Some quick notes about my next game:
- Considering the edition being used, I expect it to be deadly! Players will be encouraged to play intelligently!
- Unless specifically stated in the published materials otherwise, monster reactions will be determined randomly. Knowing multiple languages, and having a higher charisma will very likely be beneficial!
- I do not expect players to dedicate time to developing character backgrounds. I half expect the dungeon to grind through beginning players, so crafting a back story to a character with a potential short life expectancy is not necessarily the best use of time.
- My current leaning is that I will be constantly accepting new players into the game, and anyone interested can play. As this will be the only game I will be running for the foreseeable future, I am prepared to run as many players and as many groups through the dungeon as needed, including running players through it solo if desired.
- I am fine with players running multiple characters simultaneously, even in the same adventuring group. I might even encourage it.
- I expect to post updates the game daily, but the pace of each adventuring party will be determined by the players involved. Some groups will move daily (or several times daily), while others may only move weekly..., or slower.
- Mapping. While battle maps will be provided during encounters, it will be the players responsibility to map (or not) while generally exploring. (The 'mapper' is an official player role in the rules after all). Characters can (and potentially will) get lost!
- Keep in mind, maps of a mega-dungeon will potentially be prized possessions, and there may be eager buyers looking to purchase copies of them (which will be worth experience points).
- Time. I do expect to track time pretty carefully. Light sources will burn out, and characters will be expected to rest.
- Prepare to equip your character appropriately. If your character runs out of food, or light sources, or doesn't have any rope, or a ten-foot pole...
- Expect the game to be played largely by the book, with very few house rules. Even if the rules as written seem illogical (e.g. combat order), I am hoping this game develops a true, old-school game.
- Speaking of the game "formally starting," I am not close to launching yet. The launch of what I've described above may be weeks away, or potentially months away.
Also, if you haven't already done so (or it has been a while), I encourage anyone considering taking part in this upcoming game to read -- really read -- Matthew Finch's excellent 'Quick Primer For Old School Gaming' PDF. It is short, and free. It is something I will need to re-read myself before the game formally begins since my DM experience is primarily with AD&D, not Basic D&D, and I will want to break myself of my later edition habits since the two, in many ways, are very different.
So, while I wasn't exactly looking to create an official recruitment post tonight, I feel like this has kind of turned into one. Feel free to express formal interest or ask any questions (and vote in the poll!) and we'll see where this goes.
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Edit:
- Removed 'Tomb of the Iron God' as a poll option.
- Officially decided the game will be run using the LL ruleset (not S&W).
- I also wanted to mention that, due to the potentially high mortality rate, and potential revolving door of new players, I will not be using private forums for each player.
- Added Caverns of Thracia to poll options (people should be able to update their votes, if desired).