>>25744

You're off to a great start.

DnD, right?

Well, is this the first session of the campaign?

What system are you running?

>>25746
What level PCs? First adventure or no? Dungeon crawlan gaems or more involved? Give us some specs, man!

make them play a game they are totally unfamiliar with. i suggest paranoia, if they haven't encountered it yet.

>>25754
Even better, if they are familiar with it at all. Just tell them it's based on paranoia. Watch their resolve crumble into chaos upon ordinary activities.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)13:34 No. 25760 ID: 40dc56
File 124985005126.png - (13.54KB , 599x520 , DM5.png )

>>25749
>>25751
Yeah DnD. 3.5 to be exact.
>>25753
This is our first campaign with me as DM, so yeah it is. I'd like to have this be a little more than just a basic dungeon crawler, but there is going to be some of that.

Wonder why you let the big guy play the planar gnoll cleric of illmater. WTF.

>>25760
>first time DMing
>Nothing planned.

SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD IDEA, BOYO.

>>25760
DND is lame.

Play Shadowrun.

>>25760

The first adventure should start off with the PCs at a fancy party before it gets busted up good by raiders. Who crash the party.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)13:44 No. 25769 ID: 40dc56
File 124985068154.png - (14.06KB , 599x520 , DM6.png )

>>25763
W-well it's not like I don't know what I'm doing! I read what I needed to know in the DM book, I read up on how to make monsters, and situations, you know! I just don't know what to do!

>>25760
switch to paranoia!

Say, are the characters created already?

>>25764
Otherwise, this.

Here's the plan.
RP as female NPCs, then start to hit on your player's PCs. Continue this with increasing intensity until one of the players voices his uncomfort.

>>25773
don't forget to call them a fag afterwards, and laugh heartily.

Use UNIFIED SETTING. Set them as mercenaries in the Mensala Badlands to start out. That way you don't have to think about anything but throwing other groups of combatants at them.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)14:14 No. 25804 ID: 40dc56
File 124985246241.png - (22.27KB , 805x630 , DM7.png )

>>25767
That's not a bad idea.
>>25772
Yeah.
Aaron has a human cleric
Micky has an elf druid
Alex has a dwarf fighter
Chey has a human monk
>>25776
that does sound neat, but I already have this map made up...I...I mentioned that right?

>>25804
Have any of them played D&D before?
And what were their general choices?

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)14:25 No. 25822 ID: 40dc56
File 12498531547.png - (13.67KB , 599x520 , DM8.png )

>>25810
Yeah we all have played DnD before, we know what we're doing.

Aaron usually DMs though, but we just finished a campaign with him and I wanted to give this dungeon mastering a go.

>>25822
What was his general DMing style?
Relaxed?
Trap-heavy?
Epic-ignore-sections-of-the-rules-that-interfere-with-the-cinematics?
Dungeon Grind?
Monty Haul?
LOLtits?
Whatever it is, don't copy it directly, but the first few sessions should be close.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)14:36 No. 25853 ID: 40dc56
File 124985378095.png - (13.14KB , 805x630 , DM9.png )

>>25835
It was a total dungeon grind, which is something I don't want.

Dungeons aren't bad I just would like them to do something other than hacking and slashing.

I like the party idea so let's start making the room they start in...

>>25853
Large ballroom in the city of Silversand.
Make them come up with the reasons they're attending the event.
Have the weapons be over at the entrance, like a coat check, so the monk can prove his worth by arming the rest of the party.
Allow them a little leeway in background to add some slight nobility.

Suggestion 2009/08/09(Sun)14:41 No. 25861 ID: fb5d8e
File 124985408889.png - (18.51KB , 805x630 , dungeonmap.png )

>>25853

>>25853
More roleplay- and situation-oriented, eh? Perhaps we can dig their character concepts for plothooks. Have you asked them to come up with basic personalities, motivations and/or backstories for their characters? No need for essays, but if we have someone whose backstory is, say, 'orcs ate my family and made me watch', then including orcs in our campaign could give them something to play off of.

