Fate of the Forgotten Realms
Summary
Fate Freeport Companion: Fate of the Forgotten Realms, a play-by-post
- Stormraven, playing Sen Terval — peripatetic half-elf bard
- Iustum, playing Alaric Duremov — uncommonly loyal sellsword
- Roryb, GM
[ IC Thread]
[ OOC Thread]
Game Pitch
I am proposing a game set in the Moonsea area of the Forgotten Realms, and plan to touch on many of D&D’s tropes, namely its classic monsters, maybe an iconic villain or two, evil factions (Zhentarim!), dungeon exploration, and shenanigans by lovable misfits and unlikely heroes. I’m a fan of “D&D by another name” type games. All adventuring professionals are welcome to apply, but note that I plan to include a good deal of physical conflict.
For those Forgotten Realms lore-masters and sages, my vision of the setting for this game begins and ends with the old gray box, circa 1358 DR — Year of Shadows. This is the pre-Time of Troubles era. We are to assume no events after those listed in the campaign guide will happen.
Although I do not have a specific scenario in mind yet, I’m looking to create something rather linear — at least in its initial conception (it’s bound to change based on the players’ actions). I’ll create something related to the area, its factions, and, of course, inspired by what the characters can bring to bear in terms of hooks. This will look like a classic D&D “quest” with one defining game aspect instead of Fate Core’s “issues”. This is to facilitate episodic play and a potential rotating cast of characters. I’ll define such a setup after I see what interesting character concepts players devise. I reserve the right to amend any concepts, but generally welcome almost anything.
I am happy to start using “actual play as character creation”. Start with a name, a high concept, trouble, an array of +3, +2, +2, +1, +1, +0 in skills, and perhaps one additional aspect and we are good to go. Use actual play to declare a new aspect or stunt when it might be needed or interesting. We won’t use a phase trio to connect characters…their united purpose will be enough.
However, I’ll need some help brainstorming a character faction that will tie them into a purpose of opposing bad guys. My first thought would be the Harpers. Even if you don’t want your character to be an actual Harper member, you could create a simple 1-2 sentence backstory that connects them in some way (owe a favor, quid pro quo arrangement, mutual enemy, etc.). Your third aspect should relate specifically to a faction, ally, goal, complication, enemy, or unique special thing that makes you or your talents desirable to be propositioned for a special mission in a way as to help shape what that mission is, unless such is already implied by your high concept or trouble.
Posting Protocol
I’d like a brisk posting rate…once per day, perhaps more if the action is especially frenetic. I also want the kind of posts that push the narrative through decisive action — and includes a good picture of what that action looks like on-screen.
- Good: “Jorl peers into the darkness of the cave and calls out a challenge, readying himself for battle.”
- Better: “Jorl peers into the gloomy depths of the malodorous cavern and utters a bloodcurdling barbaric war cry. The savage northerner clashes axe against shield to provoke the denizens lurking within into the open where he can best make use of the nearby boulders.”
- Not so much: “Jorl waits to see what comes out of the cave.” — Too passive.
