Mourn's RP: Take Two (New game)

[mourn_of_blades]

The Rules:

• Be literate. Use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Avoid using run-on sentences, use quotation marks to denote speech, and so on. Common sense stuff.
  If your character uses a peculiar accent or mispronounces words, or has any other notable speaking habits, feel free to do whatever you need to to get the idea across (I still expect proper punctuation).
  
  
• Try to avoid using anachronisms and modern-day slang in your character's speech. Such things in the descriptive text are fine.
  
  
• Avoid posting one-liners whenever possible.
  
  
• Make your text easily visible. Use a reasonable type size, and don't use colors that will fry everyone's eyes.
  
  
• Post often. Be attentive, keep to the posting order, and post when your turn comes. Try to make at least one post per week. If you haven't posted within 7 days of your turn, you will be skipped –your character will likely appear braindead until you return, though in some cases, I may take temporary control, or you may be left behind or written out for a time. If a level is granted during the time in which you are not present, you will likely not be allowed to level up at that time.
  If you don’t post for a full month, you will be written out. (Depending on the number of players at any given point, I may or may not enforce this. If you want to play, don’t take chances, and just post when your turn comes.)
  If for whatever reason, you aren’t able to get online, or something comes up that prevents you from posting, let me know. Beforehand, if possible. If a legitimate excuse is presented, I will withhold any penalties (though your turn will likely still be skipped over).
  
  
• Check-in Post:
  I understand that, at times, you simply may not have anything to add, or may be awaiting a response from another player. To prevent any penalties from befalling you in such cases, I will be asking each of you to make a “check-in post” in this thread once the game starts (Please don’t make it until then, in the interest of keeping them all together). This post will act as an attendance sheet. If, for whatever reason, you have nothing to post when your deadline arrives, add the current date to the bottom of the post, along with a short explanation for doing so, and you will not be penalized for having not posted.
  Once you’ve checked in, a PM telling me you’ve done so would also be appreciated, though isn’t strictly required.
  If there is nothing keeping you from posting, and you simply haven’t gotten to it yet, you are not to check-in. This is exactly what I’m hoping to avoid with the check-in post. If you want to play, then post in a timely manner; that’s all there is to it.
  ((I realize the inclusion of check-in posts may seem tedious or demeaning, but it will keep me informed to the fact that you haven’t lost interest, and are all keeping up with the roleplay. I’ve had trouble with this in Apotheosis, and am hoping this will avoid those problems in the new game.))
  
  
• Try to keep some semblance of a posting order. Outside of combat, it need not be rigidly maintained, just post when appropriate, and allow everyone a chance to act/react in turn.
  If a conversation comes up that doesn’t include the entire party, those involved may ignore the previous order to carry out the conversation until it reaches its conclusion, at which point they will resume their normal place.
  If those involved in such a conversation can have in via IM, please do so and transcribe it to the roleplay thread. (In the case of private interactions or any that may be unsuitable for posting, transcribe it and send it to me via either PM, IM, or email. DM needs to know everything that goes on.) Either way, try not to take too long with it.
  
  
• If you want your character to take an action to which any skill applies (for example, keeping one's expression composed or emotions hidden), make a skill check. Failure to roll a skill check where appropriate will result in the failure of the attempted action.
  
  
• Wealth:
  As in Josh’s game, you will have a set value of the items that you should have at each level. At each level, you're allowed to reevaluate what you have and swap out old equipment for new equipment. You don't need to worry about buying and selling. As long as you can obtain an item in the city that you're in, it's yours. You had enough for it and usually I'll help you decide where it came from.
  Note that expendable items, such as staves or wands, will be subtracted from your level-by-level resources. However, smaller things like a potion or two here or there, normal arrows, a stay at an inn, purchasing a meal, and other such probably won’t adversely affect your wealth.
  
