Factions At War: The Resurrection (3.5 D&D)

[LuneMoonshadow]

The World

The island of Balryn (http://online-roleplaying.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6754) rests between the raging Tempest Sea and the calm Serenity Sea and is home to three nations all vying for power amongst themselves. In a land where diplomats are both peacekeepers and warmongers and strife is ever present, war is hardly an impossibility.


Renlock is the largest of the three nations, covering the southern tip of Balryn and home to a vast amount of people of all different races. With mountain ranges and vast forests, this land is full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Led by Lord Malchus with an iron hand but just heart, the armies of Renlock now wage war with the small kingdom of Kelt.

Kelt is the smallest of the three nations and was once ruled by a council of men with the intentions of the good of the people at heart. One fateful Spring day Renlock invaded, cutting across the Requiem River and entering Everith, claiming it as its own. In a short time the armies of Kelt had been defeated and the nation lay in Renlock’s hand and the King’s son was appointed its new ruler.

Tallus is in the middle of the nations in terms of size and is ruled by King who rests comfortably beyond the Northern mountain range of Kelt. The King has no heir to speak of so the throne of Tallus will open in the coming years. As a whole this nation is peaceful, but it knows one day it will have to fight for its right to survive.


Once Kelt fell into Prince Garrett’s hands, it was taxed to the bone to promote Renlock’s own businesses and increase revenue which made rebuilding the nation a difficult chore. People starve in the streets with not a penny to their name, waiting for death to claim them. The Prince, unsatisfied with the taxation laws placed upon it by Renlock, has now waged war with his father for the control of Kelt.



The Factions

The Royal Crown of Renlock: Led by Lord Malchus this faction has troops deployed and stand ready for war. From the Blackwolf tribe to the elite Antherian cavalry, the King intends on crushing his son’s defiance. Better armed and with superior numbers, the King has quite the advantage over Kelt.

The Principality: Prince Garrett’s hatred for his father's unfair taxation has driven this small country to war with its larger cousin. Drawing on every resource available the men of the Prince seek to end this war as quickly as possible, without heed to how this may be done. Ruthless on the battlefield, these men fight with a haughty reputation.

Warriors of Everith: Freedom fighters in every sense of the word, led by Grand Marshal Ruujek, once a high ranking officer in the Keltish army. He escaped capture when Kelt fell to Renlock and has now formed a band of former Keltish military men to fight the Prince and reclaim the country. With fewer armaments and less troops, this army fights a different battle.

Unification of the Commonwealth: Led by the Minister of Commerce this organization if a safe haven for workers and businesses wishing to remain out of the war that will no doubt tear nations apart. They remain neutral in all affairs and use their economical standing as leverage against the warring nations.



The Game

This game is massive in every aspect and is essentially four different games running simultaneously in the same world. Players may venture around the world solo or with others of their factions to cut supply lines or cause havoc in the capital cities. These players do anything it takes to shift the tide of war because a loss is certain death.

This game is both strategic and epic, with specialists attacking supply lines and starving enemy troops or heroes cutting down wave after wave of enemy troops that crash upon their shield. Clerics rush from wounded soldier to wounded soldier, giving them one last chance at life to claim honor for their country and wizards dispel enemy artillery while launching volleys of magical fire of their own.

War may not be beautiful, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun.



The Players

Players may join up with any faction they so desire and no limit will be placed upon the number of individuals in a given faction. You will have free reign over your character’s background with any number of choices for home city, profession, and mission. Characters will typically be of the rank Sergeant or Staff Sergeant, though accommodations can be made for certain individuals. Work as a front line fighter or as an unranked assassin – the choice is yours.

Characters will be created using 32 point buy and any standard race is allowed. This world is also low magic, meaning magic items will be restricted and so will magic casting classes. Every class that casts a spell will be counted as “high” or “low” for the purposes of multiclassing. If a class is a “high” caster, such as a mage or a cleric, then that character must have one non-spellcasting class for every spellcasting class level gained. This mean for every 4 levels of wizard, 4 levels of fighter, barbarian, or some other non-caster class must be taken. If a class is a “low” caster such as bard or paladin, then for every two levels of the caster one level of a non-caster class must be taken.

