Dungeons are fun events that consist of a small party of people being led through a story made by the Dungeon Master (DM) over the course of a few sessions. They are excellent ways to provide fun RP moments, gain equipment or materials, battle enemies, or even explore beyond the borders of Corondryx.
Unlike tribe-wide or group-wide events, dungeons are usually restricted on who or how many can be in them. Parties can consist of characters from across all seven tribes; however, if the DM sees fit, they are permitted to add certain restrictions be it tribe, age, branch, etc., if it makes sense for the campaign or current events. While this is allowed, we encourage that DMs don't do this too often in order to ensure fairness to those who have characters in one or few tribes. Dungeons are meant to be great ways for characters from other tribes who normally wouldn't meet each other to work together.
Dungeons will have an advertisement explaining important information, content warnings, restrictions, etc., to give you better insight on the dungeon and what will happen in it. The DM will then provide a way to sign up for the dungeon. Make sure to read the DM's post in full before signing up.
[Member Dungeons]
Member dungeons are currently closed.
Dungeons can be lead by anyone. You don't have to be a mod or an admin to make a dungeon, but it does need to be seen and approved by admins before running it. Keep in mind that not every idea will be approved, and member dungeons will be closed during main group plots to avoid interference with the story. During main plots, admins and mods may be the only ones running dungeons.
When open, there will always be two dungeon slots at a time; the first Dungeon plan to be green-lit by the admin team shall be the next Dungeon to occur after one of the other dungeons has concluded (unless the member has a desired season for it to take place, in which case, they can submit their plan ahead of time for approval). When a Dungeon ends, there will be a two-week break period before the next dungeon call goes out. Members will be made aware of where their Dungeon is on the waiting list.
The dungeon can differ depending on what the campaign backstory is about: did a character find something suspicious that is worth investigating? Do they want to take a risk and hunt down some rare treasure? Or have they volunteered to find a cure for a sickness going on within their tribe? These are just some examples of possible setups, but the possibilities are endless.
Here's a list of what else to expect within a dungeon:
[Preparation & Equipment Lending]
When a party is chosen, they are given a few days to make any last-minute upgrades to their stats, skills, and equipment. When the grace period is over, all of their details shall be noted down on a tracker and deadlocked. This means that, if any further additions are purchased afterwards, they will not be noted for the Dungeon. At the same time, the DM and party members alike can offer to temporarily lend any equipment they're not using to those who need it most! The equipment shall remain in the other member's possession throughout the duration of the dungeon, but only for it.
[Forward Camps & Spectators]
Forward camps are set up somewhere near the location of the dungeon, where cats around the tribes, if not present in the dungeon, can stay temporarily and wait for the party's arrival back. People are able to freely roam and RP in these camps, and some DM's can have the dungeon affect the camp in various ways or update the cats in the camp of what is happening in the dungeon. Some DM's opt not to use a forward camp, and will instead give a "spectator" role to those who wish to watch the dungeon. Spectators are unable to participate.
[Total Party Kill]
Total Party Kill (TPK) occurs when all party members have run out of HP, which means their characters can no longer participate unless revived/healed. When this happens, the party effectively has failed the Dungeon and can only bring back half the loot they acquired. It is possible for the DM to return to the same dungeon after a six-month wait if determined to complete it, either with the same team, or a new one should the original party members opt out of it.
[Improvisation & Creativity]
The Havensake system is but a guideline to help party-goers and DMs understand RPG-esque systems or influence their campaign. However, it is not totally set in stone; players and DMs don't have to follow it completely. Players and DM's are encouraged to improvise, to get creative within a dungeon, and surprise each other.
[Volunteers]
Although entirely optional, should the DM feel like it fits their dungeon's narrative, volunteers are a select group of a few members that are chosen ahead of time. It doesn't matter if they've been in a dungeon recently or not. This is because, unlike party members, volunteers have a smaller role within the dungeon itself, only making a brief appearance. Most of the time, volunteers are either the main objective or part of it. They are also de-buffed and, like the DM, cannot collect materials or loot. They will however get a volunteer bundle for themselves, and can gain some EXP from the experience.