  
• Magic Items:
  Anyone that plays D&D with proper observation of the rules can tell you this... Enchanting weapons and armor is a pain in the a**. It takes weeks at a time, sometimes and it really is just a huge, ungodly pain in the a**. Or you could always hock all of your things and buy new ones, which is troublesome if your character is emotionally attached to an object. We aren't going through that here.
  If you have a Cloak of Charisma (+2) or a +1 dagger that you've given a name too, you don't have to go to the shops. Just subtract the difference in wealth from your sheet (as though you had bought it) and change its stats. If you want story justification for the hows and whys, you can just say that it grew with you to have the powers of a magic weapon.
  This is an option, not an obligation. If you want to gradually change to give you a more epic look as you grow in power, or you want your character to have the shopping experience for plot or conversational purposes, that's fine too.
  
  
• Languages:
  The limited number of languages presented by 3rd edition D&D makes no sense to me, as every distinct culture around the world has at least one language of its own. Thus, every species or subspecies of intelligent, language-capable creature (whether monster or humanoid race) with a distinct society or culture will have their own language (in some cases, multiple). These languages will have roots in those listed under their entry in the Monster Manual (or other book they appear in), thus knowledge of the root language will allow basic communication with the creature in question, though more complex ideas and exact nuances may not translate as expected.
  Humans of differing regions will speak different languages as well. Using the setting of the Apotheosis roleplay as an example, humans of the kingdom of Midgarde would speak Midgarte; while each of the barbarian tribes of the region called Narambor would have a language of their own, as well as a language common to all tribes called Naram, and so on.
  The average intelligent creature or NPC you'll be speaking with will generally be of average intelligence, which will likely mean s/he'll be limited in the languages spoken. Generally, individuals with only a single language known will speak that most common to the region. The Common (or trade) tongue is mostly used by travelers and merchants, and not every individual you speak with will know it. It will not be an automatic language known.
  Your automatic language(s) will be determined by your parents and the region of your childhood. Whatever the communal language wherever your character grew up, s/he speaks as well. Additionally, if your character's parents have a background different from that of the area, you may have that language as well. (For instance, the automatic languages of a child of Alunín elven ambassadors living in Kalthas would be Midgarte and Elven [Ar'Tel'Quess]). Any languages beyond this can be learned as usual.
  Avoid languages your character has no business knowing. If your character has an extraplanar or similarly obscure language, s/he'd better have had more than passing contact with creatures who speak the language, or a similarly good reason to take the time and effort to learn such a language, to account for it.
  
  COMBAT:
  
• Battles will be turn-based. Stay in posting order, and do not skip anybody unless permission is given. You will be asked to delete your post if it appears out of turn.
  
• The posting order during combat will be determined by an initiative roll on the 20-sided die. The player with the highest result will take their turn first, followed by the second highest roller, and so on.
  
• Post often during battles, otherwise a single minute of in-game combat could take weeks. During such times I'll allow three-day unexcused absences, after that we'll skip your turn and move on.
  
• If, by the end of the round (or one cycle/pass of the posting order, for anyone not familiar with what is meant by round) anyone has failed to make an attack roll, roll for damage, or whatever else, you will lose the privilege of making that roll for yourself.
  In other words, once the last person in the order has made their post, you have a maximum of three days (during combat; seven otherwise) to make any necessary die rolls. If you fail to do so in that time, I will make the roll for you, or one may not be made at all.
  Be certain that your character sheets and profiles are always updated and accurate.
  
• We will be using Gaia's die rolling system in combat.
  
• You should not speak in absolutes, because as you write your post, you will not know whether or not you will be successful until your post is submitted.
  When making an attack towards another character or creature (anything that is not played by you), use terms like “attempts to” or “aims for”. For example, "Del leaps with her kukris out and lands on the back of the dragon, plunging the blades in." should be avoided, while changing it to "Del leaps into the air with her kukris out in an attempt to land on the dragon's back; if she is successful, she would stab her blades downward, seeking flesh." or something of the like would be acceptable.
  
