with much.

[woegman]

Hey all - just a quick note to let you know I will likely not be posting again till Tuesday - about to head out for the long weekend, and didn't want to leave you hanging!  As soon as I get back, I will read through your thoughts and add my inputs!  Thanks!

[Ixy]

     

Dieza, Human Wizard
Init +2 HP / Bloodied  Healing Surge  ( used /)
AC 14 Fort 12 Reflex 15 Will 14 Speed 6
Str 9 (-1)  Con 13 (+1)  Dex 14 (+2)  Int 18 (+4)  Wis 12 (+1)  Cha 12 (+1)
'Melee Basic Attack', 'Ranged Basic Attack', 'Thunderwave', 'Ghost Sound', 'Light', 'Mage Hand', 'Prestidigitation', 'Magic Missile', 'Scorching Burst', 'Wand of Accuracy', 'Chill Strike', 'Sleep', 'Flaming Sphere'
Background
Born into the disciplined ranks of the dragonmarked house of Orien, Dieza showed incredible promise among her sisters, brothers, and cousins.  Subsequently, her interests in outdoor activities,  her social skills, and her free will were all hammered down as she was molded and polished to grow into an arcane maga.  There were early warning signs-- she frequently browsed book-vendors for illicit reading material, she was taken to snatching bottles from the wine cellar, she was caught peeking at doorframes in the solitary boarding quarters at odd hours, and she demonstrated a fascination with death and sexuality in her course material.  Despite this rebellious streak and her morbid interests, she was complicit in her mother's plans, and the house waited-- like proud hens for a hatching-- for Dieza's dragonmark to emerge.

The mark wast was immense, as expected.  It covered Dieza's back, hip bones, and lower stomach,  but-- to her mother's horror-- it was abberant.   Accusations were rampant, from infidelity to betrayal to illusionary deception.  The most likely theory is of external influence on the natal mother, but the source's mysterious nature was tertiary to the likelihood of social and political disaster-- possibly including deadly consequences.  To contain the chaos that would inevitably result from such scandal, Dieza was cast out and threatened with death should she return.  Assassins house investors and allies were dispatched at the rumors, but Orien denied all knowledge of an aberrant birth.

A brief string of failed employment opportunities culminated with her kidnapping for the purpose of illegal enslavement, but her magical aptitudes managed to earn her freedom after a brief, but harrowing, ordeal.  She found herself free in a dazzling and clandestinely hostile world: Firelight.  Naieve, physically and socially weak, without coin and with only one commodity that this city cared for, Dieza was a caterpillar in the midst of a henhouse, but luck was with her-- she stumbled into the company of a savvy, kind-hearted, and reasonably successful entertainer by the name of Pollete, a whisper gnome escort who had lived in Firelight for almost ten years. 

Now, thanks to the kindness of her 'big' sister, Dieza has managed to survive and keep her head low in the bright city of dark appetites, but it's taken great care; where a half-naked prostitute might draw only a glance, a darkly-dressed young woman with a lady's walk and wide eyes is a rarity worth seeking and taking.  Dieza's stolid upbringing has instilled in her enough restraint to resist many temptations, and Pollete's mentorship comes with certain measures of enforced discretion-- the gnome may not be a traditional matron, but she's done more to shape a sense of morality than Dieza's cold-blooded mother ever did, and she hopes to steer Dieza away from a similar path.  But Dieza may be destined for an even darker fate-- forces align for her, and for a caster who would be an adventurer, she is too young and frail.  If she is to survive, it will be at the backs of a wall of allies, leaning upon them and holding them up in turn.  What noble house's gilded cage could hold an archmage?  Should she live, she will see.

[NotoriusBEN]

Im not sure if someone mentioned this in an earlier post but 4e.orokos.com is phenominal.

It was written by a guy who frequents Penny-Arcade.com.
You need to create an account (like myth-weavers, invisible-castle, etc) but then you can load up character sheets based on the 'save files' from the character builder on your computer

[Kunoichi]

Not sure how to add information about the aberrant dragonmark, though.

