Setup for glee's roleplaying game

[glee]

This is the setup thread for a Domebo roleplaying game, run by me. If I get enough interest from players, I’ll start the game itself.

Both experienced players and beginners are welcome to have a go. Sign up here. Feel free to ask questions here (or PM me if you want.)
It would be best if you could make a post every 1-2 days. These would usually be just a single paragraph. (We do need to keep the game moving to sustain interest.)

No knowledge of any game system is required. If you’ve read any of the Lord of the Rings, Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Discworld, Harry Potter, Dracula or Flashman then you’ll have a head start.

The adventure is set in mediaeval England, with references to English customs, myths and fantasy books. Technology would be at the level of catapults and castles. There would be magic and legendary monsters (Dragons! Vampires! Killer Rabbits!*). Like everyone else, I owe a debt to Professor Tolkien.

You pick a historical or legendary figure and I’ll translate it into mediaeval terms. If you prefer to describe what you want (e.g. an archaeologist who has been to prison for fraud), I’ll happily use that.
I will tell you all your character’s abilities, using a ‘cheese’ scale* of:

- none
- mild
- medium
- strong

An example of this in game terms would be your armour**

- robe (none)
- leather (mild)
- chain (medium)
- plate (strong)

I will give your character some individual information, which you should look at carefully, as it may well feature in the adventure.

*yes, there will be humour…
** we will be using archaic English spellings…

[jali]

I was a lousy Assassin (the first to die) and a horrible Mafia player (the first to be lynched). I'd love to try this. I'll think of a character and send you an PM soon.

[Julie]

I'll play.

I'll happily be a healer or some such.

[Zuul]

I'm going to ponder on this and then PM you with a character. About how many players are you shooting for? I've got some friends who might be interested, too.

[glee]

I was a lousy Assassin (the first to die) and a horrible Mafia player (the first to be lynched). I'd love to try this. I'll think of a character and send you an PM soon.

I can offer you a early glorious death if you'd like (think fiery Viking longboat funeral)

You're my first player. 8-)

[sistercoyote]

I definitely want to play. Among other gaming experience, I was in a long-term tabletop D&D campaign that ran for well over 10 years, and have run a very few games myself. I'm not necessarily so good at PBEM or PBMB, but I will do my darnedest.

I need to think about a character concept and get back to you.

[glee]

I'll play.

I'll happily be a healer or some such.

You're player 2!

Would you like to be based on Dr. Watson, or be a specialist healer?
(Both are perfectly viable.)

[glee]

I'm going to ponder on this and then PM you with a character. About how many players are you shooting for? I've got some friends who might be interested, too.

I look forward to it ... player number 3!

I think 6 players is enough. There can be a reserve list (as you never know when real life will interfere )
I'm going to reserve two spaces for my previous DMs, i.e. What Exit? and Malacandra. They will add value as well. 8-) If they pass, then I'll take more people from here.

[Julie]

I'll play.

I'll happily be a healer or some such.

You're player 2!

Would you like to be based on Dr. Watson, or be a specialist healer?
(Both are perfectly viable.)

Here I go asking a completely stupid question: What do you mean by a specialist healer?

I don't think being Watson would be all that fun without a Holmes. It's more fun to stand around and look astounded. "But Holmes, however did you do it?"

[NAF1138]

I would be interested in playing, I really liked your other game until it fizzled out.

How about something based on The Shadow. I would love to see how that translates.

[RoOsh]

Oh come on, I hope there's still Room for me.... -_-
I did try to suggest this idea

[pedescribe]

Can I play, or is it all filled?

And can you medieval-ise Richard Nixon?

[What Exit?]

Please check your PMs.

I just ask here, will we be starting at the fair or somewhere else this game? I don't think I can take a third trip to the fair. Otherwise I am interested.

I would like a Robin Hood style character and by Robin Hood I mean Errol Flynn and not Kevin Costner. Though I would settle for Cary Elwes.

