Out of Character Discussion

Hey guys, use this thread to talk about anything, or ask anything. I'm excited to run this game for you guys. Because of the very specific story, I definitely need everyones characters in first so I can create the quest qualifcations and backstories.

Should we even tell each other what we're playing before the game starts?

Unless the DM says otherwise, we might want to discuss the party make-up in terms of classes, as this was described as "ultra-hardcore".

I would go for some type of magic user, but I want to be careful. Since this is a more difficult game, we need to keep into mind that materials needed for spells will be few and far between. I say, we go for less magic users because of this. Less fighting over materials is always a good thing.

For casters, most material concerns could be alleviated if we got ahold of the classes' respective foci, so that's not necessarily a huge issue.

True, but I wonder if the GM would allow us to start off with a Focus, he did state 'no equipment'. But, finding some magical wand or orb can't be that easy. Though, using spells in general is going to be rough (outside of cantrips). Since a short rest is equivalent to 24 hours and long rest is 7 days.

You would almost have to go warlock if that's the case. at least at the early stages. I feel like monk, and next level Moon Druid are going to be the best choice, if we still have no equipment that is.

I wanted to go Warlock, it is my favorite class anyway, but I don't know how that would work. Would the GM have to decide how the Warlock is 'possessed' as well? That gives the GM some say in the powers as well. I wouldn't even know how that would work out. It could be really interesting, however.
Druids would be amazing, some of their powers could come in really handy in the game.

I was thinking rogue, but much of their effectiveness relies on a specific set of equipment. So I'm still deciding.

DM, are variant humans allowed?

I was leaning toward monk. It's one I haven't got to play before.

Sorry I got a bit busy today, but I personally hate components, so ill allow casting without materials, but yes, keep in mind you'll have to conserve slots. Monk is a great option since youre starting with nothing. All classes and races from Ph are allowed, including variants. I'll also allow Aasimar, Aaracockra, Genasi, and Goliaths if youd like. Yes, before we start, plan out your classes, and pm me your class, and race so I can give you each your own individual private qualifications.

If I went with a Warlock, would you decide what possessed him/her? It would seem pretty important to their backstory and you are writing the backstories.

Yeah, l'll decide the backstory, but you can choose an archetype, your character just wont remember what happened. OH YEAH! IMPORTANT: Do not take one of the background professions either. In spite of those, you are allowed 2 skill proficiencies and 1 tool proficiency of your choice. (What i mean is dont do folk hero, noble, etc.)

Do we want the party to be composed of whatever, or like a 4th ed make-up of: 1 cc, 1 tank, 1 leader, and 2 dps? Somewhere in between?

Well you all are randoms waking up in a dungeon, so choose whatever since this is technically not a planned party. I will allow whatever classes though, so do as you will.

Are classes from the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide allowed?

I'd prefer classes from Ph, but if you want to submit a character with a class from SCAG, i'll look over it and let you know if it's okay.

I was thinking barbarian, good utility and doesn't really need an inventory.

Alternatively, I wa thinking bard. Solid skills and I can activate class powers without an instrument, and if I can fusion one I get my spell focus...

By the way, don't be afraid to be a spellcaster because there will be hidden ways to restore spell slots. I do want to clarify you definitely need an arcane focus, but I don't care about the components, so don't worry about that.

I have decided to add a little extra to help your characters/ help you decide on what you want. I have an extra custom feature depending on the class you pick.
Barbarian: You regain all hp upon entering rage (or if at full hp, you gain Con modifier temp hp)
Bard: You can spend an inspiration die to regain a spell slot (1st level= 1die, 2nd level= 2 die, 3rd level= 3die, etc.)
Cleric: Healing spells can be cast on yourself, and you gain 2 extra skills.
Druid: You can shapeshift into a beast with a challenge rating of up to 1 instead of 1/4.
Fighter: You automatically have the Savage Attacker feat.
Monk: Enemies never gain opportunity attacks against you.
Paladin: You gain a single Cleric cantrip, and a saving throw of your choice.
Ranger: You gain a single Druid cantrip, and you can use an action to gain an additional fighting style for 1 hour.
Rogue: You automatically have the Skulker feat.
Sorcerer: You automatically have the Elemental Adept feat, and gain one elemental attack cantrip from the sorcerer list.
Warlock: You can reroll 1's and 2's for damage on your spells. Also, you can call upon your patrons power to cast magic without a focus for 1 minute.
Wizard: You automatically have the Spell Sniper Feat.
I hope this helps you guys come to a decision :)

Quick question about the druid's ability, you only get Wild Shape at level 2, and Moon druids (which you can select at level 2) have that ability already. So this ability allows for Land druids to be good spellcasters as well as become powerful creatures, essentially nullifying one the Moon's advantage until level 6. Not really a question. Nevermind I guess.

Thanks for pointing that out. I'm sorry if everything is really confusing you guys, I promise I'm not this bad normally, just making all these rules proved to be a bit harder and more confusing. Anyway, I appreciate you guys being willing to test this type of campaign out with me. Oh, and Druid instead gains the War Caster feat automatically. (I wasn't keeping in mind the different circles, so I apologize.) Again, once everything is all sorted out, I promise it'll be a bit smoother. Please don't be afraid to ask any questions because it will help me sort things out and be more prepared for campaigns like this in the future.

Can't clerics already cast heals on themselves?

No, Healing spells only work on a different creature than yourself. At least that's how I've read it, and played it with others.

Spells with a range of touch can also target the caster, including applicable healing spells(PHB 202).

You know what. Obviously I'm really not prepared, and I should prepare and go over everything for a while before I run a campaign like this. So sorry for wasting your times, but I'm just going to close it.

No problem. I hope I'm able to join if and when you start it up again.

Cheers