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.

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.


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 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. Plot Runners who use a scene to hilight their own PCs are also in risk of a breach of conduct.

Player Run Plots receive an award of up to 50% of each encounter's experience and treasure value due to the lack of Death Consent. A heavy storyline, puzzles, and solid RP can substitute for 1 encounter.

A Player Run Plot is restricted to 2 encounters. 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.

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 for how to submit a PrP and guidelines for what must be included.

PrP Runner Rewards are based on their level. The Runner receives a XP equivalent to what they would receive had they participated in an equivalent PrP of their level, of up to 50% award per encounter. The same caveat regarding solid storytelling applies here as well as to players.

Note that on review, staff will be watching for things like 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.

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. Due to their nature, Death-Consent PrPs 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.

PRP DM Rewards are based on their level. The DM receives XP equivalent to what they would receive had they participated in an encounter of their level. For Death Consent PrPs, this amount is not halved, as with Standard PrPs. Players receive full XP and Treasure for participating in a Standard 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.

Also note: Due to the number of changes needed for Conversion, DC PrPs are temporarily "on hold." We will announce at such a time when they re-open.

Dramatic Scene PrPs

Dramatic PrPs are a new type of PrP that we are trying out. A Dramatic PrP involves embracing a large event, or a dramatic, story-heavy scene.

Examples may be:

  • 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
  • A rough fight of underdogs, with illicit betting done on the side

Participants must be involved in the PrP at some level (that is, it should resemble more a PrP than a "here, let's meet on the grid"). As with all PrPs, Runners shouldn't prominently feature themselves, though unlike other PrPs, their character may be present. In other words, 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.

Players running a DPrP receive treasure up to what they would have received from two encounters as part of a 4-person party of their level. Staff will roll 3 large random treasure items for their share from each "encounter," for a total of 6 potential items. The runner may then pick the two items they want to keep out of the stack.

Any active participant receives an amount of XP of up to 50% of an encounter at their level.

DPrPs must be pre-approved, and may involve any mix of levels or combinations that the runner feels appropriate.

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")

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.

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. If you'd like to use content from the Bestiary 2 or another Pathfinder source, please contact staff beforehand.

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.

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