Well, the easiest way would be to swap out one of your existing feats for an Aberrant Mark feat.  There are the Marks of Contagion, Madness and Terror, and each one makes your Dailies more powerful in a different way.  They certainly wouldn't be bad feat choices to take.

And if you're curious about what an Aberrant Dragonmark tends to look like...  Have a handy link.

[Thorn14]

What can we expect storywise for this game, and the sexual content?

[Ironwolf85]

you got room for a warforged among the Pc's. might have to buy some upgrades eventually though

[NotoriusBEN]

couldnt resist ironwolf, haha  :P

The Humping Robot

[ferrousaemyr]

Have room for another?

I ran a couple 3.5 Eberron games and loved them - I still have a couple epic campaign threads that, alas, did not get to play out - but I'd be happy to flesh out a character after I read up on 4ed Eberron.

[Kunoichi]

4e Eberron is mostly the same as 3.5 Eberron, just with a few changes for the new system.  Oddly enough, the new system does a bit better of a job capturing the feel of the world than the old one, at least as far as mapping rules to worldbuilding details goes.

[ferrousaemyr]

Is the flavor, history, and setting generally the same, then? Riedra sounded a bit different from the thread here, but I'll admit I didn't reach too much about it.

[Kunoichi]

My description of Riedra actually comes from a 3.5 book, if that'll help enlighten you. ;D Secrets of Sarlona and various other 3.5 Eberron books are generally still valid sources, just with some slight changes.  Like all the Eladrin castles that came crashing down out of the Feywild and into the Material Plane on the Day of Mourning, or the way Elves are now descended from ancient Eladrin who faced a similar problem in ancient Xen'drik and got enslaved by the giants.  Changelings and Doppelgangers are now one and the same, (which was the original intent of the setting's creator, believe it or not,) and the distinction between the two terms now is that Doppelganger is used as an insult, while Changeling is a slightly more positive term.

Shifters, Warforged and Kalashtar have retained the same overall flavor, with only some minor changes in racial abilities, (Kalashtar getting Telepathy as a racial language, for instance,) and I'd say that I generally like the way the changes have worked out for the setting. ^^

[ferrousaemyr]

That doesn't change too much, then.

If there's room, I have an idea for a Changeling detective that would frequent the seedier areas of Sharn fairly often.

[Kunoichi]

Well, I think the group is full at the moment, but Woegman did mention he wasn't doing first-come, first-serve, so putting up a character sheet couldn't hurt.

[ferrousaemyr]

I'll leave out the nitty gritty of stats until the slot is approved, then. I'm flexible with class and role, though there are certain ones the description leans toward.

If there's no room or you don't like the idea, no worries! /smile

Irdren Noxx
Changeling

Irdren grew up with the eclectic childhood of a son of a Morgrave Professor-Archaeologist; by age 10, he had seen many wonders few across Khorvaire had heard of past stories and rumor. He could recite essays written in seven languages, he had been taught the basics of magical theories and had read through dozens and dozens of historical accounts and collections. His life was easy, comfortable, and filled to the brim with knowledge and adventure that could sate the lustful curiosity he inherited from his father.

Everything changed with the package that came not long after his fourteenth birthday. Sent anonymously to Irdren's father, who had a reputation for his research and forays dealing with Argonnessen, was a package containing the journals of the late Simon Tate. Within a month's time, Irdren's father had decoded the writing and researched the explorer, who by deduction appeared to be a member of the Chamber. Pouring over the journals, he read of "Simon" performing radical research into the nature of Dragonmarks and how bloodlines form within the mortal races that produce them. Notes detailed his explicit accounts of breeding captives, experimenting upon them with magic, and using Dragonshard items to test and modify them.

Two weeks later, Irdren's father was found dead.

