Lords of Creation, a message board RPG. Always recruiting.

[^ban^]

Hello, and welcome to BattleMaster's Lords of Creation. This is a message board god-game imported from the Giant in the Playground forums (where it has had great success). Instructions can be found below. I would prefer to have - at a minimum - five Gods to begin to the game, though preferably more, and at least one person willing to work as co-mod with myself. Recruitment for the game will never close, so new players are welcome to join at any time ^{pending character approval}. And so, without further adieu:

The Rules of Creation

• Introduction
  
  • Lords of Creation (LoC for short) is a message board game. We are on a message board, and it is a game. That much should be obvious. As a player, you control a god - designed and role-played through your writing - in an epic collaborative storytelling experience. Together with the other players and their gods, you will shape a setting - create mortals, land, nations, concepts... whatever strikes your fancy. It should be stressed that the goal of this game - much like D&D, upon which it is loosely based - is not to 'win'. The goal is to weave an epic tale of gods and heroes and the forging of a world. To that end, the hopeful end result of this 36 week game is a world that can be used as a campaign setting for games of Dungeons and Dragons.
    
    What separates LoC from a free-form RPG is that it has rules. The 'core mechanic' of the game - the Action Point, or AP - functions much like its namesake; the Action of many tabletop games. By spending AP, your god can shape the world to their whims... or bring ruin to the works of an enemy god.

• Character Application
  
  • Name, Optional Epithet
    Played By: Player Name
    Symbol: Holy or Unholy Symbol
    Home: Home Plane
    Domains: Primary Domain, Secondary Domain
    Favored Weapon: Weapon
    Divine Powers: Divine Power 1, Divine Power 2
    Extra Artifact Slot: Combat, Boon/Bane, or Utility
  
  Additionally, we would much appreciate it if you include a brief description of your character with your application. What is her personality like? What are his goals? What do they seek to do in creation, and what do they seek to avoid? There's no need to write a novella here, but the better your description is, the better idea we have of how you'll fit into the game, and the more likely you are to get approved.
  
  
  • Explanation
    
    • Name: Something we can take seriously, please. An epithet is a decorative title (Optional, though most deities here have at least one) similar to Richard "the Lionheart.", or "Ironmaster" Ichmod
    • Symbol: Describe what type of symbol your followers will wield in order to show their devotion towards your deity. For example, the Sunbust of Pelor, or the Black Fist of Bane.
    • Home: Deities cannot psychically walk upon the material plane due to the nature of the universe. While avatars may be used to bypass this issue, your god still needs a place to dwell and hold court when not interacting with mortals. Most gods come to be in the Void - a featureless realm beyond the boundaries of creation, but if you plan to either create your own plane or share an existing one (with the owner's permission, obviously), you may put your desired place of residence here.
    • Domains: At character creation, you may choose two domains - these can be anything from "War" to "Ocean" to "Gnomes". One of these will be your Primary Domain - you will only ever have one primary domain, and it cannot be changed, so think carefully. A newborn god may NEVER take a primary domain already being used as a primary domain by an existing god (although they may take one that is being used as a secondary domain.) Your second Domain is your first Secondary Domain - while not quite as influential as your primary, it is still a powerful force on your god's nature. You can acquire additional Secondary Domains over the course of the game. Starting play with an Alignment Domain (Such as Law, Good, or Chaos) is strongly discouraged, but possible - if you desire these domains, is is preferable that you acquire them through the Gain Domain action, after having performed actions to earn it.
    • Favored Weapon: Your deity’s weapon of choice, if any at all. This is purely flavor - it can provide a signature weapon for your followers, and can be an important part of a militant god's identity.
    • Divine Powers: A list and a better explanation of Divine Powers is provided in the following section. In short, these are special talents or perks - skills that give your god an edge in areas they excel in. You may choose two at creation - think carefully, as they may never be changed.
  • Divine Powers
    
    • Not all gods are equal. Each has their own areas of expertise and unique specializations. A god of war might be mighty, but even a much younger god of earth might prove his better at the shaping of land. To this end, each god must select Two of the following Divine Powers – these represent your god’s greatest strengths. Players are encouraged to think of both the mechanical benefits and storytelling potential of their selections, but should keep in mind that their selections may be questioned or even vetoed by MODs if they seem to be chosen without regard to the nature of the god they apply to. (Feel free to argue your case if you disagree – but the MODs are by no means guaranteed to change their mind.)
      
