[Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
In the late 1980s TSR published a book called "In Search of Adventure" that took modules B2-B9 and collected them in a single printing. It also unified the adventures, creating three main paths that were unified to one degree or another. This pbp game will be using that book as well as GM created adventures.
Thirdkingdom will be the sole GM and will be making all rolls (for both PCs and NPCs) using Invisible Castle. The game will be run using Dark Dungeons, a free retro-clone of the BECMI ruleset.
This is the OOC thread for "In Search of Adventure". If you are playing please read the following and subscribe to this thread. The IC thread will be going up Tuesday the 4th of September. If you are not playing but would like to please PM me; I like big parties and will try and fit you in.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
1. Post FrequencyI would like everyone to post at least once a day. However, life being what it is I understand that is not always possible. I do insist on a 24-hour turn-around once combat begins. If I do not hear from you in that timeframe action will continue with the PC simply not taking an action, or taking an appropriate basic action. Since I am making all the rolls I have the ability to roll out multiple rounds, if situations permit. Therefore, it is nice if you can provide me with a couple rounds of actions in a spoiler when possible.
If I do not hear from a player in a signiifcant period of time the PC will become Lost in the Dark (tm). Essentiall, the PC will have wandered off, to return when and if the player does.
2. Style I would like each post IC to be headed by the character's name, any sobriequet and class in bold. Gawain the Bold, Fighter, for example. We will not be using colored text to denote speech. I would like PC speech to be denoted with quotation marks: Gawain says, "Fare thee well, princess". I do not want to see text-speak, smilies, or emoticons in IC text. If you must do so, keep it behind spoilers. In addition, small amounts of OOC speak can be put behind spoilers; large amounts of out of character text should be put in this thread.
Please refer to your character IC in the third person: "James stares down the belligerent goblin"
3. Tell me what you want. I work on the majority rules system. As soon as a majority of players are in agreement as to what to do I will go ahead and post IC without waiting for stragglers. This works best if one or more characters puts forth a definite plan of action, which is then voted on. This can be done IC or OOC. Please, please, please do not post things like "I'm cool with what everyone wants to do." My basic assumption is that everyone is cool with that, so there is no need to say it. Please, if you are going to post do so with authority.
4. Intentions, not actions. It is my job to fill in the descriptions. Give me intentions please, not definite actions. For instance, in a game I am running now some characters have the habit of saying "Bob walks down the hallway, opens the door, and goes into the room." I would much prefer this: "Bob walks down the hallway and listens at the door. If he hears nothing, he will attempt to open it, alert for any danger." This way, when the door is locked, the player doesn't have to go back and change the post where they say they open the door. Likewise, if you give intentions in combat: "Bob attacks the orc he is facing." and adds in spoilers "if the orc falls he moves onto the next". I can potentially roll out multiple rounds at once.
5. Keep that wiki updated.I use the wiki to run combat, so please keep it current. I also use it to check for equipment. If it is not listed on your sheet the character does not have it!
Most importantly, let's have fun and keep this think going for a while!
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
Houserules
Encumbrance. For every plus of Strength modifier add 50 cn to the character's carrying capacity at each stage. So a character with a +1 bonus to Strength would have their unencumbered limit rise to 450. This does not apply in reverse.
Skills. A thief may select a class ability (such as Find/Disarm Traps) as a skill to gain a +5% modifier to the ability.
Magic-users may add a number of spells to their spellbook equal to their Intelligence modifier. This does not apply to elves, nor does it apply to the number of spells a magic-user may cast per day/
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
There is one houserule I use that deserves its own post: the XP reserve. This is a concept I have borrowed from the Adventurer, Conqueror, King System (ACKS) another quite lovely retro-clone. The basic premise is that life, especially at low levels, is often short but the loot is often great. And since gold equals XP, characters often have much more gold than they know what to do with it.
Therefore, a character may spend their loot on frivolous, trivial things and gain a reserve of XP equal to 90% of their expenditure towards a new character (in the event their current character dies). So, assume a character decides to spend 1,000 gold building a statue of themselves at the site of a victory they have achieved. Said character would gain 900 XP towards their reserve. If the character is killed thereafter, a new character the player creates would start with 900 XP.