>>25861
That is brilliant. Leave it as-is.

>>25858

There should be a huge chandelier that the raiders could cut down to begin their assault. (If they're less violent raiders then they could just get rowdy and spike the punch, leading to an awkward moment where a PC has to ask them politely to leave.)

Masquerades are cool, btw.

Put random levers every few feet in the dungeon. If they pull them, rocks fall and everybody dies. Make sure to clearly label them as doing such.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)14:54 No. 25889 ID: 40dc56
File 124985484431.png - (17.62KB , 805x630 , DM10.png )

>>25858
Like this? I'll describe that their weapons are over at the beginning of the room. bar to the left, tables to the right. big rug in the middle for dancing and the like. I'll also describe the chandelier being there, because I like that idea.
>>25863
I'll ask them to make general back stories when they get here.

Should I have them know each other already? Our should the fight against the raiders bring them closer...
>>25861
I see what you did there.

SZ 2009/08/09(Sun)14:55 No. 25893 ID: 4b96a7
File 124985492664.jpg - (200.67KB , 500x396 , laughingelfman.jpg )

>>25861

Dammit I lol'd.

>>25863

This is a good start, work with what you know about the group.

>>25889
Have them explain why they're at the ball.
"Here to kill everyone", "Here because that's where the plot is", and "Here because the rest of the party is" earn a smack.
"Here as a server, tell me how the back is set up", "Here as a guest, I know people here", and "Unavoidable official function; I'd rather be back home" are all good, as is "Here as a bouncer, I'll be at the door with my weapon in hand".

>>25889
Hmm. Since we're in a port city, have the raiders who crash the party be pirates. Led by a Gnoll captain called Dink Silvermane.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)15:06 No. 25919 ID: 40dc56
File 124985558785.png - (16.37KB , 599x520 , DM11.png )

>>25897
I'll be sure to have them do that.
>>25905
Gnoll pirates huh?...I like the sound of that.

how many should there be?

>>25919
What level are the players?
Also, make sure you get at least one line about 'Dogs of the Sea' in there.

>>25919
>how many?
Just keep sending gnoll pirates. We'll tell you when to stop.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)15:09 No. 25924 ID: 40dc56
File 124985577476.png - (13.76KB , 599x520 , DM12.png )

>>25921
First campaign so level 1.

how about 5...1 main dude and 4 little guys.

does that sound good?

>>25897
exp for the good ones!

>>25924
Make sure the main dude has a /really/ fancy hat.

>>25924
Gnolls are CR 2, I believe.
You could probably use the stats for orcs or something, though, and upgrade later.
Write the information on a few notecards and keep them behind the screen.
Whether or not they survive will determine whether they are recurring villains or not.
Maybe a gnoll leader, using the normal stats, and some other humanoids as backup?

If you have a suitably powerful boss type monster then he can retreat the moment his boys start to lose. You can use this as the begining of a "oh no, the pirates have stolen something of earth-shaking importance!" type quest where the PCs track the pirates down to reclaim the mcguffin. Perhaps thats why the party was taking place, to show off this powerful gem or whatever.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)15:20 No. 25939 ID: 40dc56
File 124985640687.png - (13.81KB , 599x520 , DM13.png )

>>25927
oh certainly.
>>25928
perhaps a gnoll leader with goblin or kobold minions?
>>25931
this doesn't seem like a bad idea for the first type of scenario.

I'll have it be optional though, just in case they have other plans.

Oh shoot. 30 minutes left. Agh we need a little bit more...or do you guys think I can wing it?

>>25939
Make sure you familiarise yourself with the rules they plan to use and the rules you plan to use.
I wouldn't rule too much about the item this is about at the moment: At this point it's mostly just a macguffin.