      
      
      • Warrior: You are a formidable combatant, even by the standards of your fellow gods. You gain a +2 modifier to your Divine Combat Rolls.
      • Plaguebringer: When using the Curse Divine Action, you may choose to have effects calculated as if you have spent two more Action Points than you actually did (In essence, you may increase the MR by 1 for free). This Divine Power does not allow you to use Curse without spending Action Points. The virtual augment from this power does not count towards your growths.
      • Lifegiver: When using the Bless Divine Action, you may choose to have effects calculated as if you have spent two more Action Points than you actually did (In essence, you may increase the MR by 1 for free). This Divine Power does not allow you to use Bless without spending Action Points. The virtual augment from this power does not count towards your growths.
      • Landshaper: When using the Alter/Create Terrain Divine Action, you may choose to have effects calculated as if you have spent up to two more Action Points than you actually did. This Divine Power does not allow you to use Alter/Create Terrain without spending Action Points. The virtual augment from this power does not count towards your growths.
      • Leader of Men: You revel in teaching mortals everything you can and guiding them to follow your example. You may use the Lead Populace action OR the Create Class action once per rollover without paying any AP. This free action does not count towards your growths.
      • Artificer: Your deity understands the fine art of artifacts, both their creation and their use. As a result, they get an extra artifact slot, of a type chosen at character creation. Additionally, their masterful skill gives any Grand Artifact they participate in building an additional 1AP with which to purchase effects – should multiple gods with this ability or Divine Presence cooperate on the same artifact, the effects stack.
      • Divine Intervention: You prefer a hands-on approach to dealing with mortals. If you have an avatar actively interacting with mortals, the avatar gains 1AP for the week during rollover that can be used on a Curse or Blight action. The action must be done on behalf of the mortals with which the avatar is interacting or on their behalf to aid them in some way. This AP may not be transferred or combined for more expensive actions, and is considered Bonus AP.
      • Divine Presence: You are a charismatic leader, even among the gods. As a member of a pantheon, you count as two members for the purposes of generating Pantheon AP. If you are creating a new pantheon, it costs you only 1AP instead of 2.
      • Divine Authority: You have great ease at attuning your essence to the fundamentals of the divine world. The Claim Domain Divine Action costs 1 less AP to use. Additionally, you may claim a domain having performed only 3 actions related to it, as opposed to 5.
      • Impulsive: Woe to the fool who seeks a pattern in the actions of one such as yourself! Unlike many other gods, with their far-reaching schemes and plotting, you live in and for the moment. If you have no AP at the time of Rollover, you receive 1 additional AP. This AP does not stack or roll over, and counts as Bonus AP. Additionally, you may choose to Join Pantheon for free – although doing so does not count towards your Growth.
      • Progenitor: The art of creation comes easily to you, and nothing pleases you more than diversity. Once per rollover, you may use the Create Life action without paying any AP.
      • Organized: You can do more with less. While other gods might like to think of themselves as mysterious and ambiguous, you prefer clarity and efficiency to all that nonsense, often giving mortals direct instructions. When using the Create Organization action, you may create up to two related prestige classes rather than one. You may also use the Create Society action once per week without spending AP.
      • Mythic: Whether through careful cultivation or pure serendipity, the exploits of your god have a way of finding their way into the myths and legends of mortals. Your mighty example serves as a beacon for great people of all races to follow. You may use the Raise Hero/Exarch action once per rollover without paying any AP. This free action does not count towards your growths.
    
    Sample Character Application:
    
    • Name: The Dude, Doctor of Love
      Played by: ^ban^
      Symbol: A bleeding heart being held between two hands
      Home: The Astral Sea
      Domains: Love, Peace
      Favored Weapon: Bow
      Divine Powers: Divine Presence, Lifegiver
      Extra Artifact Slot: Utility
      
      The Dude presents himself as rather ugly person. He is very fat, has a messy beard along with long hair. Even though as a god he could easily change his appearance, he rather remain ugly since he believes that love does not come from physical appearance. He often wears a bandanna on his head and a bright psychedelic colored shirt.
      