• Do not post a die roll and edit your post. When your post goes through, we'll add the die roll to your attack bonus and compare that against the opponent's armor class to determine whether you hit.
  Failed actions will be the only exception to this rule. In the case of such an instance, you may edit any new information you'd like into the bottom of the post, after an "EDIT:" However, you may not alter anything you've already posted.
  If your action is successful, you may make a new post to include the result and corresponding die rolls, along with an explanation of the roll in parenthesis. Once posted, you may then edit in the details.
  
• Be sure to note, preferably in parenthesis at the end of your post, if you are using any feat or specific ability the rest of us might not understand otherwise. For example if using Power Attack, note that you are doing so, and how many points of attack you're trading for damage.
  
• There almost certainly will be times when a player may need to roll multiple dice of different sizes during a single turn. When such a time comes, use the largest size of the dice needed, and simply discount any score that could not result on a smaller sized die. It may be necessary to add a few extra dice, in case your result doesn't fit into the necessary parameters. At the end of your post, note in parenthesis what you're rolling for. In the case of multiple rolls, the first score will be applied to the first check you have listed, and so on down the line. When a roll is made on a die of larger size, note what the original size should be.
  For example, when Furian makes an attack to be augmented by his Heroic Destiny feat (adds 1d6 to the result of a single attack roll), his player will need to roll two d20s (as attacking requires a d20, which is larger than the d6); one for his attack roll, and one in place of the additional 1d6. As a result of 1-6 isn't overly probable on a die of this size, he may choose to add more dice to increase the chance of a useful score.
  He notes (attack, heroic destiny (+1d6)) at the end of his post and rolls five dice, scoring a 9, 7, 2, 18, and 13. He takes the nine as the result of his attack, but seven is too high for Heroic Destiny's 1d6, so he ignores it. The next number, two, is well within the feat's parameters, so he takes that score. The additional eighteen and thirteen have no use, and are discarded.
  If on a higher roll, you do not receive a score within the necessary range, roll a die of the correct size in the Misc thread and edit your post here, stating the useful result at the bottom of your post.
  
• On attempted actions that require d20 die rolls, (all but skill checks) a roll result of 20 is an automatic success; and results of 1 are automatic failures.
  When applied to attacks, another roll must be made (preferably in the Misc thread). This roll is for an added effect.
  If the second roll after a result of 20 would have resulted in a success, it becomes a critical hit, and twice (or more, depending on your weapon) the normal amount of damage is dealt. If it would have failed, your attack still hits as normal. If that second roll is another 20, a third roll is required. If the third roll would have missed your opponent, the result remains a critical hit and you may then roll for damage. However, if it bypasses the opponent's armor class, that opponent may instantly die. Note that instant death in this form will not apply to plot-relevant opponents.
  If the second roll that follows the result of 1 would have been a success, your attack merely misses. If it would have failed, you either drop your weapon, or fall over; your choice. If a second 1 is rolled, you instead strike (and damage) yourself.
  
• Here, detail is even more important than it is out of combat. Be mindful of the position of enemies and allies. Make sure an enemy you move to strike is actually in range, and that you're not attempting to attack an area an ally occupies (unless you mean to strike your ally, for whatever reason). Try to treat wounds realistically; for example, if you take an arrow to the shoulder you won't be able to apply your full strength to attacks, if a blade slices into your leg your mobility may be limited, the depth a wound you may cause you to bleed out (depending on where you're hit), even if you aren't knocked unconscious. And so on and so forth.
  To this end, I've come across a variant system for taking wounds that I think I like, so we'll give it a try. Depending on how it goes, it may be removed, later on.
  
• Keep environmental factors in mind as well. The surface your character stands on, the slope, lighting conditions and the like often plays an important role in the outcome of combat.
  
• Be sure to describe exactly what you're attempting to do to the best of your ability.
  