[Loot]
Loot can range from items, equipment, or materials. Dungeon-goers will always gain EXP through the Dungeon as well, whilst DM's/Co-DM's/Volunteers get their own list of items for a job well done. Those who complete dungeons though are guaranteed a legendary reward from a set of the DM's choosing.
[Dungeon Masters]
Dungeon Master is the title given to the creator and leader of a Dungeon's campaign. They are the ones who make the rules, guide players, and make sure the party reaches the end goal of the entire dungeon. They are the organizers and designers of their story; however, it is also their job to allow and accommodate for players to improvise in ways that can be unexpected to the DM, and may potentially add a new twist to the journey/end.
Co-DM's are highly recommended. Their job is to help the DM run their game and keep track of technical stuff such as loot, rolls, etc. They are the only other people aside from the DM who knows the full outline of the Dungeon. It is up to the DM to consider whether or not they would need help, how many co-DMs they think they'll need, or if they think they can handle the entire dungeon all by themselves. All dungeons must have at least one admin or mod to serve either as a co-Dm or a spectator in order to prevent foul play and avert OOC situations.
DMs must always specify where their Dungeon is being hosted (Discord Channel/Server, Google Docs etc).
[So you want to be a Dungeon Master?]
The possibilities are endless when it comes to deciding what to do in a dungeon! When submitting a dungeon, here's a list of what we need from you for approval:
1. List of Loot
This list can include materials, items, and equipment. There isn't a limit on how much you can give, but don't go too overboard. Choose one legendary set, either of your own making or pre-existing, as a reward for dungeon completion. Party members are allowed to select one piece from the set.
2. List of Events / Dungeon Outline
The basic outline of your Dungeon's plot, with a list of events your players could expect. These events can include enemy encounters, environmental changes, routes, puzzles etc. This outline must be coherent and show depth and understanding as to how you want your Dungeon to play out story-wise, with a semi-flexible end goal.
3. List of Creatures, Enemies, and Bosses
Tamable creatures or friendly critters that the party can encounter, enemies that the party has to fight, or the end boss that the party must face up against. You can create unique animals introduced in this dungeon, or choose from the Bestiary instead.
4. Location & Story
Where is this dungeon happening? Why are the tribes embarking on this journey? We need to know where the dungeon takes place, and the reasoning behind it.
5. Party size, Schedule, & Timeframe
There is no maximum limit to party size; it is up to you to decide how many players you're willing to take on. Your schedule must include how many times a week you can DM, when you are available to start sessions on those days, and your timezone. This will be important for potential players to decide whether their schedules line-up with yours and if they should sign-up. This will also help the admin team decide which admin/mod has the most appropriate schedule to co-DM or spectate your Dungeon.
6. List of NPC's
You are allowed to create as many NPCs as you think you can handle for one-time use only, be it creature or cat. When presenting them to the admins, you must make sure to outline what their purpose is for the Dungeon, whether they're friendly or not, and stats if they're meant to be fought off. At the same time, DMs may also place one of their own character's to act as an NPC if they wanted, such as their character being the party leader. You can have as many or as little NPC's as you wish. Do note that DMs cannot use their NPCs, especially their character, to collect materials or loot within the Dungeon.
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Volunteers: The max amount of volunteers you can have are 10. Remember, their roles in the dungeon are small; volunteers should not interact with the team for no more than two sessions.
Forward Camp: Make sure to provide a description and examples of a series of events that may affect the forward camp if you have one. Please keep in mind that events must still be loose just-in-case a party-member does something unexpected in the Dungeon that may have an effect on the Forward Camp.
Restrictions: You must include reasons as to why the restrictions are there, especially if there is a tribe restriction in place. The reasoning has to make sense to the context of your dungeon, or what has occurred in the world at the present time the Dungeon takes place in.
Organization: Make sure that you have a place set up where you (and your co-DMs) can record progress, combat statistics, etc. Always remember to remain organized, even during your Dungeon. Websites like Google Docs, Trello, or even private Discord channels are just a few examples out of many places to record things.
Consistency: While you are free to be creative with most things, you must keep in mind the current events going on in Corondryx, as well as the abilities a player's chosen character has. Examples of continuity breaking are as follows: cats being able to return to Nandryx through the door, going to another world through the Door, or having another true dragon co-existing with Naga in Corondryx.
