Embrel Organized Play: Mercenaries

Join the **Whispering Cutlass** and go on exciting missions, with success and failure actively shaping Embrel. Players may role-play both in and out of the sessions by utilizing Total Party Chill's Discord channels dedicated to the Mercenaries branch of Organized Play.

What missions you choose to join is up to you for whatever reasons you want. You can work to further your personal goals, help a cause you believe in, or sign up just because you're in need of some entertainment. Whispering Cutlass mercenaries have that level of freedom.

Many of these missions come from civilian requests that are chosen in the Living Cities branch of Organized Play. The outcomes can affect civilians, benefiting and hindering them based on your choices.

## Character Creation

Skip to the Quick Guide for the basics, or continue on for in-depth information.

### Dungeons and Dragons 5e

The Mercenaries path of Embrel Organized Play utilizes **Dungeons and Dragons, Fifth Edition** as its standard system. Other systems may be used for specific missions. For example, a group playing as one of the many criminal organizations might find that they are best suited to their game using the Blades in the Dark system. A seafaring adventure might call for using 7th Sea. Whatever system makes the most sense for the story and gameplay will be the system used.

#### Startplaying

Most missions are hosted through Startplaying.games. Players can sign up for missions from the site.

#### Roll20

Missions often use Roll20 as a virtual tabletop.

#### DnD Beyond

Players are encouraged to create their characters using DnD Beyond, joining one of the Embrel Organized Play Campaigns donated by other players to unlock some character creation options. Campaign links can be found in the `#about-whispering-cutlass` channel of the Total Party Chill Discord.

Players may join only **one** donated campaign, though they are permitted to make multiple characters in the same campaign. Please **only** use a donated campaign if you **don't** have access to the source material you desire to use.

### The Thread

The magic that binds everything together is called the **Thread**, manifesting in creatures as **Talent**. Talent is the presence of magic or special abilities. Those with a lot of Talent are known as the **Threadtouched**.

Talent can be weak or strong traits, from quick healing to limited future vision to intuitively knowing if someone is lying. Talent usually appears in a person during puberty, though it can occasionally manifest earlier or later in their life.

As a Mercenary, your Talent is strong enough to qualify you as Threadtouched. Your **class features** and **racial traits** combined are considered to be the manifestation of your Talent.

### Class Restrictions

Because arcane magic is dwindling in Embrel, fewer arcane casters exist. The following classes are by default **not available** for character creation:

* Artificers
* Bards
* Blood Hunters
* Druids
* Sorcerers
* Warlocks
* Wizards

#### Unlocking the Arcane

Whenever a player has a seat in an Embrel Organized Play game session, they have the option to roll for magic. This consists of declaring on the `#riot-house` channel that they are rolling for magic, then rolling a d100. If the player succeeds at rolling 85 or higher, they may choose either to make **a new level 2 magic user**, or that one of their current characters becomes a magic user when they **level up** (multi-class, permitting the character has the prerequisites).

The player must specify which character will become a magic user at the time of the successful magic roll.

#### Subclasses

Subclasses from the *Player's Handbook* (PHB), *Xanathar's Guide to Everything* (XGtE), and *Tasha's Cauldron of Everything* (TCoE) are standard, as well as most class customization introduced in TCoE. To inquire about using other subclasses, ask `DM Devon` on Discord.

### Racial Traits

Accompanying the lack of racial heritage, there are no distinct racial benefits in Embrel. Instead, the racial features are reskinned as an aspect of your specific character's **Thread abilities** and Talent. Because of this, players may choose to have one race function as their character's appearance and pick another race to fill in the character's racial abilities and features.