Because I am forcing characters to multiclass there are several changes this then brings about. All races will now count as having “any” as its favored class, just like a human would. Arcane Spell failure will now also increase the length of time to cast the spell instead of causing it to fail. All of this information and the rest that is needed is listed in the appropriate subforum for your faction, but feel free to ask any questions that you may have.



I am here to tell you how the world looks, not how you look at it. Players will take a front seat in this campaign, directly affecting the war and its progression. A single player will have an impact, that is certain, and the decisions you choose to make will place both your life and the lives of those you command on the line.

There is no central plot, there is no storyline to uncover. You are here to fight a war, and fight you must. Your battles, your deeds will become the plot, shaping the future with every swing of your sword. Yes, there will be events that occur outside of your control, things that affect your judgment. In the end, though, this is your story.



The Changes

For those of you who have played in the past campaign or have followed along, the nature of Factions has changed. It is no longer a mixture of a war game and a traditional campaign, but rather just an epic adventure set amongst the backdrop of war. Likewise, character power has been toned down a fair bit and a lot more information has been posted for your use which should make the game more organized as well as easier to play.

[LuneMoonshadow]

As of right now I'm looking for "I'm interested!" posts. I do not want to know what you plan on playing, but knowing which faction you'd be interested in would be good just so I can get a rough count for the distribution.

To read more about the setting head over to the forum and read the threads in the main area (there are 3 info threads). Reading those should explain just about everything.

After I have a good count of who will be playing we'll migrate over to the forum and get the specifics worked out. So until then, post here... not there.

[zachol]

I'm interested.

Definitely need to read more to get a better sense of things before picking a group, or otherwise saying anything besides "I'm interested."

[Scythe]

Syre, why not? :fun:

/Scythe

[Grognard]

Im interested.Pally-Kelt."Och aye the noo"

[Zodiac]

I love this idea and would definitely be in. I'd be looking at either full Rogue or Bard / Rogue type combo. Basically somebody that relies on their people skills and wits rather than just brawn.

I'll put together a better character concept tonight when I get home from work.

Would we be starting at level 1?

[Thanos]

I am interested, but mostly in playing a character almost the same as the one that I was playing and for the same faction.

[LuneMoonshadow]

No, starting level will be 6. Welcome aboard though.

Remember that I don't really care what class combo you'll be playing. You can tell me if you want, but I really want to know what faction (if you know, and if you don't then that is okay too).

5 people interested, so it's a good start.

Edit: Yay, welcome back Thanos. Make sure to read up on the new information threads, because things have changed from what it was originally. Glad to have you back.

[Grognard]

Can one raise troops to gain starting rank?

[LuneMoonshadow]

Can one raise troops to gain starting rank?

...What?

[Benicus]

I think he's asking if someone took Leadership (or got additional soldiers for their cause) do they get a higher rank within the military at the start (ie going from Corporal to Colonel.) I shall lurk.

[LuneMoonshadow]

Leadership is not available for PCs to take.

[Zodiac]

But what if part of my master plan is to raise an army of halfling rogues?? lol j/k


Right now I'm thinking a Rogue that is in the Commonwealth, but I'm not 100% set on that. I had a few fun ideas on how I could run her, so I'm trying to figure it out before I commit to it.

[Tashalar]

I'm considering this as I'm going to have more spare time come July. I'll have a closer look at the background concerning the factions and the history on the weekend and will be able to post 'faction preferences then'. I think I might even join a faction where players are needed - but I will have to take a longer glimpse first. ;)

Concerning "low-caster" classes like ranger or paladin - can we take the variants where they give up their casting powers for other powers?

One character I have in mind would be a druid / ranger - who obviously isn't incorporated directly into the military, but I have some ideas how that could work.

[Kahluah]

Hey there - have been lurking the boards again for a few weeks, lookin to get back into the whole roleplaying thing after having left the site for a while. Game concept looks interesting and looks like something I'd be interested in taking a crack at, if you're still lookin for players that is.

If you are, would a beguiler/swashbuckler member of the Unification work in the game at all?

[LuneMoonshadow]

Concerning "low-caster" classes like ranger or paladin - can we take the variants where they give up their casting powers for other powers?
Yup. If you take the no spellcasting variant you can progress normally in these classes.

