C&C 2015: What are you doing?

[Julian Grimm]

After a nice break from CKing I am finalizing my 2015 campaign. If all goes well the campaign will begin mid-January with The Sunless Citadel being the opening adventure. While I plan on sticking closer to the C&C rules I am converting some things from other sources. However, this will be done slowly and released into the game as needed.

In order to prevent burnout the campaign will be ran in two to three month blocks with 3-4 weeks in between the blocks. This will also allow for storylines to be wrapped up and new ones to start. The opening storyline will start with a loose collection of adventures and then will be based on what the players do from there. The idea is to have the campaign player driven with, hopefully, little adjustment buy me.

Borrowing from Dave Arneson, I will include outside events that will also have influence. I will be drawing up a chart of events and make a roll every block to see what is going on in the outside world. This will range from petty to large events that may come into play. What I am hoping is to have a more dynamic world that will seem real to the players.

As for setting I am looking at either Greyhawk or Aihrde. I have not fully decided yet as I see advantages and disadvantages to both. While I would like to build my own world, time and other commitments have made me realize this is not possible at this time. As well, I will also be looking at using modules more than I have in the past. This serves two purposes, 1) having something I can run with little prep in case of a time crunch and 2) to help me with writing decent adventures again.

All in all I am excited about the new approach and see some good things coming for the next year.

[Treebore]

Yep, adventure modules are always a guideline for me. All they are to me, is a time saver, for drawing maps, for creating NPC's, selecting monsters to use. Plus, if I like the "story" the adventure is set around, it saves me the time of creating that as well. So whether I use a piece/part of a module, or the whole thing, it still ends up being made "my way". Unless of course I agree to run a bunch of the classic modules "as is", so my players can finally be able to say they played all those adventures as they were meant to be played. Now THAT has been a tough slog! But, we are wrapping that up with Tegal Manor, and that module is fun to run, period.

[Captain_K]

This may not be on topic to this thread, but I'm taking it as its most open invitation of "What YOU doing in 2015?"...

I'm trying to run the Giant's Rapture or some such title by The Big Guy over the New Year's Break. Well written, but I'm not in that world so I'll have to tweak place names, but not much else... suggestions on an easy way to do it? Pencil the thing up? Buy a PDF and edit?

Anyone run this module? Advice? I have a small group of 3 players and I was thinking of 1,000,000 experience split between two PCs each (split as they want but no more skewed than 40/60)... Each Player has a fighter type and then a second.. I'm hoping for (really strongly want) a fighter, a ranger, and a paladin, then each player is to have a second from mage or cleric or thief (or their alter egos Ill or Druid or Assassin).. multi class these 2nd PCs is OK I guess..

Thoughts?

[Julian Grimm]

This may not be on topic to this thread, but I'm taking it as its most open invitation of "What YOU doing in 2015?"...

I like the idea and the thread will be retitled to reflect that.

[pawndream]

In 2015, I will be running two C&C play-by-post games. The first is a homebrew setting game that has been going for 2 1/2 years and the second is a Haunted Highlands game that started about 6 months ago.

I would like to find a face-to-face group to game with after I finish my Master's degree (3 more months to go), and if that happens, I would like to play C&C. Maybe actually run a module game, as I never used published adventures. Would be something different.

[Snoring Rock]

Continue the Wilderlands Campaign that has a re-start about 2 months ago. The party is currently in the dungeon near Thunderhold. Not the Sunston caverns, but the other dungeon with no name. The party is sticking it to goblins and gnolls.

[serleran]

All-dwarf game. Using some classic modules.

[DMSamuel]

A hex crawl on the Isle of Dread complete with... A swarm of small crystalline crickets descending upon wildflowers. When they land they cause so much glare from the reflections of their gem-like carapaces that the PCs cannot look directly at them... Two bulettes fighting each other and completely uninterested in anything else. They are miniature (and are a small snack for the velociraptors on the isle)... A forest where all the leaves are tiny slaadi tadpoles. They continually drop to the ground and then slither back up the trunk and out to the end of the branches.

It sounds like it won't be a long campaign, but the Isle of Dread is 200 miles long... that is plenty of space for a long exploration campaign.

[Rigon]

My current campaign will most likely wrap early in the year. Then I'll be moving on to either Kalamar, Greyhawk, Airhde, or DragonLance. I've seriously considered just throwing a map out there and saying go.

