UPSB v3
Forum Games / <==={=- ~Dungeons and Dragons~ -=}===>
Play-By-Post
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Date: Sun, Dec 7 2008 00:01:21
Introduction
Hi there all,
Im thinking of starting up a Dungeons and Dragons play-by-post game.
It would be played using the standard 3.5 edition rules.
We can include other books if anyone requests them.
I will be the DM, so I need maybe 4-5 balanced players.
The party should be mixed, eg. A party where not all the players are fighters.
It is okay if this is the first time you are playing, I can provide a .pdf form of the Players Handbook if anyone pms me. It includes all the rules and shows you have to create a character.
This thread was just created to see how many people are interested in playing a play-by-post game if D&D so I havent worked out all the kinks yet but it should work out like this:
Phases:- Players sign up and pick their class
- Players create their characters, choosing races, etc.
- Players hand over their character sheets to me
- The game can begin.
Thats pretty much what all the players have to do.
How to create a character
Download the character sheet: http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=6a912a2...2db6fb9a8902bda and print it out
Firstly, choose a class you want to play as. This will aid in the choice of race, and other things such as skills, etc.
Please take note of your class core abilities.
Pick a race that you think will suit the character you\'re playing best. Please also note that racial bonuses will help the choice of class you pick.
Next start assigning ability points to the six abilities.
For our game, we shall be using the standard point buy system.
How the standard point buy system works:
You start with all abilities having the same amount of points: 9
You are give 25 points to assign to your abilities.
When you are buying the points, 9-14 are bought on a 1 for 1 basis.
However, after 14, the cost slightly increases according to this table:
Game mechanics
The game will work like this:
In the world of D&D, your player can do anything. So naturally, various events and happenings can occur.
We break down these events as such,
Out-Of-Character (OOC) - These are the discussions whereby the talk is not related to the roleplaying directly.
Actions - These are the actions that the players take.
In-Game-Speak - When you have your character talk, these is what you use.
For example,
DM: \"Redgar is in a cave surrounded by mutant spiders. What action do you want to take?\"
There are many possibilities to how a player would react to the spiders.
One would include confrontation:
Redgar:
Redgar leaps at the nearest spider, intending to slice its body open.
\"Get away from me you vile beasts!\"
I roll for attack, and damage, if it succeeds.CODE1D20 + 2 => 15
1D8 + 2 => 10
Okay 15 is a decent enough number.
It is high enough to strike the spider so we apply our damage.
We rolled for 10 so we struck the spider for 10 damage.
Since, the spider had 7 Hit Points, it is incapacitated and our hero can get away safely.
Another possibility is by using thought processes to get out of a situation.
Lidda:
Lidda takes a look a round, trying to see if she can take advantage of anything.
Lidda performs a spot check.CODE1D20 + 4 => 18
She succeeds on her spot check and the DM tells Lidda this:
You see a vague shadow of a man in the corner. He is wielding a ruby-studded wand.
On further inspection, he appears to be controlling the spiders.[b]
Lidda flits toward the man and tries to grab his wand.
For this example, we shall just use a dexterity check.CODE1D20 + 3 => 16
This is opposed to the man\'s dexterity check and Lidda wins.
Lidda grabs the wand and breaks it against the wall
The power over the spiders immediately cease and Lidda gets out of the area safely.
[b]Making Rolls
An important aspect of the game is rolling dice.
Since this is using forum mechanics, we have no choice but to use the honor system.
When we roll the dice we can use this website, http://rpgp.org/dice/#
For example, when we want to roll for attack, we just roll a 1d20 + our attack modifier.
(A 1d20 is 1 Twenty-sided die to those who are new at this.)
Then we add that to a codebox for presentation and voila. We made a roll
Sign-Ups:
DM: Jaybles
1. Eriror
2. Awesome
3. Minche
4. Teatime - Ranger (Preferably Double-Sword)
5. Ninja Guy
6. Colatta -
Date: Sun, Dec 7 2008 00:11:23
Eh yeah, I'm willing to check it out, but I'll need a person to explain me the basics at least. >.> I'm a fast learner though. And Awesome said something about a pdf file.