      Being the Love Doctor, the Dude has a very lovable personality. Easily humored and easy going, the Dude enjoys nothing more than spending time with mortals, mingling with the common rabble and teaching them things like how to properly reproduce and get along with each other. His goal is to create a world full of love and peace. At the same time, the Dude loves the mortals so much, that he will be often creating sub-races.
      
  
  
  
  
  Now, as I open the floor to applicants... one final note. We'd love to have you as a player, really, but please, please only apply if you actually intend to play. Players who show up, post once or twice, then leave, are the bane of games like this one. LoC thrives on steady players, and building history between characters and factions.
  
  To have your character approved, you'll need two votes. These votes can come from the ADMIN (i.e., me) or from our fine selection of MODs (Bedwyr, Anders Celsius). Full mechanical rules can be found in the next post.

[^ban^]

The OOC thread is up, including the rest of the mechanics.

MODS

^ban^ (ADMIN)

JPierreD (formerly known as Anders Celsius)

Approved and In-Game

Name	Player	Divine Powers	Domains	Custom Artifact Slot	DR
Arglwydd	^ban^	Impulsive, Divine Authority	Dream, Fate	Utility	2
Ahkram	Bedwyr	Organized, Leader of Men	Knowledge, Magic	Utility	2
Arkh	JPierreD	Landshaper, Plaguebringer	Cold, Unlife	Boon/Bane	2
Celona	Berard	Artificer, Divine Authority	Wind, Travel	Utility, Utility	2
Caradon	Solari	Livegiver, Progenitor	Life, Water		1
Dwyn Gaald	Perth	Organized, Divine Intervention	Deserts, Trade	Utility	2
Laune	Sypher	Impulsive, Divine Intervention	Fey, Chaos	Utility	2
Mikha	Silverhawk	Divine Intervention, Impulsive	Fire, Protection	Combat	2
Nicolai	DoctorHarte	Mythic, Progenitor	Sun, Nature	Boon/Bane	2
Oofrums	Adriddae	Impulsive, Progenitor	Joy, Music	Utility	1
Sophia	Ta|i	Mythic, Lifegiver	Moon, Love	Utility	2
Toridas	Jimgerdes	Leader of Men, Plaguebringer	Shadow, Illusion	Utility	1
Varrach	Iltaran	Mythic, Plaguebringer	Vengeance, Sorrow	Combat	2
Zbartivlast	Fleugs	Warrior, Divine Intervention	Madness, Fear	Boon/Bane	2
Torus	Artemesia	Organized, Mythic	Change, Knowledge	Utility	1
Brom	Madmonk77	Mythic, Leader of Men	War, Tradition	Utility	1

Approved and Awaiting Rollover

Name

Player

Divine Powers

Domains

Custom Artifact Slot

DR

[Silverhawk]

I sign up, will post details later

[Fleugs]

I'd like to join in on this, although I would need to get the hang of it first. I swear I won't make dirty jokes or painful remarks about the Greek economy.


My God that offers you his application;

• Name: Zbartivlast, The Insane
  Played By: Fleugs
  Symbol: A Kingfisher.
  Home: The Void
  Domains: madness, fear
  Favored Weapon: mace
  Divine Powers: Warrior, Divine Intervention
  Artifact: bane

While Zbartivlast mumbles his own title as "The Emperor", all Gods know that he has gone insane. His insanity is guided, though. His favourite activity is luring others into insanity. Next to that he tends to exploit his own madness to scare off his enemies, either in battle or before. As a self-punitive decision, he has spent many of his years blindfolded. This gave him better hearing and improved his other senses, but he has a weak sight when he is in a bright area.

Zbartivlast is a dark personality, wearing scruffy black-leather clothes and dragging his bloodied mace with him wherever he goes. Some say that Zbartivlast is more than one person, all inside one body...

[^ban^]

Fleugs

At this point, there are no Planes of Yssindar. They have yet to be created. Presumably, this will be one of your early actions in the game, but these characters can't have a history in a universe that doesn't exist.

[Sacha]

Name: Nekhrus, the Balancer
Played By: Sacha
Symbol: Double-headed Eagle
Home: Unknown, possibly the Void
Domains: Justice, War
Favored Weapon: Interlocking Short Swords
Divine Powers: Warrior, Divine Presence

Description will be added later.

