Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
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Crystalite
Paper Shadow
A1C Bronymous
Philadelphus
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Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
What's this you ask? This is where I attempt to run my first campaign, and put my money where my mouth is after offering GM advice in the past.
What's the setting and what's it about, you ask? The setting is one I've had floating around in my head for some months now based on the history of Equestria set a thousand years before the show. In fact, I'd planned to run this campaign last year and wrote up a lovely backstory that was consistent with everything revealed of Equestrian history to date, and then season 4 came along and demolished a lot of it and life happened and I've only recently got around to getting it started again.
But what's the actual setting, you ask? Ah. Well, it's sort of like...it's kind of like...you know how...imagine the Crystal Empire as the Roman Empire, ok? And then King Sombra is kind of a mixture of Julius Caesar and Sauron, and the campaign itself is a bit like The Lewis & Clark Expedition meets My Little Pony, and...well, you should probably just read the backstory that I finally finished rewriting to make it consistent with season 4:
The Rise and Fall of the Crystal Empire
Basically, the players are going along with an expeditionary force in various roles (primarily scouts/bodyguards) to explore the lands the nation of Equestria finds itself in after the events of Hearth's Warming Eve.
Mechanics
This campaign will be using the new abilities system, to help test it out. I'm also modifying the level-up chart somewhat: as voted by the players, we'll be eschewing boons in favor of additional ability points at those levels. We'll also probably be jumping levels slightly, I haven't entirely worked out how that's going to go. Also gold and items will be handled differently: you won't get new items automatically upon leveling up, you'll get them through story means (though I will definitely take into account what you want to get, if you have a preference). You're also going to find additional items of both combat and utility as you explore that have the potential to be worth a lot more than you would normally have access to at a particular level...
Speaking of players, these are the current ones (not currently looking for any more).
Hayatecooper, playing
Metaphoric Motif, pegasus historian
Doc Pseudopolis, playing
Flickering Cross, unicorn student of elemental magic
Bronymous, playing
Citrus Twist, earth pony filly
Zarhon, playing
Salt-Petrel, griffon cook (and explosive chemist)
Demonu, playing
Theros Spiritbound, minotaur shaman
Lyntermas, playing
Socket Wrench, earth pony mechanic
Oh, and I forgot to mention that this campaign is going to be using the board rules, using the site roll20.net for a virtual tabletop. Several combat tests have already been conducted and it's looking like it's going to be a lot of fun for all involved.
I'll put more stuff in this post as you guys encounter it in the game. I'd like to have a large-scale map that updates depending on how you guys explore, and there'll be notes on things you come across.
Level up chart:
Players voted to get extra ability points in place of boons.
For combat items, instead of magically getting them upon leveling up, you guys tell me what you want (worth the amount of gold you would normally get from leveling up) and I'll work you finding them into the story. Or you can simply leave it to me in which case I'll generate a mix of stuff from the combat items doc and some custom-made stuff to give you roughly the amount you should have.
Level 1
Level 2 & 3: 6 ability points, 2 traits, and 2500 gold worth of items.
Level 4: Destiny and 500 gold worth of items.
Level 5 & 6: 6 ability points, 2 traits, and 2000 gold worth of items.
Level 7: Destiny and 500 gold worth of items.
Level 8 & 9: 6 ability points, 2 traits, and 1500 gold worth of items.
Level 10: Destiny and 5000 gold worth of items.
Items
Items the party has found so far:
What's the setting and what's it about, you ask? The setting is one I've had floating around in my head for some months now based on the history of Equestria set a thousand years before the show. In fact, I'd planned to run this campaign last year and wrote up a lovely backstory that was consistent with everything revealed of Equestrian history to date, and then season 4 came along and demolished a lot of it and life happened and I've only recently got around to getting it started again.
