Closed: Refugees of the Multiverse

[Postmodernist]

So, I was accepted into a game originally advertised here. Alas, it died during the first encounter, like so many other PbP campaigns.

Well, I decided I'm gonna run it.

I'll be accepting applications for 4 players, total. One slot has been claimed by another former player, one slot has been rejected, and another is pending. That leaves 2-3 open slots. Gonna keep this open until 3/4 at least 3/11. If we need more time to recruit, then we'll reevaluate then.

EDIT: Due to lack of interest, game will be closed.


BIG 16 - These are copied from the original, I don't see the need for major deviation, but I'm open to requests and suggestions.

1. What game system are you running (D&D, Call of Cthulu, Palladium, GURPS, etc.), and if applicable what edition (Original, Classic, Revised, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 10th, etc.)?
D&D 5E
2. What 'type' or variant of game will it be (i.e. "Shadow Chasers" or "Agents of Psi" for d20 Modern)? What is the setting for the game (eg. historic period, published or homebrewed campaign setting, alternate reality, modern world, etc.)?
Published module with some potential modifications, Planescape.
3. How many Players are you looking for? Will you be taking alternates, and if so, how many? 4 total, alts as needed
5. Alternates will be contacted as needed.
4. What's the gaming medium (OOTS, chat, e-mail etc.)?
This forum. Sheets can be hosted on either MythWeavers or D&D Beyond. I have a lot of the books on Beyond, so I should be okay to access the naterial.
5. What is the characters' starting status (i.e. experience level)?
Level 3
6. How much gold or other starting funds will the characters begin with?
Starting gold plus 250gp. Plus you can pick an Uncommon magical item each.
7. Are there any particular character classes, professions, orders, etc. that you want... or do not want? What are your rules on 'prestige' and/or homebrewed classes?
Stick to classes from any published first party book. No homebrew or 3rd party material.
8. What races, subraces, species, etc. are allowed for your game? Will you allow homebrewed races or species? 'Prestige' races or species?
You can use any race from the Players Handbook or the Fantastical Races section of Monsters of the Multiverse.
9. By what method should Players generate their attributes/ability scores and Hit Points?
27 point buy, no score over 15 (pre-mods) to start. Hit points are maximum to start.
10. Does your game use alignment? What are your restrictions, if so?
Alignment is heavily considered in Planescape. You can be any alignment, so long as you can work with others.
11. Do you allow multi-classing, or have any particular rules in regards to it?
Multiclass at will.
12. Will you be doing all of the die rolling during the course of the game? Will die rolls be altered, or left to the honor system? If players can make die rolls, which ones do they make, how should they make the rolls, and how should they report them?
I will roll mine and a few of yours, you will roll most of yours.
13. Are there any homebrewed or optional/variant rules that your Players should know about? If so, list and explain them, or provide relevant links to learn about these new rules.
**This is very important. You need three character sheets. These can be as similar or as different as you like to each other. They are all aspects of your main character, and will be explained in character. See spoiler below.
14. Is a character background required? If so, how big? Are you looking for anything in particular (i.e. the backgrounds all ending up with the characters in the same city)?
A character background is required. Because it is the planes, pretty much any wacky background can make sense for the game. Let your imagination run free. Doesn't have to be long, as you are only third level. Just keep it brief and interesting.
15. Does your game involve a lot of hack & slash, puzzle solving, roleplaying, or a combination of the above?
As it is a published module, it will be a balanced mixture of all of these.
16. Are your Players restricted to particular rulebooks and supplements, or will you be allowing access to non-standard material? What sources can Players use for their characters?
You can use any first party book. But please include a brief description of what things do, to make it easier for me to see at a glance what you are capable of without having to look up every ability.

Please let me know if I have missed anything important, or if you have questions.

Thank you, and I look forward to your submissions. Cheers.

Spoiler: 3 Character Sheet Multiverse Thing

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In response to some of these questions, I'll elaborate a little.

This campaign uses a concept called "glitch characters." Each is a sort of incarnation of your characters. This concept feels pretty explicitly lifted from the Marvel Multiverse type of thing - there are 3 different Spider-Mans, each with slight variations on the same themes. This concept applies, but there's more freedom. Characters can be of different races, classes, etc., but maybe they share personality traits, a shared appearance/style, an item, or a secret birthmark/tattoo.