Urged by the increasingly disturbing paranoia of his late parent in the last days before his death, Irdren fled his comfortable life to the lower reaches of Sharn after the death of his father, forced to learn the advantages of being a Changeling firsthand. Many mistakes and brutal lessons after, wallowing in grief and loss, Irdren learned the many arts of manipulation and shaping identities on the fly to survive his new life on the streets. Fumbling about for six years of gang memberships, drug peddling, smuggling, fencing, theft, and worse, Irdren took a full look at his life and the people he worked with and turned his back on it. Taking up his current name and forging the only identity he's repeatedly held since fleeing his father's murder, Irdren felt capable and confident after so much hardship. Toughened and sharp, Irdren decided to become an inquisitive to help people instead of prey upon them and, maybe, just maybe, use his skills to find his father's killers.

No desire burned hotter in Irdren than righting the wrong that had spiraled his life into such darkness so many years ago.

[Ironwolf85]

I'm following Anael's example
Sul Cypher
Warforged
Cypher was a specialized warforged, a military engineer, concerned with building bridges, fortresses, and tearing down those of the enemies. the treaty of thronehold simply caused him to shift from military engeneering to civilan. he's not always liked by those who think Warforged are stealing their jobs, and as such as taken to adventurering to suppliment his income.

[NotoriusBEN]

Here's a quick rundown of the potential players and characters, divided by character sheet submittals and last known concepts.

SUBMITTED:
Player                Name                  Class                       Role
Creeper              Lita Smith             Human Fighter         Defender
NotoriusBEN       Edwin Charce       Human Artificer        Leader
Kunoichi              Princess Larissa   Tiefling Invoker        Controller
Ixy                      Diez                      Human Wizard         Controller
Tackyhillbilly        Merelus                Eladrin Rogue          Striker

Concepts
Creeper                                          Too many to list
Ramael                                            Human Rogue  Striker
Ironwolf               Sul Cypher          Warforged
Aneal                   Irdren Noxx         Changeling

[Kunoichi]

And since we've got two controllers, that means I'm free to develop Lerissa into a secondary leader, alongside the controller role. ^^

[Ironwolf85]

might make Sul a defender or striker... there's a lot of flavor you can mess with

[Ramael]

I also haz legal rolled character sheet now too...but I think Woeg wanted me on hand for NPC duties for the time being.

[woegman]

Hey all, sorry for the delay in getting back to this thread - I came back late Monday from a family long-weekend trip, and yesterday I was sick as a dog, barely got out of bed.  Feeling a lot better today, so we can get back on track!

First, wow, thanks N-BEN for the breakdown - most appreciated!  As of right now, I consider the game full, with those who have submitted characters taking up the player slots I originally allotted.  However, being that online games can have a good amount of turn-over, I will definitely make a waiting list for those who wish to enter the game.  Also, death happens, and resurrection is rare in Eberron.  Should a character die, I can rotate in a new character/player from the waiting list, and should they wish it, the player of the "dead" character can then go in waiting for another chance.  Does that sound fair to all?

Story and sexual content wise, here is my initial plans to start the adventure:

Firelight; of all the districts of Sharn, few are seedier and none more exciting.  A place of excess and extravaganza, the Firelight district, deep below the towering heights of Sharn, is a place of artifical light, artificial color, and artificial beauty - the district that never sleeps.  For one reason or another, the characters of the party have found themselves drawn to and living in this district of decadence, be it to escape the horrors of war-time memories, to hide amongst the glitz and glamour from searching eyes, or merely to indulge in the cheap thrills offered therein.  When a series of strange murders start surfacing, targeting Johns/Janes frequenting brothels as well as some of the prostitutes working therein, the party is tasked by a local crime boss to find and stop the killer (or killers), before the wrong John gets killed and draws the scrutinizing eyes of forces far more dangerous than the Sharn City Watch.  Sexual content can be moderate to high, depending on what and how the characters go about investigating, as well as how they decide to spend "off the clock" time. 

Next post: Character Story integration...

