LetsBuild5e:Main Page

Let's build a setting!

This setting doesn't have a name yet!

Why not?

Because we're building it collaboratively as we go along. All the players can collaborate, pitch ideas, and decide on the nature of the setting by group vote. There's currently an out-of-character (OOC) thread running in which we collectively thrash out some key details. Then we're going generate characters which fit the setting details we've established. Then we'll kick off an in-character (IC) thread and a plot, and we start play, coming up with additional setting details as we go.

Basic assumptions

• The setting is designed for D&D's fifth edition.
• All the PC options in the PHB ought to be available. We'll be starting at level 3. (Decision: [1])
• We'd prefer not to use rules from outside the three core books, as those are all the DM's got.
• The DM retains the power of veto over suggestions from the floor, but pledges only to use it in extremis.
• Devising a plot may require the DM to reserve certain areas from group decision-making, but again, this power should not be overused. (Example: If the DM decides the Big Bad is an aboleth, and the players all vote for dragons to be the dominant monster group, that'll just be made to fit rather than overruled. But if they vote for no thieves' guilds, and a plot already began with a thieves' guild in it, it'll just have to be a very secretive, thoroughly outlawed thieves' guild, contradicting the vote result.)

Decision-making process

Decision-making is intended to be comparatively informal. The points below are intended to guide resolution, rather than prescribe formal votes on everything.

• Anyone can put a question to the group; we're still working through the ones pitched in the recruitment thread, and the others that the DM drew up to establish the basics. Each question stands for discussion for a day or so before voting opens. The options presented for voting may be changed as a result of discussion, if there's a clear consensus.
• The DM chooses the order in which questions are put. Motions to defer questions until later are acceptable; but questions can only be wholly withdrawn by the proposer or (in exceptional circumstances) the DM.
• Everyone who's going to play a PC or is on the waiting list can vote. (Decision: [2] ) At present, there are 5 PCs and no waiting list members.
• The DM will act as speaker - ruling questions out of order if needed, and making casting votes in the event of ties, but otherwise not voting.
• A question should come with suggested answers, but write-ins are welcome. If someone submits a write-in and you prefer it to your previous choice, vote-switching is allowed.
• Unless there's a reasonable possibility people might switch to a write-in option, questions will be considered settled once there's a clear majority in favour.
• Reasons for ruling a question out of order would be: clashes with established facts; clashes with key plot point; clashes with free choice of PHB PC options; sectional interest (that is, things which would serve to directly boost one particular choice of PC build), or gratuitous offence (not that we expect this to happen...)

Sign-up threads: [3] [4]

OOC thread: [5]

IC thread: [6]

Established elements

• We have a clear idea of the overall shape of the world.
• We're developing a gazetteer of places of interest.
• We're working on who lives in the starting area, and what they do.
• We've got additional details about PC classes.
• We've got a rogues' gallery of culturally and socially significant monsters.
• We have a basic narrative of regional history sketched out.
• We have pinned down some key points about arcane magic.
• We are developing a religion.
• There's a whole range of legendary artefacts that are supposed to be out there somewhere.
• We've started building some ideas about lingustics.
• The rumour mill has started to turn.
• Here are the questions we are considering.

Characters

Active

• Veyne the Warlock (Player: Unka Josh)
• Tobanad the Bard (Player: Mr The Geoff)
• Hetzir the Fighter (Player: Kelly Pedersen)
• Brother Hondo the Monk (Player: Apostlyte)
• Reyogoth the Warlock (Player: Cerulean Lion)

Inactive

• Vay Abt-Heggir the Wizard (Player:Mr Adventurer)
• Emel-Aman the Druid (Player: Roger)
• Alyxae the Paladin (Player: Lysus)