> **Example of Thread Abilities**
>
>
> A player wants to make **Asher "Whiffle-Tongue,"** a Lizardfolk Wizard, but thinks that Asher should have a better Armor Class than most Lizardfolk wizards would. Also, because Asher almost drowned as a child, he might not be an amazing swimmer.
>
>
> The player decides that while Asher is a Lizardfolk, Asher's Thread is based on the **Tortle** racial traits. To represent this on **DnD Beyond**, the player might select Tortle as Asher's race during creation, but note that Asher is a Lizardfolk when introducing him to other players. The player may also choose to make a Homebrew race through DnD Beyond called "Lizardfolk" that utilizes Tortle racial traits so that the character appears as a Lizardfolk on the character sheet.
>
>
>
> Either way, Asher **does not** gain any of the traits of a Lizardfolk character, such as a Swim Speed, Cunning Artisan, and Bite. Instead, Asher **gains** the traits of a Tortle, such as Claws, Shell Defense, and a high Natural Armor.
>
>

### Race Restrictions

Races from the PHB are standard, as well as most character customization options introduced in TCoE. To inquire about using other races, ask `DM Devon` on Discord.

Updated racial features from *Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse* (MotM) are also allowed. Anyone who has a character using the features from previous sourcebooks may update to the MotM versions.

#### Unplayable Races

Goblins, Warforged, and Centaurs are rare or unheard of in Embrel. They are not available to be player characters at this time.

Additionally, Yuan-Ti, Variant Humans, and TCoE's "Custom Origin" race are not allowed.

### Ability Scores

Determine ability scores using the Standard Array **(15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8)** as specified in the PHB.

The character customization option introduced in TCoE to change racial stats is allowed.

### Equipment and Gear

Characters start with the equipment granted by their class, faction, and background.

Starting gold from the background is **excluded**. Instead, all characters start with **1 gp**.

### Language

Languages besides **Common** don't feature much in the current era of Embrel. They may be useful later, but for now, players should look at any extra languages their characters know as dead languages, not expected to be used in common play but perhaps useful for flavor.

### Choosing a Background

All characters are mercenaries, but this title **is no**t necessarily the character's background. Players may choose from the standard list of backgrounds and apply the features, skills, and equipment benefits to their characters, except for any currency included in the background. If a player is unsure if a background would be allowed, they may inquire with `DM Devon` or another Game Master on Discord.

### Joining a Faction

Mercenaries are encouraged to align themselves with one of the many **factions** that exist in the world of A'lune. A mercenary does not necessarily need to have a tie to a faction to join it, nor does joining a faction mean their loyalties are bound together or to a specific nation. Rather, factions serve as **benefactors** for mercenaries, supplying a base kit and gear and receiving renown and information from the exploits of their mercenaries.

When a mercenary pledges to a faction, they gain special items, abilities, and information. To join a faction, message `DM Devon` or another Game Master in the `#riot-house` channel about which faction the mercenary wishes join. Go to Active Factions for a list of available factions.

### Feats

Characters may not begin with feats. Upon reaching a level that grants an Ability Score Increase, players may exchange the increase for a feat.

### Character Approval

After building a character on DnD Beyond, post a link to the character sheet on the `#riot-house` channel of Discord, then message `DM Devon` for approval.

### Leveling and Advancement

Characters reach new levels based on the number of games played. The current level cap is **6**.

 6
 12
 24
 34

#### Retirement

Characters who reach the level cap are **retired** until the level cap is lifted, at which point they may choose to come out of retirement.

#### Retirement Play

Retired characters still exist in the world and can have an influence on it. They may take up other jobs, such as shopkeepers or blacksmiths, opening up options for additional income and supplying other characters with customized goods.

More details on Retirement Play will be unveiled as more characters reach the current cap.

## Specialized Rules

### Optional Rules from *Tasha's Cauldron of Everything*

The following rules are confirmed as allowed in the Embrel Setting:

* **Additional [Class] Spells**
* **Magical Inspiration**
* **Fighting Style Options**
* **Dedicated Weapon**
* **Ki-Fueled Attack**
* **Steady Aim**
* **Cantrip Formulas**

To inquire about other optional rules, ask `DM Devon` or another Game Master on the Discord.

### Learning Proficiencies - Weapons

When trying to learn proficiency in a weapon, you must use the **Attack** action with said weapon at disadvantage (and without a proficiency bonus) and hit your target **20** times. After this, you will **gain** proficiency in the weapon.

Players must keep track of their successful hits themselves using the honor system (don't lie about how many times you've hit).

### **Gold Conversion**

In Embrel, **1 gp** is equal to **20 sp**. Likewise, **1 sp** is equal to **20 cp**.