[sistercoyote]

I would like a Robin Hood style character and by Robin Hood I mean Errol Flynn and not Kevin Costner. Though I would settle for Cary Elwes.

Because I, unlike other Robin Hoods, speak with a Real British Accent.

[glee]

I'll play.

I'll happily be a healer or some such.

You're player 2!

Would you like to be based on Dr. Watson, or be a specialist healer?
(Both are perfectly viable.)

Here I go asking a completely stupid question: What do you mean by a specialist healer?

I don't think being Watson would be all that fun without a Holmes. It's more fun to stand around and look astounded. "But Holmes, however did you do it?"

There are no stupid questions, only stupid ... err .. let me get back to you on that.

A specialist healer would concentrate on curing (perhaps with just a few other skills)
Dr. Watson by contrast (I see your point about not playing him) would have Fighter skills as well as healing (because of his Army Service).

A healer is always popular on an adventure.
If you would like to specialise, I can offer you two options immediately:

- Cleric, who has extra abilities versus the undead (recognise them, try to order them to retreat - or even destroy them)
- Druid, who has extra abilities with animals (speak to them, befriend them)

[glee]

I definitely want to play. Among other gaming experience, I was in a long-term tabletop D&D campaign that ran for well over 10 years, and have run a very few games myself. I'm not necessarily so good at PBEM or PBMB, but I will do my darnedest.

I need to think about a character concept and get back to you.

You're player number 4.

Remember this will be a straightforward game, though I'm sure your experience will be valuable.

[Marsilia]

Are you still accepting characters? I just heard about this game.

[sistercoyote]

I definitely want to play. Among other gaming experience, I was in a long-term tabletop D&D campaign that ran for well over 10 years, and have run a very few games myself. I'm not necessarily so good at PBEM or PBMB, but I will do my darnedest.

I need to think about a character concept and get back to you.

You're player number 4.

Remember this will be a straightforward game, though I'm sure your experience will be valuable.

Yep. You were just saying you wanted the experienced and the inexperienced and thought I should mention which I was.

[glee]

Well your enthusiastic responses are jolly gratifying!
I'm trying to answer posts, PMs and give details of the game, so excuse me if it takes a while to get back to you.

As I said, you are welcome to suggest a role-model and I'll do the rest.

Note that you can choose from various races (human, elf, dwarf, gnome, hobbit, lizardman or dragon* ) and various classes (Fighter, Healers, Casters and Scouts), each of which have clear roles.

Fighters guard the rest of the party and take on fearsome opponents in battle. They are scared of nothing.
Healers heal and protect. They are particularly good against undead (Cleric subclass) or with animals (Druid)
Casters are usually weak in melee, but have useful spells in various categories (battle, movement, information)
Scouts can sneak ahead; spotting ambushes, opening locks and clearing traps.

*only a small young one, who can polymorph into human

All characters will get a range of abilities, with a skill level in each. They gain bonuses to these from their natural characteristics, which are:

Toughness (combines Strength and Constitution)
Knowledge (combines Intelligence and Wisdom)
Style (combines Dexterity and Charisma)

OK, here is a sample character so you can see what I have in mind.

Player "I'd like to be Vimes from the DiscWorld."

Vimes (Human male) is a Senior Constable in the County of Rutland. He has a powerful sense of justice and detests evil.
He is rated Strong in 'Toughness', None in 'Knowledge' and None in 'Style'

Watchman (profession): Strong
Combat (melee): Strong (Longsword)
Combat (missile): Strong (Crossbow)
Weapon display: Strong (Longsword)
Riding: Strong
Swimming: Strong
Sailing: Strong
Hunting: Strong
Tracking: Strong
Searching: Strong
Diplomacy: Mild
Etiquette: Mild

Armour: Strong

As far as the party goes, Vimes would be a front-rank Fighter. He would not hesitate to arrest villains. He would be prepared to speak on behalf of the party, but would happily let someone else do so.

