[Recruitment/Interest] Monday Night Online Roll20 RPGs

Hensler

After talking about it in a couple of other threads, I wanted to start a separate place to see who wants to get a weekly online game going using Roll20 - (or Maptools, if that's what people prefer). I'm looking to do shorter campaigns in different systems, and I'll GM until someone else wants to give it a shot.

I'm not looking to something super advanced, complicated, or meta - just rolling (virtual) dice, killing monsters, saving the world, and most of all having fun. The older I get and more responsibilites I accrue, the more difficult it has become to keep a regular RPG group going every week locally. But some of my favorite memories and best friends were made around the dinner table - I'm looking to recapture those game experiences around an online table.

I've got a ton of GM and general gaming experience, but it's been a LONG time since I've done an online game. Last time I played in one, D&D 3.0 was still hot and our software of choice was mIRC and ICQ. Since I have no virtual tabletop experience and I want to get this going quickly, I'm planning to run the first campaign with D&D 4E and some prebuilt modules. Once we've got a good group going and I've got the software down, we can switch over to some homebrew stuff and other game systems.

I'm available to run games on either Monday or Wednesday nights, after 1700 EST - pretty flexible on the times. The goal is going to be to keep sessions between 2 -3 hours per week.

Want an idea of what to expect? Check out the Roll20 Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3aNgqenfuU

Interested? Thoughts, ideas, advice? Post away .

Peff

I think it sounds awesome, I've been wanting another RL or even pseudo RL group and the time frame mostly fits when I would have time during the week, though I'm PST. I've really only done pbp's in terms of online dice rolling, though I have an RL Pathfinder (formerly 4e) group that meets weekly. Eventually, I wouldn't mind giving the GM'ing a shot if/once there's a comfortable group, I've always wanted to try it but my normal group already has two fairly established GMs.

Definite interest.

Captain Carrot

I could definitely go for this, and I'm currently unemployed, so any time frame but early mornings and Sunday afternoons works for me.

Hensler

Sounds good, guys. I'll start looking at some adventures and really start digging into Roll20. Hope we get a few more party members

Rhapsody

I'd be very interested, and either of those nights work for me. Admittedly, I've never actually played DnD, so if you'd be welcoming of a greenhorn, I'm game!

Hensler

Sure thing, @Rhapsody - the more the merrier. 4th Edition D&D, especially at lower levels, is pretty simple and quick to jump into - it's one of the reason's I picked it for the first game.

Khildith

I would absolutely be interested in joining a roll20 group. I'm more of a lurker in Critical Failures, so I would understand if you went with someone more familiar, but I've been searching for a roll20 group for awhile now and didn't want to DM it myself. Unemployed here so I'm available any time.

Hensler

Okay, I'll go ahead and pencil this in for Monday nights, starting a week from this coming Monday - February 25th. Time TBA.

StayzKrunchyInMilk

Hey another lurker here. I checked out the Roll20 video and would deffinitely be interested in playing. I am in the same boat with gaming groups being hard to get and keep and would love the chance to get "back to the table" and roll some dice. Most experience is with D&D 3.5 and 4th ed. Monday evenings should be OK for me. If there is still room let me know the time and I will do my best to get there.

Hensler

There is room for as many people as want to play. These things tend to hemorrhage players after the first game, and I want people to be able to join in at any time.

I've got a few different Level 1 pre-built adventures that I'm looking at running, so feel free to start working on character ideas. If anybody doesn't have the books or needs help making their character, just let me know.

Farangu

Don't wish to take up space that new players could be taking, but @Hensler if you ever need a replacement player/GM let me know. Lots of 4e experience, a little of other gaming systems if/when it comes to that.

Khildith

I'm looking to play a rogue or maybe a bard, though I will gladly fill whatever role a party needs.

StayzKrunchyInMilk

As far as roles go I am looking at a magic user class of some sort. Played mostly Fighters or Bards in 4th ed but would like to get back to my spellcasting roots.

