[Recruitment] Tomb of Annihilation, chapter I

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ClosedDungeons & Dragons 5thPublic4 / weekGreyWord
The Game System and Setting
Tomb of Annihilation is Dungeon & Dragons 5e official module. Will play first chapter and if everyone enjoy can continue to next.
Note: first chapter has very little combat and lot of social encounters, exploration and opportunity to role-play a traveler in an exotic city/country

The Pitch.
You are one of 100 000 citizens of Baldur’s Gate city located on the Sword Coast (Forgotten Realms Settings). You are not an adventurer (yet) and probably don't think of it as a real profession in the Sword Coast.

And yet you are going to be hired for a risky job far away from your home: you will travel to Port Nyanzaru - the only city of Chult and you will accept the high risk job in a desperate attempt to save your someone you love (player to choose it is relative, beloved or who knows - maybe a priest, teacher a mentor).
[ +- ] Chult


Port Nyanzaru
City Port Nyanzaru in the Bay of Chult is the only spot where travelers can find welcoming civilization. The rest of the peninsula is a breeding ground for bloodsucking, disease-bearing insects, monstrous reptiles, carnivorous birds and beasts of every variety, and murderous undead.
https://i.imgur.com/IMyu48Y.jpg

Adventure
The person hired you will give you time to get used to local climate while she is taking care of technical details. PCs will have opportunity to learn culture, gather gossips, earn some money so valuable to supply expedition with everything necessary.
Perhaps make some local friends or who knows - even companions.


Sep 10, 2024 4:45 pm
[ +- ] Foreword
Game length and post frequency.
Most of the content in first chapter of this module is optional will depend on player desire. It could take anything from few months to few years.
I am aiming at 4-5 story progress posts per week at least at start. It may slow down a bit later, but if you are not ready to participate game at a daily basis you may find this game not for you.

Character limitations
Class/subclass: any official published sources.
Races allowed: PHB races and all of their sub-races recommended. Other races mentioned in Sword Coast official materials are also be negotiable.
Backgrounds allowed: Acolyte, Anthropologist, Charlatan, Cloistered Scholar, Criminal, Entertainer, Faction Agent, Folk Hero, Inheritor, Mercenary Veteran, Noble, Outlander, Sage, Soldier.
Ability scores: Point by or roll (bad roll back up - standard array)
You start lvl 1 with starting gear as per DnD rules


How to Apply: By the end of the week post your interest in this thread, but don't describe your class or race choice yet. Character creation will be part of Session 0 in game.
Last edited September 12, 2024 4:24 am
Sep 10, 2024 5:02 pm
I'd like to participate. Let me know if you need anymore info.
Sep 10, 2024 6:31 pm
I'm interested in your game. And once I'm in, I'd like to be in it for the long run.
Sep 10, 2024 6:52 pm
I'd be excited to give this a go.
Sep 10, 2024 7:07 pm
I would be interested in playing.
Sep 10, 2024 7:08 pm
I'm interested, especially if it's a long running game.
Sep 10, 2024 8:52 pm
I'm interested, I shall throw my hat in the ring.
Sep 11, 2024 12:39 am
I am very interested, especially a long running game and I can post as much as need be.
Sep 11, 2024 3:02 am
Port Nyanzaru: Come to find mysterious ruins; stay for the dinosaur races. Bring mosquito repellent.

Not throwing my hat into the ring (too busy), but my D&D group recently adventured there (different campaign) and I couldn't resist a quip. Enjoy, everyone!
Sep 11, 2024 4:55 am
Here I am coming late to the party.
Sep 11, 2024 3:56 pm
I'm thrilled to see all the interest.

@Azule86, @mathias0077, @AnonGL, @crazybirdman, @szemely, @MaJunior, @TatharCiryatan, @Rigthar - if you would please let me know what is the background you would most likely be playing if I say you can only choose from those: Acolyte, Anthropologist, Charlatan, Cloistered Scholar, Criminal, Entertainer, Faction Agent, Folk Hero, Inheritor, Mercenary Veteran, Noble, Outlander, Sage, Soldier. Those are only applicable background for Sword Coast, would it be too limiting ?
Sep 11, 2024 4:13 pm
I don't see any immediate issues.

Are we taking customized backgrounds off the table?
Sep 11, 2024 4:29 pm
Acolyte would be my choice from those options.
Sep 11, 2024 6:20 pm
Definitely anthropologist. I've got no clue about the mechanics, but I'm feeling some kind of scientist coming up. The chance for a scientist to discover a new land, new cultures, new beasts, sounds like like a chance to create a legacy. I'm already happy with that.
Sep 11, 2024 6:23 pm
I don't think it would be too limiting. Don't know if I can pick now before knowing what class I'd play, maybe merc vet, or scholar
Sep 11, 2024 6:32 pm
@TatharCiryatan anthropologist in 5e is also but not entirely academic background
Quote:
knowledge came to you not only through books and scrolls, but also through firsthand observation – by visiting far-flung settlements and exploring local histories and customs.
@MaJunior yes, my question is indeed if everyone agree that it ir reasonable for DM suggests players stick to races and backgrounds native to the settings. Nothing is off the table yet, but I would prefer PCs that I can as a DM easily fit into the story.
Sep 11, 2024 7:01 pm
I think the ability to alter backgrounds makes a limited subset of backgrounds more viable. Honestly, the skills that come attached to backgrounds don't fit half the time.