[glee]

I would be interested in playing, I really liked your other game until it fizzled out.

How about something based on The Shadow. I would love to see how that translates.

I'm sorry, but places have filled up incredibly rapidly. ops:

So far I have these players (and some character choices already! ):

jali
julie (healer)
Caerie gnome 'illusionist' (specialises in trickery!)
sistercoyote
what exit? human archer
(malacandra)

You are first reserve.

I think 'The Shadow' would be an gnome Illusionist / Scout, with spell powers like Invisibility and Hypnotism

[glee]

Oh come on, I hope there's still Room for me.... -_-
I did try to suggest this idea

My apologies.
I really didn't realise how quickly this would take off (given the previous thread was so calm).

Anyway you're 2nd reserve.

[glee]

Can I play, or is it all filled?

And can you medieval-ise Richard Nixon?

You are 3rd reserve.

Off the top of my head (and using only the simple set of skills I've chosen) Nixon would be strong in:

Diplomacy
Negotiating
Forgery

[glee]

Please check your PMs.

I just ask here, will we be starting at the fair or somewhere else this game? I don't think I can take a third trip to the fair. Otherwise I am interested.

I would like a Robin Hood style character and by Robin Hood I mean Errol Flynn and not Kevin Costner. Though I would settle for Cary Elwes.

Check my PM's?! You enthusiastic bunch nearly filled up my Inbox! 8-)

This adventure is set in the same County as my previous adventure, but will differ in several ways:

- there will be an accompanying employer of the group, who will set clear targets
- there will be less 'complications' (like the Fayre)
- I'm hoping that things will move along briskly (as per your adventures!)

[glee]

Are you still accepting characters? I just heard about this game.

My apologies, but the places went in under an hour. :shock:
I've put you on the reserve list, where you are 4th.

[glee]

Jali has kindly offered to let a reserve play, so NAF1138 moves up.

NAF1138, were you happy with 'The Shadow' being a gnome Illusionist / Scout, with spell powers like Invisibility and Hypnotism?

So the current position is:

Players
julie (healer)
Caerie gnome 'illusionist' (specialises in trickery!)
sistercoyote female human fighter (experienced in archaeology/bartending/journalism)
what exit? human archer
NAF1138 gnome scout (with a couple of 'illusionist' powers)
(malacandra)

Reserves
RoOsh
pedescribe
OutOfMyHead

[What Exit?]

Wouldn't a Robin Hood type have some sword, ambush, stealth and climbing skills?

[NAF1138]

NAF1138, were you happy with 'The Shadow' being a gnome Illusionist / Scout, with spell powers like Invisibility and Hypnotism?

Give me a range weapon of some sort and I think that fits better than anything I could have come up with. Cool. Thanks Glee (and Jali for giving up the slot.)

[jali]

NAF1138, were you happy with 'The Shadow' being a gnome Illusionist / Scout, with spell powers like Invisibility and Hypnotism?

Give me a range weapon of some sort and I think that fits better than anything I could have come up with. Cool. Thanks Glee (and Jali for giving up the slot.)

Happy to give my spot to a good guy!

[RoOsh]

My character if I created him would be based on one of Four characters (it'd be interesting to see what you could do with them):
Done in order of Preference
1. Indiana Jones (The most all around person of my 4- Whip, Sword, Knowledge, Guns??, and plenty of Luck- Refrigerators anyone?)
2. Sirius Black (Who wouldn't want to morph into a huge dog AND cast spells?)
3. Hattori Hanzo (From Kill Bill)- Master Armorer, decent Chef, and deadly with a blade.... back in the Day.
4. Abe Lincoln- Why? I have no idea. I just like the man.
5. (Joke Character)Charles Darwin the NecroMancer- who better than a Necromancer to go around opposing the Church?
6. (Joke Character #2): Chuthulu (try to roll up THAT guy for your game!)

