I recommend to read this section in full before asking to join the game. One of the most important determinants in whether you enjoy an rpg is whether you like the GM's style, and that's what I'm trying to get across here.
The game is 5th edition DnD; but set in my own world. In fine fantasy roleplay tradition this world liberally copies standard fantasy tropes and various works of fiction, but many of the things in the rulebooks will not exist, and my versions of beasties may not function in the same way as the standard DnD version. If you're likely to get annoyed because my dragons have different abilities and scores than the ones in the Monster Manual, this is not the game for you.
This also means that certain playable races don't exist and that certain class and race combinations won't work. There are no half-elves or half-orcs, for example.
Newbies welcome!
You don't need to know any rules to play. It's the DM's job to know the rules - the player's job is to play. If you don't have access to rulebooks, I will help you with the character creation. If you're not familiar with any rules, I'll let you know what you need to know in order to use your abilities and skills effectively.
Mechanics
I will 'hide' a lot of the game mechanics from you. What I mean by this is that I won't tell you whether rolls succeed or fail - I'll just describe what happens. You won't be told if the monster takes double damage from fire - you'll have to infer that from its reactions.
The only time I'll describe things directly in terms of game mechanics is in telling you how many hit points you gain or lose, when something changes an ability score, when you gain a new proficiency, etc. - basically anything you would need to record on your character sheet. I'll only share this information with you individually; but you can of course share your scores and hit points with each other in the OOC chat if you want to.
For the sake of speed in the online format, I'll make some of your dice rolls for you. Whenever you perform an action that you would expect to require an ability check, go ahead and make the roll and share it in your post. If I disagree on the appropriate ability or modifiers that would apply, I'll just use your base roll and adjust accordingly. If your action requires a roll and you don't do it yourself, I'll do it for you in the interest of time. Really important rolls, like your saving throw against being atomised by the evil wizard's magic blast, I will of course wait for you to roll yourself.
House Rules
When it comes to rpgs, I consider the rulebooks to be suggestions and adjust things as I see fit. The house rules which will be the most noticeable to you as a player are probably these:
- Healing takes longer. In standard DnD rules you can be beaten to within an inch of your life; cut and bleeding, ribs broken, clinging on the edge of death's door. All it takes is a good night's rest though, and you're fully recuperated and as healthy as you've ever been. In my world non-magical healing usually takes longer than that. You don't necessarily regain all hit points with a long rest. Instead, roll a number of hit dice equal to your hit dice maximum + the number of hit dice you have remaining - this is the number of hit points you regain (up to your maximum). This does not expend any hit dice and you regain the normal amount.
- Staring at a magical item doesn't tell you what it does. Figuring that out requires a spell, a successful skill roll (with DC depending on your character's background), finding someone who knows what it does and is willing to tell you, or simple trial and error.
- Stuff is heavy. The standard rules for 5e suggest that the average person can comfortably carry 150 lbs in weight, whilst doing vigorous exercise, with no inconvenience. I am more prepared to accept the existence of elves and magic than this absurdity. I use the optional encumbrance rules; and protracted periods of trekking through the wilderness carrying heavy weights will lead to exhaustion. If you must bring the kitchen sink on a quest with you, buy a donkey.
You can die!
I do not set out to kill my players - I aim to make the enemies beatable. At the same time, though, I don't see the fun in a game without risk. Bad decisions or bad luck can lead to character death; and once you're dead you should expect to stay that way.
I will always give dead players the option to rejoin the party with a new character (one level lower than the dead one). What type of character would be suitable and how to get them in the game will of course depend on where we are in the story.
Posting frequency
I expect players to try and make a post at least once every other day where appropriate. Obviously there are exceptions - no post is needed if you're asleep or unconscious!
At the end of the day it's just a game, and I understand if you're not available for a while. I also have vacations and will let you know in advance when a break is coming. I just ask you to do the same if you know you will not be able to post for a while. We can figure out the most appropriate way of handling this depending on the circumstances. If your vacation lands right in the middle of a life and death struggle I may ask you to let another player temporarily run your character.
Inspiration
If you make life harder on yourself in order to stay in character, I will try to compensate with inspiration dice.
The Golden Rules
Always remember the two most important rules:
- Be nice to each other - you can behave however you like towards other characters; but be nice to other players. If you have a disagreement handle it respectfully. If you act like a dick I'll kick you out of the game.
- The DM is always right - if you disagree with a decision please feel free to let me know why. If you have a good point you may convince me to change my mind. If you whine like a child your argument will be summarily dismissed. I am the final arbiter of the rules and of what is and is not possible in my world.
If this all sounds like something you'd enjoy - then pop over here for info on the game setting, or here for guidelines on requesting to join.