EDIT: *is dumb and will PM you for the pdf* -
Date: Sun, Dec 7 2008 00:23:51
I guess Iam in, Iam not sure what I want to play so I'll just wait untill others choose and fill in the gap
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Date: Sun, Dec 7 2008 00:26:08
IDK I GUESS I R IN
and i agree with the eriror -
Date: Sun, Dec 7 2008 23:38:57
I used to play this every week, then my group upgraded to 4th edition, so I play 4th now.
Iam willing to help any one who needs it as much as I can -
Date: Sun, Dec 7 2008 23:41:31
D&D 2 FOR LIFE
THAC0 FTW -
Date: Sun, Dec 7 2008 23:57:30QUOTE (Zombo @ Dec 7 2008, 06:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>D&D 2 FOR LIFE
THAC0 FTW
Back when you had to have mad dice rolling skills to be a paladin
and thac0 was confusing -
Date: Sun, Dec 7 2008 23:58:39
you know wahts even cooler than D&D?
Shadowrun. -
Date: Mon, Dec 8 2008 00:04:35
I didn't know Zombo was into pen and paper RPGs
I played shadowrun once, I was a troll who used Katanas I love all the d6 you get to roll in that game -
Date: Mon, Dec 8 2008 16:28:12QUOTE (Zombo @ Dec 8 2008, 01:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>you know wahts even cooler than D&D?
Shadowrun.
Shadowrun is sweet, but too many d6 rolls.
And 2nd edition D&D is stupid =P
I'm playing 4th right now with a bunch of friends. Why aren't you playing 4th?
I'm considering joining but I can't see this working all too well... -
Date: Mon, Dec 8 2008 19:09:15
/inz0rz
send me ze PDF
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Date: Tue, Dec 9 2008 16:37:43
Cool team guys(and girl) playing.
Fine, I'll be 5th.
As for class pick I want to play either a Ranger or a Rogue so you guys can choose, although I'm favoring Ranger so if someone is split between Ranger and something else then I'll take it and you can go for whatever 2nd option you have.
I plan on making a Duel-Sword Ranger but I'm willing to go with Bows if you need a ranged attacker so basically you guys decide you characters and I'll follow suit to balance. -
Date: Tue, Dec 9 2008 22:56:38
If anyone drops out I will take the spot. ^^
But if people do drop out I will need a players handbook as i have been playing 4.0 for a while. ^^ -
Date: Wed, Dec 10 2008 00:45:31
/iiiiiinnnnnnnnn
*no time atm* ill come back later today to pick class etc -
Date: Wed, Dec 10 2008 13:00:58
ill play. i used to play D&D when i was younger. lol
edit: guess yourfull on players. let me know if a spot opens up -
Date: Wed, Dec 10 2008 15:35:38
Hey guys I took Thnikk out. Hes gonna do more important stuffs XD
Ok. Ive included Ninja Guy ( I cant remember your name other than like this >_<), Teatime and Coolatta.
It would be awesome if the party had a cleric included. and maybe a wizard and a rouge.
000Zero000 ill put you on the waiting list.
Ok once you guys have picked your class, post here and we'll see if we can fufill the requirements.
*I added to the basic overview abit. But its far from ready*
Ok a side note- Would you guys prefer to have someone in your group map abit? Like in a dungeon, I could describe the environment and the mapper would draw a small map of their route.
of course that wouldnt be necessary if the party came by a map by chance XD
Would all add to the realism of the game. -
Date: Wed, Dec 10 2008 16:46:35
what system of attribute point distribution do you want us to use?
and why aren't we playing the 4th? 3.5 is old and...troublesome.
I'm guessing there are no limitations on race?
I'm not sure I'll be a ranger just yet so guys please type here what classes you want to be so those who are split can decide which to play.
Edit: ammm minche joined before ninja guy, did she leave? just so there's no mistake ;p -
Date: Thu, Dec 11 2008 06:45:16
Oh crap. I took minche out by accident when removing thnikk ><.
Ill put minche back in when i get home later, cant edit post on psp. 500 word limit.