The expenditures can be really for anything that doesn't help the PC in game. One player in a game I am currently in spent a bunch of gold having murals of the parties exploits painted around a city. Another simply donates a certain amount to the "orphans and widows" fund. My character has invested in a spicy ethnic restaurant. Basically, be creative.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
So, the DM of one of the games I am in just posted this on another forum and I thought it would be worthwhile to repost here, both as an indication of where my GMing style is evolving and also to let those of you not familiar with the OSR style of play what to expect, 'cause I think he pretty much nailed it.
Quote:
Right now, for me, D&D means (in no particular order):
A. Random Encounters.
B. At least some Random Treasure
C. Reaction Rolls
D. Morale
E. GP=XP
F. Magic Items cannot be purchased under normal circumstances.
G. Magic Users need to find or trade for most of their spells (you can't just go out and buy scrolls ala 3.x)
H. Overland travel uses hexmaps and can get you into random trouble. Placing lairs and mini-dungeons in a lot of hexes is a great idea.
I. Plot. Hooks. Everywhere.
J. The PCs are (comparatively) badasses, even after a fairly small number of levels. A level 9 dude is a Lord by strength of arms. A party of PCs that are even level 3-5, along with some retainers and warhorses, are enough to be really heavy hitters in most contexts.
Keep in mind that he is currently running a game using ACKS, where the levels max out at 14. In BECMI (and Dark Dungeons), the max mortal level is 36, so there is a little bit of expansion in terms of power.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
Quote:
Originally Posted by thirdkingdom
There is one houserule I use that deserves its own post: the XP reserve. This is a concept I have borrowed from the Adventurer, Conqueror, King System (ACKS) another quite lovely retro-clone. The basic premise is that life, especially at low levels, is often short but the loot is often great. And since gold equals XP, characters often have much more gold than they know what to do with it.
Therefore, a character may spend their loot on frivolous, trivial things and gain a reserve of XP equal to 90% of their expenditure towards a new character (in the event their current character dies). So, assume a character decides to spend 1,000 gold building a statue of themselves at the site of a victory they have achieved. Said character would gain 900 XP towards their reserve. If the character is killed thereafter, a new character the player creates would start with 900 XP.
The expenditures can be really for anything that doesn't help the PC in game. One player in a game I am currently in spent a bunch of gold having murals of the parties exploits painted around a city. Another simply donates a certain amount to the "orphans and widows" fund. My character has invested in a spicy ethnic restaurant. Basically, be creative.
If you have enough reserve XP to make a new character higher than level 1, what kind of equipment would they have? I don't remember seeing a wealth-by-level or equivalent in the rules...
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Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
Quote:
Originally Posted by CockroachTeaParty
If you have enough reserve XP to make a new character higher than level 1, what kind of equipment would they have? I don't remember seeing a wealth-by-level or equivalent in the rules...
This hasn't come up for us yet in ACKS. And I don't remember seeing the tables you speak of in BECMI either. I would probably modify a rule from ACKS, where higher level characters begin play with x amount of cash, and can choose to "spend" it on chances for random magical items. Or you can use excess cash to create a henchman for the new PC on a one to one ratio. EDIT:Since about 90% of XP comes from loot anyways, I'd be perfectly fine assuming a second level or higher starting character starts with essentially any mundane item within reason.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
The RC has a section on generating higher level characters starting on page 129. It has a section on mundane and magical equipment and offers the DM a couple options, pages 130-31.
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Now recruiting a replacement player for our long-time Rules Cyclopedia/BECMI game Old Ways.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roland St. Jude
The RC has a section on generating higher level characters starting on page 129. It has a section on mundane and magical equipment and offers the DM a couple options, pages 130-31.
That is what you get for answering a question of the top of your head, then. I didn't have the books handy, and probably should have waited before shooting from the hip.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
IC thread with plot hooks will be going up this afternoon, to give players more time to finish characters. I have created a section on the wiki titled "Maps" and have included a map of Threshold for your viewing pleasure. I have also updated the "Encumbrance Ape" on the main page. Essentially, this is a way to easily keep track of a)the gear a character normally carries b)treasure picked up along the way and c)their movement rate once the two are combined.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
Quote:
Originally Posted by thirdkingdom
There is one houserule I use that deserves its own post: the XP reserve. This is a concept I have borrowed from the Adventurer, Conqueror, King System (ACKS) another quite lovely retro-clone. The basic premise is that life, especially at low levels, is often short but the loot is often great. And since gold equals XP, characters often have much more gold than they know what to do with it.