R-

[DeadReborn]

Just want to do more gaming period. I'd like to kick off the year with a demo at the LGS.

[Julian Grimm]

One thing I will be doing is showing off the more 1e aspects of C&C. All my conversions will come straight from 1e as much as possible and I will try to stay in that mindset when designing adventures. I am tempted to replace the C&C spell lists with those of AD&D to show off how well the game handles using other sources. Also with Greyhawk being a possible world I want to keep the original Greyhawk ideas intact, meaning Rangers and others getting some spell casting ability.

I'm not 100% on this as I am also wanting to stick as close to the C&C rules as possible. I will be mulling that over.

[Treebore]

Wrapping up my campaign with Tegal Manor at some point, then running 5E D&D for a few levels of play, then back to C&C, probably using the Ravenloft setting. Thats where my strongest interest lays at this point. We'll see when we get there.

[alcyone]

I'm going to try to hold my sandbox campaign together. I am down to two players and there are more henchmen than PCs. That's workable, but I may have to make some adjustments or invite more people.

[maasenstodt]

I started my 2015 gaming early. My gaming group kicked off our new C&C campaign yesterday. I'm running Barrowmaze located in Expeditious Retreat Press' White Dragon Run setting.

We had enough time for the five players to make characters (fighter, cleric, rogue, monk, & druid), hire a torchbearer, and make a brief foray to the moor, where they were immediately set upon by ten frustrated tomb raiders led by a 2HD fighter with magic platemail! This was a randomly rolled encounter and could have gone bad for the players, but they handled themselves well and, with a little luck, they wiped out the bandits at the cost of the cleric having his skull cracked. He'll need a few weeks to recover, but it wasn't a bad start for about 30 minutes of actual game play.

[Omote]

I plan to continue my current big campaign set in the world of Necromancer Games modules (Bard's Gate, Rappan Athuk, etc.). We'll be going into our 4th year and it has been a good campaign, and a sequel to a 3E campaign I ran years ago. The players are all nearing or at 10th level level at this point.

It looks like the smaller, Domain of Greyhawk/City of Greyhawk campaign will be wrapping up soon. That is another campaign that is already going into it's 4th year, but the players are looking to do a few different things. It's time for that one to come to an end.

My small White Box campaign set in the Wilderlands of High Adventure within the Southern Reaches will continue on going into its, 7th year (I think)? This is a slow campaign filled with a bunch of one-shots, and is not played that often. But when the impetus is there, Fighter with sword will swing!

I'm looking to build on my own existing campaign setting of the Rhuinlands by starting another C&C campaign there. I'm not sure whether time will allow me to do that, or if it will take the slot of another ending campaign. Only time will tell. But I long to get back into that world and explore things that are 100% my creation.

~O

[Buttmonkey]

I'll still be running my home C&C game. I'm hoping to introduce more story/roleplaying elements this year. It's been a fairly hack and slash game so far. I've had lots of ideas along the way to spice up the background, but I never seem to implement them for some reason. I'd like to change that. I'm also hoping to run at least one C&C session at Gary Con this year. I have never run a convention game, but I think I'm up to the challenge.

[serleran]

Oh, and one thing else...

No promises.

But...

I am learning Swift.

And, I asked Steve for permission to do an iOS rendition of the A-series.

(and never got an answer.)

[Greyblade]

I'm hoping to continue my Norambria campaign with my international group (see Crusades section)

That hasn't been easy with one country move, three job changes, two new home owners, and one brand new and adorable baby (me ). But hey, at least, all of these were positives for the group.

[Lord Dynel]

I've got a 5e game going right now, but also a C&C game. And I play in a game my wife runs, although that one's on a brief hiatus.

If the "brief" hiatus turns out to be longer than "brief" then I might boot up another C&C game. The one I'm running (Haunted Halls of Eveningstar / Arabel) has been running quite a while and, I think, ready to be closed out. I know I'm getting Whisper & Venom for Xmas, and that setting is very interesting. I might reboot using that setting.

[Treebore]

I know I'm getting Whisper & Venom for Xmas, and that setting is very interesting. I might reboot using that setting.

Big fan of Whisper and Venom here! Heck, I just enjoyed reading it! Then the production values were great, and since I backed the KS I also got all the mini's.

[DMSamuel]

I know I'm getting Whisper & Venom for Xmas, and that setting is very interesting. I might reboot using that setting.

Big fan of Whisper and Venom here! Heck, I just enjoyed reading it! Then the production values were great, and since I backed the KS I also got all the mini's.