Teatime: I havent really read 4th edition yet. What are the changes? Its hard to get D&D books here and Im currently downloading the pdfs for 4th edition core rulebooks.
I wrote in the first post we use the standard point buy system. Would eliminate the dice rolls and at least one ability should be high. -
Date: Thu, Dec 11 2008 14:50:02QUOTE (Jaybles @ Dec 11 2008, 08:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Oh crap. I took minche out by accident when removing thnikk ><.
Ill put minche back in when i get home later, cant edit post on psp. 500 word limit.
Teatime: I havent really read 4th edition yet. What are the changes? Its hard to get D&D books here and Im currently downloading the pdfs for 4th edition core rulebooks.
I wrote in the first post we use the standard point buy system. Would eliminate the dice rolls and at least one ability should be high.
The changes are pretty big but the really nice stuff are in the way the combat works. The rules are a lot more flexible and the combat is a lot more dynamic and interesting with monsters that also have skills and abilities and encounters that are just like boss fights where you need to figure out a tactic in order to win or utilize the changing environment.
Also the way the classes are built with the whole powers system makes it a lot more balanced and requires less stupid calculations like 4 attacks each with it's own roll...in the 4th it's just a power which has effects, some powers are once per encounter and some are once per a day but some are as much as you want which are the basic attacks(like magic missile for example, you can use it as much as you want if you choose it).
The changes to the skill system make much more sense. No more 500 skills with nearly no use, now every skill makes sense and can be used in skill challenges, for example move silently, hide and slight of hand, instead of being different skills that you can't really use without the other, they are all combined to one skill called Stealth, and Sneak attacks work better.
Anyway, go through and you'll see, it's much more convenient, and from experience the fights are heck of a lot more fun.
The downsides so far that I've noticed are a slight downgrade in Wizard roleplay(no schools of magic for example),slightly less races(no million sub races like before), and also the only class that can properly use duel wield is the Ranger because only he has powers that use two weapons so you can't have a duel-wield rogue which is a shame, and there is no real benefit for anyone other then the rogue when taking stealth.
You might say the lack of all the prestige classes is a downside but at level 11 you choose a "Paragon" path which is like a prestige class, there are 4 for every class and they are all great upgrades, really cool and don't require class planning from level 1.
Regardless, I seriously recommend we use the 4th because it is MUCH simpler so those who are unfamiliar will very quickly get the hang of it.
I am also willing to help in every question you have about the new edition or about creating your character so just fire away -
Date: Thu, Dec 11 2008 15:25:21
I find that the feats don't play a big role at all in 4.0, just minor bonuses compared to the 3.5 but the character builds, even without the huge bonus of feats like in 3.5, prove to be very strong.
I have played and loved the 4.0 ranger and the 4.0 rogue.
I have had a pretty fun experience with 4.0 so far. ^^
I have also played the warlock but did not enjoy it that much. ;( -
Date: Thu, Dec 11 2008 15:39:10QUOTE (Eli thefkn NiNjA @ Dec 11 2008, 05:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I find that the feats don't play a big role at all in 4.0, just minor bonuses compared to the 3.5 but the character builds, even without the huge bonus of feats like in 3.5, prove to be very strong.
I have played and loved the 4.0 ranger and the 4.0 rogue.
I have had a pretty fun experience with 4.0 so far. ^^
I have also played the warlock but did not enjoy it that much. ;(
If anyone else is dropped because it seems your full again, Contact me. ^^
Ah yes that's very true, the feats play a much more minor role because the game is more focused on individual powers and skills, but the Paragon feats are much better.
Yes 4.0 ranger and rogue are freaking win(Rogue friend of mine did 65 damage in one round as a rogue at level 3 lawlz) -
Date: Thu, Dec 11 2008 22:40:28
Haha, I remember friends rolling that high of damage around the level 3-4 area. Warlocks were hitting 100's. XD And Rogues were hitting lots with that 4[w] Damage daily spell. ;P But yeah, Paragon paths are a good replacement to the majour feats 3.5 had. I think they aimed for stronger character build this time around. I kind of feel like it's more of an On-Board MMO. Very much stronger character builds.