[Bedwyr]

I like it.

    Ahkram, the Teacher
    Played By: Bedwyr
    Symbol: Six pointed star, with further stars repeating inside
    Home: Void
    Domains: Knowledge and Magic
    Favored Weapon: Compass
    Divine Powers: Organized, Leader of Men

Ahkram has a burning desire to understand and master the universe with his creations growing at his side.  Those he creates can be assured of a protector...So long as they follow his teachings.  Ahkram has no compunctions about disciplining his students, after all...

[Solari]

Name: Caradon
Played by: Solari
Symbol: A winding river or a white tree
Home: Void
Domains: Water, Life
Divine Powers: Lifegiver, Progenitor

An enigmatic and reclusive god, Caradon's domain lies in fertile plains, mountains, rivers and forests; oak groves and ancient trees serve as his holy places. When he chooses to let himself be seen, Caradon appears in the image of local flora and fauna, or as a greying but vigorous man in loose robes, with a gnarled deadwood staff.  He avoids speaking to mortals, and can be either kindly or cruel; Caradon has been known to aid some lost travelers and to call down lightning's fury upon others, seemingly at random.

[Perth]

I'll sign up!

Will post my details later tonight, don't have time right this second.

[Berard]

Celona, the Silent Guide
Played By: Berard
Symbol: Leaves caught in the wind.
Home: The Eye of the Storm
Domains: Wind, Travel
Favored Weapon: Chakram
Divine Powers: Artificer, Divine Authority
Extra Artifact Slot: Utility
Artificer Extra Slot: Utility

A goddess relying nothing more than a gentle breeze to direct send someone on the correct path.  She is ultimately an unbiased party that understands how creatures can change just as easily as the wind.

[^ban^]

The in-character thread can now be found here. Anyone that is not one of the current approved six will have to wait until the first rollover (Friday at 1200 EST) to make an appearance. Anyone wishing to join in at that point must have a character approved before that time. Enjoy.

[JPierreD]

Name: Arkh, the Frost Lord
Played by: Anders Celsius
Symbol: Ice Shards, Diamonds
Home: The Frozen Plane (once made, The Void before)
Domains: Cold, Unlife
Favored Weapon: Staff adorned with an animal skull on top of it. The animal in question changes from time to time.
Divine Powers: Landshaper, Plaguebringer


Arkh is a coldblooded god which shows little emotions. He takes pleasure in the study of the natural laws ruling the world but resents the uncertainty caused by things like "life". The alive mammalian creatures act in such unpredictable ways that confuse him, making him prefer the more reliable coldblooded or purely instinctual animals. They are, however, no match in his preference for undead creatures, or mechanical golems, when lacking the former.
It is his theory that the core of the problem resides in the excess of energy fluctuating everywhere, making everything shake and move into the chaotic frenzy universe he lives in. Would all of it be absorbed and or separated completely, the world would return to the peaceful everlasting cold serenity it once was in.

[Perth]

Okay, here we go:

Name: Dwyn Gaald
Played By: Perth
Symbol: A triangle of ten dots representing a Sand Dune
Home: The Void
Domains: Deserts, Trade
Favored Weapon: Scimitar
Divine Powers: Organized, Divine Intervention

Dwyn Gaald is a proud and shrewd being. He values survival, and indeed thriving, in the harsh conditions of the desert. He seeks to show his creations trade and civilization and build vast empires in the desert which he views as the ultimate beauty: life thriving in the middle of nothingness.

[^ban^]

Perth

Approved. Look forward to seeing you at the next rollover. Make sure you choose your extra artifact slot before then. Please repost your sheet in the OOC thread.

[Iltaran]

Name: Varrach the Unforgiving
Played By: Iltaran
Symbol: A screaming face
Home: The Void
Domains: Vengeance, Sorrow
Favored Weapon: Executioners Axe
Divine Powers: Mythic, Plaguebringer
Artifact: Combat

From the moment he came into existence, Varrach has been driven to seek revenge, but despairs for he knows not how. Blind to his own flaws, he believes that through granting Vengeance he will succeed in destroying Sorrow.