But, first, how about a '20 questions' kinda thing, to give you some more info?
20 Questions
Feel free to ask more. But here are a couple of more things I didn't put in the other posts yet.
1.
Ok, so, for this play-by-post, how do I roll dice? Short answer: You don't. I'll roll all the dice. Most of us know that this is very effective in pBp, but some folks are new. This really is done to save time and help the game move forward, and not to rob fun from you! You still control your character, and tell us what he does though... It's just your Referee will use the dice to see if it worked or not.
2.
If my character dies, or someone else's, can they be raised?Yep! There are Clerics in most major settlements high enough, and perhaps a few in the Wilds, that can do this. But, expect to pay through the nose or do something special in return for it.
3.
How are replacement PCs handled?Lower in levels, people probably can't afford raise dead. If you've got one or more henchmen, you can elevate one to PC status on the spot. If you don't, ask for some new rolls and I'll get you in the game ASAP. ...Even if I magically 'pop' you to the rest of the party (we can talk about how you get back into the action via PM if you've got an idea or preferred way).
4.
How do I know things are on the up-and-up here?I'll post die rolls when I make them at the bottom of the thread in question. Look for Makofan's example here on these boards under "Refereeing a campaign". His method is excellent, I'm borrowing it
Besides, if I cheat you... I'm cheating myself out of an enthusiastic, excellent player! I won't do that.
5.
Are there critical hits and fumbles? How do they work? No! But my running joke is that there is a 'critical hit' every time a 6 is rolled on the damage die. OUCH. Either you did damage that turn, or you didn't.
6.
Do I get any benefits for wearing a helmet?Yes. Helmets are AC for the head. IF I CAN REMEMBER THIS, as I'm not used to doing it, I'll check to see if any hits are 'head hits' according to Delving Deeper. A helmet will, of course, protect against them.
7.
Can I hurt my friends if I fire into melee or do something similarly silly?You bet you can. I'll handle this according to a given situation, but Delving Deeper's combat is abstract. The combat turn is a MINUTE long, not a six second round. I'll take that into account.
8.
Will we need to run from some encounters, or will we be able to kill everything? It's up to you, but short answer is yes. Sometimes it's best to live to fight another day. I don't mind 'meta-gaming' at all; If YOU as a player know something will whack your character or group, you don't have to act as if your character doesn't because that character never encountered that thing. But fortune favors the bold! If you try a heavy challenge, just get ready for consequences... Either positive or negative. And death.
9.
Level-draining monsters: yes or no?Yep. They are in the game, so I use 'em. This can cause death or loss of xp, but the xp can be re-earned in standard play. This is supposed to be a scary thing, right? It should be.
10.
Are there going to be cases where a failed save results in PC death?Yep. This is one of the reasons I think Non-Humans should be limited. They save rather well. Keep that in mind! Note that not all cases of saving throws will cause death though (perhaps a majority might...)
11.
What’s required when my PC gains a level? Training? Do I get new spells automatically? Can it happen in the middle of an adventure, or do I have to wait for down time?You've got to bring captured treasure back to a safe-haven, and be able to have one night's un-interrupted rest in that safe-haven in order to 'cash-in' XP for treasures and monsters both. Just go back to town for a bit. I'll award xp. Character's don't need to 'train' in this game or pay fees to level up. New spells are NOT gained automatically. They must be researched, found, or purchased.
12.
What do I get experience for?Getting treasure back to town safely, and defeating monsters. Note: Defeat does NOT ONLY = Kill. Defeat can be banish, outsmart, or whatnot... If you've kept it from successfully reaching it's goals in a meaningful way in this game, to the point that YOUR goals have been successfuly met, then that creature's defeated and you've got XP when you get back to town.
13.
How are traps located? Description, dice rolling, or some combination?I'll describe it to you. IF YOU ARE LOOKING or if it's obvious. If you are NOT looking I'll fall back on dice-roll detection for thieves (and possibly dwarves if its stonework, or elves if it's 'hidden'). Your best bet is to pay attention to the description, and talk it disabled. That way, the dice don't determine whether you live or die.
14.
Are retainers encouraged and how does morale work?Absolutely. So are hirelings. But only if you want too... It's your game. They do help, though. Morale works as-written, and I'll pay attention over time as to how you treat them. This affects thier loyalty score, which affects morale, as normal.
15.
How do I identify magic items?You've got to use it/put it on/pick it up/taste it etc. Basically, you've got to take the chance that it might hurt or kill you. A sip of a potion will do the trick though. Most items are identified after a character class that is allowed to use it, does so.
16.
Can I buy magic items? Oh, come on: how about just potions?Probably not, except for scrolls and potions. Scrolls will cost 150 gp per spell level (so it's cheaper to make your own when you can) but I'll adjudicate potions when that comes up in play.
17.
Can I create magic items? When and how?As written in the Delving Deeper/OD&D rules. When the time comes, we'll get there.
18.
What about splitting the party?That's up to you. While I hope we, as real humans behind the computer, get along with adult courtesty, we can pretend however we want with our characters. If you folks eventually get your own castles made, and engage in wars with each other (if this game lasts that long) I'm all for it! And if you think it's best to split up in the dungeon, well, that's your call. Or, strike out on your own if you like. This is all up to you folks.
19.
What about the campaign? Who are the major players in Aerth?For Anglica, where this campaign will start, there are a few folks out there of note that most people in the world have heard of.
-Anglica's King is Lord Vanton Dunsany. His wife is named Melanna. They reside in the royal palace in Anglica's capitol, Glastony, a large walled city.
-The town of Hollister is Anglica's second-largest place. It's a walled town, close to a city in size. It's administered by an Earl, Karakos Tonyson by name, and his wife is named Elma.
-A large village, to the west of Glastony, also walled, goes by the name of Anglewood. It sits upon the north of the Angle Woods. (Yes, I know... Unimaginative. Have you seen a local map of your town lately???). It is run by a mayor, a Dwarf named Ulf two-beards who is married to a pretty halfling woman named Sherry.
-There is a college in Glastony called the College of Spires. It offers magical education in blocks of university instruction, and is the place to go to look for sages in the country. The library there is quite extensive.
-When people enquire as to who the most powerful wizard is, the answer is usually Alcastra the Fair-Spoken. She doesn't live in Anglica, but is known far and wide for her power and beauty.
-Another individual of reknown is the adventuring Elf Greyharp the Generous. He's done many mighty deeds for longer than some people have been alive.
-It's rumored that there is a great thief in the area. Verily, they call him or her the 'King of Thieves'. No one knows if this is one person, or a group, but they are labeled 'Back-Alley Thom' by the general populace.
-Kal-El is a wandering Priest of Mitra that might be encountered. He is very beneficient and has worked a great many miracles in Mitra's name. It's said he's originally from far away Tuscany.
-It's widely known that there are a couple of old, large, and very powerful dragons in the area. One, Respirrenious, the Green Dragon, is said to live deep in Angle Wood. Another, Raulmigauld, the Red Dragon, is believed to live in the mountains over 30 miles east of Glastony City. Both have been seen repeatedly flying in the skies of this country. Each has flown into settlements demanding maidens at the threat of attack in years gone by. Each time, the maiden was given. Except once: Greyharp the Generous and a crew of hero's confronted Respirrenious, and the battle over the skies was a mighty one... But, sadly, after that battle Greyharp was seen no more. But Respirrenious HAS BEEN.
...OK, that's only 19... Perhaps YOU'VE got #20?
Besides, if I cheat you... I'm cheating myself out of an enthusiastic, excellent player! I won't do that.