[Malacandra]

I'll try to do it justice this time, then. There doesn't seem to be a wizard about the place so how about putting me down for that? With a slight leaning towards the straightforward blow-'em-up type spells as we have the gnome illusionist to do the subtle stuff, if there's any flexibility in that direction.

Would it be out of the question to play an inscrutable Oriental? They'd be extremely rare, but if Kipling could include a Chinese in his Norman-era "Knights of the Joyous Venture"...

[Kat]

Can I get on the reserve list?

[glee]

Wouldn't a Robin Hood type have some sword, ambush, stealth and climbing skills?

I'll have to see the final makeup of the party, but at present I'm leaning towards a tough fighting type (because the party will need some!)
I'll send out character descriptions to each player once they specify what they want and you are welcome to comment / suggest changes.

[glee]

My character if I created him would be based on one of Four characters (it'd be interesting to see what you could do with them):
Done in order of Preference
1. Indiana Jones (The most all around person of my 4- Whip, Sword, Knowledge, Guns??, and plenty of Luck- Refrigerators anyone?)
2. Sirius Black (Who wouldn't want to morph into a huge dog AND cast spells?)
3. Hattori Hanzo (From Kill Bill)- Master Armorer, decent Chef, and deadly with a blade.... back in the Day.
4. Abe Lincoln- Why? I have no idea. I just like the man.
5. (Joke Character)Charles Darwin the NecroMancer- who better than a Necromancer to go around opposing the Church?
6. (Joke Character #2): Chuthulu (try to roll up THAT guy for your game!)

Sadly I won't have time at present - but I like your imagination.

[glee]

I'll try to do it justice this time, then. There doesn't seem to be a wizard about the place so how about putting me down for that? With a slight leaning towards the straightforward blow-'em-up type spells as we have the gnome illusionist to do the subtle stuff, if there's any flexibility in that direction.

Would it be out of the question to play an inscrutable Oriental? They'd be extremely rare, but if Kipling could include a Chinese in his Norman-era "Knights of the Joyous Venture"...

Welcome aboard!
I can do Oriental (I'll just dig out my Oriental Adventures handbook from the 1980s )

[glee]

Can I get on the reserve list?

Certainly.

That means we have:

Players
julie (healer)
Caerie gnome 'illusionist' (specialises in trickery!)
sistercoyote female human fighter (experienced in archaeology/bartending/journalism)
What Exit? human archer
NAF1138 gnome scout (with a couple of 'illusionist' powers)
Malacandra elf wizard

Reserves
RoOsh
pedescribe
OutOfMyHead
Kat

It looks an interesting party.
No front-rank 'tanks', but lots of spell power to make up for it.

I'll try to send out some character descriptions tomorrow...

[Julie]

I have zero idea if mucking about with the undead is more useful than mucking about with animals, but I have to say that mucking about with animals sounds way more pleasant than mucking about with the undead.

[sistercoyote]

I have zero idea if mucking about with the undead is more useful than mucking about with animals, but I have to say that mucking about with animals sounds way more pleasant than mucking about with the undead.

You would be capable of identifying undead/animals, maybe know a little bit about what they can/are likely to do and possibly even the best ways to attack said undead/animal.

Depending on the kind of cleric you are, you could also befriend (or create) the undead (as a druid, you can befriend the animals), but - depending on the rest of the party that's generally frowned upon. Unless there's a damn good reason.

[sistercoyote]

It looks an interesting party.
No front-rank 'tanks', but lots of spell power to make up for it.

Hey! I resemble that remark. Don't you go underestimating me!

[RoOsh]

Yeah, I always want to befriend the undead. But no one likes the skeletal butler when you walk into town.... =(

[Julie]

I think I'd rather have a pony.

[sistercoyote]

Yeah, I always want to befriend the undead. But no one likes the skeletal butler when you walk into town.... =(

I once played in a game where it was legal to be an undead in the city so long as you never used any special abilities on anyone else in town.