>>25939
Do you feel confident? If so, put some snacks out. Some chips will probably do.
If not, perhaps we should spend a bit more time working on the plot. What are the details of this party? Have a backup plot lurking just in case... Get ready to work in one of the characters backstories as part of the plot maybe? that's always good... but that'll have to, again, be done on the fly...

Well, whatever you do, get some snacks ready while you do it.

Gnolls are CR 1. As for how many we have, it depends.

Are there any NPC guards who might help the party? Don't let them overshadow the PCs (we know that DMPCs are the devil), but if you use single-level NPC classes, you can probably have a larger battle with less danger of curb-stomping your low level party. Your familiarity with the system means we don't need to worry about you tripping over your feet too much with it.

Actually, I like that 'gnoll leader, lesser minions' thing. Since kobolds hate bright light and would not be ideal for a ship's crew, how about goblin underlings?

>>25950
To make the gnoll tougher in later fights, I would actually throw on levels of bard.
It improves the minions, it gives him an irritating array of skills and spells to tie up the party, and a singing gnoll pirate is going to be both slightly irritating and quite memorable.
Also, I said this already but it bears repeating: Make those stat notecards.
Every time you pick up a book, it slows down the game. Either make a ruling that makes sense, or ask the local rules lawyer, or disallow the action when you don't know.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)15:38 No. 25960 ID: 40dc56
File 124985750656.png - (12.53KB , 599x520 , DM14.png )

>>25944
right don't need to go into too much detail
>>25949
I think I feel pretty confident in my abilities to wing it.
>>25950
Goblins it is
>>25952
Don't worry what do you think I was doing behind the screen! I got it all written down.

But I digress.

For snacks we have pretzels, sun chips, and doritos.

we'll look for drinks later when people get thirsty.

>>25960
Well, if everything else is taken care of... Practice maniacal cackle.

>>25960
Do you know your friends' preferences? Maybe a selection of each?

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)15:57 No. 25967 ID: 40dc56
File 124985862813.png - (9.55KB , 599x520 , DM15.png )

>>25964
I just put a bunch of everything in one bowl and set it at the end of the table.

now everyone is happy.

20 minutes left.

>>25967
Think up some random nobles to populate the party with.
A marquis de sade kinda guy, a fat and blustery near-viking, a noblewoman in danger of falling out of her top, etc.
Just stock characters, they can get background and involvement later.

Draw up some maps? Bit of the city perhaps? Figure out some good inns? Practice your funny/imaginative accents?

Oh! Try to figure out the system of clues that the PCs could potentially follow to find the Gnoll pirate once he's through with the party.

>>25969
Yes, this. This attack's supposed to be a plot hook, right? It might be good to have a few ideas for alternate branches of events (Gnoll dies / Gnoll escapes) and ways to hook them into the larger-scale plot using this encounter.

We -do- have a larger-scale plot, don't we?

Crap. Well, one thing at a time.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)16:07 No. 25972 ID: 40dc56
File 124985924292.png - (13.89KB , 599x520 , DM16.png )

>>25968
>>25969

Alright I made some filler NPCs some extra maps and now all I have left to do is practice my accents.

ahem...

"VHAT VHAT DO YOU VANT?!"
"oh-hohohoho what a zurprize, non?"
"Sho little brother what are you doing in shister's dressh, nya~"
"HELLO? DIS IZ SCOUT RAINBOWS MAKE ME CRY~"

>bapbapbapbap

someone's at the door.

>>25972
Go see who it is, then.
Ask them to start thinking why their character would be at a party in a major metropolitan city, and make small talk.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)16:20 No. 25976 ID: 40dc56
File 124986001244.png - (10.76KB , 599x520 , DM17.png )

>>25974
Oh it's Alex

>"Heyy"
"You're a little early I was just finishing up. Come on in the gaming room and have a seat.
>"Will do."

>>25976

Hair over his eyes!?

>>25976
Alright, so this is our Dwarven Fighter? Tell us a bit about his playing style.

