Character Creation and Session 0 questions

Hi All. We will start as soon as have 4 players, but you could start making your chars already. Rules for creating:
1. Standard array only, average HP for levels 2 and 3.
2. Following sub-races not allowed: Human Variant, any "dragonmaked", i.e. "mark of" sub races from "Rising from the last war".
3. "Customized origin" is also not allowed.
4. No "AU" and other play-test, home brew or other non official materials

Open for any questions.

Great! So characters begin at level 3? Just to confirm

Yes. you start with lvl 3 char. you are no beginners and don't need time to choose subclass

Name: Elrond Gracewill
Race and Class: half-elf sorcerer of Wild Magic. Level 3

Backstory: The wild magic surged through me at a young age. The small minded people of my even smaller town had never seen magic like this before, and it terrified them. I was cast away from my home. Banished as an adolescent for being a danger to everyone, for I could not control my natural gifts. I suspect the towns folk expected me to die in the wilderness, but instead, I have thrived

https://ddb.ac/characters/58493581/w4DJ4d

Name: Bellow Banyan
Race and Class: Human Barbarian Zealot
Backstory: When civilization kept creeping in my people moved deeper into the forests. But I was called to teach the intruders the meaning of respect.

That icon is from a different character. I'll try to change it.

Does anyone plan on being a healer?
I’d like to play a rouge but I can be something else if that role really needs to be filled.

I've decided we could do first episode without finishing characters, it will give you more insight on type of the game I have in mind. So I will do Epilogue now and you could finish or change your chars afterwards.

Would you like us to begin in the prologue forum, or will there be another one for our first in game post?

Name:Phoenix Vey
Race and Class : Half-Drow Celestial Warlock
Backstory: Orphaned at a rather young age he was forced to live on the streets, struggling for survival, hated by all. It’s not surprising that he eventually turned to crime, giving in to the bitterness at the constant mistreatment. He becomes an assassin, and revels in his revenge against those who wronged him. Until one fateful encounter that shattered his beliefs, when he was offered a second chance. Now he struggles for a different reason, to make up for what he’s done.

Once you all finish your initial character sheets and I approve them I will create "Day 1" thread. Meanwhile you are welcome to try to gather any information of your interest in Prologue thread by asking questions to Lilly. Or - who knows perhaps she will point to you other NPCs.

Tenrec: Half-Drow is a variant race, isn't it? Sorry I don't allow variant rules.

FYI the prologue thread has no option to post as a character. Only as a player

I believe that is because you don't yet have an approved character in the maze runner game yet

Name: Anguis 'Greg' Nessus
Race and Class: Fallen Aasimar Paladin oath of the crown



Backstory: Brought up in a cult of the great archdevil Asmodeus, he is rumoured to be the reincarnation of Gregory the scarlet diplomat (My old character), one of his generals, who was the founder of the now thriving cult. He's been raised as the 'royalty' of the cult, pampered and believes that the world should be handed to him on a silver platter.

Gotcha, I’ll keep the regular half-elf rules then, but for flavor I’d like to keep the appearance if that’s cool.

Yes cool, I will try to remember that so that NPCs will treat you accordingly (persuasion checks will have higher DC for you, though intimidation may be lower) compared to human for example

To All players: although you start at lvl 3 I suggest you come up with background that accord to a lvl 8. General himself, barbarian who slain Hydra, Sorcerer who stole ancient dragon treasure... that all fit this scenario. Your characters have once been lvl 8-10, but due to reasons not yet know have experienced what caused "level down to 3" and you will regain your former strength in a week of game time... if survive
Still I recommend to postpone those background details for now. I recommend you to develop them as you decide your level up choices

Oki, noted, I will come up with something more as we lvl up

Do we need to post our character pictures??

Character pictures would be helpful, if you could do that by the moment you do first post once inside the maze

My browser won't upload a replacement picture. Any tips?

Try pressing on add/replace file, when i attempted to drag in a file, it didn't replace either...

Do we need to keep track of spell casting components?

Yes I will try to make sure you follow all of the written rules regarding V/S/M component. I would like to also note following:
If a spell requires verbal component and you cast it while hiding - you will automatically fail your hiding as they will hear you casting unless you cast in a noisy place like next to waterfall or unless monster has no means to hear you.