Yes. We sued the undead. And won!

Besides, there's nothing wrong with the skeletal butler as long as you've thoroughly cleaned all his bones (need to remove the marrow, too; makes them more fragile and slightly less fire-resistant but cuts way down on the smell). It's the ghoulish butler people object to.

Not, you know, that I'd know anything about that or anything. In this game, anyway.

[Malacandra]

"elf wizard"? What did I say that sounded like "elf"? :?:

I have OA too - if you want to shoot for a wu jen that's fine by me, there's not much difference between them and a standard mage anyway.

Any reserves up for a little piracy while they're waiting, please check out my thread.

[glee]

I have zero idea if mucking about with the undead is more useful than mucking about with animals, but I have to say that mucking about with animals sounds way more pleasant than mucking about with the undead.

Druids are indeed much 'cleaner' than Clerics (if you see what I mean).

You would be capable of identifying undead/animals, maybe know a little bit about what they can/are likely to do and possibly even the best ways to attack said undead/animal.

Depending on the kind of cleric you are, you could also befriend (or create) the undead (as a druid, you can befriend the animals), but - depending on the rest of the party that's generally frowned upon. Unless there's a damn good reason.

The party is going to take on evil and wrongdoers , so there will be no 'befriending' of undead (only evil clerics do that).
The Druid will be strong in all aspects of the great outdoors (animals, plants, agriculture), and can easily gain a faithful animal companion (or two).

[glee]

It looks an interesting party.
No front-rank 'tanks', but lots of spell power to make up for it.

Hey! I resemble that remark. Don't you go underestimating me!

Don't worry - although your character is not going to look like an armoured fighter, she'll kick bottom*!
I'm thinking of making her an expert with some unusual weapons, if that sounds OK...

*English translation of the American phrase

[glee]

Yeah, I always want to befriend the undead. But no one likes the skeletal butler when you walk into town.... =(

Presumably most of the servants have gone, leaving only a skeleton staff...

[glee]

Players
julie human druid
Caerie gnome 'illusionist' (specialises in trickery!)
sistercoyote female human fighter (experienced in archaeology/bartending/journalism)
What Exit? human archer (with some stealth in forests only)
NAF1138 gnome scout (with a couple of 'illusionist' powers)
Malacandra foreign human wizard

Reserves
RoOsh
pedescribe
OutOfMyHead
Kat

Thanks to the players (and reserves for signing up).

As I said, I'll start sending out characters today. Please feel free to reply with comments and suggestions, but bear in mind it's a simple system and there may not be an exact fit. Also some background would be great!

There will be no sign of numbers in the game - instead I'll try to use suitably descriptive language so you know in combat who's merely scratched and who needs help urgently.
I hope there will be witty remarks, poetry, stylish speeches bad puns and mild vulgarity.
You will be working as a team, but each of you will have some specialist knowledge (which may well come in handy ).

[glee]

Each character will have a main class (and perhaps a few abilities from another class). Each class has special abilities.
Each character will have a range of skills (and an ability in each). (Each player gets 11 points* to distribute between their characteristics.)
Each character will have bonuses to skills, based on three characteristics. (Each player gets 3 points*~ to distribute between their characteristics.)

Remember the 'cheese scale', i.e. each skill finishes with a rank of 0-3 (where 0 is 'you don't have that skill' and 3 is 'you're jolly good at it!')

Your party may like to avoid duplication and cover all the bases, but it's not essential. Make the character your own!
Our aim is to have fun and create an interesting adventure 8-) , so I will always interpret your orders favourably. Please concentrate on the story, rather than the numbers behind it all.

