[Open] Faction War! Planescape D&D 5e

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ClosedDungeons & Dragons 5thPublic1 / dayBedzoneII
Six centuries ago, events surrounding the Great Upheaval imposed an uneasy peace in the City of Doors. Since that time, the 15 Factions have quietly conducted their philosophical battle for the hearts and minds of all Cagers - and always stopped short of all-out war. But now tensions are flaring, tempers are rising, and the Cage is about to explode into conflict!


May 28, 2023 2:57 pm
https://i.imgur.com/51S1Un5.jpg

This post has been updated into a recruitment thread.

Six centuries ago, events surrounding the Great Upheaval imposed an uneasy peace in the City of Doors. Since that time, the 15 Factions have quietly conducted their philosophical battle for the hearts and minds of all Cagers - and always stopped short of all-out war. But now tensions are flaring, tempers are rising, and the Cage is about to explode into conflict!

The Faction War is a key event in the Planescape universe. I would like to play through the events at the brink of war, the war itself, and its aftermath. Players will play a character that represents one of the 15 factions in Sigil even as these factions descend into war, and will have the chance to influence the war and determine the fate of their faction.

Game System D&D 5e, Planescape setting

Game Duration I will be playing through the adventures in the published 2e supplement Faction War, as modified as necessary to accommodate the 5e ruleset.

Character Options Players may use all published material, we are in Sigil, the centre of the multiverse!

Themes strife, politics, philosophy, otherworldly fantasy. Note there will probably be more social interaction than combat. The entire scenario is based in Sigil, the City of Doors, so there will be hardly any plane-hopping typical of a Planescape game.

Specialised Resources I like to set up a Discord channel for chat purposes and ease of communication. Other than that, everything else with be on Gamers Plane.

Player Experience Experience with D&D 5e preferred, but it is not too difficult to learn and I am happy to teach it. A player with some knowledge of the Planescape setting will be able to derive the most enjoyment out of this game. The setting may feel utterly foreign if you haven't come across it. Otherwise, players must minimally have an understanding of Sigil and its Factions; links to resources will be provided. Hope this sets us up to look forward to the upcoming Planescape release in October.

GM Experience I have played and run D&D (and other game systems) in various iterations over the decades. I tend towards detailed setting creation with multiple plots and options in a sandbox, but will still provide a core storyline to follow.

How to Apply Just speak up here! Thanks again to those who've already indicated interest.

Welcome All This game is explicitly welcomes friends from all groups.
[ +- ] Original Interest Check Post
Last edited July 17, 2023 10:25 am
May 28, 2023 3:05 pm
1. Faction War with 15 players. Ambitious, but interesting
2. The Blood War. I like it

Either way, I'm game
Quote:
One big caveat: I can't do the Planescape cant, but I'll certainly try!
Then I'll have a go basher
Last edited May 28, 2023 3:06 pm
May 28, 2023 3:07 pm
I love it that you're the first one signing up Runekyndig!
May 28, 2023 3:13 pm
I'm down for either game!

Those are both ones I've wanted to run for years, and have stolen aspects of them for other Planescape games.
May 28, 2023 3:54 pm
The Blood War sounds more feasible but Faction War sounds more intriguing.
1, 2, 3, 4! I declare a Faction War!
...or a mix where the Factions get involved in the Blood War so you incorporate the Faction champion concept from the first into the more structured second.
Can I call dibs on the Bleak Cabal? :P
Last edited May 28, 2023 4:14 pm
May 28, 2023 4:15 pm
I’m new to Gamersplane and pbp in general and unfamiliar with Planescape. I do, however, have 5e experience. If you’d have me I’d be interested in playing either game.
May 28, 2023 4:46 pm
Put me on the list! Either sound interesting, so I'm down to play whichever is settled on.
May 28, 2023 5:03 pm
I am certainly interested in a planescape campaign.
I DMed one at a table for a long time ago but I really want to play in one.

The other Planescape post is a bit more West Marches, so certainly not my style. But a blood war one would be great. (faction war could be fun too, but the large number of players could be a challenge)
Last edited May 28, 2023 5:04 pm
May 28, 2023 6:13 pm
Wait what, TWO Planescape games starting at the same time?

Might bring a tear to this here berk's eye...
May 28, 2023 6:47 pm
The only possible answer is that someone has to start a third to appease the Rule of Threes.
May 28, 2023 7:41 pm
scratches chin Hmmm... a third, you say...
Last edited May 28, 2023 7:41 pm
May 28, 2023 10:35 pm
Faction War! if you please, DM!

