Setup for glee's roleplaying game

[glee]

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.

Welcome to the reserve list and well done on relevant research!

[sistercoyote]

Human fighter (female)

1. Classes
Fighter get an extra attack

2. Characteristics:
Toughness (T) - a combination of Strength and Health
Knowledge (K) - a combination of Intelligence and Wisdom

Skills:
Profession/Trade (K): Barkeep (NOTE: Not Tavern Wench)
Combat, melee (T)
Riding (T)
Etiquette (K)
Historical Knowledge (K)
As subsets of this I'd like Historical Spellcraft and Historical Religion, if that's OK.

[glee]

What Exit? has his Archer to assess.
I will try to rattle off the remaining 5 characters tomorrow...

[glee]

I've sent Julie her Druid via PM (let me know if it doesn't arrive!)

Onwards and upwards (hopefully each successive character should take less time...)

[Julie]

I didn't get a druid in the mail!

[glee]

I didn't get a druid in the mail!

I don't know what went wrong. ops:
I'll try sending you an e-mail. If that doesn't work, shall I post it in the thread?

[Julie]

Posting it in the thread is fine with me. I honestly don't know what's involved with getting a Druid in the mail.

[What Exit?]

Posting it in the thread is fine with me. I honestly don't know what's involved with getting a Druid in the mail.

Well it is a lot simpler than getting an Elephant in the mail, let me tell you that.

[glee]

This thread is full of the sort of comments that ... I love!

OK, one Druid coming right up.

Oh, does anyone know how to multi-quote on this board?

[glee]

Name: ‘Druid’?
Race + Gender: Male? Human
Class: Druid
Morals: Neutral (Worships Mannan Mac Lir)

Characteristics (3 points to allocate, which then give bonuses to all associated skills):
Toughness (T) 0
Knowledge (K) +3
Style (S) 0

Skills (11 points to allocate; Characteristic bonuses included):
Horse Breeder (K) +3 Riding (T) +3
Combat, melee (T) +1 Combat, missile (S) +1
Swimming (T) +1 Tracking (T) +1
Animal Lore (K) +3 Etiquette (K) +3
First Aid (K) +3 Spellcraft (K) +3
Local Knowledge (S) +1 Historical Knowledge (K) +3
Religion (K) +3

Spells (you have 9 ‘Nature’ points you can use each day. Each spell costs 1 point per level. You can cast any spell as many times as you like as long as you have the points left. You regain all points after sleeping.)

1st level:
Detect Magic (spots all magic nearby) Identify (explains all magic detected)
Entangle (uses vegetation to trap enemies) Speak Animals (speak to any normal or Giant animal type)
2nd level:
Cure Light Wounds (heal injury) Goodberry (creates 5 berries; each can cure or provide a meal)
3rd level:
Neutralise Poison (always works) Summon Insects (devastating combat spell v one opponent)
Protection from Fire (reduces damage) Water Breathing (works on one person)

Equipment:
‘Druid’ wears leather armour and can fight with either Scimitar or Sling. He has a trained riding horse and faithful animal companion(s)? His magical ring can cast Cure Light Wounds once per day.

Background:
‘Druid’ comes from the Druadan Forest, which is near Freeport. The Druids of the Forest have a Consulate in Freeport, where they can negotiate with other powers in the area. Surprisingly your Consulate has been deserted for a while.
You have set up a successful horse-breeding business in Freeport and made friends with Elros Tar-Minyatur. He is a Sage who runs the main shop in Freeport.

Specialist knowledge:
1. He can identify any plant or animal. He knows whether water is safe to drink.
2. He knows that there are both normal and Giant animals (caused by magic, no doubt) in the area. The Badlands (a desert-type area to the North) are rumoured to host Giant Insects and Dragons.

Julie,

Please think up a name and decide what animal companion(s) you would like.
The main choices are:

- a single big Fighter (e.g. Cave Bear, Mountain Lion)
- a couple of scouts (e.g. Kestrel, Ferrets)

Do ask about anything that isn't clear. Roleplaying is great fun, but new players need some clear information before we start.

[sistercoyote]

Posting it in the thread is fine with me. I honestly don't know what's involved with getting a Druid in the mail.

Well it is a lot simpler than getting an Elephant in the mail, let me tell you that.

Easier to fit him in the box, for one thing.

[glee]

Sistercoyote's unorthodox Fighter has been PM'd.

Honestly, the system assured me it worked!

If it hasn't, please let me know if I can post it in the thread...

[sistercoyote]

Sistercoyote's unorthodox Fighter has been PM'd.

Confirmed Alan One! Er, I mean, glee.

I'm still debating about a name and will post as soon as I decide.