Once players have created their characters, ask each player the following questions and have them record their answers:

What was the greatest decision or turning point in your character’s life? If your character made a different decision, how might their life be different? How would they be different if they made choices based on others’ expectations?

What is something your character wishes they could change about themselves? How would the best version of themselves be different?

What is your character’s signature possession or physical trait? What makes you certain that your character would retain this no matter what could have happened in their life?

From there, we can determine which will be your initial character, and you'll pilot that one. At different junctures in the campaign, characters may die, may somehow become swapped out with glitch characters, may be able to "tag-in" one character instead of or with another, etc. I don't want to give anything about the campaign away, but it'll be in that vein.

[Kvard51]

Definitely interested, likely a Clockwork Sorc of some race. But I am currently working and will finalize later.

[JNAProductions]

So... We can just make three separate characters that are one?
Can we get a little more info on that?

[Kaworu]

I also don't understand the 3 character sheets rule.

[Postmodernist]

In response to some of these questions, I'll elaborate a little.

This campaign uses a concept called "glitch characters." Each is a sort of incarnation of each. This concept feels pretty explicitly lifted from the Marvel Multiverse type of thing - there are 3 different Spider-Mans, each with slight variations on the same themes. This concept applies, but there's more freedom. Characters can be of different races, classes, etc., but maybe they share personality traits, a shared appearance/style, an item, or a secret birthmark/tattoo.

Once players have created their characters, ask each player the following questions and have them record their answers:

What was the greatest decision or turning point in your character’s life? If your character made a different decision, how might their life be different? How would they be different if they made choices based on others’ expectations?

What is something your character wishes they could change about themselves? How would the best version of themselves be different?

What is your character’s signature possession or physical trait? What makes you certain that your character would retain this no matter what could have happened in their life?

From there, we can determine which will be your initial character, and you'll pilot that one. At different junctures in the campaign, characters may die, may somehow become swapped out with glitch characters, may be able to "tag-in" one character instead of or with another, etc. I don't want to give anything about the campaign away, but it'll be in that vein.

Hope that clarifies this a little, and I'm happy to add this to the Big 16, if folks think it'll be pertinent.

[Kvard51]

In response to some of these questions, I'll elaborate a little.

This campaign uses a concept called "glitch characters." Each is a sort of incarnation of each. This concept feels pretty explicitly lifted from the Marvel Multiverse type of thing - there are 3 different Spider-Mans, each with slight variations on the same themes. This concept applies, but there's more freedom. Characters can be of different races, classes, etc., but maybe they share personality traits, a shared appearance/style, an item, or a secret birthmark/tattoo.

Once players have created their characters, ask each player the following questions and have them record their answers:

What was the greatest decision or turning point in your character’s life? If your character made a different decision, how might their life be different? How would they be different if they made choices based on others’ expectations?

What is something your character wishes they could change about themselves? How would the best version of themselves be different?

What is your character’s signature possession or physical trait? What makes you certain that your character would retain this no matter what could have happened in their life?

From there, we can determine which will be your initial character, and you'll pilot that one. At different junctures in the campaign, characters may die, may somehow become swapped out with glitch characters, may be able to "tag-in" one character instead of or with another, etc. I don't want to give anything about the campaign away, but it'll be in that vein.

Hope that clarifies this a little, and I'm happy to add this to the Big 16, if folks think it'll be pertinent.

So, perhaps different sub-classes? Or even different classes?

[Postmodernist]

So, perhaps different sub-classes? Or even different classes?

Correct. There's really no limitations on the variety you might pursue. In the original recruitment thread, found here, you may note that some applicants opted to choose a single race and character class, with the variations being subclasses. Others chose the same name, but made three different characters. I made three different races and classes, connected by light magical themes and anagrammatic names. Go as big or as small as you like with it.

[Dr.Samurai]

Hi Postmodernist, I couldn't think of a character concept before, but I may have some ideas this time around. Would you mind letting me know if this will be theater of the mind or it there will be maps?