The Believers of the Source would be my chosen faction
May 29, 2023 2:23 am
Alordis says:
The only possible answer is that someone has to start a third to appease the Rule of Threes.
dirigible says:
scratches chin Hmmm... a third, you say...
This is absolutely correct!
May 29, 2023 2:26 am
fnlyre says:
I’m new to Gamersplane and pbp in general and unfamiliar with Planescape. I do, however, have 5e experience. If you’d have me I’d be interested in playing either game.
Hello and welcome to Gamersplane! Hope you'll find pbp a rewarding experience. Planescape was crazy popular back in 2e, but hasn't seen much pick up between 3-5e. A quick search on the background of Sigil and the factions is what you need to get a start in this game. Hope the concept intrigues you!
May 29, 2023 2:37 am
annex says:
Can I call dibs on the Bleak Cabal? :P
therecusant says:

The Believers of the Source would be my chosen faction
Always been partial to the Transcendent Order, myself.
Last edited May 29, 2023 2:37 am
May 29, 2023 2:58 am
Planescape? I adored playing Planescape: Torment, although I admit, the game is mine only source for the setting.

A 15 players higher level game sound like a fun chaotic experience that I am willing to commit myself for. Yet I lean more towards the blood war game, feels more familiar.
Last edited May 29, 2023 2:59 am
May 29, 2023 5:11 am
BedzoneII says:
fnlyre says:
I’m new to Gamersplane and pbp in general and unfamiliar with Planescape. I do, however, have 5e experience. If you’d have me I’d be interested in playing either game.
Hello and welcome to Gamersplane! Hope you'll find pbp a rewarding experience. Planescape was crazy popular back in 2e, but hasn't seen much pick up between 3-5e. A quick search on the background of Sigil and the factions is what you need to get a start in this game. Hope the concept intrigues you!
Thank you! I was wondering what I should read to help. Just googling planescape want really helping
May 29, 2023 5:33 am
I'm interested! The Sun Champion of the Foundry is ready! I've been playing a lot of Sigil in pbp and I would like to reprise it again.
May 29, 2023 7:00 am
HueHueBr says:
Planescape? I adored playing Planescape: Torment, although I admit, the game is mine only source for the setting.

Torment is still critically acclaimed as one of the best RPG experiences ever, and certainly groundbreaking in its time! I think your grasp of the setting will be fine. I'll be sure to provide one or two links, not just for yourself but for some of the others as well.
May 29, 2023 12:28 pm
I’m interested to learn a bit more. I know nothing about Planescape, but what I’ve skimmed sounds interesting.
May 29, 2023 6:34 pm
If we are going with the Faction War, and I will represent the Society of Sensations, how would we go about it?
What would be the plot hook that got each of us engaged with the story?
May 30, 2023 1:28 am
I'm 100% torn on whether I'd want to play the faction war or the blood war.
May 30, 2023 3:19 pm
Hi everyone, thanks for the overwhelming interest! I think the first option edges out the second by just a bit, but in order to to put everyone in a dliemma as to which they prefer, I'm going to embark on Faction War.

I'm inviting you to be part of a chaotic experiment to run a large-ish game in PbP. Let's give it a shot, and we'll do some milestone checks at the end of each chapter to see if the game still makes sense and continues to be enjoyable. And if for some reason it flags, I will offer up the more focused Blood War campaign to pivot into (all woven into the plot, naturally)

I have updated the opening post in this thread into a recruitment post, and will be sending invites to everyone who has expressed interest so far. Start thinking about those races and classes, and most importantly, pick a philosophy you bunch of barmies!
May 30, 2023 3:21 pm
runekyndig says:
If we are going with the Faction War, and I will represent the Society of Sensations, how would we go about it?
What would be the plot hook that got each of us engaged with the story?
A very significant event happens which no one can ignore! I shall reveal in game (if you haven't already read the setting information online)
May 30, 2023 3:28 pm
I'll start working on a member of Society of Sensations then. Looking forward to the game
May 30, 2023 3:44 pm
I'm ready to fight for the Foundry! All hail the Lower Wars!
May 30, 2023 4:28 pm
If there are still spots open, I would like to join this game.
OOC:
Edit: If available, i think an Athar Cleric would be fun to play. But im open to anything.
Last edited May 30, 2023 5:28 pm
May 30, 2023 4:53 pm
I'm going Doomguard.

Entropy! Yay!
Jun 3, 2023 2:39 pm
Putting up one more call to see if anyone wants to play a member of the Athar, Dustmen, Fated or Xaositect factions, or if you want to see exactly how different players with different character philosophical agendas attempt to play through this multi-chapter scenario of the war between the factions of Sigil. We're in the midst of character creation now, so you can still join in.
Last edited June 3, 2023 2:40 pm
Jun 3, 2023 2:48 pm
Part of me wants to play, but I'm not sure since I've read parts of Faction War before and have GMed so much of Planescape (and will be running Faction War in my current game even though it's a LONG way out.)