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Date: Fri, Dec 12 2008 00:42:08
Iam thinking I'll be a paladin or a bard, if we don't have any gaps for me to fill.
Yeah 4th edition is a lot simpler, but its so map dependent which Iam not a huge fan of, I like the older versions when you didn't need a grid to keep track of your characters for every single combat. Anyway 3.5 isn't that complex as it is -
Date: Fri, Dec 12 2008 05:32:02
Map dependent? I actually think that the movement is a lot more convenient. No more stupid feet measurements and 5-foot steps and stupid shit like that.
3.5 just has a lot of redundant things that have been removed completely or improved in 4th, skills being the most obvious, and I think the powers system is way better then the 3.5 combat system with all the attacks per round and shit...when you're a rapid fire or duel wield level 6 ranger it really gets over the top(5/6 attacks or more..) -
Date: Fri, Dec 12 2008 06:07:27
Maybe we should try out 3.5 first then try and convert it to 4.0 later?
Because Im still not very sure about 4.0. -
Date: Fri, Dec 12 2008 11:23:41
Converting is changing completely, and basically we have people who are playing 4th, people who haven't played at all, and you =P
Maybe we should vote?
I just think the 4th will be the most interesting and most comfortable to work with...
If you want to discuss it or want me answer questions about it just add me to MSN. -
Date: Fri, Dec 12 2008 12:57:41
i used to play, but it was with my friends dad when i was like 10, and im not sure what version it was...... any hoo, if version 4.0 is easier for beginners its got my vote.
but ill look ever the classes(dont remember all of them) and ill post tomorrow/tonight with my decision. -
Date: Fri, Dec 12 2008 15:27:10
Alright for 3.5 I will be A druid or (Ranged spec'd) ranger.
If 4.0 I will be rogue. ^^ -
Date: Fri, Dec 12 2008 17:03:42QUOTE (Eli thefkn NiNjA @ Dec 12 2008, 05:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Alright for 3.5 I will be A druid or (Ranged spec'd) ranger.
If 4.0 I will be rogue. ^^
If we're playing 3.5 I'll be taking rogue and if we're playing 4.0 and you want rogue then I'll take Ranger. Ranged or Melee will depend on the others but currently favoring melee. -
Date: Fri, Dec 12 2008 21:29:34
If we are playing 4th I would be a warlord
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Date: Sat, Dec 13 2008 12:50:25
Ok guys, if you want to play ed. 4.0, I dont think I would make a very good dm.
So if 4th edition is chosen, I think Teatime should take over as DM.
You seem quite familiar with the system.
Awesome, which would you choose? -
Date: Sat, Dec 13 2008 13:24:29QUOTE (Jaybles @ Dec 13 2008, 02:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Ok guys, if you want to play ed. 4.0, I dont think I would make a very good dm.
So if 4th edition is chosen, I think Teatime should take over as DM.
You seem quite familiar with the system.
Awesome, which would you choose?
Being a good DM has nothing to do with the system. Basically if you want to do something, just do it and then check how it's done with the rules, in the 4th it's really simple..
What is your obsession with 3.5? what makes it better for you? just go through the DM book a bit and you'll be fine. And if you already have a campaign then just transform it to 4.0, it's not that hard really.
I'm no good at DM...my imagination regarding the long run is pretty lame.gif)
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Date: Sat, Dec 13 2008 14:14:18
Because i dont have the book.
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Date: Sat, Dec 13 2008 14:20:21QUOTE (Jaybles @ Dec 13 2008, 04:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Because i dont have the book.
Download it... -
Date: Sat, Dec 13 2008 17:44:32
I would probably chose 4th edition, it is simpler, and I thik a bit better. It isn't as superior as everyone likes to make it out as, but it is a definite improvement. I have no objections with 3.5 though, the classes were more distinct. Wizards were more wizardry (they had low health but more powerful spells) now they have HP closer to the other classes but less powerful spells, so there isn't as much of a difference between classes. Thats my only complaint of the system really. They tried to "balance" the classes, but took out the uniqueness of each one. In 3.5 wizards might be more powerful then any other class (except possibly the cleric), but they had to be properly managed, be careful not getting hit, and choose and prepare the proper spells. The power increase was from increased complexity on the players part. If the player wanted to keep it simple they could of been a fighter.