[Julie]

Okay, I have received my Druid, both in email and in this thread.

glee, when you say this:

Characteristics (3 points to allocate, which then give bonuses to all associated skills):
Toughness (T) 0
Knowledge (K) +3
Style (S) 0


Are you saying I need to allocate three more points, or are you saying you have allocated 3 points?


I would like to go with a couple of scouts. Perhaps some crows?

I shall return with a name presently.

[glee]

Okay, I have received my Druid, both in email and in this thread.

glee, when you say this:

Characteristics (3 points to allocate, which then give bonuses to all associated skills):
Toughness (T) 0
Knowledge (K) +3
Style (S) 0

Are you saying I need to allocate three more points, or are you saying you have allocated 3 points?

I would like to go with a couple of scouts. Perhaps some crows?

I shall return with a name presently.

I've allocated all the points, based on what you said.
Remember that a score of 1 is a mild ability to do that skill, while 3 is strong.
So your Druid is very good at Horse-breeding and Riding, but only fair at Swimming and Tracking.

N.B. Your character is superb at healing everyone else, but has some jolly useful spells elsewhere.

You are most welcome to have a couple of large crow* companions. You have learnt to speak to them. (For all other animals, use your Speak Animals spell.)
They are fine scouts and guards. However they will only fight against 'weedy' opposition, or if your life is in danger.

*Freeport, where you start the adventure, is bordered by the Crebain Coast! 8-)

[glee]

Sistercoyote's unorthodox Fighter has been PM'd.

Confirmed Alan One! Er, I mean, glee.

Shouldn't that be Alan Three? :?

Thunderbirds are GO! 8-)

[glee]

OK, I've sent NAF1138 his 'Shadow' gnome via e-mail.

Apologies to Malacandra and Caerie - I'm churning out characters as fast as possible, but it's quite tiring making sure the details are correct and the specialist knowledge all fits together.

More tonight for sure.

[NAF1138]

Got it, thanks glee. It should be fun.

[Malacandra]

Posting it in the thread is fine with me. I honestly don't know what's involved with getting a Druid in the mail.

Well it is a lot simpler than getting an Elephant in the mail, let me tell you that.

Which reminds me of the character who'd been Reincarnated, Druid style, and come back as a cave bear. And in subsequent sessions when the party were setting up someone was duty bound to ask "Where does the cave bear go in the marching order?" drawing the obligatory chorussed reply "Anywhere he likes!".

[Zuul]

Got it. I'll get out a name and morals tomorrow, but I just had a ridiculously exhausting evening and shudder to think what I might come up with on the combination of caffeine and starvation. :mrgreen:

[glee]

I'm about to send Malacandra his character (thanks for being patient!).

Apart from some of you sending me a few simple choices (mainly character names), once Malacandra approves his Wizard we are ready to start. 8-)

Here's my final advice for beginners:

- I'll tell you everything you see and hear. You respond in character, working as a team. There are no evil characters and no 'hidden agendas'.
- The experienced players will help you a lot!
- If there's no rush (e.g. you're buying something in a shop) then you can chat amongst yourselves, pick the best character to negotiate etc. If you're in combat, then you can briefly ask for advice , but must then say what you're doing.
- Once the party are all together, you'll want a few routines (like the marching order outdoors / in a building / in a tunnel). Also make sure you understand your role in the group. Everyone has something to offer AND needs the help of the others.

And for everyone:

- please keep an eye on your background and specialist information.
- try to post in the game thread every 1-2 days
- do ask any questions you like in this thread - the more you know, the better it all goes
- I'll list the characters next post, but please remember you won't have met everyone else when the adventure starts, so do have 'what do you do?' conversations
- feel free to pop in some amusing interesting stuff (anecdotes, poetry, jokes) - but keep it in character
- most important of all - have fun!

[Malacandra]

Okay, that looks fine.

"Mr Chang" is a small skinny man of unusual skin tone with narrow black eyebrows, a very thin waxed moustache, and a little pillbox hat. He wears silk robes of deep crimson and carries a highly polished black wooden staff. His face bears a permanent amiable smile and he almost constantly fidgets with some small harmless conjuring trick or other.

[glee]

What Exit? Galen Human Archer
Julie Druid? Human Druid
Caerie Tinker? Gnome Illusionist
Sister Coyote Marion? Female Human Fighter
Malacandra Mr Chang Human Wizard
NAF1138 Kent Gnome Scout (Illusionist)

Oh, I should mention languages.
The standard language is Common. Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Gnomes and Hobbits all speak it. Some others (educated Lizardmen, spell-casting Dragons*, Vampires*) will also speak it.
Even if they speak Common, all creatures with their own language will prefer to speak their own (and react better to you).
All relatives of Orc (from Goblins to Giants) will speak Orc.