If you are, would a beguiler/swashbuckler member of the Unification work in the game at all?
Basically any class combination can be made to work. Exactly how really depends, but we can discuss this more in a couple of days. Good to have you on board and I'm looking forward to hearing your ideas.


So, just as a general update for everyone. I'll be letting the recruitment thread stay open until the end of the week when I'll move everyone to the forum. So, your job is to now go into the forum and read all three info threads. Armed with that info you need to start thinking about what class you want to play and especially what faction you want to be in. You need to know your faction by Sunday.

I'm still adding another post to the "War Information" thread under the title 'Culmination of Aggression' so check back later and it'll be completed. If you read all the info prior to yesterday then some minor changes were made to the Prince's background and the War of Usurpation history so you'll need to glance over those again.

Glad to have you all on board with this and it'll be fun getting this baby off the ground. So go read (and ask questions if you have any)!

[Tashalar]

You need to know your faction by Sunday.
Oh, that sounds like a good date. :roll:

Yup. If you take the no spellcasting variant you can progress normally in these classes.
Awesome. A beastmaster/tracker/scout/archer... yeah. I'll get back to you later with some info Lune.

[Kahluah]

Basically any class combination can be made to work. Exactly how really depends, but we can discuss this more in a couple of days. Good to have you on board and I'm looking forward to hearing your ideas.

Excellent - now, would you consider the Beguiler to be a high or a low spellcaster, in this world?

[Tashalar]

It's Lune's call, but I guess that call will be:
High spellcaster.

Beguiler is on the same level as warmage and sorcerer. Duskblade would be another low spellcaster in my book.

[LuneMoonshadow]

Yes, high spellcaster for sure. They get level 9 spells.

[Zodiac]

What books are you allowing? I could certainly see some of the classes in Complete Arcane being fun.

I may actually go Rogue / Enchanter instead of just full rogue. Or possibly Illusionist now that I'm thinking of it.

Any other feats/abilities that aren't allowed aside from Leadership?

Specific feats I would like to inquire about are the Sudden Metamagic feats in the Complete Arcane. They basically let you apply metamagic bonuses to spells as you cast them as opposed to affecting their level when you prepare your daily spells (i.e. instead of having Sleep be a level 2 spell to make it Silent, you can take the Sudden Silent metamagic feat in the CA to keep it level 1, but only use the feat 3 times/day). I wouldn't be looking to abuse it, but specifically the feats that remove the components from spellcasting are what I'd be after, Empower and the other more powerful ones I don't plan on using.

Also regarding the high magic classes. Lets say I went Rogue 3 / Illusionist 3 at the start. Would I have to pickup a level of Rogue before getting my next level of Illusionist, or could I get my arcane level before getting my next rogue level?

[Leden]

I'm in, I would really like to just pick up where I left off on my Main character though if possible.

[LuneMoonshadow]

Several questions!

Allowed Books: Check out one of the "Character Creation Rules (http://online-roleplaying.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9362)" threads in any of the subforums. There isn't anything listed in there that is classified (yet) so you can look where ever you want.

No other feats or abilities have been banned, though if anyone is planning on taking Kensai (the class that enchants its own sword) I'll need to know immediately since I may have to change how that ability work to conform to the campaign's magic standards. The feats you inquired about are fine by me.

As for when you take a magic level, it doesn't matter. You can be unbalanced (class/level wise) for one level in your scenario. So if you take Ilusionist at 7, then you have to take a non-caster class at 8. It doesn't matter the order, but you just have to fulfill the requirements when possible. Make sense?

And for all you returning players, starting where you left off is perfectly fine. However, you will still need to remake your character because I have reduced the PC power level, meaning you have to drop 4 levels. Other than that, though, basically everything else about your character can remain the same. If you want your old sheet for reference, it is listed in the "Archive" forum and should be private, accessible only to you (and me... and itches.)

[Kahluah]

Yes, high spellcaster for sure. They get level 9 spells.

Cool cool - thought that'd be the case, but wanted to check for sure :) Could have made the character work either way, just needed to know what way it needed to be.

[Leden]

Several questions!

As

And for all you returning players, starting where you left off is perfectly fine. However, you will still need to remake your character because I have reduced the PC power level, meaning you have to drop 4 levels. Other than that, though, basically everything else about your character can remain the same. If you want your old sheet for reference, it is listed in the "Archive" forum and should be private, accessible only to you (and me... and itches.)