/end 3.5 rant.
4.0 is simpler and what not, but my "fun factor" didn't really increase from the transition, which is the bottom line from me. I think 4.0 takes away to much player choice to be called "better", but it might be better to play here since we have new players. -
Date: Sun, Dec 14 2008 04:58:12
Hmmm -- I wouldn't actually mind playing 3.5, Got to admit i kind of miss it. >.< And Very good Rant Awesome, All of your points were true. ^^
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Date: Sun, Dec 14 2008 09:31:08
Teatime, I am downloading it. The problem is, its downloading really slow.
Should be done in 3 weeks.
Ill try and look for an alternative source.
I have a few questions though.
How does combat and play differ to 3.5? Is it a totally different style of play?
How is it simpler? I really have no idea what are the changes though.
Also what about the roleplaying aspect of 4.0? Is it still the same? -
Date: Sun, Dec 14 2008 13:26:13
Ah okay. I got copies of all three. Ill read em on my psp
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Date: Sun, Dec 14 2008 17:59:12
For example Wizards don't have to memorize spells(I liked how wizards worked), which may seem like a weird change but I always thought it was kind of stupid that a level 20 uber wizard will run out of magic missiles
The idea is that everyone has 3 types of "powers" that you get as you level up:
At-Will powers, which you choose 2 at level 1 and can use as many times as you want in combat, those are basic spells like Magic Missile and specials attacks
Encounter powers that you get every couple of levels, these are more powerful once-per-encounter powers(spells like fireball, or attacks that deal multiple weapon damage)
Daily powers, which are the ultimate powers of each class which usually alter the environment a lot, deal massive damage or have encounter changing properties that are usually saved for bosses and tough situations.
How is it different...well, the use of powers and the way the combat works with Standard/Movement/Minor actions(you have one of each, and can downgrade each one for example 2 movement and 1 minor or 1 standard and 2 minor etc) makes for very dynamic battles. Because there are no "normal attacks"(there are but I won't get to it), where you just attack 5 times, every power including the most basic At-Will powers have some sort of effect or change then just a simple attack, which makes for combats where you always move around and try to maximize every ability you have.
For example the Warlord which has team altering tactics where he can shift places with other members, heal them or deal extra damage if certain conditions apply, or the Ranger's basic duel-attack ability where he can choose to target one or two enemies so you constantly try position yourself properly...
And these are just what I know from level 3. I'm guessing that at level 11 when you make a Paragon class you have shit loads of different encounter and daily powers to choose and strategies with, unlike 3.5 where you just get more attacks. Other then the Wizard no one really had any special moves.
Basically I think the Wizard class suffered from the transfer as it has sort of been "dumbed down", but every other class got soooooooooooo much more interesting to play, and the choice of powers you have to pick from and the way the characters are built allows for a whole lot of different types of gameplay that weren't available at 3.5.
The basic principles of DND still apply, but the combat has much less stupid calculations and elements, and much more "freedom" to create an interesting experience
Basically Roleplay can't really get hurt since it's all in our minds But as I've said some of the "complications" in the original wizard that I liked are gone, but basically you can make it up yourself, it's all in your mind...
In terms of skills the game makes much more sense. No more useless skills, the variety is smaller but just big enough so that you have to compromise, and all skills are interesting and make for great skill challenges and they have more use in combat as well(for example using the correct knowledge skill to get information on what kind of enemy you are facing, or using Athletics whenever you need to jump, climb or swim instead of having 3 different skills for that and so on). -
Date: Mon, Dec 15 2008 14:40:16
From what I have read, omgad. They took out the Chaotic Good and Lawful Evil alignments? Whats up with that?
I dont really like how the way spells work in 4.0, I dont really find it comfortable.
Although, I do admit that the Perception, Stealth is a good improvement. I think that the passive rolls were awesome too.