I can throw a Dustman or a Fated though if those things don't concern you.
Jun 3, 2023 3:42 pm
I need a Dustmen buddy who summons undead that I can boost with the oathbreaker's aura....? :)
Jun 3, 2023 5:50 pm
I suppose an orc necromancer might be in order. Will have to dig in on the build later.
Jun 3, 2023 6:11 pm
If there's room and this doesn't step on toes, I could throw together a Chaosman Wild Magic Barbarian.

Actually, on second thought, I think I'm at my limit for games. But I hope this one goes splendidly!
Last edited June 3, 2023 6:26 pm
Jun 4, 2023 12:48 am
Sending both of you invites! Alordis I'm really happy we're both running Planescape, yours is way broader so I imagine you'll only get to the war later. I think even if you knew the plot, you can still consider whether playing through it from the lens of a faction member makes a difference.

@cowleyc I've dropped you an invite to browse anyway! I suffer from the same problem, I think we all do!
Jun 5, 2023 9:50 am
At my limit but always wanted to play through this- love the philosophical aspect to Planescape. If your game was public I would enjoy the read- but I get thats not everyones cup of tea. Good luck!
Jun 6, 2023 4:06 pm
SenorDeebs says:
At my limit but always wanted to play through this- love the philosophical aspect to Planescape. If your game was public I would enjoy the read- but I get thats not everyones cup of tea. Good luck!
Oh I'd be happy to invite people to read along, and most of my games will be set to public anyway (with player consent, or unless it has darker themes). Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Jun 6, 2023 11:49 pm
I'd like to apply to join this campaign if there's still room.
Jun 12, 2023 5:54 pm
Same!

I would like to also apply if you have space! I'm finally done with my exams and are up to start a new game!

If you do, could you please tell me which factions are available/taken, depending on the shorter list...☺️
Jun 13, 2023 3:03 pm
Hi @retsamerol and @Bubbles, thanks for your interest. I have exactly one spot left at this point, to play a PC belonging to the Athar faction. Dibs goes to retsamerol because you messaged a couple of days before Bubbles did. Let me know if you’re still up for it.
Jun 13, 2023 3:19 pm
That is absolutely fair, thanks for the answer!
Jun 20, 2023 1:09 pm
Dropped you an invite @bubbles if you’re still up for it :)
Jul 17, 2023 10:21 am
Attrition happens, especially in a massively chaotic game with 15 players representing conflicting factions in the Planescape world! I have one spot available now, to insert you into the thick of the impending faction war in Sigil. Have a look at the intro blurb at the start of this thread to see what this game is all about.

Anyone? It's a potentially long haul game.
Jul 25, 2023 11:13 am
I am shocked and disappointed at myself for only now discovering this. Planescape AND BedzoneII? A recipe for success!

I've read the entirety of Faction War and DM'd up to its first half (spoiler: the bit where the streams really cross with the Blood War) so coupled with my busy schedule, might be wisest to pass for now.
[ +- ]
Jul 25, 2023 12:25 pm
DarK_RaideR says:
I am shocked and disappointed at myself for only now discovering this. Planescape AND BedzoneII? A recipe for success!

I've read the entirety of Faction War and DM'd up to its first half (spoiler: the bit where the streams really cross with the Blood War) so coupled with my busy schedule, might be wisest to pass for now.
[ +- ]
@dark_raider Darn, I thought you were the first person I directly messaged about this, I figured you'd be wanting in! There are significant tweaks to the Faction War plot so that even if you've read it it won't play out the same way, at best you'd be familiar with the cast of characters. There's always a place for you in this game when you're ready. We can play it slow as well, we started with individual faction threads just so people can ease into the rhythm of things.
Aug 25, 2023 2:21 pm
The usual player movements means a handful have come and gone. We are at a crazy healthy ten players (!) but still have five factions unrepresented in this chaotic game where no one has figured out what's wrong in Sigil yet. We're past the prologue and are firmly in Act 1.

The new Planescape launch is just round the corner and I can't wait to implement some of what will be published into this game. Anyone wants in?
Aug 25, 2023 6:00 pm
I have recently watched some videos on Planescape and was not convinced that setting would allow for a type of RPG game I enjoy. However Faction War idea intrigued me and I would like to try it. If I can find a faction among the 5 free ones that speak to my hart I would be happy to join.
Warning though - I will be asking lot of questions if you invite me and even asking for suggestions on my choices at least at the beginning of the game until I feel comfortable with settings and game implementation.
Aug 25, 2023 6:04 pm
Hey there, I’m definitely interested.

I used to play 2e Planescape way back in the day, so I’d be fun to get back into it. However, it’s been over a decade since I’ve even touched any of the books, so like GreyWord, I’ll probably have my share of setting questions. I’m experienced with 5e, system-wise.
Last edited August 25, 2023 6:05 pm
Aug 26, 2023 2:30 am
GreyWord says:
I have recently watched some videos on Planescape and was not convinced that setting would allow for a type of RPG game I enjoy.
May I ask what kind of setting you enjoy?
Aug 26, 2023 2:52 pm
Ask away @GreyWord and @Tequila_Mockingbird! Happy to keep a conversation running here to help you figure out one way or another. And thanks Bookrat for starting us off.