### **Spell Scribing**

As per the PHB, wizards may copy spells into their spellbooks from outside sources, such as spell scrolls or other spellbooks. For each level of the spell, the process takes 2 hours and costs 5 gp.

### **Custom Equipment**

The Mercenaries branch of Organized Play employs items designed for the Embrel setting. Check out the Custom Equipment list to learn more.

### **Table Rules**

Game Masters have the option to use other customized rules at their discretion. Consult with your Game Master to determine any specialized rules specific to their table.

## **Mission Types**

### **One-shots**

The bulk of missions are **one-shots**, standalone missions that don't have an overarching time commitment for a character. When the mission is finished, the character is generally assumed to return to their home base, available to join other missions.

### **Arcs**

**Arcs** are campaigns for a set of players. Players must join the Arc at the beginning of the Arc and are expected to play in most of the sessions.

#### **Extended Adventure**

Characters who are in an Arc are not permitted to join other missions until their Arc is completed.

#### **Class Restrictions Reduced**

A character who joins an Arc is granted access to the following **magic classes** without making a magic roll:

* Bard
* Blood Hunter
* Druid
* Warlock

Characters are able to **start** as any of these classes or **multi-class** into them upon leveling up (multi-class prerequisites still apply). Players may still choose to make magic rolls as per the Unlocking the Arcane rules to unlock the other arcane classes for their Arc characters.

### **Sagas**

Unlike Arcs, **Sagas** are drop-in campaigns that don't require the player to join at the start of the adventure. Players are not expected to play in every session, though they certainly can choose to.

#### **Extended Adventure**

Characters who are in a Saga are not permitted to join other missions until their Saga is completed.

## **Outside Session Play**

Mercenaries can role-play, exchange information learned in a session, and share mission reports by using the Total Party Chill Discord channels. Most mercenary role-play will occur in the `#riot-house` channel.

### **Safety Tools**

Embrel Organized Play understands that some content can trigger or make myriad players uncomfortable, and therefore the use of safety tools is encouraged. While in-session safety tools vary by Game Master, what follows are some of the measures in place for outside-session play to help ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

#### **Etiquette**

Be civil. Use parentheses (like this) or brackets [like this] to talk out of character. This helps remind people when things get heated that you're just playing the game.

Tag groups of people sparingly. Don't burn individuals out from too many notifications.

#### **Lines and Veils**

Some explicit content, while acknowledged as occurring in the world of Embrel, may be glossed over rather than explored in detail. Examples include the courtesan or escort industry and gratuitous dismemberment.

Other content may be excluded from Organized Play entirely, such as rape.

Lines and Veils are created at the discretion of Devon and the Game Masters. If a player desires to request a line, a veil, or clarification on content that they believe is harmful, they are encouraged to message `DM Devon` privately or publicly on Discord.

#### **Safe Sign**

   If at any point a player feels that the play-by-post game has become overly hostile, they are encouraged to post the `:TPC:` emoji in the hostile channel.

If this image appears in a channel, all players must **stop** posting for at least **five minutes**. They must also **reflect** on whatever they have posted to consider how others may have taken the words and how others may be feeling.

After the allotted time, posting may **resume**, but all players must commit to **reducing** hostility rather than continuing it.

## **The Riot House**

The Riot House is a chain of taverns frequented by mercenaries. They charge a membership fee of one ounce of gold, but by becoming a member, mercenaries gain access to a **network** spanning the continent and a **black market** filled with hard-to-find goods.

Every Riot House has a bowl of sugarsalt taffy at the entrance. The menus are fairly multi-cultural since there are many Riot Houses throughout A'lune. The seafood dumplings of Kregia, the cheeses of Northern Mowen, the fried quail eggs of Sunward, the breakfast taho of Ylan, banana cue of Abishot, the poke of Zachalas, elote of Ivaio, rice bowls of Olar; much of the fare is tavern-based, hearty meals and portions that cause naps.

When a new person enters the Riot House for the first time, everyone instinctively knows to clap for them, then state how long they think the person will survive being a mercenary. That person is then due a drink by everyone whose guess they outlive.