Captain Carrot

Ages ago I had a warforged warden submission. Might resurrect that.

Peff

Hmmm...have to start thinking of characters. Cleric or Barbarian maybe.

Suicide Slyde

Listen to me closely, I'm excited for this but I do not own any D&D books nor have I ever played it. But this is the first time I've seen a weekly group that is meeting at a time I can actually do. I am excited... tell me what I need to do to be a part of this.

Suicide Slyde

And I have to back out. At least for the time being because that Monday just so happens to be the day of our wedding anniversary.

Captain Carrot

You could just miss the first session.

Farangu

Yea, almost everybody at sometime or another has to miss one session, and it doesn't dramatically change things. The biggest thing is to get yourself (or find a friend who has) the player's handbook, that is the only book you actually need to make a character. Everything else is just extra options. The book also has the basic rules for how the game works.

Hensler

Suicide Slyde wrote: »

Listen to me closely, I'm excited for this but I do not own any D&D books nor have I ever played it. But this is the first time I've seen a weekly group that is meeting at a time I can actually do. I am excited... tell me what I need to do to be a part of this.

@Suicide Slyde - It's cool if you miss the first session - I expect a lot of learning to use Roll20 that night anyways.
What kind of character do you want to play?Come up with a race and class, and I can help you roll out your character and send you a nice .PDF of your character that will have your stats and all the ability information and everything you need to play. Ideally you would need to pick up a player's handbook to have all the information you need as a player, but I don't mid help you out until then.

Khildith

@Hensler Just curious, what books are allowed?

I was considering playing a Changeling Rogue, but if you dislike using some classes/races/books I would totally understand.

Hensler

In the interest of fun, I'm not disallowing anything. If players abuse the system for special characters and start detracting from everybody else's fun, expect the ground to open up and swallow your character (I don't want to sound rude - but I did a game where all the players were min/maxers playing vampire pixies - it didn't end well). I don't have all the books, but I've got DDI so I can look character stuff up as needed. But Changeling Rogue is great.

Khildith

Awesome. The first moment I read about the changeling race I've wanted to try one.

I think I might go for a "passing" changeling, someone who stays as a specific disguise all the time and doesn't reveal their real race. Nothing is set in stone yet though.

Thanks!

Peff

Where do you want sheets at online? Orokos or Mythweavers?

Hensler

Peff wrote: »

Where do you want sheets at online? Orokos or Mythweavers?

Is there an advantage to one or the other? I've only used Orokos in the past, but if Mythweavers is better/preferred I can work with that, too.

Peff

I don't think so, I've used Orokos the most. Mythweavers has more sheet types but since for the time we're just in 4e that's a non-issue. I wasn't sure if there was a preference since you're the boss

Hensler

In that case, let's just go with Orokos.

StayzKrunchyInMilk

do you want people with experience to pre-roll before the game to save time (if so what method)? also what time are we looking at on monday. OP says 5:00 but later post is TBA.

Suicide Slyde

Well I'll stay in then. Friend wasn't at work today so I don't know about the players handbook yet, I may just buy it.

As far as race and class, in most video games I go dual wielding with some ranged attacks thrown in. So I guess a human ranger, I do believe that is a thing.

Peff

Human Ranger is totally a thing. I can help out with creation if need be also. I'm thinking I'm going to stick with Cleric unless someone else wants the job. Otherwise maybe a Seeker?

Hensler

StayzKrunchyInMilk wrote: »

do you want people with experience to pre-roll before the game to save time (if so what method)? also what time are we looking at on monday. OP says 5:00 but later post is TBA.

You can go ahead and roll for your stats, or use the standard 22-point buy array. With new people, I tend to stick to the array, but if you want to roll, go for it - just keep it honest .

What time is going to work best for everyone? 1700 EST is the earliest I can play on Mondays.

Peff

That's like 4 my time (PST) so I would need a little later, like 1900, maybe 1850. I can play for as long as everyone wants though.