Outside of those organizational rules, there are an additional three rules a DM must keep in mind when carrying out their Dungeon:
1. Be fair and unbiased
The role of a DM is to allow players to have fun during a Dungeon, but not favoring some over others. Make sure you aren't only selecting your friends to participate in the dungeon.
2. The Combat and Mechanics Journal are there to help you
However, if you have an alternative way of handling it, that's fine as long as you run it by the team. That said, both journals are meant to serve as guidelines, not rules. You may wish to use Havensake's system, or do things in a way you're most comfortable with. It is both up to you and your players to interpret these guides however you see fit in order to make an overall fun experience!
3. Expect the unexpected
Always allow room for your players to improvise and come up with situations you wouldn't have initially thought of. So long as it doesn't break the Dungeon, it is fine! You must also always expect the result of a failed Dungeon. This means that if a TPK occurs, the party will not have passed the Dungeon.
After a Dungeon is complete, you cannot DM another one until six months are up.
This is so those who have yet to DM a Dungeon of their own can have a chance and not wait further. During this wait, it is advised to start working on your plans, so that you're already somewhat prepared for when your dungeon shall occur!
Once you think you're done planning out the entirety of your Dungeon, you must note the following form into the group for review:
Dungeon Name: (the title for your dungeon!)
Schedule & Timezone: (how many days a week and what time are you able to host sessions?)
Party Size: (how many players is this dungeon open to?)
Co-DMs: (if applicable - you can request a mod/admin so long as you've had permission from them prior)
Where is the Dungeon being hosted?: (Discord, Google Docs etc)
Restrictions: (if applicable; can be certain ages, skill branches, ranks)
Initial Location: (where is your dungeon set? Is it on near a landmark? Is it on-map, or off-map?)
Forward Camp Description & Event Examples: (if applicable)
Backstory: (why is this Dungeon happening?)
Roles: (what roles do you need? Support? Offence? How many of each role is needed?)
Link to Basic Plan: (must include overall plotline, events, enemies, NPCs, & loot for review)
Additional Information: (this is where you may list potential RPG elements you want to use that aren't covered in HS's guidelines, but are confident in using)
Once accepted, you will be asked for when you want sign-ups to open. Upon giving the admin team a date, they will work with you to create the Dungeon Call, where members will be able to read over details before signing up to it!
[Dungeon DMs Rewards]
Despite not being able to participate as a full on player, The Dungeon gives out rewards to the DM's and Co-Dm's for running them, as well as any Volunteers that were apart of the adventure.
The Rewards are as follows:
The Main DM (or DMs if shared between two) gets: 100 exp, 1 piece of legendary equipment, 2 refined mats of their choice, and 4 common mats of their choice.
Co-Dm's get: 50 exp, 1 piece of rare equipment, 2 refined mats of their choice, and 4 common materials of their choice.
Volunteers get: 25 exp, 1 piece of uncommon equipment, 2 refined mats of their choice, and 4 common materials of their choice.
[Sign-Ups]
When there is a dungeon, the DM will post a Dungeon Call in the main discord server detailing the information about the dungeon. The following details the Dungeon Call will typically have goes as follows:
Backstory to the Dungeon: IC reasoning as to why this dungeon is being held, as well as some insight as to what the goal is.
Location: Dungeon location, be it a familiar location within the known map, or past the Corondryx borders.
Forward Camp, Spectators: Whether the DM is taking spectators or using a forward camp.
DM's time zone and schedule: This is where you'll be able to see if the DM's schedule will either coincide with your's or not.
Party-Size: The limit to what slots are available to take. It is up to the DM entirely to decide how many members they want to take into the Dungeon.
Looking For/Roles: These are what roles and requirements the DM is initially looking for when it comes to selecting characters. Some DMs may list an estimate of how many of each role they are looking to have. This is also a good place to decide which character you think would best suit the role you're most keen to have.
Host Site: Where the DM intends to hold the Dungeon. This can be from Google Docs, to Discord, to any other site they feel most comfortable with using. This should also be a useful deciding factor on whether you should sign-up.
Sign-Up Form:
Any additional information the DM wishes to share (such as unique mechanics) will also be included on the Dungeon Call journal.