> **Riot House Sayings**
>
>
> The Riot House is known for their many taglines, the most famous being "Hell if I know," which speaks to the common outlook of many mercenaries who aren't looking much farther than the coin. Other sayings include:
>
>
>
> * "For a full purse and full bellies."
> * "If it was easy, you wouldn't need to hire me."
> * "They always want it cheap, but that won't buy 'em sleep."
>

### **Discord Channel**

As a **Whispering Cutlass Mercenary**, you've already paid your membership fee and have full access to Riot Houses across A'lune. The `#riot-house` channel serves as the Abishot-based Riot House, complete with a bartender named Everlote Gravelle and a memorial board that honors mercenaries who've died in the field.

This channel functions as a **role-playing channel** for players as well as a place where **free-seat** rolloffs for sessions occur.

#### **Beyond the Riot House**

Mercenaries occasionally are away for long periods of time from Abishot's Riot House. If that occurs, other role-play channels may be made available for those characters.

#### **The Black Market**

Players also receive credit in the black market up to twice the amount paid; for example, if an item costs **45 gp**, a player may purchase it for **15 gp**, then pay off the remaining **30 gp** later. The black market can be accessed through the **Embrel Adventures** spreadsheet tab "Black Market."

## **Purchasing Equipment**

Players may **purchase items** for their characters in preparation for a session either during the beginning of a session or beforehand by telling the appropriate **Game Master** in the `#riot-house` channel of the Discord. A list of equipment prices can be accessed through the **Embrel Adventures** spreadsheet tab "Equipment Prices."

## **Embrel Adventures**

The Mercenary branch of Organized Play utilizes a spreadsheet to keep track of players, mercenaries, shops, and more.

### **Equipment Prices**

This page lists all commonly available equipment and their costs in Embrel.

### **Player Characters**

This page lists every mercenary who has ever joined the Organized Play. Game Masters update the list and use it to track who is played by whom and what special items or perks individuals have. Players may also utilize it to keep track of games played or to know who is played by whom.

The spreadsheet holds the following columns useful to players:

* **Character Name** - The name of the character.
* **SPG Player Name** - The player's handle on Startplaying.games.
* **Noble Sponsor** - The faction to which the character belongs.
* **Class** - The character's class.
* **Race** - The character's appearance race.
* **Talent Race** - The character's Thread abilities race.
* **Games Played** - The number of games played by the character.
* **Level** - The character's current level.
* **Current Wealth** - The character's current amount of currency.
* **Additional** **Perks** - Rare items or benefits that are noteworthy.

### **Mercenary Item Consignment List**

This page contains items that players have made available for other mercenaries to use.

### **Black Market**

This page lists the items available for purchase from Abishot's Riot House.

## **Mission Reports**

Mission Reports are summaries built by players that detail what occurred during a session. Reports are usually written by players who took part in the mission, but if none of them desire to do the report, other players may potentially write them instead if they can gather enough information about what occurred during the mission.

### **Standard Format**

Mission reports follow a standard format as found at the Adventure Template.

### **Report Rewards**

Players who write mission reports and post a link to the page in the `#riot-house` channel will receive a **Mission** **Token**. Mission Tokens are an out-of-game currency that can be exchanged for **magic items**.

Tokens can be accumulated and exchanged all at once (up to 3 tokens) to receive a more powerful magic item.

Tokens are manually tracked by the players using the honor system (don't lie about how many tokens you've accumulated).

### **Using Tokens**

Players may ping `DM Devon` in the `#riot-house` channel and state how many tokens they are exchanging. Devon will prompt the player to do a roll, which will determine the item received.

## Custom Equipment

Items designed for the World of Embrel will have to be manually created in DnD Beyond, either as **custom** **items** and **attacks**, or as Homebrew items.

If another player in your campaign has created a Homebrew version, it will be available for all players in the campaign.

An ever-expanding list of items can be found on the Custom Equipment page.

## Character Creation Quick Guide

For those looking for basic creation rules without explanations or exceptions, the following is a quick guide:

* DnD 5e Character
* Starting at level 2
* Standard Array stats
* **Must be** Barbarian, Cleric, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, or Rogue (or roll for magic to unlock the other classes)
* Race and background from the *Player's Handbook*
* Starting equipment from class and background (excluding starting gold)
* Start with **1 gp**
* No Feats