CHAPTER 3: "Salvage Operation" -PlayByPost- AGE 15+ @Level 4 now
Dungeons & Dragons 5e | Campaign
About the adventure
The once humble fishing village has become the centerpiece of commerce as new discoveries and age-old rivalries come together. Threats are emerging from all directions including smuggling, unnatural sea creatures, and age-old rivalries. The call for heroes is real, because evil broils and turns an eye toward SALTMARSH! ********************************* TORN UNIVERSE: A sandbox homebrew medieval fantasy D&D5e campaign setting, but altered from the norm, just enough to keep things very interesting, and adaptable. Expect the unexpected! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SUMMARY Veteran GM: 40+ years Level (1) One PCs (if you start at the beginning) > Join IN PROGRESS games for higher levels Number of Players: Five (5) preferred Age: Adult 18+ only Frequency: Average is 3-5x per day Date/Time: All day, asynchronous GM: Eastern/Florida/USA [GMT -5] Play-by-Post: through each day. Setting: D&D 5e Homebrew (a new medieval fantasy realm) ========================= ASYNCHRONOUS (PBP): Play ANY TIME, ANY WHERE... spread out through the day [GMs time zone], via a collection of DISCORD groups, DnDBeyond characters, and map tools like OwlBear, Roll20, Canva, DnD Maps... That's right, we play-by-post sending messages back and forth via DISCORD. Feel free to share Text, recorded audio, even your face if you want (just be clothed, please). There will be a GROUP game chat (where we role-play), but also private channels to talk to the GM behind the scenes, or chat with other players on the same server. EXPECTATION: At least 3 significant (verbose) contributions a day, and preferably closer to 5 per day [8a - 5p Eastern USA time zone]. Everyone should have time, either during coffee beaks, meal breaks, bathroom breaks, and as often as you can fit it in. It's VERY important you check in OFTEN!!! ------------------------------------- STARTED AS PART OF THE "EXTRA-LIFE" CHARITY EVENT 100% OF ALL PROCEEDS APRIL 1 - APRIL 31, 2024 are DONATED START PLAYING.GAMES MATCHES THAT up to $1000 GHOSTS OF SALTMARSH --------------------------------------
Game style
Rules as Written (RaW)
Games that are ran “Rules as Written” emphasize realism and stick to the letter of the rules, allowing players to explore creative solutions while still operating under a consistent rule set. Players have the ability to utilize the rules in creative ways to create awesome characters and moments in the game.
Rule of Cool (RoC)
“Rule of Cool” emphasizes creative story beats over sticking to a system’s rules as written. Players have the ability to push the limits of the rules or even break core rule mechanics at times if the Game Master thinks it is interesting, fun, or cool enough.
Roleplay Heavy
“Roleplay Heavy” games place the focus on the story, the characters, and the world they live within, and tend to lean hard into the various roleplaying elements of the game. These games will frequently find the party talking with NPCs, exploring the personal elements of their backstories, or even having emotional moments around the camp fire.
Theater of the Mind
“Theater of the Mind” uses little to no visuals for scene settings and combat. Instead, the narrative imagery comes from the Game Master’s descriptions and character action and movement comes from Players’ descriptions.
GHOSTS OF SALT MARSH: IN PROGRESS (Ready to start Chapter 3) *** SPECIAL NOTE *** (was 18+ age, now 15+) A parent asked us to let her 16 yo play. The existing players approved. The GM approved, so we can't change it in the "settings" on SPG, but this is NOTICE! -------------------------------------------- IN PROGRESS GAME: CHAPTER 3 just started. "Salvage Operation" You can SIGN UP now, and JOIN in. Stowaway? A float, on the sea, survivor? We can find a way to get you "ON BOARD" ... SIGN UP SHEET ACTIVE: Seeking more players... NO CHARGE while you wait ----------------------- REFER A FRIEND DISCOUNT Earn 10% off every game, when you INVITE A FRIEND and they mention that you've done so - when the sign up on SPG. THEY GET 10% OFF AS WELL, on the game they joined - resulting from your referral. So they and you both get 10% off. STACKABLE - so if you do it again and again, you can earn up to a max of 50% off all your games, be referring 5 friends. ---------------------------- RULE OF COOL VS RAW. Many players call my games RAW, but not necessarily because they are "Rules as Written", more so because my games are "Realistic and Witty". I'm a Realist. Artificers can't manufacture Eldritch Cannons without supplies, out of thin air. Poisoner's even with a kit, don't have unlimited resources. You can't carry 100 bottles of wine in your backpack. Digging a potion out of the bottom of your backpack in the middle of a fight, is going to take time. Let's be real. I'm all in favor of Rule of Cool, when it is at least possible. It need not be probable, but it has to be marginally possible. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CUSTOM EDITION: D&D 2024-based mechanics (while PC species / class / spells / backgrounds /feats / etc, can be from 2014 and 2024, or a mix). That means 90% of the game is CORE CONTENT, but it's also 10% homebrew (regarding some rules that just aren't clear, or subject to debate, in which case I take from other editions or customize the rule a bit). So, that makes this a "custom" edition, and I want everyone to be aware and be OK with that fact.