But what's the actual setting, you ask? Ah. Well, it's sort of like...it's kind of like...you know how...imagine the Crystal Empire as the Roman Empire, ok? And then King Sombra is kind of a mixture of Julius Caesar and Sauron, and the campaign itself is a bit like The Lewis & Clark Expedition meets My Little Pony, and...well, you should probably just read the backstory that I finally finished rewriting to make it consistent with season 4:
The Rise and Fall of the Crystal Empire
Basically, the players are going along with an expeditionary force in various roles (primarily scouts/bodyguards) to explore the lands the nation of Equestria finds itself in after the events of Hearth's Warming Eve.
Mechanics
This campaign will be using the new abilities system, to help test it out. I'm also modifying the level-up chart somewhat: as voted by the players, we'll be eschewing boons in favor of additional ability points at those levels. We'll also probably be jumping levels slightly, I haven't entirely worked out how that's going to go. Also gold and items will be handled differently: you won't get new items automatically upon leveling up, you'll get them through story means (though I will definitely take into account what you want to get, if you have a preference). You're also going to find additional items of both combat and utility as you explore that have the potential to be worth a lot more than you would normally have access to at a particular level...
Speaking of players, these are the current ones (not currently looking for any more).
Hayatecooper, playing
Metaphoric Motif, pegasus historian
Doc Pseudopolis, playing
Flickering Cross, unicorn student of elemental magic
Bronymous, playing
Citrus Twist, earth pony filly
Zarhon, playing
Salt-Petrel, griffon cook (and explosive chemist)
Demonu, playing
Theros Spiritbound, minotaur shaman
Lyntermas, playing
Socket Wrench, earth pony mechanic
Oh, and I forgot to mention that this campaign is going to be using the board rules, using the site roll20.net for a virtual tabletop. Several combat tests have already been conducted and it's looking like it's going to be a lot of fun for all involved.
I'll put more stuff in this post as you guys encounter it in the game. I'd like to have a large-scale map that updates depending on how you guys explore, and there'll be notes on things you come across.
Level up chart:
Players voted to get extra ability points in place of boons.
For combat items, instead of magically getting them upon leveling up, you guys tell me what you want (worth the amount of gold you would normally get from leveling up) and I'll work you finding them into the story. Or you can simply leave it to me in which case I'll generate a mix of stuff from the combat items doc and some custom-made stuff to give you roughly the amount you should have.
Level 1
Level 2 & 3: 6 ability points, 2 traits, and 2500 gold worth of items.
Level 4: Destiny and 500 gold worth of items.
Level 5 & 6: 6 ability points, 2 traits, and 2000 gold worth of items.
Level 7: Destiny and 500 gold worth of items.
Level 8 & 9: 6 ability points, 2 traits, and 1500 gold worth of items.
Level 10: Destiny and 5000 gold worth of items.
Items
Items the party has found so far:
- Flare-box:
- It's a small, plain metal box with a small red button on it.
Flare – 3/Day
The box shoots up a variety of multicolored lights to a height of 500 feet, unless they would be blocked by overlying terrain. Can cause minor disorientation to anyone looking directly at it while doing so. Doesn't make any sound or heat, it appears to be purely for signaling purposes.
- Invisibility Cloak:
- A cloak with hood made out of some fabric that looks like water. Provides +10 to Stealth checks while worn. Can't hide you completely, but gets pretty close.
- Springy Horseshoes:
- A set of 4 iron horseshoes that put a spring in the step of the wearer. Provide +3 to Acrobatics or Athletics when jumping, and decreases all falling damage by 4.
- Crystal Cruet of Endless Water:
- A small cruet of cut crystal. Contains a magically endless supply of water, though it doesn't pour very fast. Has a tight-fitting stopper that allows it to be carried.
- Iron Bracelet of Motivation:
- An iron bracelet that would fit over a pony or other creature's leg. Gives a small magic thrill when worn, and provides a +2 boost to speed when the wearer is bloodied..