[Team Selection]
Team selection is up to the Dungeon Master. Most of the time, the Dungeon Master may be looking for a specific kind of team and pick based on the aptitude of the cat, and/or the owner's schedule. Whilst the DM is free to choose their party-members wisely, it is advised to also highly consider players who have not been in a dungeon before, if there are any that have signed-up. We want at least everyone to experience a dungeon at least once within Havensake!
Please keep in mind that even if a dungeon is marked as full, you may still register. If a slot opens, the DM will grab a new team member from the top of the pile (or whoever is best suited, depending upon the Dungeon Master's needs)!
[Rules & Etiquette]
[Dungeon Rules]
1. If you miss two sessions of the campaign, you'll be removed from the party
The next on the Waitlist is introduced to the group (if applicable). The Dungeon Master may select a replacement in other means, depending on the Dungeon needs. If you think you'll be unable to attend a session due to any unexpected developments, please alert the DM. You will not be marked down for absence as a result.
2. Characters that are currently in an active Dungeon cannot partake in any events/RPs set after or during the dungeon.
Please be aware that partaking in a Dungeon is a huge commitment due to dungeons either lasting a few weeks, to a month. As such, for consistency sake, characters should not be posted in rumors, participate in events, or participate in public RPs timed during or after the dungeon.
3. If more than one Campaign is available, you may only join one of them.
You also cannot join the next dungeon that comes out immediately after the one you participated in has ended.
4. When rolling for an action outside of combat, be aware that you can't spam that action repeatedly.
You can try twice to do the same action (if applicable); if it doesn't work, your character will have to pursue another to do it for them or just give up.
5. Cheating the system by providing false numbers in combat-settings/looting is prohibited.
First time is a warning/correction, second is a strike and the potential removal of your character from the party. The DM/Co-DMs of the campaign will be checking up the numbers on occasion (Where/When applicable).
6. When it's your turn in combat, you should respond within 5 minutes.
If you don't respond within 5 minutes after being tabbed for your turn in combat, you miss out on that turn. This depends on the Dungeon Master, though, and some turns can. Not responding to 3 turns in a row results in your character being skipped in following rounds, unless you have informed the DM what you want your character to do in your absence.
7. Players are permitted to take creative liberties within the dungeon so long as it makes sense.
If you want your character to improvise, i.e. using a skill to toss a dagger towards the enemy instead of a random object, then it's perfectly allowed! Just make sure to ask your DM if the action you're performing would be allowed or not.
8. If you have already participated in a dungeon that season, you may not join the next dungeon within the same season.
You can only participate in one dungeon per season. This is to ensure fairness for those who have yet to join a dungeon campaign.
[Dungeon Etiquette]
1. Treat your Dungeon Master, Team, and Forward Group (Where/When Applicable) with respect.
2. Don't beg to either the DM, or fellow party members. Begging will result in the DM likely booting you from the party after two warnings.
3. If a Forward Camp is available, you may join it (even if you were not selected for the Team).
4. Individuals selected for a Dungeon Team shall not brag about being selected. Do not make others feel bad!
5. Have good sportsmanship. Be a good Team Player. Most importantly- have a good time and promote others to have a good time!
6. Your presence must reflect the schedule you submit in sign ups, for the most part! Please be transparent about changes in your schedule if you are on a selected Team. Let your Dungeon Master know what to expect. Keep your fellow teammates informed, when possible!
7. By registering for a dungeon you are assuring you will be able to consistently participate. If you are unsure if you can, we ask that you do not apply for a dungeon at that time. Let your DM know if things change.
By signing up for a Dungeon you are agreeing to follow all of these Rules!