I find the classes in the basic Players Handbook abit lacking? It seems so empty compared to the 3.5 edition >_<
I dont know, I guess it would be easier with the 4.0 but Im not too sure what the rest think.
What about the people who havent played D&D before, what do the two of you think? -
Date: Mon, Dec 15 2008 16:13:40
We can bring the alignments back really, it's not like if the book says they are gone then they are gone. The only difference maybe is in the fact that it won't affect any cleric deities but that's it... if you want to define you character is a Chaotic Good character and role play it like that..I don't see why not. I think we can and should bring those back at least for our game.
If by spells you mean Wizard powers then they have been decreased a bit, but how can you not think it's that much better that EVERYONE has abilities now that have different effects? I think it's awesome and is basically the main thing that makes the combat so interesting: everyone has special abilities to consider and use.
Mmm classes lacking...lacking how? What did 3.5 have that 4 doesn't? To be honest if anything the classes have more depth now because of the powers.... I think it just seems that way because they were simplified. It basically leaves all the other stuff to your imagination.
But I think we have enough discussion, I say we make a vote. In general I don't mind playing 3.5, there are some aspects of it that I really like( the amount of races/classes), I just think that 4.0 will:
1) work better in forum.
2) will be easier to teach.
3) will be less trouble on those already playing it(as they won't have to relearn a different edition and then be confused with it all the time). -
Date: Mon, Dec 15 2008 17:04:10
I agree with the vote. Both editions have thier strong points.
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Date: Tue, Dec 16 2008 08:40:43
Yeah, I see the merit of playing 4.0 in a forum. Less stuff to keep track of.
Alright, Ill start the vote, and if its for 4.0, Ill resend the pdfs.
Ah, teatime, I meant lacking as in, they dont seem to have much of a defining feature now. It used to be, like wizards were these powerful arcane wielding but weak characters and fighters didnt really have access to powers like now.
Also, I think I like prestige classes alot better ^^
Personally, ill be sticking with 3.5 for awhile but for the purposes of the forum game, I guess I could give it a shot at DMing a 4.0 game -
Date: Tue, Dec 16 2008 17:12:17
I nulled
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Date: Tue, Dec 16 2008 17:28:25QUOTE (Jaybles @ Dec 16 2008, 10:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Yeah, I see the merit of playing 4.0 in a forum. Less stuff to keep track of.
Alright, Ill start the vote, and if its for 4.0, Ill resend the pdfs.
Ah, teatime, I meant lacking as in, they dont seem to have much of a defining feature now. It used to be, like wizards were these powerful arcane wielding but weak characters and fighters didnt really have access to powers like now.
Also, I think I like prestige classes alot better ^^
Personally, ill be sticking with 3.5 for awhile but for the purposes of the forum game, I guess I could give it a shot at DMing a 4.0 game
Wizards are still the masters of arcane, and have much less AC and other types of defense then the other classes...that hasn't changed...
Wizards are the only class with actual area of attack spells...everyone else has a lot more target-centered attacks. Wizard powers and other class powers are really two different things...just because everyone has powers it doesn't mean that everyone has the same thing. If you read about the actual powers you'll see that each of them benefit mostly their own class, except the cleric and warlord who have powers who benefit the group which is also their uniqueness.
I really don't understand what you have against the powers system, it really is better...
Prestige classes are cool I agree, I always liked the different things there, but what I didn't like is how much planning you had to do in order to get them, always plan on stupid skills and feats you don't really need in order to get the prestige class you want...here instead there's the paragon paths which are like prestige classes but don't require as much planning. The only shame is that there's a lot less... -
Date: Wed, Dec 17 2008 16:06:35
Hmm im just really unconfortable but i guess for forum gaming it would be easier.
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Date: Sun, Dec 21 2008 12:49:50
bump
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Date: Tue, Dec 23 2008 09:27:45
bump. Huge Backstory coming up so you can create the character histories.
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Date: Tue, Dec 23 2008 19:14:07
Come on just vote so we can decide on a system and I can go ahead with thinking about what I want to play >.>
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Date: Wed, Dec 24 2008 11:15:38
I nulled.