- Lightningrod:
- An iron globe that attaches to the end of a staff that Theros was given by a dragon. Has the following effects:
Call Lightning – 1/Day
Preparation Time: 30 Seconds
You must have a clear view of the sky in order to use this ability. When you do, you summon a bolt of lightning from the sky which strikes you and gives you 2 Charges. The lightning does not hurt you, though it will produce thunder, light, etc. You gain access to the following ability:
Thunderleap – 1 Charge
Preparation Time: 1 Second
You channel the power of lightning into your legs, allowing you to leap up 50 feet in the blink of an eye.
Last edited by Philadelphus on Sat Apr 19, 2014 9:58 pm; edited 5 times in total
Philadelphus- Designer
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Posts : 734
Join date : 2012-07-18
Age : 34
Location : Hilo, Hawai‘i
Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
Oh wow, I saw this and thought, "hey this is really similar to that other game I'm in.
I'll do the sheet tonight or tomorrow, just remind me what needs to be changed.
I'll do the sheet tonight or tomorrow, just remind me what needs to be changed.
A1C Bronymous- Air Commander, Equestrian Armies Pegasus Corps, Eastern Skies Command
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Posts : 5732
Join date : 2012-07-18
Age : 33
Location : Columbus, MS
Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
What happens if Season 4 continues to destroy the backstory you have wrote down?Philadelphus wrote:What's the setting and what's it about, you ask? The setting is one I've had floating around in my head for some months now based on the history of Equestria set a thousand years before the show. In fact, I'd planned to run this campaign last year and wrote up a lovely backstory that was consistent with everything revealed of Equestrian history to date, and then season 4 came along and demolished a lot of it and life happened and I've only recently got around to getting it started again.
Paper Shadow- Smile Like You Mean It
- Posts : 3759
Join date : 2012-11-23
Age : 30
Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
How did you accrue players so quickly!?
Crystalite- Celestia's Disciple
- Posts : 2898
Join date : 2013-10-06
Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
Crystalite wrote:How did you accrue players so quickly!?
Indeed, I looked at this and thought it'd be cool, and then saw six players already signed up.
Dusk Raven- Epic Pwny
- Posts : 1791
Join date : 2013-01-23
Age : 32
Location : Midwest US
Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
Most likely got the players before making the thread. You make a lot of connections and friendships through the Skype groups some games run...Dusk Raven wrote:Crystalite wrote:How did you accrue players so quickly!?
Indeed, I looked at this and thought it'd be cool, and then saw six players already signed up.
Paper Shadow- Smile Like You Mean It
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Join date : 2012-11-23
Age : 30
Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
Blackmailing helps too!Paper Shadow wrote:Most likely got the players before making the thread. You make a lot of connections and friendships through the Skype groups some games run...Dusk Raven wrote:Crystalite wrote:How did you accrue players so quickly!?
Indeed, I looked at this and thought it'd be cool, and then saw six players already signed up.
Zarhon- Smile Smile Smile
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Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
I'll...cry? I dunno, I'm not going to worry about it. I just saw the preview for one of the recent IDW comics and it completely contradicts some things I came up with, but there comes a point where you simply have to stop writing. The nice thing about working this far back is that usually the only episodes that reference it are season openers (other than a few comments in various other episodes and Hearth's Warming Eve).Paper Shadow wrote:What happens if Season 4 continues to destroy the backstory you have wrote down?Philadelphus wrote:What's the setting and what's it about, you ask? The setting is one I've had floating around in my head for some months now based on the history of Equestria set a thousand years before the show. In fact, I'd planned to run this campaign last year and wrote up a lovely backstory that was consistent with everything revealed of Equestrian history to date, and then season 4 came along and demolished a lot of it and life happened and I've only recently got around to getting it started again.
I do think the re-write was a good thing. In the first draft Sombra was literally introduced in the same sentence he took over the Empire with zero backstory or anything. This version gives him a bit more filling out and character depth (not much, but still).
Yeah, that was it.Paper Shadow wrote:Most likely got the players before making the thread. You make a lot of connections and friendships through the Skype groups some games run...
@Bronymous, just update your racial abilities and utility talents to the abilities system. For the most part it should be little more than minor formatting changes.