[Previous Dungeons]
Dungeon #1- Cavern of Words
Location: The Great Divide
Dungeon Master: [redacted] & Elkriens
Desirable Traits: Support Roles, Combat Roles, & Scholars
Schedule: 2x or 3x a Week
Sign Ups: Official Dungeon 1- Cavern of Words
Slots: 15
Dungeon #2- The Disturbance
Location: Blazerock Mountain
Dungeon Master: Friskusis
Desirable Traits: Support Roles & Combat Roles
Schedule: 2x a Week
Sign Ups: Discord Server
Slots: 8
Dungeon #3- Tomb of Nihil
Location: North-East of Earth Tribe; beyond Corondryx's borders
Dungeon Master: Kitonika9
Desirable Traits: Support Roles, Combat Roles, Heavy-Hitters/High Toughness & Arcane
Schedule: 3x Weekdays; 2x Weekends
Sign Ups: Official Dungeon 2 - Tomb of Nihil
Slots: 8
Dungeon #4- The Jungle
Location: North-East of Earth Tribe; beyond Corondryx's borders
Dungeon Masters: UnaEstrella & [redacted]
Desirable Traits: Support Roles, Combat Roles, Heavy-Hitters/High Toughness & Arcane
Schedule: 3x Weekdays; 2x Weekends
Sign Ups: Official Dungeon #4 - The Jungle
Slots: 8
Dungeon #5- The Garden of Spectres
Location: The Crystal Forest
Dungeon Masters: elTyranda & Kitonika9
Desirable Traits: Support Roles, Combat Roles, Heavy-Hitters/High Toughness & Arcane
Schedule: Flexible
Sign Ups: Official Dungeon #5 - The Garden of Spectres
Slots: 8
Dungeon #6- Reverie of the Forgotten
Location: Fable Lake
Dungeon Masters: spacepurrs & Skitoon
Desirable Traits: Support Roles, Combat Roles
Schedule: Variable, to be within the hours of 4pm-6am CDT. Dungeon sessions will not take place on Thursdays or Saturday nights. The dungeon as a whole will begin and conclude within the month of August.
Sign Ups: Official Dungeon #6 - Reverie of the Forgotten
Slots: 7
Dungeon #7- Under a Burning Sky
Location: The Thungle
Dungeon Master: UnaEstrella
Desirable Traits: Support Roles & Combat Roles
Schedule: March 21st to April 14th
Sign Ups: Discord Server
Slots: 21
Dungeon #8- Secrets of the Crypt
Location: Dragon Valley
Dungeon Master: Spacepurrs, UnaEstrella, Elkriens
Desirable Traits: Tanks, Powerhouses, Medics, Stealth Rollers
Schedule: Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday: Between 4pm-2am
Sign Ups: Official Dungeon #8 - Secrets of the Crypt
Slots: 8
Dungeon #9- Throne of Eternity
Location: Foley's Castle
Dungeon Master: Outtsiders
Desirable Traits: Support Roles & Combat Roles
Schedule: Sunday-Thursday: 3pm-7pm (Approximately 4 hour sessions), Friday: 3pm-10pm (Up to 7 hour sessions), July 24th to August 7th
Sign Ups: Official Dungeon #9 - Throne of Eternity
Slots: 8
[Current/Upcoming Dungeons]
Dungeon # - Title
Location: ---
Dungeon Master: ---
Desirable Traits: ---
Schedule: ---
Sign Ups: ---
Slots: ---
[Dungeons FAQ]
[Q: I want to introduce a new character through a dungeon I'm DMing. Can I do that?]
A: You definitely can! So long as you have already purchased the slot and your cooldown is over, you are free to introduce the new character in the dungeon as an NPC to start out with. However, bear in mind the tribe census to determine where to put them, for you cannot enter tribes/ranks/branches that are hard-closed.
[Q: How many items can I bring in a Dungeon?]
A: A player may bring only 2 non-equipped items maximum. Some equipment increases the items you may carry.
[Q: I Wasn't Picked for the Dungeon, What Can I Do?]
A: There are usually Quests available for cats to participate in if a dungeon is filled. If the dungeon has a Forward Camp you are welcome to join that. You may also roleplay, do search rolls, and interact with NPCs. There is a lot to do outside of dungeons!
[Q: I Don't Like the Dungeon's Theme/Mechanics/ETC- How do I Register a Complaint?]
A: If you have any sort of concern about a dungeon- it is best you talk to the Dungeon Master. They are your best resource for change. Do not be afraid to ask for other options. We do ask that you are polite and understand that the Dungeon Master does not have to honor your request. The Dungeon Master, however, has to at least hear you out. We try to keep an open mind but understand we can't honor everything! If you're uncomfortable talking to the Dungeon Master, you may send in any relevant information to an Admin who can bring it up for you.