Therefore, a character may spend their loot on frivolous, trivial things and gain a reserve of XP equal to 90% of their expenditure towards a new character (in the event their current character dies). So, assume a character decides to spend 1,000 gold building a statue of themselves at the site of a victory they have achieved. Said character would gain 900 XP towards their reserve. If the character is killed thereafter, a new character the player creates would start with 900 XP.
The expenditures can be really for anything that doesn't help the PC in game. One player in a game I am currently in spent a bunch of gold having murals of the parties exploits painted around a city. Another simply donates a certain amount to the "orphans and widows" fund. My character has invested in a spicy ethnic restaurant. Basically, be creative.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
So, err...do we discuss this choice IC or OOC?
Quote:
•A local and very popular cleric named Aleena has gone missing and is presumed dead. The Patriarch of the Church in Threshold is offering a sizable reward for her safe return, or information about her death.
This one sounds good, acutally. I think we faster we do this, the higher chance of her actually being alive. Plus, popular as she is, it'll net us quite a bit of reputation.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vesth
So, err...do we discuss this choice IC or OOC?
Whatever you would like. Perhaps narrow the options OC, then discuss IC. It is up to you guys. I haven't given you much to work with in terms of background or setting. Most of you are new to Threshold, but I'm working on the assumption you guys are adventurers and already know each other. You can play it how you like, however. By "adventurer" I mean tougher than the average man, out to win gold and glory (preferably by killing monsters and taking their stuff). I am oversimplifying a bit here, by the way.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
If we're narrowing it down here, Gedeon would be amenable to rescuing the cleric, but his real passion would be slaying goblins. This would be for both the "slaying monsters and taking their stuff" purposes and because of a more personal grudge against the creatures.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
I've posted in the IC. I avoided making up a tavern name or placing any other PCs there, I wasn't sure how much narrative control/liberty you wanted players to take.
Ganelon will go wherever the wind blows. For reasons he'll likely share in character, he is most interested in rescuing Aleena, but not so much so that he's looking to mount a rescue mission himself.
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Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
As far as making stuff up (tavern names, minor NPCs you interact with, etc.) I'm totally cool with that. If it is important I'll name it for you, otherwise feel free to through names around like candy.
I belive I mentioned this in the recruitment thread (as it pertains to taverns), but I am using a concept called "Cost Of Living". Basically, at the beginning of each game month each PC deducts 50 gp (at low levels, this will increase as levels increase) from their wealth. This covers their stay in inns, food, drink, etc. for the month, so there is no need to worry about being able to afford to eat, sleep, etc. The PCs have already paid their Cost of Living for the first month.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
Because it was asked for, background:
Threshold is large in siaze but small in population, numbering only about 5,000 or so, with another 1,000 or so loggers living and working in the forests just to the north. The town, situation on Lake Windrush, is also on the trading route from Selenica (in the Republic of Darokin) to Specularum, the capital of Karameikos, so it gets a fair amount of trade. That being said, the road in both directions is rudimentary, rough and dangerous at times, both Threshold and Karameikos (as a country) being fairly new. The ruler of Threshold is Baron Sherlane Halaran, Patriarch of Threshold, who wields dual authority as the temporal leader of Threshold and the spiritual leader of the local Church of Karameikos.
There are two main churches in Karameikos at this point. The Church of Karameikos is a branch of the Church of Thyatia (Karameikos has been settle by the Thyatians over the past 100 years or so, in a not-always gentle fashion). The Church of Traladar is followed by many of the native Traladarans, although more and more leave that church for the "official" religion practiced by the Thyatian settlers. This is often for political expediency; one advances further in life, especially if one is seen as a "backwards native" if one belongs to the proper church.
Baron Halaran runs a pretty tight ship in Threshold. Weapons are to be bound, wearing armor in the streets is frowned upon, though not illegal, and spell-casting is restricted within town. He is a fair and just ruler, however, to both Thyatians and Traladarans. His contingent of soldiers have their hands full, however, dealing with orcish raids while trying to erect the Baron's stronghold of Tarnskeep.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
At the point it seems like the goblins/Baron Ludwig Von Hendricks (yes, that is the guy's name in the official setting -- with a name like that he pretty much has to be evil) has been eliminated as a possibility, with the other main suggestion being the cleric Aleena. If I could get some definite votes, either IC or OOC, we can go ahead and proceed. At this point four PCs have been introduced and we are still waiting on at least three more, I believe.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
Quote:
Originally Posted by CockroachTeaParty
Hey, thirdkingdom, how does one determine what languages a character may speak? I still need to fill out that information on my sheet.