All gnomes (including 'Tinker' and Kent above) speak Common, Gnome, Dwarf, Hobbit and Orc.
Mr. Chang speaks Oriental, Common and Elf.
'Marion' speaks Common and Lizardman.


*just trying to worry you

[Julie]

I think I'll go with the name Finn. It's easy to spell and pronounce!

[glee]

OK, a couple of players are still deciding character names (no problem...), but I'd like to get you thinking.

So I'll start the thread here with an introduction to where you all start. (I hope Mr. Chang doesn't mind me giving him an early special appearance!)

You don't need to post anything over there yet, because I'll follow in a bit with a second post explaining exactly where each of you are and who is talking to you.
Then we're off!

I intend to send out a couple of simple maps via e-mail to the players soon.
(If any of you feel like it, you're welcome to host them and post a link for spectators. I haven't got a website yet...)

[sistercoyote]

Marion works for simplicity's sake.

[Zuul]

Being a gnome, "simplicity" doesn't apply to my character's name(s). For his own amusement, he shall have those of other races call him Gerkininnynock. If they can't pronounce that, Nock works, too.

[glee]

Being a gnome, "simplicity" doesn't apply to my character's name(s). For his own amusement, he shall have those of other races call him Gerkininnynock. If they can't pronounce that, Nock works, too.

In my school roleplaying game, a pupil will sometimes come up with a name like 'Baron William de Smythe-Gascony-Smythe the third' ... and everyone calls him Bill.

Would you like Nock to be Good or Neutral? Does he worship a God? (It doesn't matter a lot in game terms - he strikes me as someone who would be Neutral and not religious...)

[Zuul]

Being a gnome, "simplicity" doesn't apply to my character's name(s). For his own amusement, he shall have those of other races call him Gerkininnynock. If they can't pronounce that, Nock works, too.

In my school roleplaying game, a pupil will sometimes come up with a name like 'Baron William de Smythe-Gascony-Smythe the third' ... and everyone calls him Bill.

Would you like Nock to be Good or Neutral? Does he worship a God? (It doesn't matter a lot in game terms - he strikes me as someone who would be Neutral and not religious...)

Neutral, and not religious, though he'd give passing honors towards Garl Glittergold.

[glee]

Would you like Nock to be Good or Neutral? Does he worship a God? (It doesn't matter a lot in game terms - he strikes me as someone who would be Neutral and not religious...)

Neutral, and not religious, though he'd give passing honors towards Garl Glittergold.

Aha - I detect a knowledgeable player! 8-)
However this is a simplified game, so only a handful of Gods will be present...

[Julie]

OK, a couple of players are still deciding character names (no problem...), but I'd like to get you thinking.

So I'll start the thread here with an introduction to where you all start. (I hope Mr. Chang doesn't mind me giving him an early special appearance!)

You don't need to post anything over there yet, because I'll follow in a bit with a second post explaining exactly where each of you are and who is talking to you.
Then we're off!

I intend to send out a couple of simple maps via e-mail to the players soon.
(If any of you feel like it, you're welcome to host them and post a link for spectators. I haven't got a website yet...)

I can host a map.

Since this is my very first rpg, if I am making a total ass of myself, someone TELL ME. You can point and laugh first, of course.

[Zuul]

Julie, let me assure you that making an ass out of yourself is a prerequisite for roleplaying.

[Julie]

Then it's my dream game!

[glee]

I intend to send out a couple of simple maps via e-mail to the players soon.
(If any of you feel like it, you're welcome to host them and post a link for spectators. I haven't got a website yet...)

I can host a map.

Since this is my very first rpg, if I am making a total ass of myself, someone TELL ME. You can point and laugh first, of course.

1. Thanks for offering to host. The maps are only 1 side of A4.

2. You are very welcome to ask me questions in this thread, PM me or even ask another character what to do in the game thread. It's not a 'test of how well you know the rules', it's a ... shared experience. 8-)

3. I've had players do all these things (and they were all fun!):

- open a cheese shop
- provide canal boat holidays
- set up an arena for Gladiatorial combat
- try to become a hermit
- try to become a God
- get arrested for vandalism + burglary + kidnapping + fraud + resisting arrest :evil: (this was their first roleplaying session! :shock: )

[glee]

Here are the players (plus languages they speak)

What Exit? ... Galen ... Human Archer ... (Common)
Julie ... Finn ... Human Druid ... (Common, Crow)
Caerie ... 'Nock' ... Gnome Illusionist ... (Common, Gnome, Dwarf, Hobbit and Orc)
Sister Coyote ... Marion ... Female Human Fighter ... (Common, Lizardman)
Malacandra ... Mr Chang ... Human Wizard ... (Oriental, Common and Elf)
NAF1138 ... Kent ... Gnome Scout (Illusionist) ... (Common, Gnome, Dwarf, Hobbit and Orc)