[woegman]

Kunoichi, I want to throw an idea out there...how about, rather than a ruined temple as a palace, Lerissa instead has found favor with a local crime boss (a halfling, Dante Boromar) , and he has set her up in a "pleasure" palace (let's call it "Dante's Inferno" because yes, I am that big of a geek) - she gets pampered and treated like royalty, he gets the draw of having a "demon princess" to fill his club/casino/brothel with customers.  Perhaps she met Merelus when he attempted to steal off with one of the artifacts that the crime lord provided as decor, and she decided to spare him?  Speaking of, Merelus could easily have been drawn by the glitz of Firelight (which I imagine as a seedier version of Las Vegas). 

As for the other characters, perhaps Lita Smith works as a bouncer at said establishment?  Though she feels the tug of adventure calling her heart, the fear of what happened in Xen'drik has, till this point, left her content at being mere muscle for the Boromar clan...perhaps the events that occur will build her confidence in her adventuring abilities? 

Dieza, on the other hand, could simply be using the Inferno as a place to hide - the rent is cheap, and with hookers dressed in what barely qualifies as clothing, few spare a second glance to a girl trying to cover up an aberrant mark.  Perhaps she has been befriended by a gnome prostitute who uses illusionary glamours to enhance her client's experiences...and is attempting to teach Dieza some minor illusions to conceal her mark?

That leaves Edwin...where do you imagine he fits into all this, N-Ben?

Lastly, Ramael, send me a link to the character sheet you made - I'd like to see it, for giggles :)

[Ixy]

Dieza, on the other hand, could simply be using the Inferno as a place to hide - the rent is cheap, and with hookers dressed in what barely qualifies as clothing, few spare a second glance to a girl trying to cover up an aberrant mark.  Perhaps she has been befriended by a gnome prostitute who uses illusionary glamours to enhance her client's experiences...and is attempting to teach Dieza some minor illusions to conceal her mark?

That works out perfectly for me... I'll flesh out the existing background and include these details, then edit my original 'character' post to include the background.

edit:  Ok, that's done.  If you would like a "character" thread, I'm ready whenever you all are :)

[Ramael]

Think I'd have to send it as an attachment...had the character builder on my laptop and it doesn't recognise the files on this computer...

[NotoriusBEN]

Edwin... well, let's go the Morgrave Academy route...

Edwin has always tinkered with machinery and has been looking to find a way properly catalogue magic along with technology. It's disconcerting that magic "just works". Applying to the Morgrave University, he was able to receive grants for his work in trying to prove correlations between magic and technological power sources... until they proved fruitless. With his grant money being syphoned off to more lucrative ventures and academics, Edwin has begun to slum and wile away his time in Firelight.  Debts are starting to mount up and a certain halfling mob boss may have Edwin doing some odd jobs to pay it off.

nothing too fancy, but it's a good starting point for Edwin.

[woegman]

Perfect, I love it!

And might I add, I do so love a setting with halfling mob bosses ;)

[Kunoichi]

Who doesn't? ;D

Kunoichi, I want to throw an idea out there...how about, rather than a ruined temple as a palace, Lerissa instead has found favor with a local crime boss (a halfling, Dante Boromar) , and he has set her up in a "pleasure" palace (let's call it "Dante's Inferno" because yes, I am that big of a geek) - she gets pampered and treated like royalty, he gets the draw of having a "demon princess" to fill his club/casino/brothel with customers.  Perhaps she met Merelus when he attempted to steal off with one of the artifacts that the crime lord provided as decor, and she decided to spare him?  Speaking of, Merelus could easily have been drawn by the glitz of Firelight (which I imagine as a seedier version of Las Vegas).

Sounds fitting to me, though Tacky and I had figured that Merelus approached Lerissa specifically, drawn by rumors of a beautiful demon princess from a foreign land, rather than just running into her while trying to steal something else.  And that he drops in from time to time to chat and bring her gifts, though these tend to range from expensive jewelry to pretty-looking leaves and rocks.

Heh, Dante's Inferno. ^^

[Tackyhillbilly]

Yeah. Merelus being drawn in by the glitz of Firelight is quite possible, but I prefer our explanation of how they met, mostly because it is characteristic of whom. Merelus isn't the gentleman thief, as much as I do like that archetype. He's just a wondering Fae, with their normal sense of ownership. But he gets fascinated by odd things. Stealing in to take a look at a 'Demon Princess' sounds like him.

