Introduction to Plotrunning

"I will make mistakes. And you know what? That's okay."       - Unknown DM

Getting Started With Plotrunning

Player Run Plots are a welcome and desired series of events on this Mush. When we speak of Player Run Plots we're speaking of any adventure or IC event that involves at least two or more players in addition to the one running the scene. This can be anything from an emitted scene of a bar room brawl to a dungeon crawl. The system is set up in a way to encourage spontaneous plots as well as pre-planned scenarios with minimal fuss with the staff. In short, if you have an itch to run a player run plot, for the most part you're allowed to do so. There are some restrictions and guidelines in place to help keep a healthy mush atmosphere and there are also rules in place for plots that can be pre-approved for more elaborate adventure and awards.

Where Can I Run Stories?

PrPs are meant to be "stand-alone" events, though some may extend into two or three sessions. They normally take place in Alexandros, though you're welcome and encouraged to run them anywhere in the world. A growing number of world locations have a "Plot Information" section, which is a quick reference for the types of creatures, and adventures, you'd find in the area. These sections aren't meant to be limiting--they're intended as more in the style of a crib sheet.

Ingame, PrPs are run in the Plot Rooms, which may be accessed from the OOC Lounge. These rooms are set up with DM-like commands, such as a timestop to handle combat inits. To find out what commands they have, and what they do, visit a room and type +prhelp (an abbreviation for "Plot Room Help").

Tying Them to Current Events

You're welcome to tie PrPs into current events. To find out what's going on, check out our front page--it echoes all the rumors found in the ingame's +bboard, though with the added bonus of contextual links. Tying PrPs into current events is a way to help the game world "come alive." In addition, our DMs often enjoy sitting down for a chat. In fact, if you're wishing to tie a PrP into an ongoing scene, you'll need to do so.

Building the Story

Setting Up the Challenge

Eventually, there will be some advice on calcing CR here, gauging groups, and some general advice.

There is no limit to the CR a PC group may face. The number of encounters per PrP is expected to be 2 (except for Dramatic PrPs). Solid storytelling and plot involvement may substitute for 1 encounter. XP is awarded based on the APL of the group, participation, cooperation, roleplay, and so on, not the max CR of the challenge.

Allowable Creatures

Bestiary content may be used on the game, with the exception of dragons. Monsters with ability drain or energy drain abilities should also not be used on non-Death Consent plots.

Please avoid using monsters that are exclusive to other fantasy settings and out of theme here. The Bestiary 2 is currently under review. If you'd like to use content from the Bestiary 2 or another Pathfinder source, please contact staff beforehand.

DMing Advice

Differences Between Online and Tabletop

There are some differences between running online and running at a gaming table. The first is that encounters typically take a little longer, though they're also more descriptive. Two encounters is a reasonable expectation for a session, then, and this is the limit allowed in a single PrP.

Handling Varied Levels

PrPs are typically run for groups within a specific level range. The typical ranges are 2-5, 6-10, and 11+, though this does not mean an experienced DM cannot mix them.

Dramatic PrPs tend to ignore levels entirely.

Types of PrPs

Standards

Tenebrae has a system of trust that allows any willing and capable player the ability to run a Standard Plot without having to get the plot idea pre-approved. Standard PrPs (abbreviated SPrPs) are the most common type of PrP, and can be run anytime. They are not death-consent, and so are great for spending time with the community, as well as trying out new techniques and ideas.

If a Player reaches 0 HP, the Plot Runner is expected to presume the player is near death, or knocked out. Or that they will stabilize after the main scene is over with. Items are also not sunderable in a SPrP.

A Player Run Plot is restricted to 2 encounters. A heavy storyline, puzzles, and solid RP can substitute for 1 encounter.

Rewards for a SPrP are:

• 75% reward
• XP for runner awarded based on runner's level
• XP and treasure awarded to participants

Death Consent

If you have a story you want to tell, a situation that requires the drama and the full risk of a staff-run scene, this option is for you. Due to their nature, Death-Consent PrPs (DCPrPs) must be pre-approved before being run. Not everyone who asks will get their pre-approved plots approved and sometimes ideas may need to be tweaked and edited. Staff also take responsibility for treasure rolls and may work with you regarding who the plot is aimed for if necessary; that is why staff exist, to help promote game balance and to run the game. Once your plot is approved by a staff member you may begin collecting players for it.