[glee]

The following are on the reserve list:

RoOsh
pedescribe
OutOfMyHead
Kat
EddyTeddyFreddy

I'd like to show my appreciation to them all by saying:

1. You are welcome to describe a character to me (either historical, fictional or your own idea) and I'll generate a sample game character so you can see how the system works. I can't promise you'll get in, but signs of enthusiasm are most welcome (since lack of participation is the ultimate game-killer :evil: ).
2. If you know about Middle Earth or 1st Edition roleplaying*, then What Exit? is starting a roleplaying game here.

*most people are too young to remember this ops:

[Kat]

1. You are welcome to describe a character to me (either historical, fictional or your own idea) and I'll generate a sample game character so you can see how the system works. I can't promise you'll get in, but signs of enthusiasm are most welcome (since lack of participation is the ultimate game-killer :evil: ).

Have you ever watched the Highlander TV series? If so, I'd love to see a character based on Amanda or Methos. If not, how about Inara or Kaylee from Firefly?

2. If you know about Middle Earth or 1st Edition roleplaying*, then What Exit? is starting a roleplaying game here.

What I know about those you could fit into a thimble with room left over. *sighs*

[RoOsh]

Alright. I got one for you to work around:
"Joliet Jake' Blues from the Blues Brothers. (Belushi's character not Dan's)


Only catch: He CANNOT be a Bard. Whatcha got?

[RoOsh]

What I know about those you could fit into a thimble with room left over. *sighs*

Hey that's about what I know, you should still join in if you wanna try!

[sistercoyote]

Alright. I got one for you to work around:
"Joliet Jake' Blues from the Blues Brothers. (Belushi's character not Dan's)


Only catch: He CANNOT be a Bard. Whatcha got?

I'm not glee, but Joliet Jake is clearly a rogue, with a fairly high charisma and the fast-talk skill.

And a metric butt-ton of Luck.

[Kat]

What I know about those you could fit into a thimble with room left over. *sighs*

Hey that's about what I know, you should still join in if you wanna try!

Eek. I tried reading the setup thread and it made my head hurt. Maybe I'll try again after I recover my brain from wherever it got sucked out to during the hypothyroidism period.

[glee]

OK, I've done a simple map of Freeport and surrounding areas and have sent it to Julie, who kindly offered to host it.

This isn't intended as an adventure where you need a lot of such information, but if you would like further maps, post here and I'll do some!

[Julie]

The map is here.

[glee]

The map is here.

Many thanks!

[glee]

1. You are welcome to describe a character to me (either historical, fictional or your own idea) and I'll generate a sample game character so you can see how the system works. I can't promise you'll get in, but signs of enthusiasm are most welcome (since lack of participation is the ultimate game-killer :evil: ).

Have you ever watched the Highlander TV series? If so, I'd love to see a character based on Amanda or Methos. If not, how about Inara or Kaylee from Firefly?

Ah, the Highlander TV series - I believe there can only be one!

OK, from what I gather (and using my heavily simplified game system), she would be:

Name: Amanda
Race + Gender: Female Human
Class: Scout
Morals: Neutral

Characteristics:

Style (i.e. not Toughness or Knowledge)

Skills:

Acrobat
Riding
Searching
Diplomacy
Negotiation
Etiquette
Forgery

[glee]

Alright. I got one for you to work around:
"Joliet Jake' Blues from the Blues Brothers. (Belushi's character not Dan's)

Only catch: He CANNOT be a Bard. Whatcha got?

We don't need no stinking Bardies!

As SisterCoyote wisely observed, he would be:

Name: Joliet Jake
Race + Gender: Male Human
Class: Scout
Morals: none :shock: (OK, Neutral!)

Characteristics : All Style (no substance)

Skills :

Musician
Combat, missile
Weapon Display
Ambush
Diplomacy
Negotiation
Etiquette (none, knows how not to behave in every situation!)
Religion (He's on a mission from God!)
Local Knowledge
Forgery

[sistercoyote]

Rocks fall, Everybody dies? I'm not going to that island...

[glee]

Rocks fall, Everybody dies? I'm not going to that island...

There is indeed a reason behind the name (WARNING ...plot element!), but you'll find out about it when the time is right

[glee]

OK, in a burst of enthusiasm I've done an outline map of the buildings in Freeport and have sent it to Julie, our official host. 8-)

[Julie]

The Freeport buildings map is here.

Is anyone else getting the two threads confused? The titles are so close.