He's nice and early. We approve of punctuality. Late players are the curse of tabletop gaming.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)16:34 No. 25981 ID: 40dc56
File 124986087038.png - (15.02KB , 599x520 , DM18.png )

>>25976

>"So, ready for today's campaign?"
"Uh yeah..yeah I think I am."
>"Well alright."
"Hey I need a small back story for your dwarf..what's his name again?"
>"Gortik..and he was raised in the hills learned how to fight by cutting down trees, explaining why he uses a dwarven war axe. He wields it in both hands."
"Alright sounds good...so how's life?"
>"Eh alright..I got a urinary tract infection"
"hm...that sucks."

there's a bit of an awkward feel around.

>bumpbump

oh thank goodness another person is at the door.

>>25981
Well, at least everyone's on time

>>25981
If you get particularly adventurous for this campaign, might I suggest looking up a certain thread on a flying Lich ship with thirteen phylacteries, hunting a flying Kraken through the skies...

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)16:45 No. 25987 ID: 40dc56
File 124986152741.png - (11.53KB , 599x520 , DM19.png )

>>25981
>>25982

>"Yo duuuuuuuuude."
"hey chey, make yourself at home"

he's sporting a kind of beard and bandanna today.

>>25987
Take him back to the table, make small talk.

>>25987
Oh great, one of THOSE.

>>25987
ask him about his character.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)16:56 No. 25994 ID: 40dc56
File 124986218370.png - (18.08KB , 599x520 , DM20.png )

>>25988

"Chey, I'm also gonna need a backstory on your monk."
>"Alright uuuuuh, his name is Marley and he was raised by monks...but now he's going out on a pilgrimage and I guessss he wants to fight in an adventuring group because it's safer and he gets to inforce good and --"
"okay good enough for now help yourself to some chips guys while I do some last minute things."

>bapbapBANGBANGBANGBANG

> "hey CAMMY"

micky's here

>>25994
Here comes the rules lawyer.

Alright, same thing for him. Invite in, get charater details, etc.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)17:05 No. 25997 ID: 40dc56
File 124986272583.png - (12.39KB , 599x520 , DM21.png )

>>25994

>"Hey cammyyy, I carpooled with aaron, he's in the car still."

she's wearing a shirt that says "it was a good movie." I don't even know what that means.

"come on in, foods on the inside."

>"wooo alright."

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2009/08/09(Sun)17:08 No. 25998 ID: 6faa8c
File 124986288095.jpg - (60.55KB , 1205x881 , 1249665548564.jpg )

>>25997
>she

Wow. A girl. Your group is shaping up to be better than mine. Don't forget to ask about the chars of the two new arrivals.

Hey Micky you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind hey Micky!

*clap clap, clap*

Hey Micky!

*clap clap, clap.*

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)17:18 No. 26008 ID: 40dc56
File 124986349843.png - (11.72KB , 599x520 , DM22.png )

Aaron comes up to the door, I keep it open.

>"hey man."
"hey, go take a seat."
>"brought my dice"
"alright cool."


alright that's everyone

Great, gather them all around the table. Explain a bit about the setting (general stuff their chars should know) and have them all give their backstory to the other players while you review their character sheets. Once thats done explain that there is a party and ask them why they are there.

>>26008
Ask about characters for the last two, then set the scene.
"You're in Silversands, the city of (DESCRIBE SILVERSANDS HERE), at the home of (INSERT NOBLE HOSTING PARTY HERE), for the gala occasion of his celebration of acquiring (ITEM). Now, WHY are each of you at this party? I'll give you a minute to decide."

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)17:46 No. 26018 ID: 40dc56
File 124986521448.png - (23.89KB , 805x630 , DM23.png )

>>26011
>>26012
Alright everyone takes there seat at the table. I moved the snacks to a smaller table to the left for room. Plenty of room now!

I break the small conversations between the group.

"Ahem..Alright everyone let's get a quick back story of everyone again real quick before we go into this thing..ray you start."

>"Alright like I said Marley is a monk who is now searching for an adventuring group to spread the word of his monastery and do good."