Rewards for a DCPrP are:

• 100% reward
• XP for runner awarded based on runner's level
• XP and treasure awarded to participants

Dramatic

If you'd like to tell a journey, host a Feastday, or celebrate an experience without worrying about the dice, Dramatics are for you. A Dramatic PrP (DPrP) involves a story-focused scene where the resolution is not combat-related. Dramatics may also be ongrid events, such as the celebration of a major holiday.

Here are a few examples that could be used as a DPrP:

• A celebration for Tarien's holiday
• A dangerous and bloodied journey through the Veyshan sands where characters struggle to lead former slaves to freedom and evade their former captors
• A wyvern wrestling contest on a frozen mountaintop in the midst of a Dran winter
• Uncovering and handling an illegal fighting den, with illicit betting done on the side

DPrPs offer flexibility, and the potential to ignore levels and CRs. They can create a "mixer" feeling, and are perfect for putting together a meeting of the local druidic union, or an investigation into a crime scene. DPrPs must be pre-approved, and more so than other PrPs, runners may request announcements or aid from staff. Dramatics may involve any mix of levels or combinations that the runner feels appropriate or needed.

Some DPrPs that have been run in the past include:

• Ancestor's Pyre
• Machinist's Grand Parade
• Gnomish Gnoodwill Festival
• Funeral for Versis
• Elven Culture Celebration (with Lady Sandiel)

DPrP rewards are:

• 100% treasure shares awarded to runner for 2 encounters at runner's level, based on 4 person party average. Staff will roll 6 large treasure items, and you get to pick the two you'd like to keep.
• 50% XP for participants

Restrictions

A PrP assumes the runner plus two individuals. It also assumes running for a variety of people, so "circle running" is not something we are looking for. PrPs should be a benefit to the community, and continually running for "friends-only" will result in a reduced award. If you've conflicts with a specific player, however, please let staff know.

PrPs should pose a challenge of some kind. For example, staff will note things such as ten CR 1 kobolds who don't use flanking. Awards and XP will be adjusted to the challenge of the adventure, as well as player cooperation, storytelling, and attitude. This isn't to say--everyone has to get along with everyone, but disruptive attitudes will be noted.

PRP DM's should not put their own characters into player run plots. We reward PRP DMs for their efforts so there is no reason to place yourself into a PRP you run. It typically creates awkward scenarios. We've tried it in the past to ill effect and this is the policy from here on out. The single exception to this rule is the Dramatic Plot. As with all PrPs, Runners shouldn't prominently feature themselves in a DPrP, though their character may be present. For example, a DPrP where other PCs follow you around on a personal quest for knowledge is a definite no. However, putting together and hosting a mage's knowledge symposium through an NPC and inviting other PCs to contribute would be okay and the type of thing we'd like to see.

When a Player Run Plot is completed, the Plot Runner has the responsibility of editing and cleaning the log and then submitting a message to the Plot Queue that a PRP is ready for review. Please be see #Sending in a Finished PrP for how to submit a PrP and guidelines for what must be included.

The CR of creatures used is up to the Runner's gauge of the party, though XP will not be given at higher than +2 the Average Party Level, no matter the circumstances. This rule exists because we are aware that our races and characters are somewhat tougher then more 'average' D&D worlds and so some things must be kept in mind to maintain a challenging atmosphere. Encounters must otherwise follow the Pathfinder guidelines.

Plot Runners who design scenarios that cannot be won or that are logically impossible to deal with may be in risk of a breach of conduct. Plot Runners who use a scene to hilight their own PCs are also in risk of a breach of conduct.

Sending in a Finished PrP

To submit a PrP, send in a +request to the PrP section. Be sure to include the following:

• Quick summary of the PrP
• Characters and levels at the time of scene (This is best done by doing a +pdmscan)
• Type of PrP (Standard, Dramatic, or Death-Consent)
• CRs of encounters
• Purchases and costs (These must be listed at the beginning of the log)
• For Death Consent encounters, any lasting effects, such as drains
• For a Dramatic PrP, note anyone who was there, but who did not participate ("idled")

Once submitted, the staffer will contact you about submitting the PrP, or you can include a link to the file in the +request if you've posted it on the website (please see submission formats, below). Logs must include all +rolls, and relevant OOC chatter. All +rolls must be made in public during a PrP, using the MUX's ingame roller.

Submission Formats

Due to security concerns, we can't accept DOC/ODT, Google Docs, or similar files. Instead, and for general safety's sake, please either:

• Paste the log into an email
• Post the log to the wiki, and provide a link

Other formats are not accepted at this time.