P.S. If you are interested in acquiring material components for spells where you can't replace them with magical focus - ask NPCs. Spoiler: there will be little chance to get them on day 1, but NPCs in the settlement could make both components and equipment (armor, weapons) but it will take time proportional to the official cost, i.e. creating full plate will take too long, but they could make splint two days.

Yes, I'll need a component pouch then

Bubbles, paladin have "a holy symbol" as a starting equipment. And a paladin "can use a holy symbol as a spellcasting focus for your paladin spells", so you component pouch is worthless to you unless you want to RP paladin that avoid his holy symbol

No, there are spells that need material components,consumable, for example revivify. I mean i can still carry dem diamonds In my pockets, but i think that a bag would be more practical.

Then again this is solely for RP purposes

This is going to be my next paladin, ty for the idea

Ufff, my piece was long, but this is probably everything he does before entering the maze

So this is summary, please let me know languages you know. PIV and PIS stands for passive investigation and passive insight I may refer to on very rare occasions, so please inform me when they change for any reason. This is basically all I need to know to run the game, you will be managing the rest of it yourself.

Anguis 'Greg' Nessus
Race and Class: Fallen Aasimar Paladin oath of the crown
AC/PP/PIV/PIS: 18/9/11/11
Languages: Abyssal, Celestial, Infernal

Phoenix Vey
Race and Class : Half-Drow Celestial Warlock
AC/PP/PIV/PIS: 13/13/10/11
Languages: Elvish, Celestial

Bellow Banyan
Race and Class: Human Barbarian Zealot
AC/PP/PIV/PIS: 14/11/9/13
Languages: dwarvish, goblin, orc

Elrond Gracewill
Race and Class: half-elf sorcerer of Wild Magic.
AC/PP/PIV/PIS: 10/11/11/11
Languages: celestial, elvish, halfling

P.S. Please remind me about Wild Magic Surge when Elrond cast any spell if I don't make it happen it is most probably because I forgot.

Bubbles: I need to now the deity Anguis sweared to. Note that due to your subclass you are now to decide primary deity worshiped outside the maze. May I assume it is the one you mentioned in the character sheet?
Tenrec: who is Phoenix patron? This will also affect game lore as the upper planes are watching the maze as a tv-show ;)

This dude if you don't like it, we can work something equavalent out.

In my char sheet I have a tab for languages

Asmodeus is cool. I like it. He is part of the Maze Runner scenario lore Now... upper planes and nine hells are watching you

My passive investigation is actually 11, and my known languages are celestial, common, elvish, halfling. And yeah I’ll make sure to keep up with the Wild magic surge

Bellow is a follower of Trithereon.

Since Trithereon is not deity of Forgotten Realms I will not inclue it in the lore, but I am not against you using this deity for your roleplay. You will just never meet him or his worshipers, nor face his deeds.

OK we are ready to go. Will start "Day 1" tomorrow. You still have like 12 more ours of real life to get info and other benefits from prologue thread.

I’d pictured my patron as some no name Angel of Redemption. Should I pick something bigger or at least pick who they work for or is the no name thing good?

Your choice. If you pick something I could read more lore about I will make it part of the big story. If not - I will find other forces affecting the story. That is the beauty of home brew - we are creating the story together. The ore does not yet exist, we will develop it and I hope you will help me with your ideas.

Hmmm, well Lathander works out as a god of Redemption, (Rebirth is close enough), though it seems a bit ridiculous that’d he’d take a direct interest in Phoenix.
So maybe an Avatar or similar celestial being under Lathander?

Tenrec, I'm sorry to repeat but we play RAW. As much as I understand your sub-class you must pick creature of type Celestial not a deity. Given the context I would prefer the creature to be CR10+.
Should you choose a creature from official DnD source book I would be able to research it further and incorporate.
You could tell me your imagined background and reasons for that creature choosing you. I will then try to figure out reason for this creature to let you get into the maze and how that creature will support you here.

So like a Solar, or Planetar

Yes, that's how I understand the description of selestial subclass

Found a website to convert my jpg.

I just realized I have Elrond a short bow to start with (which I’m not proficient in) instead of a light crossbow so I changed it, hopefully that’s ok

Sure! Absolutely.

I'll wait for tenrec to make his move, if he doesn't move Anguis will attempt to forcefully move him out of the way.

