<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403134#msg16403134">Quote from: Andronica on 14-02-2023, 04:04:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">A few centuries more advanced and recovered for sure, to an extent. With... quirks for the worse. Fantasy Dark Ages, basically. <br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Gotcha.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403134#msg16403134">Quote from: Andronica on 14-02-2023, 04:04:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">A couple things off the top of my head are that a lot of nations became xenophobic and perhaps certain places outright ban magic due to superstitions about the legendary plague. Other groups/races rose more prominently by taking advantage of the devastating aftermath, such as the Khaganate being so formidable, or the constant threat of dark elves coming up from their underground kingdom to take a slew of surface dwelling slaves/sacrifices. Maybe a cult formed in the aftermath of the plague based on one theory of its origin. Some arcane magic may have been lost like portal rings between major cities as well, leading it to be a coveted mage spell (druids might have a different version of this, like moving between trees rather than creating arcane tears in the realm). Were the Warforged (or some kind of sentient automaton should we wish to include them) created during the TBD Reconstruction era in retaliation to the perceived betrayal by nature?<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>One thing to consider is that we don't need to flesh the entire world out from the get go, since we're not likely to see most of it. What we could maybe do is focus in around one specific area. I'm thinking there will be an area under no ones control, one where the plagues hit hardest, and was maybe further complicated by high level magical trauma that happened when the wizards were trying to stop the plagues, or take advantage of the chaos that was happened.<br/><br/>This territory is bordered by maybe three or four different nations, all of whom would quite happily try to take the area over .. if it was safe to do so, and they could do it without drawing the wrath of the others.<br/><br/>Does that sound enough of a sandbox to flesh out to start with?<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403134#msg16403134">Quote from: Andronica on 14-02-2023, 04:04:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">I simply want the world building to mean something at present in the story, if that makes sense? Khaganate for example is super cool and I would expect we need sprawling plains for that to work. My brain dump about the druid Circles doesn't necessitate our characters encountering each facet but I would hope the group crosses paths with other druids at some point even as a side quest for flavour or purely by happenstance. Between doing stuff to further the "main quest" I'd love to have Ori learn more about Pelor and Leonidas' way of life. Something that gives it meaning.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>I can do sprawling plains as part of a map, certainly. Druid circles strike me as non national .. nature has no borders, so neither do they, and will work with the other members of their order wherever they're from.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403134#msg16403134">Quote from: Andronica on 14-02-2023, 04:04:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Also Gadrai mentioned blood magic previously and as a shameless Dragon Age fan I'm totally down to work that into the plot somehow.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>I never played Dragon Age so I'm not familiar with that blood magic.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403134#msg16403134">Quote from: Andronica on 14-02-2023, 04:04:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">(excuse my rambling, I'm jotting down whatever comes to mind and that train has sailed off its track)<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>I do the same myself :)<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403162#msg16403162">Quote from: Cold Heritage on 14-02-2023, 04:54:26</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">I guess I also either imagined things to be better off or that more time had passed and more recovery had happened than you had envisioned, HairyHeretic.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Yeah, I think that was the case. I had something firmly in mind, but didn't articulate it well enough to be clear.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403162#msg16403162">Quote from: Cold Heritage on 14-02-2023, 04:54:26</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">For my part, I think it's kind of the point to be superior if you're playing an elf.  ;) I kid, mostly. But I know how to stay in my lane - I envision Gloriosus being able to fight rather well, for example, but as I said in combat he's not going to take the spotlight in combat and like, defeat 100 opponents single-handedly. <br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>I like to have things in a game where everyone can get their moment in the spotlight.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403162#msg16403162">Quote from: Cold Heritage on 14-02-2023, 04:54:26</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">I don't know what kind of longevity we'd be giving elves, but I also specifically mentioned playing a 'young' elf to avoid the whole "if you're x,000 years old why aren't you max level at everything?!?" problem.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>I think we should rule out immortal and work down from there ;)<br/><br/>What's the lifespan of D&D elves like?<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403450#msg16403450">Quote from: Andronica on 14-02-2023, 15:38:19</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Yeah, I think elves who are 100-200 years old shouldn't be a problem when it comes to being"OP", though whether they're old enough to remember a time before the Great Plague also may not be too bad?They each have their benefits and drawbacks to their race/class.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>I'd prefer not to have anyone really remember the plagues, at least not amongst the PCs. Maybe a really old NPC, but a lot of what is 'known' from there is rumour built on rumour.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403450#msg16403450">Quote from: Andronica on 14-02-2023, 15:38:19</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Ori can't heal half as well as Leonidas for example, nor can she revive anyone or have any bearing against the undead. She's not physically strong compared to Magga hence the need for mama bear form. Though for the most part I see her dealing in nature based magic.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Poisons perhaps?<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403468#msg16403468">Quote from: Muse on 14-02-2023, 16:19:42</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">  Does anyone have a feel for what level we'd be if this were D&amp;D?  In 3.5 you don't start changing shape 'til Druid 4.  :)  <br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>I haven't played enough D&D recently to really guess.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403468#msg16403468">Quote from: Muse on 14-02-2023, 16:19:42</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">  We do seem to have a good spread of healing, if Leonidas bringing the mercy of the dawn while Mandy offers the services of a village wisdom and some psychic healing.  I guess if Ori is a 5th edition style druid she's would be a pretty strong healer if she sent her energy that way.  Cure Wounds, Healing Word, and Goodberry at least.  <br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Yeah. Cleric and Druid gives a decent spread of healing to start with.