Khildith

I'm down for anytime that night or any other really. I'm working out our possible party roles so far, this is just what people have stated they might want to play.

@Captain Carrot - Guardian, Warforged Fighter (Defender)

@Peff - Gunruth Bouldershoulder, Dwarf Cleric (Leader) Orokos

@Khildith - Dox, Changeling Rogue (Striker) Orokos

@Suicide Slyde - Antioch, Human Ranger (Striker)

@StayzKrunchyInMilk - Caracticus, Human Wrathful Invoker (Offensive Controller)

@Rhapsody - ?

@Farangu - ?

I'm not sure if Farangu and/or Rhapsody are playing. I haven't played very much as a player so I don't know if all spell casters are controllers or not.

Edit: I'll keep this updated for now with new information as it comes in.

Suicide Slyde

I have to wait for the kid to shuffle off to bed so 8 or 9 est works best for me. The wife and I only have one computer at the moment and she does have legitimate "need to pass state exams" claims for using it to study.

I do so badly want to do this. I've been having a gaming itch that needs to be scratched.

StayzKrunchyInMilk

So i am going with a human wrathful invoker. Offensive controller. The 8:00pm great for me too. Also i don't have an insider account. How do i get the character sheet file inorder to upload to orokos?

Captain Carrot

I think I'll be going with a fighter instead, since it suits the backstory I have for the character better.

Hensler

StayzKrunchyInMilk wrote: »

Also i don't have an insider account. How do i get the character sheet file inorder to upload to orokos?

Hmmm... I thought Orokos had an option to fill in a blank character sheet, but I'm not seeing it on there. I'll look into it once I get home - worst case scenario, Myth-Weavers.Com has blank sheets you can fill out that will work fine, too.

It sounds like 2000 EST is going to be our game time. I'm definitely looking forward to this !

Khildith

I'm quite excited too! I don't know how this is generally done.

Do we discuss character concepts, why our characters know each other, or any of that beforehand?

It might be useful for character building to know ahead how we all got together.

Captain Carrot

Background:

I am called Guardian. Years ago, I was retained by the Duke of Saslaw to guard his son. There was a kidnapping attempt, which I thwarted, but with significant damage to my frame. His Grace did not have the resources to repair me -- a matter of knowledge, not money -- and I was released from his service. I wandered for a long time, performing basic tasks in exchange for safe lodging, and eventually found my way to the Forge.

The Forge is . . . difficult to describe. If not the only place where we create more of our kind, it is certainly the largest and best-protected. It approaches the status of a city, devoted to our needs. I drifted into the outskirts, where warforged gathered debris and items to trade, and they directed me to the central council. They made me an offer: I would be rebuilt as I was, with heavy armor and refurbished components, if I would serve as an emissary to the other civilized peoples. There is much prejudice against us, and it is my responsibility to show that there is no need to fear the warforged. We want no war against others, nor domination; having been owned for centuries, and many of us still in servitude, being on the other side of that arrangement holds no appeal.

So I am here, much stronger and tougher than most I meet in my travels, seeking to build a foundation of good faith on which an embassy may someday be built. My arm shall strike with the good and true, defending the innocent and liberating the captive.

Stats:

Guardian
Level 1 Warforged Fighter
18 STR
17 CON
14 WIS
12 INT
10 DEX
8 CHA

Guardian is Good, 6'2", 285 pounds, does not identify as either gender, and is not a worshiper of any god.