Agreed on all points! I also backed the second boxed set he has in production - looking forward to it!

[Willy Rat]

I am blessed with the opportunity to CK my long-running campaign; as well as play in another. It ticks off both my RPGaming boxes. Both groups meet twice a month which means I get to game once a week! It's pretty sweet.

My home-brew setting uses a lot of TLG modules (I recently tagged the 'Death on the Treklant' on the far side of the Blacktooth Ridge setting). Been at it for 5 years with what was once my teenage god-kids who are now in their 20's. Thankfully, they and their father are still interested in keeping the tale going. I've settled into a bi-monthly pace of prep and writing and it is just the right intensity for me.

Recently, one of my regular players who had to drop out due to scheduling a year ago, has now volunteered to run a related C&C campaign for me and a few newbie & long-toothed players. Glad to give up the CK chair for a while, I agreed enthusiastically. We have taken an all dwarf party into a home-brewed module that co-exists alongside my long running campaign. We have a first-time RP gamer (and painter) on board who already painted up the party's characters after just 1 session. [Image attached].

So I guess for me the answer to the question of "C&C 2015: What are you doing?" is: "LOTS!"

Best of the New Year to all you folks.

WILLY

[tylermo]

Still running my weekly C&C campaign. No longer at the game store, however. The business only lasted a year. Anyway, we'll continue on in 2-3 weeks. We started out with Lure of Delusion, Wizard Tower, Dwarven Glory, and are now playing through Mortality of Green. I need that new expanded MoT, and I hope the Trolls finish this Darkenfold project I'm hearing about. We're in that neck of the woods in Aihrde presently. After MoT, we'll go through Shades of Mist, and Upon the Powder River. After that, I'll have to wing it by bringing in modules from other parts of Aihrde.

[Warunsun]

I very much want to run some C&C scenarios at the Origins Game Fair in 2015. This is pending me figuring out how my vacation schedule should work out for 2015. I unfortunately have lots of complications right now. As far as home gaming goes we are continuing our C&C Ravenloft game plus we just started a new 5E World of Greyhawk campaign to shake things up. We been playing C&C exclusively for a year until this point and are ready for some variety.

[tylermo]

Warunsun, contact me at sword@castlesandcrusades.com if you do run some sessions at Origins. We'd like to help you promote them.

[Captain_K]

Serleran, I got an ALL dwarf dungeon for you, it was from early 3.5 when dwarves could be anything.. its based on "an ancient dwarf stone mason and trap maker" and his young apprentice.. going to his "work shop" is a right of passage for young dwarven stone masons, trap makers, engineer, and would-be thieves wanting to test their metal.. its written up fairly cleanly.. I'd be happy to photo copy and mail to you for your use as you see fit.. but its goal is to be heavily if not totally dwarven centric....

Julian Grimm, I've got some 1e Paladin, Ranger and Bard ideas/write ups for you to peruse if you want, so far I got a "thumbs up" from Rigon on the Bard... basically added cleric or druid/mage spells to the Paladin or Ranger starting at 6th level, slow gain of spells, maxed out spells per level and spell levels like in 1e, in exchange for d8 not d10 at 6th lvl and above... no exp pt change. Pretty simple idea, easy to play and allow as an option at a reasonable level in most folks CnC game....

[serleran]

Cool. I would like to have as many all-dwarf (or dwarf themed) adventures as possible so I can drop them here and there. The party is composed entirely of dwarfs already, so giving them dwarf things to do seems natural.

[Captain_K]

RANGER (strength) –Modified by “Captain_K”
Rangers are inspired by causes or creeds, whether noble or ignoble, to battle enemies along the frontiers of their civilization, keeping in abeyance the vile depredations of evil marauders or mean beasts. They spend their lives in the trackless wastes and wilderness of the world traveling barren escarpments and dense forests in search of their foe, while studying, tracking and gaining an intimate knowledge of their manners and ways. A few of these warriors choose a different path as they progress, one of woodland magic, communing with nature, and a bit of archaic studies which grants them a limited selection of Druid and Wizard Spells.
ABILITIES
No abilities of the Ranger are changed other than the addition of the following Druid and Mage Spells and the counter balancing change in hit dice/points.