Lose 4 levels?! LOSE 4 LEVELS?!

I'm not happy.

[Drohem]

Hello, I'm interested! I'm new to this site, but I have some experience with PbP gaming. I run a couple of games on other sites, and have several characters on other sites. Table-top RPGs have been my hobby since 1982 when I first played 2e Gamma World. A couple of months ago, I started to explore the world of PbP roleplaying. I signed up here to check out the functionality of the site, and see how it stacks up against several other PbP sites.

However, once I make a commitment to a character and game, I stick with it. I can post fairly regularly, which means a minimum of at least three times a week, but quite possibly more.

I would like to play a human male that belongs to the Warriors of Everith Faction. His main class will more than likely be ranger.

I have one question regarding character creation regarding this:

Skills: Knowledge (tactics) and Profession (Military Officer).

What classes have the campaign specific skills on their class skill list?

Cheers!

[Seyren Windsor]

I too am interested, I just joined this site when a friend who knows it mentioned it to me.

I wish to fight for the King of Renlock, and I think I will be a Human, uhhh....wait is PHB2 allowed? if not then I will go for another class I had in mind..

[LuneMoonshadow]

Welcome newcomers! Glad to see some fresh blood on the site. The game will surely not disappoint.


Skills: Knowledge (tactics) and Profession (Military Officer).

What classes have the campaign specific skills on their class skill list?
All classes have these skills. It is recommended that any character fighting a direct war take these classes. Those not fighting (are are doing so indirectly, like an assassin) don't need them really.

uhhh....wait is PHB2 allowed?
It is and I forgot to add it to the list (editing it in now). Thank you for asking.

[Seyren Windsor]

Ok links removed

[LuneMoonshadow]

1. You need to remove the link immediately. You don't want players in an opposing faction to know your name, your class, etc.

2. I have a character sheet (text based) that you will be using. You can find it in the character creation rules post (linked in a previous post or you can find it in any of the subforums).

[Seyren Windsor]

Ok, links removed, also, I tried looking at the coded one you mentioned in the information section, and i didnt have acess to it. And how is dodge changed for house rules (most just make it +1 AC unless FFed) or is it as the book?

[LuneMoonshadow]

You should be able to view it no problem.

The sheet is here (http://online-roleplaying.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9362).

You should be able to see it, but not edit my post. Right under the sheet is another post where you can find a .txt version of the sheet for your own use. You'll make your changes to that file then post it when it's ready and I'm accepting characters.

As for dodge, I don't really know. I don't honestly have an opinion but I'll think on it tonight.

Edit: I said I'd get that last post up but I'm just not in the right mood to write it up. It'll be up tomorrow.

[Seyren Windsor]

Heh, I think you've given people too much gold, and, do scrolls and potions count towards the magic items spending cap of 3,750 GP total?

[LuneMoonshadow]

The sum of gold given is between levels 6 and 7, which is what you guys are at.

And yes, potions and scrolls count towards the magic cap. If it's in the "magic items" section of the DMG, it is magic and it counts.

Edit: changed the levels to the right numbers (yes, I am tired). Props to Scythe for pointing that out.

[Scythe]

Excuse me, but the Character Wealth per level chart indicates that a sixth level player character should have in total on him around 13,000gp. Also, we start with 18,000xp, which is in between 6th level and 7th level, which makes the amount of gold we possess...

Standard.

Edit: Didn't type fast enough, lol. Lune beat me there

[Drohem]

I have a question regarding the Kelt nation and culture.

What earth (past or present) nation and/or culture does the nation and people of Kelt most resemble?

This information will help me to determine name, outlook on life, etc.

For example, the first thing that popped into my head when reading about this was that the Kelt closely resemble the Welsh. Also, I was thinking maybe the Scottish or Irish. I definitely got the feel that it might a Celtic culture. I am close here, or way off the money? LOL!

[Zodiac]

Any issues with item creation feats that you have? Or are we free to create magic items?

[Tashalar]

Everyone just keep in mind that it's a low-magic world and that we should keep it that way - roll with it sort of, eh? Magic item creation will probably be limited... sure, a wizard might make a scroll or two and the brew potion feat might prove handy as well, but more powerful items? We'll see what Lune says when he's had some sleep. :)

[LuneMoonshadow]

I didn't make any of the nations with a real world counterpart in mind. If it resembles any real nation that is mere coincidence. Did you have any specific questions about Kelt?

