Player Run Plots

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. If this is your first time running on Tenebrae, check out our Plotrunner's Guide.

As we adjust to Pathfinder, we'll all be taking a step forward and working together to learn all the small differences between it and 3.5. If there's a question about an interpretation of rules, go with what seems right at the time. It may take a while for staff to get to it, though their interpretation will be the final say, no matter what happened in the PrP. This is not to say it will effect things retroactively, it means their interpretation will be considered final from that point going forward.

"Regular" PrPs

Standard Plots

Standard Player Run Plots require at least two individuals plus the scene runner. Tenebrae has a system of trust that allows any willing and capable player the ability to run a Player Run Plot without having to get the plot idea pre-approved. Player Run Plots are not meant to be complicated scenarios or scenes on the scale of what Dungeon Masters sometimes deal with.

Player Run Plots are not Death Consent: Meaning that Player Run Plots cannot result in the death of a player. 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. 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.

Player Run Plots are only worth 'half' experience and treasure value due to the lack of Death Consent. This essentially means that when rewards for the scene are calculated, it is then cut in half and that is the value awarded to participants.

A Player Run Plot is restricted to 2 encounters with no single encounter level being more than +2 the Average Party Level. 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.

However, if a Player Run Plot DM has an idea that requires they exceed this basic restriction, they should contact staff first and work out the details with them.

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. Logs should include all +rolls or OOC chatter relating to decisions made within the scene. When a Dungeon Master collects that queue, they will request the log be sent to an email that has been predetermined. Alternately, the PrP runner could have posted the log to the website. Please be see Submitting PrPs, below, for how to submit a PrP.

Note that on review, staff will be watching for are things like "ten CR 1s for a CR 10 encounter." Awards and XP will adjusted to the challenge of the adventure, as well as player cooperation and attitude. This isn't to say--everyone has to get along with everyone, but disruptive attitudes will be noted.

Death-Consent Plots

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. 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.

XP Guidelines

PRP DM Rewards are based on their level. A player playing a low level character will not receive undue reward for running a higher level PRP plot simply because the exp is higher for that party. Such would simply not be fair. The DM receives XP equivalent to what they would receive had they participated in an encounter of their level. For non-Death Consent PrPs, this amount is halved, just like it is for players. Note that for Dramatic PrPs, the PrP runner receives treasure instead of XP.

What this essentially means is that we are attempting to scale awards so that higher level players who spent the time out to run a series of plots for lower level characters aren't totally shafted reward wise - and so that issues of low level players running for high level characters and getting massive exp, is accounted for.

Players within a Standard PrP receive 1/2 treasure and XP for that PrP. They receive full for Death Consent, though these sorts of PrPs are intended to be more rare because of the danger involved.

Event or Dramatic Scene PrPs

Event PrPs are a new type of PrP that we are trying out. An Event PrP involves putting together an event or dramatic scene of some kind. Examples may be a celebration for Tarien's holiday, a daring race across the rooftops of Charn while evading the Crimson Hand, a dangerous journey through the Veyshan sands where characters struggle against the elements, or a wyvern wrestling contest on a frozen mountaintop.

The runner's character may not benefit from this, or any other PrP as per standard Tenebrae guidelines. For example, 'running' a PrP where other PCs followed you around on a personal quest for knowledge is a no-no. However, putting together and hosting a mage's knowledge symposium through an NPC and inviting other PCs to contribute is more the thing we're looking for.

Participants should be involved in the PrP (that is, it should resemble more a PrP than a "here, let's met on the grid"). The below provide examples of the type of thing we're looking for, but are not the limit. Feel free to speak with staff about your ideas.

Players running an event PrP receive treasure, but no XP. Staff will roll 3 random treasure items appropriate for a share of treasure at the runner's level. The runner may then pick the item of their choice. Given the relative lack of danger of such events, participants receive an amount of XP reflective of their level--1/3rd the value of a single encounter, which will be supplemented by +noms (as these are typically large events, though they may not be).

• Ancestor's Pyre
• A Wedding Feast
• Gnomish Gnoodwill Festival
• Funeral for Versis
• Elven Culture Celebration

Restrictions: This is the only type of PrP that may take place on the grid. Finally, while a player may include their character in this type of PrP, their character may not be the focus of the event or otherwise benefit from it, aside from receiving treasure.

Submitting PrPs

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")
• All +rolls

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.

Restrictions

PRP DM's should not put their own characters into player run plots. The single exception to this are on-grid "Event" scenes since these are typically public events, and PRP DM characters should not receive any benefit from these events outside of the treasure reward. 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.

In addition, runners who continually run for the "same circle" of PCs may be taken aside by staff. PrPs should be a benefit to the community.

The Bestiary Guide 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.

Remember that standard Player Run Plots are meant for fun, fast paced and fair levels of enjoyment. Please plan accordingly. Do not Sunder player items in a Standard PrP. In a pre-approved death consent plot, everything is fair game.

Finally, note that as we adjust to Pathfinder, we will all be learning. A PrP runner, if no DM is available, is welcome to adapt to "the best interpretation" of a rule, but staff will have final say as we move forward.