Game Master Reviews (23)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Storytelling
Creativity
Knows the Rules
I've been playing D&D for a few years now, and each week I'm surprised by experiencing or learning something new in Paul's games. If you're looking for the GM that prioritizes player safety while encouraging creativity, then you've found him. Paul is knowledgeable of the rules, and still more than willing to let players experiment with their strategies to success. With frequent one-on-one and group check-ins, Paul ensures that each player feels connected and involved to the ongoing campaign. The scene descriptions and characters are dynamic, and each arc is more intriguing than the last. You'll have a blast playing in any one of his games!
I've played on probably five or six PbP tables at this point, and Paul runs his games with impressive professionalism. You can tell he has a ton of experience because he has a well-reasoned big picture view of how the rules fit together, so when he makes a judgment call it's consistent and fair. He keeps his games active, invites constructive criticism and doesn't take it personally, and has his eye on the details that make a world and the npc's feel real.
Finding a DM that runs games 'just right' can be a tough call and, without realising what I was looking for, Paul ticks all the boxes; bringing the game to life, giving a sense of realism to the game mechanics and adventure, and apparently effortlessly keeping everyone in line as he does it! I've played with 10+ DM's and Paul scores top spot! Paul's Discord server is structured clearly, his Play by Post games are well organised, and you can choose to 'lurk' other games he's running that you're not playing in - a feature I really like. I had an issue which he handled smoothly, fairly and without fuss. I don't think I can fault Paul or his games - the only room for improvement would be if he relocated so that he could run some live tabletop games in my neighbourhood!! :)
Additional details
How to prepare
____ RECOMMENDATION ____ Think about your favorite character. If you play the role of any character, of any type, what would that character be. What do they look like? How do they act and why do they act that way. Keep in mind - you start at LEVEL 1 which is VERY LITTLE experience of the practical variety, beyond that of commoners). If you are basing your role on some kind of hero, supervillain, or powerful figure, your character will start as a fledgling variation of that, but with a lot of potential. Still, it's best to pick a character you would thoroughly enjoy playing. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I have two strict requirements here. A. Appearance. I'm going to want a short blurb, maybe 3 to 5 sentences, that describe what other players/non-players see when they first set eyes on your PC. This must ONLY INCLUDE WHAT'S OBSERVABLE, so don't include things hidden in your backpack, or family history, or what's going on in your character's past - or their mind. This is just what we see. Clothes, jewelry, insignias, visible armor or weapons, any furtive or uncontrollable gestures. [Put this in the "DESCRIPTION / APPEARANCE" section of your DnDBeyond. B. Background. This is where you get to tell me ALL about your character's past life, secret motivations, horrible or wonderful childhood, idiosyncrasies, and flaws. This is what most of us might refer to as the ORIGIN STORY. [Put this in the "NOTES" / "BACKSTORY" section of your DnDBeyond. ********************************* HOW DETAILED? I don't care if you write paragraphs, or just bullet points, but be sure you can answer all of these questions (who, what, when, where, why, and how): WHO are they? DO they know their Parents? Siblings? Are they part of clans, cults, special orders or other organizations? WHAT are they? Professionally? Aspiringly? In other words, why choose this CLASS? Did it choose them, or did they have some reason to pursue this particular path in life. WHEN did they decide to start adventuring? Recently? Was it years ago? If so, why are they still such low level? Did they do something else and recently decide to change careers? Did they train and train, but never get any practical experience? WHERE did they come from? Childhood? Recent past? You can invent cities, realms, regions, or use something you know of from past games. The setting you will be playing in is homebrew. WHY in the world did they leave what one might consider relative safety and home to venture forth in a world that is bent on killing most travelers? Are they after something? A quest of their own? HOW will you play this PC? By this, I mean, do you intend to give them any quirks, flaws, phobias, incentives, addictions, or other unique and fun dynamics (be they social, mental, physical, or otherwise)? ----------------------------------- IN SUMMARY: Work with the GM to refine this character into something with a story to tell - and we'll start telling it together.
What I provide
MOTTO: It is YOUR game, so play it YOUR way... The initial game begins with a very specific mission mind, but you are not relegated to a specific path. While anything can happen, if the group wants to keep playing, we can move things in ANY direction. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE GROUP DECIDES THE PATH... Want to follow classic adventures? (e.g. Curse of Stradh, Made Mage, Tomb of Annihilation, or others... ) Want to open the world up to MULTI-VERSE possibilities? Want an entirely AI generated adventure? Want a specific adaptation to the classic settings? Want me TO SURPRISE YOU (insert evil GM laughter)? *********************************** I'll bring the adventure... I'll bring maps with tokens... I'll provide visuals when possible... I'll even ATTEMPT the occasional voice-over ... sending out voices and/or video via DISCORD audio ------------------------------------- RULE OF COOL: Yes, I can see that - occasionally. I don't typically BREAK a major rule, but can see slight variances or "exceptions" when the situation warrants it. I used to be heavily involved in tournament play, so my default is to apply the "as written" rules as often as possible. There are a very small handful of places where I like to adapt the rules a little (because it makes sense). Just concern yourself with the game. Play it. Role-play, and leave the mechanics to me!!!!
