Player Run Plots

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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.

Different types of PrP

Tenebrae offers three different types of PrPs, each crafted with a different flavor, or type of story, in mind:

Plot Type Story Flavor
Standard Used for most any type of story, Standards may be run at any time without pre-approval, and minimal fuss.
Dramatic If you prefer a diceless, but dramatic, storyline, this is for you.
Death-Consent A more rare type of PrP, DC PrPs are high-tension, and require pre-approval from staff. We want to make sure you're comfortable within the setting, and know what you are doing, before running one of these.


Standard Player Run Plots (SPrPs)

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.

Restrictions specific to SPrPs

  • Encounters - Due to time constraints, Player Run Plot is restricted to 2 encounters. A heavy storyline, puzzles, and solid RP can substitute for 1 encounter. Within a SPrP, you may use any creature within the B1 or B2, except creatures with the ability drain or energy drain special abilities.
  • Death - If a PC ever reaches a point where they would normally die while on an SPrP, the plot runner is expected to presume the character is simply teetering on death's door and will recover following the scene's conclusion.
  • Damaging Items - Items cannot be destroyed on a SPrP, and if damaged are considered to have been repaired fully at the end of the scene.
  • Afflictions - Any debilitating effects that would linger past the plot's duration are cleared once it ends.

Rewards for SPrPs

  • 75% XP awarded to the runner based on the runner's character level
  • 75% XP and treasure (gold only) based on the challenge awarded to participants

Regardless of the encounter's Challenge Rating, rewards for participants will never exceed a certain threshold. Rewards will also often be modified to reflect such things as quality of storytelling, cooperation, behavior and so on.


Dramatic Player Run Plots (DPrPs)

A Dramatic PrP (DPrP) involves a story-focused scene or challenge where the resolution is not combat-related. Dramatics may also be ongrid events, such as the celebration of a major holiday.

DPrPs offer flexibility and the potential to include participants of wildly differing levels. They are perfect for putting together a meeting of the local druidic union, or an investigation into a crime scene.

All DPrPs must be pre-approved, and more so than other PrPs, runners may request announcements or aid from the staff. Due to their nature, however, DPrPs are also more difficult to design and run, and as such are best left for when one is more familiar with the game and player-DMing on it in general.

Some DPrPs that have been run in the past include:

DPrP rewards are:

  • 100% treasure share 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 based on character level for participants


Death-Consent Player Run Plots (DCPrPs)

If you're an experienced player-DM and have a story you want to tell that requires the drama and full risk of a staff-run scene, the Death-Consent PrP (DCPrP) is for you.

On a DCPrP, the restrictions of an SPrP are suspended--characters can die or walk away suffering afflictions, gear may be destroyed, and energy draining or ability draining monsters can be used.

DCPrPs must be pre-approved with staff before being run. Not everyone who asks will be given approval, and sometimes ideas may need to be tweaked and edited. Staff also takes responsibility for treasure rolls and may work with you regarding who the plot is aimed for, if necessary. Once the plot is approved, you may begin collecting players for it, as normal.

You must make your players fully aware a plot is Death-Consent before running it. Players have the right to refuse participation if they are not comfortable with the risks involved.

Rewards for a DCPrP are:

  • 100% XP awarded to the runner based on the runner's character level
  • 100% XP and treasure (including items) based on the party level awarded to participants

Things Not to Do

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:

Other formats are not accepted at this time.

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