• The "Beat by the Monkeys" Rule:
  No matter how badass your character eventually becomes, facing off against a horde of (comparatively) pathetic creatures can still be disastrous.
  By standard D&D rules, a character above level 5 doesn't have much to fear from a group of goblins; a higher level character even less so. Any such character, if decently built, should usually be hit only with a high roll by the goblins, if not limited to a natural 20. But if a real person were to be surrounded by 100 goblins, no matter how high his armor class or other relevant abilities, he cannot avoid being impaled by 20+ spears. Of course, some will glance off the character's armor, some will miss by the goblins' lack of skill, some could be parried or sundered, and some of the creatures might be intimidated into fleeing or making inept attacks; but that accounts for the minority of the incoming attacks. Dodging some strikes will line you up for others, and even the best suit of armor has its weak points. It's just a situation that won't end well for you.
  The only three ways I can see that such a situation could be turned around are 1) if you have a magical means of travel capable of extracting you from the entire area (and won't provoke attacks of opportunity from every creature within reach); 2) an attack capable of slaying outright every creature close enough to attack you; or 3) having such high natural armor that no strike can pierce your skin, high enough deflection bonus to AC that you cannot be touched, or damage reduction that cannot be overcome.
  I haven't decided yet how to rule this. Check back if it becomes relevant.
  
• As a variant to falling unconscious at negative hit points, characters may remain conscious if the player wishes. However, your character would still be disabled and collapses, and bleeds out until you stabilize. While in such a state, you may remain aware of surroundings within 10-15 foot cone of the direction you're facing upon your collapse, but even turning your head is strenuous and takes a full round to accomplish. You may weakly speak, though at lower volume than normal. Attempts to stand result in collapsing again before even rising to your knees, and attempts to crawl fail to move you from the 5 foot square in which you collapsed. You may not attack while disabled. Attempting to grab at another creature's ankle may succeed, but your grasp will be broken with no effort on the other creature's part. The only skill checks you may attempt while disabled are bluff, concentration, listen, search, sense motive, and spot, though you take a penalty to any attempt equal to the number of negative hit points you have. If you can come up with any reason why another skill should remain usable at such a time, run the thought by me. If it makes sense, I may allow it.
  Be warned, attempting any action mentioned above (the skill checks being the only exceptions) will cause you to bleed out 1 hp, and your wounds to reopen if you have already stabilized.
  
• P.V.P.:
  In the case of player-versus-player combat, those involved settle things between yourselves, using the normal combat rules. If you can play out the battle via IM, do so and one or the other of you write it out and post it. That way the rest of us won't have to wait too long.
  Try to avoid killing off the other players, when possible. If you can find a way for your character to get over the situation while keeping all parties involved alive, do so. If avoidance is not possible, abide the combat rules, and be fair. Attempting to come whining to me after the fact is not acceptable behavior. Losers, be gracious in your defeat, and arrangements may be made for your continued involvement in the roleplay (whether by letting you draft up a new character, handing over control of an NPC, or allowing your character a means to come back), assuming you wish to stay.
  
  
• Characters will level as we go, just as in D&D. If I feel you deserve a little something extra, I may grant a small reward. Don't expect it to be a common occurrence though.
  
  
• New classes and abilities don't just appear overnight. I would like to see your characters occasionally working to develop more advanced class abilities in their off-time.
  If at any point you decide to multiclass or pick up a prestige class, I will stipulate that you meet a character of the intended class (either a PC or NPC) and receive lessons from them. I won't make you take years to study, but such lessons should come up multiple times over the course of the level prior to taking the class.
  
  
• God-modding and metagaming are not allowed. If anything happens that you feel shouldn't have, come to me and you will have a chance to argue your case. But in the end, my decision will be final.
  
  
• Be mindful of character knowledge. Don’t use information that you yourself know but your character has no business possessing. Your character’s knowledge will be based on things they have experienced or come to learn through interacting with others from the time the roleplay begins and onward; previous knowledge will be determined by skill checks.
  
  
• New players will always be welcome, provided they keep to the rules. For those who join after the roleplay has already begun, ask before posting your character sheet or joining the roleplay, and wait to be written into the story. Do not just randomly post.
  
  
• Abide by the TOS.
  