RANGER DRUIDIC SPELLS: All of the Ranger’s Druidical spells must use the normal trappings of their Druidic Circle {add these material components (holly, mistletoe, etc.) to the spell description if it does not have at least one noted – such spells are not barred}. A Ranger learns spells directly from his Druidic Circle (Druids &/or God(s)). Rangers are only taught, and thus only know, as many Druid spells as they can cast; they do not get to choose from the full range of available spells a Druid can chose from for their daily allotment of spells. The learning of these spells is up to the Ranger’s Circle of Druids, their Deities or Divine Forces, the CK, and at times, with input from the Ranger. Once taught they can only be changed by the above teachers. Rangers fundamentally cast spells as a Druid of less than half the Ranger’s level. Specifically, the Ranger’s Caster Level is the Ranger’s level minus four levels divided by two; rounding down to whole spell caster levels {CL = (RL-4)/2}. As such, they cannot cast any spells until 6th level and then as a Druid of 1st level. The number of spells they can cast per day are per the “Cleric and Druid Spells Per Day” Table using the Druid Caster level noted above. They do not gain additional spells for high Wisdom as Druids. Finally, Rangers cannot cast or learn spells of higher level than 3rd level and the Ranger can never know/cast more than two spells of any level. Ex.: A 15th level Ranger casts spells as a 5th level Druid. This Ranger would only know two zero level spells and can cast two zero level spells in one day. The Ranger can memorize for the day two uses of the same spell, thus only memorizing one spell twice. This Ranger would also know and can cast two first level spells, two second level spells, and but one third level spell each day. Rangers must be affiliated with, and on good terms with, their local Circle of Druids to gain any Druidical Spells. Rangers gain spells one, or a few, at a time directly from the Druids. As such, each spell is highly prized and considered a specially gifted ability for the Ranger from his or her Circle of Druids. A Druid is not restricted to the weapons and armor rules of Druids.

ARCHAIC (WIZARD) SPELLS: A Ranger picks up and learns wizard spells from any Mage or spell caster willing to teach the Ranger. Rangers must be taught their spells directly; they cannot learn them from books or scrolls. The gaining of wizard spells is part of game play and usually up to the CK. Rangers fundamentally cast wizard spells one level below their Druid Spell Casting Level (Ranger Level-6)/2; round down. They do not gain additional spells for high Intelligence as Wizards, but they must keep a spell book for their known Wizard spells. Rangers have no limit to the number of Wizard spells they can learn and store in their spell books for their daily allotment of wizard spells. Finally, Rangers cannot learn spells of higher level than 2nd level and the Ranger can never cast more than two spells of any level. A Ranger’s wizard spells are in addition to the Ranger’s Druid spells that can be cast that day. Ex.: A 15th level Ranger casts spells as a 4th level Wizard. This Ranger would be able to cast two zero level spells, two 1st level spells, and two 2nd level Wizard spells. Wizard spell casting requires the Ranger to abide by all the rules of spell casting as noted in the PH as if the RANGER were the “half class” in a class and a half with the WIZARD.

SUBTERANEAN RANGER OPTION: Certain of these spell casting Rangers further specialize in life in the underground. They focus on the creatures, plants, fungi, and stones of this unique natural niche. These Rangers are normally Dwarves, half-orcs, or Drow, occasionally Gnomes or Halflings, rarely humans, and almost never Elves. These Rangers have the ability to permanently exchange any and all animal or plant based spells of one level for a stone or metal based spell of one level higher. Ex.: Charm Animal can be permanently exchanged for Meld Into Stone; giving early access to some spells in exchange for later or no access to others.

HIT DICE: d10 then d8 after fifth level

[Captain_K]

Serleran, I found the Dwarven adventure, complete with the PCs and NPCs that where in it.. I'll organize the mess and copy it for you.. in the mean time, let me know what you think of the Ranger.. what you had in mind? I've done the Paladin in a similar manner.

Please forgive the home made artwork and sloppy penmanship.

[TheMetal1]

God willing the Fantasy Grounds II C&C A-Series Campaign will continue.

Very thankful to any of you who worked with Smiteworks to get C&C and the Modules available. I've been using the heck out of them. I've got all the stuff in print, but having right int he game is great. We actually started out face to face over a year ago, but switched to FGII. I CK it sandbox style so they've roamed from Botkinburg to Lundesheim and across the river to Blacktooth Ridge. Hoping to see them clear out the Valrog, deal with the Kobolds, Deal with the Red-Caps, figure out what's what in Lundeshiem, and maybe just maybe make it to A6 before 2016.