"Okay Alex?"

>"Gortik is uh a hill dwarf who learned to fight by chopping down trees, explaining his weapon of choice, dwarven war axe, and he's in it for the thrill of ADVENTURE."

"Aaron?"

>"Alright well I changed it up a bit I rolled a paladin and he's basically a--"
>"FAT ASSHOLE"
Aaron shoots a sharp glare at Alex. They hang out all the time but they're complete opposites and argue over everything. Especially DnD.
>"Ahem..anyway..he was saved by heironeous and he's a faithful follower of him and he's in it for fighting for justice and smite evil."

"okay uuh micky."

>"I uh..don't actually have a back story."

"that's alright just work with anything."

>"Arch's an elf druid...she has a riding dog named Tommy...aaaand she's a treefucker. Real in depth with nature and junk."

"alright then."

Everyone check out?

So far so good. Lets get this party rolling.

>>26020
I concur.
Make sure Aaron and Alex don't shit on each other too much.
Ask for justification of presence at the party.
Use a few backups as a last resort.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/09(Sun)18:02 No. 26029 ID: 40dc56
File 12498661689.png - (21.89KB , 805x630 , DM24.png )

>>26020
>>26012
(I also should mention this earlier, chey also goes by ray, it's interchangable)

"Alright Aaron you're red, Micky is orange, Chey you're blue, Alex is green, NPCs are grey, enemies are purple. Place your characters."


"You're in Silversands, the city of numerous trades and stores, in a very formal section of the city, at the home of the wealthy Morard, for the gala occasion of his celebration of acquiring a rare magical jewel. Now, WHY are each of you at this party? I'll give you a minute to decide."

they individually think it over.

Alex chimes in first:

>"Gortik heard there was free food."

then Micky

>"She heard a fighter she liked was going to be there I guess."

then Ray.

>"To look for an adventuring group."

Aaron is the last.

>"Guillian is there to convert people, in a polite manor of course."

"okay sounds good."

should I have the raiders bust in now or wait and see what they do for a little?

>>26029
Let them interact for a bit, throw some suspicious NPCs in, and have general party stuff happen.
Maybe have the host start in a bombastic speech before the raiders break in?
Sea Dog should have a flair for the dramatic, after all.

Probably gonna take a break for tonight guys.

Will definitely start up again tomorrow

Have those with good reasons for being there learn something. Perhaps the fighter that the girl is looking for is guarding the gem because he heard there were rumors of an attack.
Perhaps the paladin, in his attempts to convert people, learns something of the power of the gem.
The others should get less info. The dwarf should learn that there isnt, in fact, any free food, as he was apparently misinformed.
The monk should interact with some of the guests and find that none of them are interested in adventuring. Though give him an opportunity to interact with the other PCs. He might be the glue that brings the party together.

>>26029
Describe a few NPCs, maybe some look suspicious, maybe some are noble, maybe some are complete morons. Ask the players what they do.
This is an intro bit, it'll get them used to the idea of a game that's not a dungeon crawl. But don't make it drag on too long. Five, ten minutes, tops. It doesn't even really matter what they do.

After that, have the Raiders bust in. Try to think of something dramatic for the leader to yell. You've got about ten minutes, we should be able to think of a one-liner.

Let them mingle a bit before bringing out the pirates.

Suggested plot hooks:
The fighter turns out the be a handsome swashbuckler, who totally sweeps her off her feet. But when the pirates show up, he turns out to be the inside man, a pirate lieutenant, who helps them steal the gem. Make him more of a playful rogue than an evil bastard.
As for the paladin, have him find out that the gem is not so much a magic gem as an evil artifact.
Not much you can do with the food and adventuring party, other than what occurs naturally.

CASTIN' SOME RAYS THERE CHEY? HOLY RAYS?

>>29378
Goddammit Xom.

>>29458
:3c

>>32482
Xom has bumped an old quest!
Xom is amused.