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403468#msg16403468">Quote from: Muse on 14-02-2023, 16:19:42</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">  If the idea of a psychic doesn't fit the setting she could be more of a sorceress.  In Pathfinder she could be a Pheonix bloodlines sorceress or a flame mystery oracle.  <br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>A mage type wouldn't go amiss, for a bit of variety. Psychics I hadn't really considered, as the only D&D world I remember having them as a core feature was Dark Sun.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403468#msg16403468">Quote from: Muse on 14-02-2023, 16:19:42</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">  Another version of Mandy is a fairly powerful mentalist and pyromancer who has no supernatural ability to heal but wishes she did!  She kind of feels she must be unworthy if the gods have not given her the ability to heal, or that her magic is lesser because it can only destroy, not restore.  <br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Nothing wrong in being a defender of her people, especially if she lives near the borders of the wild lands.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403468#msg16403468">Quote from: Muse on 14-02-2023, 16:19:42</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">  If I can play Mandy correctly, her true healing gift is not to heal the body but to heal the heart.  She doesn't do with supernatural power but with tears, empathy, and love. :) <br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>:)<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403471#msg16403471">Quote from: Andronica on 14-02-2023, 16:27:24</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">This is going to be freeform so it doesn't have a firm comparison to a D&amp;D / Pathfinder level. Some people here aren't familiar with those systems either. With Ori for example, I'm taking inspiration from D&amp;D classes and races sans the system trappings. So I might name drop certain abilities or lore but I'll tweak it to suit a freeform narrative adventure. Plus, since CH is more a dedicated healer, I've geared Ori towards offensive magic like I explained above.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Sound.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403471#msg16403471">Quote from: Andronica on 14-02-2023, 16:27:24</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">We could fairly assume we all are middling and competent in our various classes. There's still things to learn though we aren't novices. Abilities aren't 'locked' behind a level/exp requirement but maybe developed through the story.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Yeah.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403538#msg16403538">Quote from: Gadrai on 14-02-2023, 18:10:45</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Like Andronica said, you don't have to compare it one-to-one, to D&amp;D. For a druid it'd make sense that they'are able to shapeshift, as that's, for me at least, one of the attractive points about playing a druid. It's freeform, so you can write yourself out of a lot of things. Or rather, you can make things up so they fit your ideas. <br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>True.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403538#msg16403538">Quote from: Gadrai on 14-02-2023, 18:10:45</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">That said, there is of course the strength/power balance to keep in mind. Like it's been mentioned earlier, there's no fun in having someone be all powerful. It makes for a boring character and a boring story, I find. <br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Yep. If overcoming a challenge is no challenge, its not much of a story. I win, I win, I win, next.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403538#msg16403538">Quote from: Gadrai on 14-02-2023, 18:10:45</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Magga, for instance, is very strong. She has a great big bow that she is very good with and she's generally devastating with her axe, but she has NO knowledge about magic and no real defense against it. I'll expand on this in the lore, I think. But yeah! If you want D&amp;D comparisons, I think others are better able to answer your questions anyway, haha xD<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>*nods*<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403538#msg16403538">Quote from: Gadrai on 14-02-2023, 18:10:45</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">As for how to work the plot/lore so it fits, I of course think it's important that we build something that all of us will enjoy. I think what you're saying, Andronica and CH, can be brought into the world. And that's not to push away all that you're saying, HH, 'cause what you've come up with is really great! I think we just need to settle on something, and maybe also have a clear plot in mind once we're ready for that bit. Side-plots we can always come up with. Generally, I think we need to accommodate, at least, that we all kind of want to write some background for our character, like their homelands and things like that. So maybe the decimation of the plague is now only affecting a certain, but very large, part of the world/continent. Maybe, in search of a cure because the plague is acting up again, our band has to go into these lands? I dunno, there are so many routes we can go down. <br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>The plague is centuries past. While there are still diseases and things, they're nowhere near as virulent as the one that devastated the world.<br/><br/>If everyone wants to work up a bit of background for where they're from, a city / town, or nation, we can then start fitting them into the puzzle. I'll see about getting a map done up and including as much as I can. Keep in mind, it will be easier for the characters to work together if they're not coming from nations that are rivals :)<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403538#msg16403538">Quote from: Gadrai on 14-02-2023, 18:10:45</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">We'll make this work! C:<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Indeed :)<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403548#msg16403548">Quote from: Envious on 14-02-2023, 18:20:58</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">I don't know anything about dnd or pathfinder.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>All good :)<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403548#msg16403548">Quote from: Envious on 14-02-2023, 18:20:58</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">I think part of the cool thing about this world is the disconnect from the knowledge and traditions of established groups - so that can be used as a character goal to go out into the wider world to find those lost things. People know these things exist. It would be in the existing historical record and in oral storytelling. And those things that are known in the small world of the characters may not be quite what was imagined when found in the wider world! Think of the embellishment that would happen as people recall "the good old days" before the plague.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>As I said earlier, rumours built on rumours.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=348967.msg16403548#msg16403548">Quote from: Envious on 14-02-2023, 18:20:58</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">I have a lot of thoughts, but I'm at work. Mind dump coming soon!<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Cool :)<br/><br/>I think if I bring a character in, I might do something with one of the beastfolk from the islands, maybe a ranger or rogue type, as I don't think we have anyone in that role yet. Magga might make a ranger type, but I'm not sure if that's how she was envisioned or not.