Hi folks! New to the game, but not new to 5e or PbP. I saw the races that weren't allowed and I'm good with that. I don't see any info on multiclassing, however. Then again, it's an optional rule, which is egregiously close to a variant rule. Do we know if multiclassing is allowed?

Yes you could do multiclass, I do't mind that.

Hey all. New addition here. As a group, what do you guys believe will be most beneficial? Any areas lacking? the GM and I discussed a healer and I thought maybe a rogue. I've played everything in the past, so looking for some feedback from the group.

Well, we have a barbarian, a paladin, a monk?

Make your pick, i guess??

Anyhow if another angel brings this one in my character is most likely having a mental breakdown XD

Clover, the small Haregon Arcane Trickster has been submitted.

Wait... Are Haregon official? (during the last years they have been printing books like crazy....)

I believe so. They were printed in the recently released The Wild Beyond the Witchlight book.

Oh that is the new book published few months ago, yes, let's go with that.
I hope other players don't mind that I will alter the last events and announce the two new characters came together

Could you please describe how Clover looks like? Is he small or medium? So I can introduce him into the game chat.

cool! I will need to check it out soon!

He is small. He has dark brown fur, but is covered in dark leather armor with a hood and face wrap, similarly colored. he carries a rapier on his hip, but prefers his short bow.

Could we agree that you have met the monk before and have carried you in, so you could introduce yourself jumping out of his clothes?

Haha, that sounds great!

somethingsomethingbirds1, Araklusta :
As a player you know your charactes have once been much strunger (lvl 8) but they woke up this morning in the cage feeling terrible and remembering nothing since they started their adventuring life (since lvl 3). You were brought into a poor settlement and escorted to a tent to have good sleep. They said it is usual to feel so terrible arriving here but you will be Ok my tomorrow).
Nevertheless an angel appeared in your tents. (you had each your won tent) and gave you a potion to drink (either you agree to do it or it had to focre you - it is up to you, but the potion had strange effect on you: now you feel good, but it paralysed you for a moment. Angel bacoma invisible and brought you through the portal into the maze (where you are now in the game). More over forced Clover to cast charm from a scroll on Lucas.
Anyhow - shortly after you joined the party you understand little of what is going on there. Except those words Angel told you:

You are now part of the team tasked to find chests with food and bring it back to the settlement. This is dangerous place to be in, but it is on a purpose. You shall prove you are strong and smart enough for the job or you shall perish. We believe in you. I wish you do

Have my character mostly completed now. Thanx for having me. Just needs some starter info.. :)

GeneCortess, I will try to incorporate your character into story soon. I would like to ask you to read at least first few posts in Prologue your arrival is similar, though you will have some short-cut to join the rest of the company. It would be even better if you could quickly read whole thread.

If you choose Eldritch Knight you should choose 2 cantrips and 3 spells.

Spells are done as well as more. I have some gear listed. Mostly just need to do some background writing & work with description and appearance. I suspect the character is good for starting now.

I have a picture also for him now.

I think my character is complete. Give it a look at let me know if I've missed something.

GeneCortess, Aldrusian, welcome! Please come to prologue thread we will do prologue with two of you while the main team finishes current scene.

Winks. Next time I supply a bit more info with any check. LOL. Like. "Insight". Gotta love my horrible roll.

I am interested in playing a lizardfolk life domain cleric (god: Sumuanya). I want to confirm that lizardfolk (as presented in Volo's Guide to Monsters) are allowed.

Another thing to confirm: when creating characters, we get the class and background starting equipment, correct?

Yes and yes. You can't change ability scores (Your Constitution score increase by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.) as per optional rule in Tashas though.
I may be gifting you one magic item on top of starting gear to balance out with the base team (i.e. if the current team will be lucky enough to get their items you will also get some).

@timplausible I may also quite willing to involve any PC deity into the story, but the way this deity is described I don't see any way I could involve yours
So if you wish you could describe your own version of Semuanya that would allow deity to be somewhat involved your your PC destiny.

Will you be lore - accurate cleric?

Cuz i have played one, was funny af.

In the past, I have viewed Sumuanya as granting powers to lizardfolk clerics to aid in their personal and species survival, but beyond that, he ignores them. I wouldn't expect that Sumuanya to be involved in my character's destiny beyond kind of wanting him to survive.