[Postmodernist]

Hi Postmodernist, I couldn't think of a character concept before, but I may have some ideas this time around. Would you mind letting me know if this will be theater of the mind or it there will be maps?

It'll be PbP, here on the OotS boards. It'll be mostly theatre of the mind, maps as necessary.

[Captain Cap]

Is a character background required for each "version"?

Also: are customized background or background feats (as in Glory of Giants / Shadow of the Dragon Queen etc.) available?

[Postmodernist]

Is a character background required for each "version"?

Also: are customized background or background feats (as in Glory of Giants / Shadow of the Dragon Queen etc.) available?

Keep backgrounds skirt length. I wrote a few sentences for each of my characters. I don't have access to every piece of content, but anything 5e approved and published should be fine, just run it by me first. Same goes for custom background - should be fine, just lemme know.

[Captain Cap]

I don't have access to every piece of content, but anything 5e approved and published should be fine, just run it by me first.

The reason I'm asking about backgrounds feats is because of the optional rule that has been introduced recently (from example from GoG):

If the DM decides to allow the giant foundling and the rune carver backgrounds, all characters in the campaign gain access to a bonus feat. If you select one of those backgrounds, you gain the bonus feat specified in that background. If the background you choose doesn't provide a feat, you gain a bonus feat of your choice from the following list:

• Skilled
• Tough

[Talivan]

Any chance this becomes tristalt?, 3 personas, 1 PC?

[Postmodernist]

The reason I'm asking about backgrounds feats is because of the optional rule that has been introduced recently (from example from GoG):

Gotcha. So essentially, in lieu of a background's normal properties (usually skills, tools proficiency, language), you can have a custom background that grants one of those feats. I think that's fine, since the Planescape book introduces the same character options, with the similarly-structured Gate Warden and Planar Philosopher feats. Approved.

Any chance this becomes tristalt?, 3 personas, 1 PC?

No, these must be three discrete individuals. If you scan the original recruitment post, you'll see a range of approaches applicants took. Some made all 3 the same class with different subclasses, others three characters with the same name, some all the same race, etc. The association just needs to be thematic/fluff.

[Spore]

Would one be allowed to refluff Warforged as Modron? Are the characters played simultaneously or take each other's place? Is the switch convenient or does it happen during downtime/rests? Does every incarnation have a separate item pool?

I saw "glitch", then "clockwork sorcerer", then Planescape, so of course I thought about Nordom. Maybe even some slightly meta idea of it becoming aware of the type of medium they are in, and split into "warrior", "specialist/infiltrator" and "mage/enovy". Because eldritch knight, artillerist artificer and lore bard are solid classes that really cover a lot.

[Postmodernist]

Would one be allowed to refluff Warforged as Modron? Are the characters played simultaneously or take each other's place? Is the switch convenient or does it happen during downtime/rests? Does every incarnation have a separate item pool?

I saw "glitch", then "clockwork sorcerer", then Planescape, so of course I thought about Nordom. Maybe even some slightly meta idea of it becoming aware of the type of medium they are in, and split into "warrior", "specialist/infiltrator" and "mage/enovy". Because eldritch knight, artillerist artificer and lore bard are solid classes that really cover a lot.

Yes, absolutely on the Warforged option. Feel free to fluff it or handwave it as you deem necessary, but run anything you think pertinent or weird by me. I like the concept immensely, and the "different modules" concept works perfectly. Again, I encourage folks to get nuts with it. Failed clone spells, characters with Dragonmarks... that aren't from Eberron, whatever you think will be fun!

Characters will be swapped in and out as necessary. This is worth noting: player death is a distinct possibility here. There are means of escaping it, to be sure, but there are challenging encounters right out of the gate. The obstacles aren't insurmountable, but expect to be pushed. The glitch characters act as potential backups, and later things develop with them in the plot. That's all I can say.

Regarding items I'll say this much: generate your starting character as described in the Big 16 and we'll reveal more from there.

[Kaworu]

Hm... would you get offended in I would create characters step by step? 5e is kinda easy mechanically, but still, 3 characters seems a lot... xD

I think of high elven bard/wizard/priest.