1. Classes (plus a few sample subdivisions) are:

Fighter (Archer; Barbarian) - get an extra attack (in each round of combat)
Healers (Druid; Cleric) - get daily spells and abilities v animals (Druid) or Undead (Cleric)
Casters (Illusionist; Wizard) - get daily spells plus illusions (for Illusionists) or battle spells (for Wizards)
Scouts - can move stealthily, deal with traps and locks, hear noise and read lips, climb walls and pick pockets

2. Characteristics:

Toughness (T) - a combination of Strength and Health
Knowledge (K) - a combination of Intelligence and Wisdom
Style (S) - a comination of Charisma and Agility


Skills, each with the applicable bonus characteristic (do feel free to suggest other ones):

Profession/Trade (K) (this covers a wide range of jobs and will usually reflect the character's history)
Combat, melee (T)
Combat, missile (S)
Weapon Display (T) (like the Scimitar wielder in 'Indiana Jones')
Riding (T)
Swimming (T)
Sailing (T)
Tracking (T)
Hunting (T)
Ambush (S) (spotting or setting ambushes)
Searching (S) (finding secret doors, clues or evidence)
Diplomacy (S) (smoothly putting your case)
Negotiation (S) (demanding the best deal, e.g. interrogating captured opponents)
Etiquette (K) (knowing the correct behaviour, e.g. addressing nobles, who sits where at a banquet)
First Aid (K) (minor curing, done just after a combat)
Spellcraft (K) (identifying a spell in action or about to be cast)
Religion (K) (identifying a religion, knowing the alignment and rituals)
Local Knowledge (S) (finding out stuff by chatting with locals, reading records etc)
Historical Knowledge (K) (knowing important events, previous personalities and ancient customs)
Forgery (S) (mainly documents, but can include passwords and signals)

[What Exit?]

1. Class Archer (Fighter) - get an extra attack (in each round of combat)

2. Characteristics: Toughness and Style need to be my primes. So Knowledge will need to suffer.
Toughness (T) - a combination of Strength and Health
Style (S) - a comination of Charisma and Agility

Skills
Combat, missile (S) Key ability
Combat, melee (T)
I would like a Climbing (S&T?) skill that I have worked hard at more recently. Tree and Castle walls*.
Riding (T)
Tracking (T) & Hunting (T) (My background or trades)
Local Knowledge (S) (finding out stuff by chatting with locals, reading records etc)

The tracking can be skipped altogether if our scout is taking a string skill in it.

* I did say Robin Hood.

[glee]

1. Please note that I'm adding another skill to the list:

Animal Lore (K) (deciding the mood and likely behaviour of an animal by studying it briefly)

2. Players, you have at least 3 choices to help create your character:

- suggest things here (see the clear post from What Exit?)
- send me a PM (NAF1138 has done exactly that)
- wait for me to get in touch (I'm running a bit behind, but it's been a busy day!)

Apart from the class, characteristics and skills, you are invited to come up with a background e.g. your previous trade / profession and why you became an adventurer.
I have plenty of ideas, so don't worry if you're stuck!
I already know where the 2 gnomes come from and how the Oriental Wizard got here. The druid and the two fighters origin will be no problem either.

Please bear with me, because I want to help make your characters interesting and also give each of you the specialist knowledge I mentioned.

[EddyTeddyFreddy]

Add this total beginner to the reserves. In the other thread I'd offered to be a horsemaster. In terms of developing a character based on that, I found this description of what's known about medieval styles of equitation:

During the middle ages there is little written record of equitation's progress. What we do know is that European riding was influenced by the experiences of riders from the north who mounted Crusades to the Holy Lands. The knights and noblemen who fought in the middle east encountered there the Berber horsemen, and a radically different kind of riding style. These men were mounted on a small, hot, intelligent sort of horse. The northerners were excited by what they saw, and they brought the new riding methods and arab type horses home with them to Europe. The best and wealthiest riders would have a stable with two styles of horses-- heavy horses ridden in the straightforward style of the knight, and lighter arab or arab mixed horses ridden in the agile style of the berber. The two styles of riding were seen as completely separate. Noblemen learned to ride using both methods.