You are free to create items all you want. They will still count towards your wealth limit, though.

[Zodiac]

I was going to post this in the "design" thread you created, but it's currently closed :(

I'm planning on going Commonwealth, a semi merchant/adventurer and have various ideas on what I'd like to do.

However - as a member of the Commonwealth would I be free to travel to all the other factions? Or will I be shot on sight like I assume an opposing faction member would if they were identified?

And a follow-up question - if I travel to a city controlled by another faction is there paperwork or anything like that I would need to present to the city watch before entering? Kinda like a passport/identification. You mentioned badges, but they don't seem to be enforced at all.

And thirdly - any limits on hirelings? I.e. if I setup a shop in a city, any problem with hiring a staff to run it while I'm away from town or assistants to help me?

Lastly - similiar to #3, I know Leadership is banned, but is there any limits about hiring mercenaries/laborers? I.e. if I docide to do a mining expedition (for example), could I hire a small group of miners/surveyers and mercenaries to protect us?

[LuneMoonshadow]

The Commonwealth is neutral in all affairs, so theoretically you should be able to travel to any place freely. In practice, however, you may find certain places off limits at certain times or that you have to pay a fee or some other restriction. In rare circumstances Commonwealth members are killed - but that is part of war, people do die.

How the individual city controls who enters and exits the city it up to the governor, so there is no universal rule on paperwork and the like. Commonwealth members do have paperwork stating that they are with the Unification, though the papers can be forged so not all people care if you have them.

As for hirelings, yes you can hire individuals. I'll address this more when I find out who wants to hire people, because I'll need to make some concrete ground rules for wages the like.

[Tashalar]

Will there be plot twists? :roll:

[LuneMoonshadow]

I put M. Night Shyamalan to shame.

And! Because there are sooo many questions I'm taking that as a sign that characters are being made, so I figure I'll go ahead and open up the forum. You're now welcome to move on over and use the OOC to ask your questions.

[Zodiac]

Then I'll state right now that I intend to hire people through the game. Probably not right away, but I can see myself needing small groups of staff and possibly large teams with me on occasion.

When do you want us to have characters ready?

[LuneMoonshadow]

I want your character's info (faction, race, class, general background, and some info on what you want to do in the game) by Sunday if possible. It may take a little longer to bang out your background and find out what you want to do.

I'll be chatting with you all to see how you envision playing the game so I can hopefully tailor make a plot that fits your character.

[Drohem]

I didn't make any of the nations with a real world counterpart in mind. If it resembles any real nation that is mere coincidence. Did you have any specific questions about Kelt?


Well, I am just looking for something that will help me connect to the Keltish culture and society; what are the naming convention, belief systems, physical characteristics, etc. If there were any similarities to a real world society or culture, then it would help me to connect and give me a feel for how to develop my character. I meant no slight or disrespect. :)

[LuneMoonshadow]

Traditional naming system, normal D&D pantheon with other minor additions, normal human physical characteristics.

When I made the nations I didn't give them crazy beliefs or anything. What sets them aparts (instead of race or ideology) is their take on the war. The war is the center of everything in this campaign, so that is reflected in how the nations are represented as well.

Treat the cultures as sort of 'stock human culture' with view X on the war, that then permeates how they do things.

[Drohem]

Gotcha, sounds good.

[Merbak]

I'm totally in. Going to the forum. Thanks for the message.

EDIT: Commonwealth, of course. :) (Unless Thanos jumped ship to another, in which case I may follow)... heading to forum now.

[Exarzun]

I'm interested if this is still open. Most likely The Royal Crown of Renlock. Hopping onto character creation now!

[Snord]

I hope you still have room for another. If so I would like enlist in The Principality.

[Tashalar]

Head over to the Global OOC and post your ideas there (no details though - these belong in the appropriate threads or a PM to Lune). :)

Please note that our DM is currently on vacation and probably without internet access - at least most of the time...

Feel free to develop your character - especially a nifty background in the meanwhile. Lune should be back within two weeks. If you have any 'general' questions about how the game works or about character creation, feel free to ask in the Global OOC and I'll try to answer if I can.