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Post by mike on Dec 12, 2008 14:39:26 GMT
Well of course it's fantasy
Wotcha expect - this is Dungeons and Dragons - pretty much gives the game away
Historical just doesn't get a look in
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Post by joeoe18 on Dec 12, 2008 17:32:35 GMT
Just finished up my character, and thought, rather than listing all the salient details I'd just post up an image of my character sheet. Not filled in any of the background info yet, I'll try and think up some stuff up over the weekend and post here before Monday.
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Post by chris on Dec 12, 2008 23:26:45 GMT
Hi All Mike - Good stuff - yes a dwarf cleric with a big axe will do very nicely Joe - looks good to me especially the feats good choices all! - but I hope you mean ready for sunday rather than monday! All the best, Chris
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Post by chris on Dec 13, 2008 11:59:24 GMT
Hi All
Background is as follows. Forgive the slight cheesiness - I'm new at this still!:
“The rest of you can leave us” the young noble commanded as he signals for the servants to leave the hall of his ancestors. He gets up from the smaller throne on the dais and begins to pace as he talks, occasionally pausing to look directly at you all. Stress and strain are apparent in every syllable and every gesture.
“Let me speak plainly. My people are in grave peril. My father was struck down with a mysterious illness a day ago and our healers can do nothing for him. The succession is not clear thanks to the efforts of my uncle Castor to undermine me and all the while the Orcs of the Green Eye, our ancient enemy grow stronger and bolder. We cannot afford a struggle for power.”
“Once long ago, we were not the pitiful township you see before us. Around 300 years ago my ancestors ruled a large empire to the south until the dark days came and we were forced, for reasons now lost to us, to move northwards here where the remnants of my family established this town. Legend has it that we built stone castles that stretched to the sky, forged mighty weapons the like of those I see you carry and wielded great magics.”
He has wandered to an old faded tapestry that shows a tall magnificent castle. He sighs and turns back to you.
“A week ago, Marrak, one of our own thought lost to us, returned from his wanderings to the south. He had been driven mad; by what we cannot tell but he carried this piece of ancient tapestry in his hands. He would only say the words ”it is there” again and again.”
He reverentially shows you a faded ripped and filthy piece of tapestry which shows part of a magnificent chalice. The chalice is the same as that on the banner hanging over the main throne. It appears to be carved from jade and central amongst the intricate carvings around the rim is the symbol the noble bears on a clasp.
“This is the legendary jade chalice of my family. The stories tell of it bringing unity to my people. It must be found! I was ready to set out myself until my father became ill and I dare not leave now. If I present it to the people, my succession will be assured” “Help me unite my people! Find the Chalice and return it to me and I will reward you handsomely!”
A scout bursts in through the wooden doors of the hall and drops to his knees exhausted. The young noble begins to speak in anger but the scout interrupts:
“My lord, a band of orcs were seen crossing the great river to the south not three hours ago. They had Marrak with them shackled and bound!”
The noble turns to you pleadingly “If you are to help me you must hurry! If they destroy the chalice all hope is lost!”
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Post by Legionnaire on Dec 13, 2008 15:29:00 GMT
Great stuff Chris! If it wouldn't be for the fact that I'm not too keen on Sword & Sorcery-stuff and having other engagements, I'd definately be tempted to participate. Looks like you've sussed out your "style" of GMing, despite your professed novice rank . I can only say that I was not even remotely as well organised as you when I started GMing (first time: summer of '85...). Soon enough you'll know how you'd like to run your games, but if you're looking for some "help", this is how I like to do it: 1. If you're not sure about Rule X, make it up instead of spending 20 min. to find that elusive rule. It only stops play and progress. You can always rectify it later. 2. Don't be afraid when people do something unexpected, they're players after all... I personally have very loose notes when I run a game, so I can easily improvise when need be. 3. I tend to assess a task from this point: If the task is simple enough and the character skilled enough, don't bother to roll. It's nice when the player have put their hard-earned points into a skill and can occassionally "shine" by doing things without having the misfortune of a bad roll. 4. Above all, HAVE FUN! 5. And don't forget, as GM you're the MAN! The Swede.
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Post by joeoe18 on Dec 14, 2008 22:28:46 GMT
Very much enjoyed today's Dungeon-ing, along with a smattering of Dragon-ing. Thanks to Chris for organising it all, looking forward to doing the other half on Jan. 5th.
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Post by John on Dec 16, 2008 17:31:09 GMT
May I also congratulate Chris on running a very enjoyable evenings D&D, bring on the 5th Jan
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Post by chris on Jan 1, 2009 11:23:36 GMT
Hello all
Glad people enjoyed it - the plan is still to finish this off on the 5th so let me know if there are any issues.
I'll post a reminder of where we are soon and what you've just seen.
Happy new year!
Chris
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Post by joeoe18 on Jan 3, 2009 12:14:31 GMT
Jan 5th is still good for me! Looking forward to it
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Post by chris on Jan 4, 2009 23:11:47 GMT
Ok so I'm looking forward to finishing this off tomorrow. Here's the current situation cheesily portrayed in my cheddary prose:
You were settling down for the night in a room which is a near exact replica of the throne room of the young noble who sent you on your current adventure. The big differences are that it is made of stone (as opposed to wood) and that there is a third throne in this room rather than just two.
On one wall partially ripped by what looks like a large claw was a large tapestry which was, until the wizard slowly and carefully cleaned it, extremely dirty, dusty and covered in mould.
Now it shows a beautiful and complex scene showing a race of orcs on the left fighting a race of humans on the right. The symbols you now know quite well are there representing each side. In the foreground, however, the fighting has ceased, instead separate crowds from each side are depicted cheering their respective champion. The two champions dressed in jade armour are fighting in an arena space. Written in an old dialect of common underneath the fight are the words, "honourable combat not meaningless death"
Above the heads of the combatants, there is a patch of tapestry missing which looks like it could be filled by the piece of tapestry showing the jade chalice which you have previously seen.
You had also discovered an iron chest containing a reasonable amount of coinage and 2 magic belts.
One of you had also spotted a secret door leading from the stage area. The other exits are the stairs back the way you came and another door.
See you all tomorrow - if anyone has access to a printer to print this out and bring it with them - I'd be grateful.
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Post by chris on Jan 4, 2009 23:12:36 GMT
oh and wasn't there mention of a dragon? ;D
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Post by chris on Jan 5, 2009 23:58:00 GMT
Well thank you all for playing and giving me some good practice as dm. Very enjoyable. So for me the question is what are you going to do with the Jade chalice? Di has suggested taking it back to the noble anyway even though he may not like the truth and using the orb to take some images of the throne room and tapestry. She doesn't think this will help him secure his throne because of the green eye engraved on the side but there may be other things the party can do to help him (should you want to!) Feel free to discuss or not - many thanks and any comments or feedback gratefully received (good or "constructive"... )
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Post by John on Jan 6, 2009 23:19:24 GMT
Well we got plenty of other goodies on our quest, so I think it is only fair that we take it back to him. The whole honourable combat idea could only work in favour of the Humans given the currently poor state they are in fighting the Orcs.
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Post by joeoe18 on Jan 7, 2009 8:43:52 GMT
There only seems to be a monetary gain from us keeping it, and, like John says, we've got plenty of other stuff. I'd suggest that we take it back - but perhaps don't explain fully about the champion thing until we've been paid
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