Ah, forgot that. All characters start with Common, humans have either Thyatian or Traladaran, demi-humans gain racial languages. The book doesn't really say, other that "GM shall determine", so let us borrow from the RC:
Bugbear, gnoll, gnome, goblin, hobgoblin, kobold, lizardman, ogre, orc, dragon, giant, other human tongues (Ylari, Glantrian, etc). Thieves get Thieves Cant automatically. If course, Intelligence grants bonus languages
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
Continuing my staggering lack of experience with this rules system, my next question is: what skills might we roll to find more information or investigate the mystery? Some sort of Knowledge check? How does one Gather Information? Or is this something to be RP'd?
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Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
Quote:
Originally Posted by CockroachTeaParty
Continuing my staggering lack of experience with this rules system, my next question is: what skills might we roll to find more information or investigate the mystery? Some sort of Knowledge check? How does one Gather Information? Or is this something to be RP'd?
There is not a Gather Information skill. That does not mean there cannot be one, however. The skill system is fairly open ended and allows the creation of new skills. That being said, I think this sort of situation would best be served through role-playing. Come up with some ideas of who to talk to, we'll walk through some encounters, maybe make some Charisma checks. Part of this also depends on how much role-playing you guys want to do. We can do a lot or the minimum required. In my experience, the first couple of pages in a pbp requires a delicate balance between role-playing and action. In other words, I've noticed that if there is too much standing around talking some people tend to lose interest faster than others.
At this risk of sticking my nose in and offering unwanted advice, I would suggest visiting the Church (#4 on the map) both to find out about the reward offered and find out what the Church, which should be the most reliable source of information, knows. So, why don't we do this. I'll assume, unless I hear differently, that the first stop will be the Church. I'll probably drop some hints and clues as well as basic information. You guys can figure out how much role-playing you want to do. Sound good?
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
Judging by the numbers and what little RP we've seen so far, I think maybe Ged if Zuh1 interested. It seems like Ged, who has poetry, diplomacy, and courtly etiquette as skills, is the logical choice. Or maybe Lanmolltar?
Just by default, mind you, I agree that when circumstances call for it, others might step in. Ganelon, for example, is by attributes, skills, and background something of a charmer, but I don't see him wanting to be the "face" personality-wise.
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Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roland St. Jude
Judging by the numbers and what little RP we've seen so far, I think maybe Ged if Zuh1 interested. It seems like Ged, who has poetry, diplomacy, and courtly etiquette as skills, is the logical choice. Or maybe Lanmolltar?
Just by default, mind you, I agree that when circumstances call for it, others might step in. Ganelon, for example, is by attributes, skills, and background something of a charmer, but I don't see him wanting to be the "face" personality-wise.
I'm happy to take point on meeting with the church members. Gedeon is a fairly devout about his faith in the Church of Karameikos, but has nothing but respect for Tralandaranist clergy. Of course, as I said in the spoiler in the IC thread, Ganelon is a LOT smarter than Ged, so maybe he can turn on the charm if Ged puts his foot in his mouth.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zuh1
I'm happy to take point on meeting with the church members. Gedeon is a fairly devout about his faith in the Church of Karameikos, but has nothing but respect for Tralandaranist clergy. Of course, as I said in the spoiler in the IC thread, Ganelon is a LOT smarter than Ged, so maybe he can turn on the charm if Ged puts his foot in his mouth.
Seems very reasonable. I could see Ganelon staying close to the conversation but not in it until he thought he was needed.
I see some potential there for fun interactions between the two characters.
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Now recruiting a replacement player for our long-time Rules Cyclopedia/BECMI game Old Ways.
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roland St. Jude
Seems very reasonable. I could see Ganelon staying close to the conversation but not in it until he thought he was needed.
I see some potential there for fun interactions between the two characters.
A charming trickster and a noble warrior? Well that's like the chocolate-vanilla swirl of myth and legend. For starters, to Ganelon's comment about wearing armor in public, well, someone's gotta stand between the caster and the baddies, right?
Re: [Dark Dungeons -- BECMI Retroclone]In Search of Adventure OOC
I believe I mentioned it upthread, but carrying weapons larger than a dagger is fairly verboten in Threshold; all weapons must be bound or turned in to the Sheriff's office. The binding of weapons is done at the gates and is simply a complex knot with a wax seal, done to keep weapons in their sheaths. Wearing armor is not illegal, but is looked up with some suspicion by officials.
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