EDIT:

The first character version, a bard (it will be my "main" character version, if there are such things?)

Eillia Bright-Moon, a bard
Eillia Bright-Moon, a wizard
Eillia Bright-Moon, a priest

EDIT2:

Okay, the characters are done, I think? Tomorrow I will write a backstory to them ;-)

Spoiler

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Spoiler: Character sheets

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Eillia Bright-Moon, a bard
Eillia Bright-Moon, a wizard
Eillia Bright-Moon, a priest

Spoiler: Backstory

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Eillia Bright-Moon

Eillia was always a smart kid, even for a high elf. The most decisive moment in her life was when she was considering the kind of education she would like to receive. After much thought, she decided to become a Bard of the Collegium of Lore. She has access to magic, and is pretty well-versed in various scholarly pursuit.

Yet, sometimes she wonder, how her life would look like, if she would choose differently… per example, by becoming a wizard. Or maybe a priest of Mystra. Would she be better off? Worse? Wouldn’t really anything change for her?

Ah, so many questions, so little answers...

[Bobthewizard]

Withdrawn unfortunately.

[Kaworu]

Hi people ;-)

I have edited my last post. Now it has a backstory and CSs in the spoiler tag at the very bottom ;-)

[Dirty]

Hi there, I would like to throw my hat in the ring with Helmer(s).

He's a concierge to a classy inn/hotel. Helmer takes his work very seriously and gets annoyed when people say the word concierge sounds "seedy". He uses his knowledge of the city to help the guests anyway he can, in some cases this includes finding illicit entertainment. Helmer has a good friendship with his fellow workers at the hotel, in particular Anna; their relationship could be described as paternal as well as good friends. He tends to look out for guests and tends to have a listening ear for all his colleagues he is kind of like a father figure or an uncle.

This version of Helmer would be a bard.

Spoiler: Character Image

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Then there's Helmer. He's a doorman to the nightclub adjacent to the hotel, but belonging to the same building. He's a gruff soul, who doesn't care for trouble. Helmer is a sweetheart, but few have dared to discover that side of him since he's made a bit of a name for himself punching people in the face.

This version of Helmer would be a monk.

Spoiler: Character Image

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Finally there's Helmer.. Helmer is a successful accountant who is great with numbers and has a mind for the arcane. He loves to read and figure out complicated puzzles.

Spoiler: Character Image

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The three Helmers are near identical gargoyles to the West side, where the inn/hotel and nightclubs main entrances are. They reside perched way up on the ledge of where the roof meets the facade.

I was thinking Helmer could be an earth genasi, flavoured as gargoyle maybe? I'm open to ideas. If the gargoyle idea doesn't appeal I also had a thought of a warlock having his soul fought over by three different patrons and I wouldn't mind working out that idea.

[Postmodernist]

The three Helmers are near identical gargoyles to the West side, where the inn/hotel and nightclubs main entrances are. They reside perched way up on the ledge of where the roof meets the facade.

I was thinking Helmer could be an earth genasi, flavoured as gargoyle maybe? I'm open to ideas. If the gargoyle idea doesn't appeal I also had a thought of a warlock having his soul fought over by three different patrons and I wouldn't mind working out that idea.

So long as the gargoyle stuff is basically fluff, that's fine. Warlock option is intriguing as well, so run wild with it.

Hi people ;-)

I have edited my last post. Now it has a backstory and CSs in the spoiler tag at the very bottom ;-)

Looks good to me.

Here's my pitch. Multiverse Glitch –

Cetiri Frost - He is 4 people in one (mechanically only 3 PCs though).

The concept is cool, but the characters should not be aware of one another, and should be 3 discrete/separate bodies. Approved as long as those tweaks are taken into account.

[Lioslaith]

Alrighty, going to try and repost my characters here. Bear with me I'm code challenged.

Spoiler: characters

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Let's try it in a spoiler so it hIdes my screw ups.

https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters...b76vk-0zxoC97g

https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters...b76vk-0zxoC97g

https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters...b76vk-0zxoC97g

[Postmodernist]

Alrighty, going to try and repost my characters here. Bear with me I'm code challenged.