[Ixy]

I'll be posting this week as frequently as possible (assuming we get the game running by then) but will have reduced access from Saturday night until the following Saturday night... really, it depends on whether or not I can locate wifi, but I'll be on the road for a week.

[NotoriusBEN]

I'll be posting this week as frequently as possible (assuming we get the game running by then) but will have reduced access from Saturday night until the following Saturday night... really, it depends on whether or not I can locate wifi, but I'll be on the road for a week.

interestingly... starbucks now has *free* wifi. i'd think it's still good ettiquette to buy a small drink, but that's me... :P

[Kunoichi]

edit:  Ok, that's done.  If you would like a "character" thread, I'm ready whenever you all are :)

*reads over*

Uhm...  There is no Dragonmarked House Hael'Gul. ^^; There are thirteen Dragonmarked Houses in the setting, and the four populated by humans are Cannith, (Mark of Making,) Deneith, (Mark of Sentinel,) Orien, (Mark of Passage,) and Vadalis (Mark of Handling.)  Each House runs guilds tied to the power of its mark, like Orien's Courier and Transport Guilds, or Deneith's Defenders and Blademarks Guilds.  Here's a handy Wikipedia link for you to read through, giving basic details about the various Dragonmarked houses.

Considering the overall tone to your backstory, I'd recommend House Orien as the most fitting Dragonmarked House for Dieza to have been born to.

I also can't help but note that you never picked your trained skills on your character sheet...

[Creeper]

As for the other characters, perhaps Lita Smith works as a bouncer at said establishment?  Though she feels the tug of adventure calling her heart, the fear of what happened in Xen'drik has, till this point, left her content at being mere muscle for the Boromar clan...perhaps the events that occur will build her confidence in her adventuring abilities?

Works for me. Lita's family went into debt to get her an apprenticeship with an artificer. Makes sense she'd be trying to help them out in any way possible. Despite it being the artificer's fault for bringing her to such a dangerous location.

[Ixy]

*reads over*

Uhm...  There is no Dragonmarked House Hael'Gul. ^^; There are thirteen Dragonmarked Houses in the setting, and the four populated by humans are Cannith, (Mark of Making,) Deneith, (Mark of Sentinel,) Orien, (Mark of Passage,) and Vadalis (Mark of Handling.)  Each House runs guilds tied to the power of its mark, like Orien's Courier and Transport Guilds, or Deneith's Defenders and Blademarks Guilds.  Here's a handy Wikipedia link for you to read through, giving basic details about the various Dragonmarked houses.

Considering the overall tone to your backstory, I'd recommend House Orien as the most fitting Dragonmarked House for Dieza to have been born to.

I also can't help but note that you never picked your trained skills on your character sheet...

Yeah, I kinda made that up.  Okay then, I'll edit later today.  Who am I to question canon? 

I must have omitted the trained skills when I transferred from the 4e builder to Myth-Weavers.  I'll update that when I pull the old sheet.  Thanks for noticing.

[Kunoichi]

Well, Eberron actually has a fairly flexible canon, so woegman could make up and add in a Dragonmarked House Hael'Gul if he really wanted to... ^^;

The one last thing I think you might need to change is your choice of deity.  Llira isn't exactly Eberron-specific.  Feel free to ask if you'd like any suggestions in that area.

[woegman]

Sorry all - crazy busy today.  I will post from home tonight and answer any and all questions that I can.

[woegman]

Alright - we're all set I think!  I'm going to lock this thread, and start two new ones - one for OOC posting, and one for IC posting.  Fair warning to all - this next week is gonna be a bit crazy for me, so I can't promise more than one or two posts a day to the game.  Also, I will be out of town all weekend, returning Wednesday, but I may have some posting access.  Please bear with me, thanks.

[woegman]

OOC Thread: https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=74933.0
IC Thread: https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=74931.0

My next post will be in the OOC thread, confirming all the players and roles, and once we are agreed there, I will launch the opening IC thread.