Getting Started

First off, the basics. You'll need primarily the Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 Edition Player's Handbook, although you may also use the sections of books approved in the official list in the link at the top of this page assuming that your character meets all the prerequisites. You'll also need a character sheet, a downloadable PDF of which is available in the Downloads Section, or you can just right-click and save to file here. (Macintosh users click-and-hold to save)

Adding New Material

The Campaign Staff understands that game designers are continually creating new and wonderful additions to the d20 fantasy RPG. It is our desire to implement these additions as quickly as possible. With this in mind, we have developed a schedule for the implementation of new material into the campaign. All new material that the Campaign Staff deems is appropriate for the campaign will be summarized in future updates of this Character Creation Guidelines and Campaign Rules document. If there is new information, the version number and date of this document will be changed. If there is no new information, only the date of this document will be changed.

New Materials and Rebuilding Your Character

When rules updates and new products are approved for LSJ campaign use, players may freely make changes to their characters to give them the benefit of the new rules (feats, prestige classes, etc.). This may be done ONCE for each character when a new rules update is issued, but may be done each time such an update is issued.

The player is responsible for making certain that all proper rules are followed for a rebuild, including proper use of prerequisites for feats, skill point spending, and so on and so forth. Since we are being very generous with allowing these rebuilds each time we issue new rules, we expect every player to take the time to do it properly. If you are uncertain how a rule works, feel free to contact the campaign staff for a clarification.

Guidelines for Ethical Play

We've got a whole slew of rules that govern the campaign, just like any other game out there. However, we'd like you to keep in mind a few suggestions, ones we also hold ourselves to to keep the campaign as enjoyable as it can be.

We expect that everyone – players, game masters, etc. – will conduct themselves in a manner suitable to group cooperation and group enjoyment. Specifically:

PLAYERS

1. Contribute to the fun of the whole group when playing. Don't play in a style that detracts from the fun of the game.
2. Play fairly and honestly.
3. Know the rules you need to run your character legally, and make certain you are correct by checking the rulebooks before playing. If you use a special combat maneuver often, become familiar with the rules for that maneuver and note the page number on your character sheet for easy reference during play. Likewise, read your certificates and be certain you know the proper effects of magic items and other benefit-granting certificates. You are responsible for knowing how to properly play your character during a game, and ignorance leads to wasted time and rules arguments that cut into quality play time.
4. If a rules question comes up that degenerates into an argument, be polite and mature about it. Stop arguing, open your rulebook, and look up the rule. Remember, 99% of the people who claim they know all the rules are wrong at some point, usually during these arguments, and the other 1% aren’t sitting at your table. J Accept the fact that sometimes the GM will make a fast ruling for the sake of moving the game along without checking the books. Respect the GM’s right to ignore a lengthy rules search and keep the game moving. You can always fix rule errors later at the GM’s discretion.
5. Be considerate of others, and their right to enjoy the game as much as you do. Do not roleplay your character in a manner that ruins the fun of other players at the table. Saying “I’m just roleplaying my character!” is not an excuse to do anything that sours the game or ruins the fun of others, so don’t try it. Consider yourself warned.
6. Cooperate with the marshals mustering tables for events at conventions. While we all respect the right of players to sit at tables with their friends, sometimes it is necessary to split a table to allow others to play. Please cooperate and be willing to change tables as needed so everyone has a chance to play our events.
7. Follow the spirit of the rules, as well as the letter of the rules.
8. Some elements of play may be construed as “mature" subject matter. Please be considerate to other player's sensibilities if you choose to address these elements, especially if those players are minors.

GAME MASTERS

1. You are the GAME MASTER. It is your job to run the game. You are not playing against the players. Their fun is your top priority.
2. All players should be treated equally and equitably, by you and by other players.
3. If a rules question comes up that degenerates into an argument, and you cannot settle the matter yourself, call for a stop to all discussion and have everyone open their rulebooks and look up the relevant rule. Remember, 99% of the people who claim they know all the rules are wrong at some point, usually during these arguments, and the other 1% aren’t sitting at your table. If you feel too much time is being wasted looking up rules, you have the authority to make a snap decision for the sake of moving the game along. The players will understand and respect your right to do so. If you decide to change a decision later based on the book rules, you may do so (or not) at your discretion.
4. Run games in a professional manner. Remember that you represent the LSJ campaign to your players.
5. Abide by the expectations that apply to the players.

ADMINISTRATION

1. Respond and communicate in an articulate and timely manner.
2. Uphold the authority of our GMs, and do not overrule them without careful investigation.
3. Abide by the expectations that apply to the players and the GAME MASTERS.