32 HP, 12 healing surges, 8 points per surge

Skills: Athletics, Endurance (+2), Heal (Wis)

Defenses: 16 Fort, 11 Reflex, 13 Will, 17 AC, Per/In 12

Feat: Proficiency (maul)

Attack bonus: 4 (STR) + 2 (proficiency) + 1 (talent) = 7

Exploits: Sure Strike (STR+2/AC, [W]), Reaping Strike (STR/AC, [W]+STR|STR on miss), Passing Attack (STR/AC, [W]+STR; shift 1, STR+2/AC, [W]+STR), Brute Strike (STR/AC, 3[W]+STR), Two-Handed Weapon Talent (+1 attack)

Equipment:
Attached Scale Armor +7 AC, 45 (34) pounds, 45 gp
Maul, 2d6, 12 pounds, 30 gp
Adventurer's kit, 33 pounds, 15 gp

Racial bonuses:
+2 STR, CON; +2 Endurance, Intimidate; +1 Will;
Warforged Resolve Encounter (You gain a number of temporary hit points equal to 3 + one-half your level. You may make an immediate saving throw against one effect that inflicts ongoing damage and can be ended with a save. In addition, if you are bloodied you regain hit points equal to 3 + one half your level.)
Living construct, for the purposes of powers using that keyword
+2 to saving throws against ongoing damage
https://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/dragon/364/364_Warforged.pdf

Mechanically, Guardian wields a maul with both hands; I'll be describing his attacks as using just his heavily-armored hands, because that sounds much cooler.

Hensler

Khildith wrote: »

I'm quite excited too! I don't know how this is generally done.

Do we discuss character concepts, why our characters know each other, or any of that beforehand?

It might be useful for character building to know ahead how we all got together.

If you want to come up with basic background and such, go for it - but I'll be writing the first meeting of your characters into the first session, so that's not necessary. If you want to keep some mystery from the other players, that's good too. @Captain Carrot did a great job with his post, if you want to go that route.

The prebuilt module I want to run starts at Level 2 - so right now I'm deciding between 2 short 1st level adventures to customize for the introduction. Once I've got that, I'll post what information I need from you guys before the first session.

Peff

Gunruth Bouldershoulder, Dwarf Cleric of Moradin.

Background:

Growing up among the Sonnlinor, it was only natural that Gunruth would one day join their order. Early life was without any great peril, most of his time was spent studying the ways of Moradin, Creator of All. Once he came of age, he began his martial training alongside the Kuldar, Moradin's faithful knights. It was during his training with the Kuldar that he first discovered his ability to channel the might of his god, one day shattering the shield of a sparring partner. Without realizing his own actions, he found himself mending the arm he broke along with the shield. Official training with the Sonnlinor as a cleric of the order began a few short weeks later.

While gruff to those unknown to him, Gunruth is as friendly and loyal of dwarf as any would hope to find. Now ordained but untried, he has ventured out from his home in the Dawn Forge monastery, determined to prove himself worthy of Moradin's teachings.

CB Summary:

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Gunruth Bouldershoulder, level 1
Dwarf, Cleric (Warpriest)
Domain: Earth Domain
Ward of the Temple (+2 to Religion)
Theme: Ordained Priest

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
STR 10, CON 17, DEX 10, INT 15, WIS 18, CHA 9

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 10, CON 15, DEX 10, INT 15, WIS 16, CHA 9


AC: 18 Fort: 14 Ref: 14 Will: 15
HP: 29 Surges: 10 Surge Value: 7

TRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +7, Heal +9, Insight +9, Religion +9

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics –3, Athletics –3, Bluff –1, Diplomacy –1, Dungeoneering +6, Endurance +2, History +2, Intimidate –1, Nature +4, Perception +4, Stealth –3, Streetwise –1, Thievery –3

POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Ordained Priest Attack: Smiting Symbol
Dwarf Racial Power: Dwarven Resilience
Cleric Attack: Smite Undead
Cleric Utility: Healing Word
Cleric Utility 1: Stone's Resolve
Cleric Attack 1: Earth's Endurance
Cleric Attack 1: Burden of Earth
Cleric Utility 1: Stone Speak
Cleric Attack 1: Earthen Hail
Cleric Attack 1: Nimbus of Holy Shielding

FEATS
Level 1: Symbol of the Sonnlinor

ITEMS
Warhammer x1
Chainmail x1
Heavy Shield x1
====== End ======