My intro post at the start of this thread is indicative of where I imagine this game will go. It's entirely city-centred, so no plane-hopping (even though that's one of the more common features of a Planescape game). The conflicts are entirely situation-based, vs NPCs and PCs, so there's a ton of social interaction. There's a fair bit of investigation involved because you're trying to figure out how to gain advantage from the faction conflict, or how to bring it to an end. The larger plot will continue to happen, whether or not the PCs are there to join in or stop it. With a maximum of 15 players there's a fair bit of jumping around different threads, so that can create a fair bit of disjointedness until you get used to it.
Aug 26, 2023 3:01 pm
Which factions are still available?
Aug 26, 2023 3:03 pm
Harmonium, Mercykillers, Society of Sensation, Xaositects for sure, and probably the Bleak Cabal. All juicy options!
Aug 26, 2023 3:18 pm
Hmm, I think the Harmonium would be right up my alley.
Aug 26, 2023 6:17 pm
If you're still taking applications I'd be up for joining as a Xaositect.

Fair warning - I used to play AD&D 2e a lot back in the day (Planescape was one of my favorite settings) but haven't done any TTRPGs in over a decade. I'm looking to get back into it now.
Aug 26, 2023 7:18 pm
Always feel free to ask questions. I recommend the Discord too for quick responses!
Aug 27, 2023 1:16 pm
Thanks for the interest, sending some invites your way!
Aug 28, 2023 9:21 am
@Bookrat I'm scared reading "Unlike other D&D game settings, Planescape focuses on philosophical musings about the nature of belief and existence" and heavy reference to alignment most DMs I've played with are ignoring.

@BedzoneII from what I read about Mercykillers trigger association with Cleric of Nature Domain. Worshiping Tyr a LG cleric. I'm reading on sigil fandom suggestion that a truly exciting role-playing can take place when a character tries to play the distracting factor of good alignment that may cloud their judgment and search for justice.

If you see that a feasible opportunity in your game and a Mercykillers is still open, I would like to take it.
Aug 28, 2023 3:41 pm
That's a good point about alignment GreyWord, 5e has moved very far from needing to bother about alignment, and all the other games I play or run have never needed to use it. That said, Planescape originates from 2e, and its very setting is based on alignment differences, and its cosmology is based on the Great Wheel, ie all the Outer Planes represent an alignment. So the setting is very much law vs chaos, good vs evil, but expressed through the various factions, and the choices a character often has to make might depend on their philosophical inclinations.

So even a faction such as the Mercykillers could comprise of both good and evil members, the good ones striving for merciful justice, the evil ones preferring retributive justice. That's the kind of dilemma this game will demand of its characters. If this sounds like something you'd enjoy or want to try, then I've got an open spot!
Aug 28, 2023 5:20 pm
I've only playing RPGs since 5e and want to try role-playing some alignment dilemma indeed.

I have but one last problem - I may be reading wrong materials because what I my source contradict your statement about "merciful justice". I read faction "search to kill mercy itself" and does not implement justice. They implement the punishment.

This article insiste
Quote:
...a player must realize that Mercykillers don’t arrest or try a berk, no matter what he’s accused of. It falls to the Harmonium to arrest lawbreakers, and to the Fraternity of Order to conduct trials for the accused. Only when a sod’s been found guilty of a crime under the law may a Mercykiller carry out punishment
Aug 30, 2023 7:38 am
The link you mentioned is a decently reliable source for how to understand Planescape. I don't see any contradiction, since I was trying to get further into the difference between good Mercykillers vs evil Mercykillers.

I'll drop you an invite to the game, you can read around and see if what you see reconciles with your understanding from other sources. :)
Sep 3, 2023 7:27 pm
Uhm...Hi...I’m new to Gamersplane and the only things I know about Planescape are that there is Sigil, and there are factions... But, I do have experience in 5e, if that is of any help...
I hope that I can still play...Even if English is not my first language, I'll try my best!
Sep 6, 2023 1:21 pm
Is this still open?

I'd like to join, a planescape campaign sounds good.

Is Bleak Cabal still free?
Sep 10, 2023 3:08 pm
Hi both! I still have two spots, and I'll drop you an invite so that you can browse around to see if it's something you'd like to play. @sasuken09 some famiiarity with the Planescape setting will probably make the game more enjoyable, but there are online resources that you can catch up with that'll help. @rainworld we just filled the open Bleak Cabal spot, but I still have the Dustmen and the Society of Sensation vacant. See if that interests you!
Sep 10, 2023 4:23 pm
I'd be interested too.
For whatever faction remains after rainworld has chosen.

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