Outlander for example... the native skills are Athletics and Survival. But you could make a case for Nature, Perception, Animal Handling, or Medicine also being applicable. And none of those alterations should make them unplayable or not fit... it's more just making the background fit the character better.
Sep 11, 2024 8:30 pm
GreyWord says:
@TatharCiryatan anthropologist in 5e is also but not entirely academic background [quote]knowledge came to you not only through books and scrolls, but also through firsthand observation – by visiting far-flung settlements and exploring local histories and customs.
That sounds awesome to me! A PC leaving their comfortable home and life, going on a trip to research, and slowly getting sucked into a dangerous adventure. You've got me hooked.
On a DM limiting player character options, I can totally get behind that. I tend to feel like the creation of a character is done between Player and DM. They both bring a story to the table, and co-creating a character helps weaving the character into the narrative. If a DM specifically asks for this, I think players tread carefully if they don't oblige. Creating a world, trying to fit everything into a single narrative is a lot of work. So when a DM is upfront with these choices, that to me is a valid reason to stick with them.
Sep 11, 2024 10:21 pm
Faction Agent is that the same as Guild Artisan?
Sep 11, 2024 10:27 pm
I was thinking I grew up and learned the art of gem cutting and jeweler from my family but like the excitement of becoming cat burglary. Using his connections through the guild and knowledge of safes and secret compartments to his advantage.
Sep 11, 2024 11:27 pm
mathias0077 says:
Faction Agent is that the same as Guild Artisan?
Not at all.

Guild Artisan means you're a crafter who belongs to a guild of similarly crafted things, examples being:

- Masons and Architects Guild
- Weavers, Dyers, and Fullers
- Alchemists and Apothecaries
- Wagon Makers and Wheelrights

...and so on.

A Faction Agent is a person who is a member and operative of one of the five Factions on the Sword Coast -- like the Harpers, Emerald Enclave, or Zhentarim.
Sep 12, 2024 2:47 am
For what I'd be playing, it kind of depends on what books would be available. I'm thinking of playing an way of the astral self monk, with the folk hero background if the subclass is available.
In the case where we are not allowing Tasha's or doing PHB only, then I'd probably play a fighter, not sure which subclass though, with the soldier background.
Last edited September 12, 2024 2:47 am
Sep 12, 2024 4:23 am
OK, cool I've finalised character creation limitation in game description and editing my original post to provide a copy.
Last edited September 12, 2024 4:25 am
Sep 12, 2024 4:36 am
MaJunior says:
Honestly, the skills that come attached to backgrounds don't fit half the time.
I believe backgrounds are attached based on WoTC vision of background within the settings. Certainly in different settings similar background could associate with different skills better.
Since this is WoTC module I've just decided taking customized backgrounds off the table.
Sep 12, 2024 4:40 am
GreyWord says:
I'm thrilled to see all the interest.

@Azule86, @mathias0077, @AnonGL, @crazybirdman, @szemely, @MaJunior, @TatharCiryatan, @Rigthar - if you would please let me know what is the background you would most likely be playing if I say you can only choose from those: Acolyte, Anthropologist, Charlatan, Cloistered Scholar, Criminal, Entertainer, Faction Agent, Folk Hero, Inheritor, Mercenary Veteran, Noble, Outlander, Sage, Soldier. Those are only applicable background for Sword Coast, would it be too limiting ?
I can work with that if that is what you are using.
Sep 12, 2024 12:08 pm
I’m good with the limitations on the game description page. Been wanting to play a human fighter for a while as it is.
Sep 12, 2024 12:52 pm
GreyWord says:

I believe backgrounds are attached based on WoTC vision of background within the settings. Certainly in different settings similar background could associate with different skills better.
Since this is WoTC module I've just decided taking customized backgrounds off the table.
With standard generic PHB backgrounds I don't think it has anything to do with setting, and I haven't seen anything that suggests it does.

Although I would be interested in what their reasoning was.
Last edited September 12, 2024 12:55 pm
Sep 12, 2024 3:41 pm
@GreyWord what books would we be allowed to look at for this game? One explaining the different factions and what not.
Sep 12, 2024 4:04 pm
With the new available information, I'd probably keep the Folk Hero Astral Monk, but I'm not sure if Tortle would be allowed, in which case I'd likely go for a variant human instead.
Sep 12, 2024 4:48 pm
@mathias0077 let me answer slightly different questions, let me know if it helped you or not:

Question: what books could provide undesired spoilers to players?
Answer: Tomb Of Annihilation and Monster Manual

Question: what books/info is welcome, encouraged for players to read
Answer: I haven't red it myself, but I guess reading Sword Coast Adventurers Guide could improve your experience playing this module.

Question: is any Sword Coast lore knowledge required to play?
Answer: no, DM will provide you the knowledge your PC has about the Sword Coast that is relevant for the story
Last edited September 12, 2024 4:49 pm
Sep 13, 2024 3:52 pm
GreyWord says:
@mathias0077 let me answer slightly different questions, let me know if it helped you or not:

Question: what books could provide undesired spoilers to players?
Answer: Tomb Of Annihilation and Monster Manual

Question: what books/info is welcome, encouraged for players to read
Answer: I haven't red it myself, but I guess reading Sword Coast Adventurers Guide could improve your experience playing this module.

Question: is any Sword Coast lore knowledge required to play?
Answer: no, DM will provide you the knowledge your PC has about the Sword Coast that is relevant for the story
Thanks for the info.
Sep 14, 2024 2:35 am
A rouge mastermind who is a faction agent sounds good then.
Sep 14, 2024 10:17 am
5 invites sent to players who best followed "how to apply" instructions. @mathias0077 @AnonGL you are on waiting list which means I will contact you if any of 5 invitees drop the game, which tend to happen. I will leave this open til end of the week if more players want to get on the waiting list

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