Spoiler: characters

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Let's try it in a spoiler so it hIdes my screw ups.

https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters...b76vk-0zxoC97g

https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters...b76vk-0zxoC97g

https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters...b76vk-0zxoC97g

Thanks for sharing, Lio! Lio is already in the party, another refugee from the previous incarnation of this campaign. Make sure to set your character sheet visibility on Public, too.

EDIT: Updated the timeframe. I'll be keeping this open for a few more submissions until the 17th, when final decisions will be made.

[Spore]

Hey, since you sorta handwave background feats, would you be okay with giving each character generally just a Lv 1 feat along the guidlines of Theros feats?

Aka Tough for a very tough warrior. Actor for a talented Sensate. Keen Mind for the perfect memory of a Modron. etc.

We could even establish a wishlist for such feats but the DM gives the ultimate feat for the slot, to avoid GWM/Fey-Touched/Sharpshooter shenanigans and abuses.

[Postmodernist]

Hey, since you sorta handwave background feats, would you be okay with giving each character generally just a Lv 1 feat along the guidlines of Theros feats?

Aka Tough for a very tough warrior. Actor for a talented Sensate. Keen Mind for the perfect memory of a Modron. etc.

We could even establish a wishlist for such feats but the DM gives the ultimate feat for the slot, to avoid GWM/Fey-Touched/Sharpshooter shenanigans and abuses.

I think this would be acceptable as an alternative to normal backgrounds, but two things:

First, the original PCs didnt get this benefit, so I'll extend it to Lio now, if they're interested.
Second, feats need to be background appropriate and more flavor/fluff, as in the examples provided. Even the ones in Theros vary in gameplay/mechanical power (Alert,Lucky Mobile vs... Actor?) So please run em by me. Thanks!

[Bobthewizard]

Unfortunately, I need to withdraw my application. Good luck everyone!

[Dirty]

So long as the gargoyle stuff is basically fluff, that's fine. Warlock option is intriguing as well, so run wild with it.

100% Fluff, totally.

I've been thinking about combining the two ideas. Instead of there being three gargoyles there'd be one. His name is still Helmer. Instead he was an intricate piece of masonry of an ancient building. Maybe a cathedral but its probably been many things and the reason it was built in the first place has been all but forgotten to the general public.

Whatever the case, the building has been corrupted, or rather overtaken or infested by a powerful entity. In Helmers case (The main character) this'd be a Genie (Dao) So the building becomes a sentient being of its own and Helmer awakens. He still cant move much or anything, being a fixture and all, so he begs the Dao for independence. The being grants Helmer his wish, but he must join the powerful Genie in a pact. And so the warlock is born.

The glitch characters would make the entities that inhabit this great gothic building a fiend and an arch fey.

Helmer remains his own curious self. He does not share his masters evil tendencies. Helmer is a kind and curious soul, but does not really see how bad these entities really are and is unaware of their true intentions with him.

Helmer the Dao servant:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/120335410

Helmer the Fey-Touched:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/120702731

Helmer the Fiend-Posessed
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/120702577

[Postmodernist]

Unfortunately, I need to withdraw my application. Good luck everyone!

Sorry to see you go, thanks for the interest!

100% Fluff, totally.

I've been thinking about combining the two ideas. Instead of there being three gargoyles there'd be one. His name is still Helmer. Instead he was an intricate piece of masonry of an ancient building. Maybe a cathedral but its probably been many things and the reason it was built in the first place has been all but forgotten to the general public.

Whatever the case, the building has been corrupted, or rather overtaken or infested by a powerful entity. In Helmers case (The main character) this'd be a Genie (Dao) So the building becomes a sentient being of its own and Helmer awakens. He still cant move much or anything, being a fixture and all, so he begs the Dao for independence. The being grants Helmer his wish, but he must join the powerful Genie in a pact. And so the warlock is born.

The glitch characters would make the entities that inhabit this great gothic building a fiend and an archfey.

Helmer remains his own curious self. He does not share his masters evil tendencies. Helmer is a kind and curious soul, but does not really see how bad these entities really are and is unaware of their true intentions with him.

Cool. Lots to play with here.

[Postmodernist]

Dates updated. Last week for applications.