  
• Have fun, but see to it that you don't prevent others from doing the same, and don't be obnoxious.

These rules are subject to additions and revisions. Any changes to the rules will be given a new, separate post, as well as being added here. Such additions in this post will be denoted in red text until one month passes from the time it is announced.  

[mourn_of_blades]

Character Profile:
Character Profiles are to keep to the following format:

• Name:
  
• Gender:
  
• Race: As varied as the races of D&D are, they make an easy dividing line for xenophobic types. A look at relatively recent history will show you how divisive humans are among their own; with wider gulfs present in D&D, racist ideals will be present in many NPCs, even between members of the common races. If you want to play more exotic races, be prepared to deal with such ignorance.
  
• Class: Any basic class from the core rulebooks will be acceptable. I will tentatively allow classes from the Pathfinder setting as well, but reserve the right to reject certain ones (speak to me about it, or include it in your pitch, and I'll let you know whether it's approved or not). Do try to keep to a western (or psudo-European) theme, or be prepared to provide a good reason for a character fitting different themes to be away of better-fitting regions.
  
• Age:
  
• Height:
  
• Weight:
  
• Alignment: I would prefer nonevil characters for this game. For morally neutral characters, avoid evil leans. Any other alignment will be acceptable.
  
• Description: Give a physical description of your character. It can be as brief or exacting as you'd like, as long as the rest of us get an idea of what your character looks like. Feel free to add a picture or a tektek if you'd like, but try to avoid page-stretching.
  
• Personality: Give us some idea of what your character is like, their mannerisms, behavior, and so on. You can be as detailed or not as you like, but don't write a novel.
  
• Goals: This can be a goal your character has set out to accomplish, or a statement of a particular direction you'd like to take the character. If it's something you'd rather not publicly announce, PM me the details. I realize this isn't always something that's present, for either the character or the player, but if you have any, mention them here.
  
• Background: This is your character's backstory: an account of their life up to the beginning of this roleplay. It need not be a comprehensive biography of their entire life up to this point, but be sure to tell us about important events, whether they be life-changing, contributory to their development or beliefs, and so on.
  
• Friends/Contacts/Allies: Every character has somebody that they know, no matter how close they may be. Make a note of anyone relevant to your character, and the nature of their relationship. How many is up to you. You only need provide a brief look at these people here, for quick reference. More details should be noted in your backstory than here.
  
• Enemies: Not a requirement, but if your character has any, post them here. Entries need only be of similar length as for your contacts. Again, this section is just for quick reference.
  
• Languages: List the languages your character speaks. (Don't worry about this one until you post a character sheet.)
  
• Character Sheet: Post a link to your character sheet. Save this for last though, I'd rather see the other fields filled in first.

Don't worry about your character sheet until you have your profile up. When you're ready to post the stats and mechanics of your character, follow this link, create an account (it's free to use), and post all the necessary information there. Be sure to post a link to the complete character sheet when you're finished.

If you need some inspiration, or an example of what I might be looking for, you can see the post for my character Icanthas here. Keep in mind, I don't expect you to be nearly as comprehensive in your profile as I was on her. Just make sure you get down what's asked of you.

Note:
Level: I haven't decided what level we'll be starting at, so if you choose a race with a level adjustment, make certain it's something you'll be willing to play from level 1, in case I decide to start us out there.

[list][*][b]Name:[/b]
[*][b]Gender:[/b]
[*][b]Race:[/b]
[*][b]Class:[/b]
[*][b]Age:[/b]
[*][b]Height:[/b]
[*][b]Weight:[/b]
[*][b]Alignment:[/b]
[*][b]Description:[/b]
[*][b]Personality:[/b]
[*][b]Beliefs:[/b]
[*][b]Goals:[/b]
[*][b]Background:[/b]
[*][b]Friends/Contacts/Allies:[/b]
[*][b]Enemies:[/b]
[*][b]Languages:[/b]
[*][b]Character Sheet:[/b]
[/list]