With that said, it isn't too much of a tweak to change Sumuanya so that he is a bit more concerned about making sure lizardfolk survive and flourish, and thus more active in helping them do so. This variation may be trying to make my character into a powerful champion that can aid in the survival of the species. The ultimate character destiny would be to travel to different lizardfolk tribes when they are in need, aiding them, and also training the next generation of potential champions. Kind of like being a mortal avatar for Sumuanya.

Mostly. Given the party's situation in this game, that may not look much different than a typical life cleric. Best odds for personal survival rest on keeping the rest of the party alive. Making choices about how to distribute healing might be a bit more cold and calculating though.

One thing I enjoy about playing lizardfolk in play-by-post is the writing the cold, calculating inner monologue. His actions may support the party, but his thoughts about the party are much different than a typical character.

By way of introduction then, here's my character:

Name: Yoth (variation spelling for the draconic word that means "holy)

Class: Cleric (Life Domain)

Appearance: a green lizardman in chainmail armor. He carries a spear and a shield, and a mace hangs from his belt.

Personality: not much of one. Talks only as much as necessary. Lacks any discernable sense of humor.

@timplausible please fill in following in your charactersheet:
Total HP 0
Speed 0

I will also private message you some questions/clarifications regarding some minor things I am not sure I understand.

I believe I have made all the updates and corrections now.

Character approved. Now waiting for one more player to join and we could start with prologue for you.

Hi GreyWord, I was thinking of running with a Feylost, wandering drifter-type paladin bugbear named Mal'i'Gott'.

He was abducted as a child by some fey creature, so he wasn't unduly influenced by evil. He is good, but I feel he is similar to maybe Jack Reacher, in terms of he is not tied down to one place, but is an unstoppable force when he finds an injustice that needs to be solved.

He is an Oath of the Watchers paladin, and he hunts fiends or evil fey that try to disrupt the balance of the environment around him at that point in time.

Let me know if this concept works for you.

Having played Oath of the Watchers myself ... I can only support you on that.
I don't have access to "The Wild Beyond the Witchlight" - but you could have it as a background , but I will not try to involve that background into the story in any meaningful way.

P.S. Current team just killed one bugbear so may have some preoccupation. but that's not my call - ask it them :)

Shhh, he's not there

What's better than more Bugbears, Less. Just kidding. Just had to do that. :)

@HeroAmongMen please level up your PC to lvl 4 and share your deity with us. Otherwise your character seems fine.
Regarding deity - I do not need it right now, but I will eventually want to incorporate your deity into the story.

Although HeroAmongMen should lvl up his character I've approved it already and you could start posting in
Prologue part 2 it will be an intro thread where I will try to keep you busy until core team finishes current day so you could merge and start "next day" together.

Alright, he should be updated to level 4. I just took the ASI in STR and CON.

In terms of deity, I am thinking that he worship Eldath, though his feylost background and his wanderlust have led him to protecting the natural world from otherworldly threats or extraplanar threats.

Does that work for you, DM?

Just to clarify - you do mean the this goddes:
Anything works for me. The question is - does it work for you :).
A spoiler: we have a paladin in the party who took Oath of the Crown to Asmodeus ... I had no choice but to assume that Asmodeus is the ruler of the world outside the Maze and everything happening in the Maze is some sort of his evil entertainment.

Now you will make me come up world lore where Eldath has reasons to have her paladins swore "Vigilance. Loyalty. Discipline." rather that "Peace. Patience. Wisdom" or something. She should be either possessed or turned to do so, don't you think? Does that work for you?

Everyone, could you please remind me your deities. I have a mess in my notes and with consumables you have. Want to create some thread for all of the info.

Yoth worships a modified version of the lizardfolk god, Semuanya. In the D&D canon, Semuanya is only concerned with his own survival, and the lizardfolk see him as an exemplar to follow. In the modified version for this game, Semuanya is also concerned about survival of the lizardfolk species, providing guidance and assistance to them through his clerics - but not too much help, because he doesn't want them to become dependent and weak.

In both versions, Semuanya is interesting (at least to me), because his divine domain is "life", but he and his clerics are not necessarily motivated to helpful and good to all life they way most life clerics are portrayed.

Yes I have Yoth - Semuanya, Mal - Eldath, Anguis - Asmodeus. I am missing Thorem's and Bellow' s deities.