Gameplay details
ADULT GAME 18+ ONLY (Viewer/Player discretion is advised): WARNING / DISCLAIMER: This game is designed to replicate realism, in every way, as close as possible to reality. A great many unfortunate atrocities exist in our real world, and in a fantasy/make believe world they can easily be far worse and take on fictional aspects never before considered. CONTENT WARNING: As you may have noticed, almost every content warning available has been flagged. The only exceptions are those involving sexuality and the overt abuse of children. Those topics simply don't have a place in this game and will be omitted and could result in a removal of any player from the game. SESSION 0 / DEBREIFING: Session 0 merely represents the dialogue that will be exchanged early on (usually before you start paying) to make sure you understand how it's played, what you are expected to bring to the virtual table, character creation, homerules, timeliness, SAFETY, and cordial play. LINES and VEILS: During the Session 0, and while Debriefing at various intervals (between chapters), you can discuss with the GM any topics, scenes, or scenarios that are particularly disturbing, and possible accommodations. Some topics just need NEVER be present in a game, and others just "alluded" to, as we figuratively "fade-to-black", and we move on. X, N, O CARDS & BREAKS: Well I don't use a lot of in N, X, O card rules in play-by-post, seeing it more effective in live games. Still, if you throw up a row of X's, or a picture of an X card, we should all be aware of what that means. Stop! The topic is off limits. Breaks are built ib. If you feel safe, just PM your GM as needed. SANDBOX: This game setting is very adaptable to match what it is you are looking for in a game. Expect a short "survey" link to be sent to you once we start. From this, I'll collect a quick understanding of your level of experience, what games / modules / settings you've used before, and where I should focus the game.
Content warnings
• Alcoholism
• Alcohol Use
• Animal Death
• Blood
• Character Death
• Concentration Camps
• Controlling Parents
• Curing of Disabilities
• Death
• Doxxing
• Drowning
• Drugs (addiction, use, withdrawal)
• Execution
• Fire
• Genocide
• Gore
• Hangings
• Hostages
• Illness
• Insects
• Kidnapping
• Language/Cursing
• Lifechanging Injury
• Medical Issues
• Memory Erasing
• Microaggressions
• Mind alteration
• Mind Control
• Murder
• Nightmares about Traumatic Events
• Pandemic
• Panic Attacks
• Paralyzation
• Police Brutality
• Prejudice
• PTSD
• Scars
• Seizures
• Slavery
• Snakes
• Spiders
• Suffocation
• Talk of Superior Race
• Terrorism
• Trauma
• Violence
• Deep or Large Bodies of Water
• Devils / Demons / Fiends
• Mental Illness
• Mutilation of Corpses
Safety tools used
• Breaks
• Debriefing
• Lines and Veils
• Session 0
• X, N, and O Cards
How will character creation work
** CAMPAIGN STARTS AT LEVEL 1 ** CHARACTER CREATION: Before you get too invested, watch for a link from me to the DnDBeyond Campaign we'll be using. Once you've accepted that invitation, I can watch what you're doing and even help if things go awry. ********************************** UNIQUE CLASSES & RACES: If you want to play some of the more bizarre sub-classes and options, you need to (1) own that content via DnDBeyond and (2) SHARE it with the rest of us in that campaign. To do that you must be a MASTER tier subscriber to DnDBeyond. -------------------------------------- CREATING YOUR PC (OPTIONS): As you create your PC, each page from left to right will have options. Here is a list of what I recommend you pick Advancement Type = XP Hit Point Type = Fixed Character Privacy = Public Level = 1 (you will advance levels after) Abilities: "Standard Array" or "Point Buy" 5. EQUIPMENT Tab Open the Starting Equipment section Choose "Equipment" DO NOT CHOOSE GOLD You pick your starting gear from the options presented only. NO CUSTOM OPTIONS: If you can't find an option, background, subclass, race or anything else... It's because you didn't BUY it from DnDBeyond. This includes a lot of the material in the Players Handbook (PHB). You have to own the digital version, not just a hardcover book, to get those options here. GM is NOT using Content Share (all out of slots). If you want to, PM the GM for instructions. FINALLY: If you joined an in-progress game at higher levels. GM will send you extra instructions to catch up.
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
Medium
Roleplay
Medium
Puzzles
Medium
Experience level
Intermediate
Platforms used
• Owlbear Rodeo
• Text/Play by Post
• Discord
• D&D Beyond
More upcoming games
$15.00
/ Session
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Weekly / Friday - 9:00 PM UTC
Mar 28 / Session 51
1-1.1 Hour duration
2 / 6 Seats filled
Schedule
Requirements
Experience required: Intermediate
Age: 18+