Philadelphus- Designer
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Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
Do you know how hard "minor formating changes" can be on a phone? You're lucky I'm starting to get proficient in editing docs.
Also, didn't you say I was getting a point bonus for my blankflank-itude?
Also, didn't you say I was getting a point bonus for my blankflank-itude?
A1C Bronymous- Air Commander, Equestrian Armies Pegasus Corps, Eastern Skies Command
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Age : 33
Location : Columbus, MS
Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
Bronymous wrote:Do you know how hard "minor formating changes" can be on a phone? You're lucky I'm starting to get proficient in editing docs.
Ooh! Ooh! I do! Pick me!
Crystalite- Celestia's Disciple
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Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
Citrus Twist is updated and done. "Minor formatting changes" turned out to be replacing 4 talents that didn't make it into the Abilities system.
A1C Bronymous- Air Commander, Equestrian Armies Pegasus Corps, Eastern Skies Command
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Posts : 5732
Join date : 2012-07-18
Age : 33
Location : Columbus, MS
Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
... You could of put 'Full' or 'not looking for players' on the title you know.
Stops people from getting excited and interested. Reading the document and getting even MORE excitted.
Then seeing they can't join as the campaign is already full.
... I know its wasn't intentional. But that's still a dick move.
Stops people from getting excited and interested. Reading the document and getting even MORE excitted.
Then seeing they can't join as the campaign is already full.
... I know its wasn't intentional. But that's still a dick move.
Fury of the Tempest- Freakin' Alicorn Princess
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Location : ENGLAND!!!!
Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
Alright, everyone! Here is the first session summary for you all to enjoy.
Exploring Equestria Session 1: The River
Exploring Equestria Session 1: The River
Lyntermas- Element of Harmony
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Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
Hope it was fun. Maybe someday I'll get to play too.
A1C Bronymous- Air Commander, Equestrian Armies Pegasus Corps, Eastern Skies Command
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Posts : 5732
Join date : 2012-07-18
Age : 33
Location : Columbus, MS
Lyntermas- Element of Harmony
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Posts : 2088
Join date : 2012-08-18
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Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
I always love seeing your writeups.
Edit: Also, I've updated the first post with a level-up table and a list of items the party has found.
Edit: Also, I've updated the first post with a level-up table and a list of items the party has found.
Philadelphus- Designer
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Posts : 734
Join date : 2012-07-18
Age : 34
Location : Hilo, Hawai‘i
Lyntermas- Element of Harmony
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Posts : 2088
Join date : 2012-08-18
Age : 33
Lyntermas- Element of Harmony
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Posts : 2088
Join date : 2012-08-18
Age : 33
Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
I TOO AM ALSO SUMMARIZING THE EVENTS OF THE GAME FORSOOTH, FROM THE EYES OF THE GREAT PRINCESS CITRUS TWIST.
The River, The Desert, The Cave
The River, The Desert, The Cave
A1C Bronymous- Air Commander, Equestrian Armies Pegasus Corps, Eastern Skies Command
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Posts : 5732
Join date : 2012-07-18
Age : 33
Location : Columbus, MS
Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
For everyone's viewing pleasure, I too present a summary! ...As told by Salt Petrel in a bar, in one of her more 'zealous' moments.
Salt Petrel's tale of herring and cockatiels
Salt Petrel's tale of herring and cockatiels
Zarhon- Smile Smile Smile
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Lyntermas- Element of Harmony
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Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
Wow, THREE different write-ups? You guys flatter me. Canʻt wait to see the write-up for the most recent session!
Philadelphus- Designer
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Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
You know, you might as well have just added in this session's summary, since you didn't have the last one's posted yet.
A1C Bronymous- Air Commander, Equestrian Armies Pegasus Corps, Eastern Skies Command
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Posts : 5732
Join date : 2012-07-18
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Re: Exploring Equestria official campaign thread - Full
Speaking of write-ups, I updated my own with the latest session going-ons!
Zarhon- Smile Smile Smile
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Lyntermas- Element of Harmony
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