Aon!kT5s.Eo0og 2009/08/21(Fri)20:33 No. 32652 ID: 40dc56
File 125091203123.png - (23.22KB , 805x552 , DM25.png )

(Because I am a lazy faggot I stopped this quest for a while. BUT IT'S BACK I GUESS GUYS.) (also I made an error, aaron's character is purple not red, enemies of red.)
>>26162
Yeah, sounds good, you guys can come up with the one liner while they do whatever.
>>26635
>>26042

"Alright what do you guys do now."
>"Gortik askes the barkeep for free food."

"The barkeep is a dwarf as well, with a massive beard that falls to his feet, he keeps it well kept. The barkeep speaks:"

"Aye Laddy, I'm sorry to inform yah but there be no free food at this party! Unfortunately you wer' misinformed my dwarven brother!"
>"ugh WHAT, Gortik leaves."

Aaron perks up from his character sheet:
>"You can't just leave! The plot might be here, you don't know what might happen!"

Alex retorts:
>"Yeah but Gortik wouldn't stay, why would he! He only came for the alleged free food!"

"Well maybe he can beg others for food, you know, schmooze around."

Alex pouts:
>"Fine I'll try that."

"But let's get to the others first. Micky you find the Fighter you were looking for, in a rather dapper looking outfit, his name is Greg and he's mingling with some other socialites."

Micky responds:
>"Oh! Uh, Arch walks up and tries to get his attention."
"He turns around, he's even more dapper looking up close. He smiles at you he speaks with a sharp, sensual accent:"
"Well hello there fair elf maiden, what is a lovely woman such as yourself doing at this party"
"He kisses your hand and bows."

Micky blushes

What should I do with Marley and Guillian when they ask around, who should I have them interact with? An honorable man? A drunken idiot? Maybe a seductive woman?

A seductive gnoll.

>>32652
Have them interact with each other; have them bond over good intentions.

I'm happy this quest isn't dead!

Have the two of them run into eachother. One is looking for an adventurer group, the other looking to convert someone. They should team up really well.

You should have someone notice something suspicious going on. Like someone glancing around shiftilly or something. Have them roll spot checks for it. This'll be the inside man getting ready to help the pirates when they attack.

Maybe Gortik should meet an old friend... Yorik. "OI BUGGER ME, if it ain' ol Gortik. How's tha infection comin along, eh?"

>>32695
That's a good idea.
Make them talk between themselves, then focus for a bit on preparing the speech where the nobleman(?) reveals the gem.

"Friends, colleagues, bla bla good that you're here, hope you're enjoying yourselves. As you know collector bla bla, searched for this item for many years. It is my distinct pleasure to present the crown jewel of my collection, the Si-Chin ruby!"
Interrupted by loud applause from the door.
"Bravo, bravo, a wonder piece I'm sure", the Captain said.

Gnoll!1u4YNSY0gk 2009/08/22(Sat)04:38 No. 32883 ID: f2de2f
File 125094111063.png - (23.90KB , 742x687 , Sexy time.png )

>>32660
YOOHOO! Hey there, sexy!

>>32883
Y U DO DIS?

>>32883

Well I hope you're happy now gnoll. That's what drove me over the furry threshold.

Now I'm a furry for gnolls. Yiff.

>>32883
oh babe

Suggestion 2009/08/22(Sat)15:08 No. 32984 ID: 67c611
File 12509789101.jpg - (74.07KB , 720x404 , dick.jpg )

>>32883

>>25861
It's a giant dong in the middle of a room. You now feel terrible.

Suggestion 2009/08/26(Wed)16:12 No. 35135 ID: 4c4f28
File 125132833689.jpg - (144.55KB , 450x635 , 82-slowpoke.jpg )

>>32987

SZ!qeSHINYzSw 2009/08/26(Wed)16:20 No. 35138 ID: 448a65
File 125132880929.jpg - (57.88KB , 720x821 , 1201479830110.jpg )

>>32883