| White Wolf's Storyteller System |
[Nov. 20th, 2009|10:14 am] |
I have been prepping for an upcoming Scion game and it has reminded me that I have a real soft spot for the storyteller system. Its not the most innovative, mathematically robust or quickest system. Nor is it my favourite. However, it has an approachability that just makes it feel good to me. I can't help shake the feeling that it was this that made Vampire the Masquerade the second biggest event in RPG history.
The strange thing with the storyteller system is that, though its a great system at its heart, every time its gets expanded, its wheels come loose.
The nWoD rules are good IMO and show some of the pretty astute (and subtle) game design for a main stream game of recent times. However, with each splat, the system was moved from the sublime to the surreal, overloading the mechanics unnecessarily and reducing the core virtue of the system i.e. its approachability.
I probably have enjoyed and followed the the Trinity line of development more than the nWoD line. Trinity was pretty tight mechanically and it formed the basis of Exalted 1e. Despite some issues with using the mechanics at much higher power scale, the system held together remarkably well and is probably the strongest iteration of the system so far. Exalted 2e tried to improve on it in the same way the nWoD splats did and lost the plot. 2e tries to fix mechanical problems with more mechanics, which inevitable just cause more mechnical problems.
In reaction to Exalted 2e's issues, Scion went the other way and simplifed the mechanics from Exalted 2e. It has its own set of issues but IMO these bother me less as it returns the feeling of approachability of the core system. It feels much less burdened than most storyteller games and I think it will balance the cinematic action that Scion adds to the PC focus that has been WW's mainstay. |
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| Session Seven - The Big Boss |
[Nov. 12th, 2009|08:34 am] |
Jack and Kirin remained behind at the tea house, whilst the rest went to the slavers to see if they could find Hidden Phoenix. There they finally discussed the matter between them and seemed to come to some resolution.
The others were shown around several slaves, but Scarlet Fox did not identify any as Hidden Phoenix. It soon became apparent that under the building, down the cliff face, there was another heavily guarded area. After probing, the Circle found that this was where the "special" slaves were kept.
The Circle took the elevator down and met a young girl called Ivory Rose. Scarlet Fox confirmed that she contained Hidden Phoenix's essence. Ivory Rose had recently Exalted. She was also accompanied by another woman who sleeping and bound in jade manacles called Dirge Jackal (or DJ). The Circle quickly made arrangements and purchased the two, intent on freeing them. Dark Cloud ordered DJ to be unshackled. Upon being done, DJ awoke and immediately claimed that Nameless had killed her. Her anima banner flared revealing her as a Solar also. She threatened to attack him but was subdued.
Meanwhile, Jack told Kirin about how he had let Sesus Rogan know of her location. Just as she was expressing her frsutration of Jack's decision, Rogan turned up. There was some polite yet strained conversation.
After the others had ascended back to the clifftop, Cloud, DJ, Wind, and Tal Aseraf rode the elevator to the clifftop. At that moment, the building exploded in green flame that was fired from three boats on the river. A chunk of the building toppled and careened into the river, forcing DJ and Cloud to run down the elevator shaft just as struck the first boat as it landed on the shore. Cloud then began to engage the archers and blood ape that crewed it. Wind used an arrow and rope to catapult himself at the ship, providing a rain of deadly arrows.
Jack and Kirin heard the explosions and raced to the cliff top. Both leaped from the cliff face, Jack turning into a bird and Kirin smashing unhurt into the group 100m below. Jack took wing and landed in his beastman form on the largest of the three boats, a First Age vessel from which 2 cannons were firing. He was attacked by a swarm of bad guys including Obsidian Nail, the corrupted Exalt the Circle had encountered in Guardian's Watch. Obsidian Nail's strike was true and the impact was immense. However, Obsidian Nail could not contain his surprise to see that it only drew a trickle of blood.
After freeing the slaves, Nameless leapt from the clifftop at the First Age Vessel. With his glaive in front of him, he carved right through it to the riverbed; almost splitting it in two. |
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| Valkyrie |
[Nov. 11th, 2009|09:19 am] |
Rather unexpectedly, but a pleasant surprise nonetheless, I find myself possibly running a "Supernatural" inspired Scion game for Emma and Sam. We are doing a two session stand alone pilot called Wolf Run which might expand to something larger if everyone enjoys themself.
I think the easy-to-get setting, its pulpy/mythic tone, the low number of players and the use of TV series concepts should produce a pretty fun experience all round. I am looking at adapting some of the pre-written adventures for Scion to start, delving into Ragnarok and my own ideas if we go any further.
So, my question if the classic rock "Route-66" Winchester brothers ride around in a muscle car, what do two electronica "Norse scion" cousins ride around in/on? I thinking two Harley Davidson choppers or perhaps top of the range Japanese motorbikes (reminsicient of the Valkyrie's white chargers), though I am not sure how you would get travelling dialogue scenes in :) |
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| The Truth is O... |
[Nov. 6th, 2009|08:21 am] |
So I watched the first episode of Fringe last night, thinking it might be good inspiration for my Cthulhutech idea. I was impressed. It was good inspiration and good TV.
The fact that the show was obviously some kind of successor to X-Files was artfully handled by the following line which was both an homage and point of distinction:
"The Truth...The Truth is. The Truth is Obsolete."
I am interested to see if that becomes a mission statement for the show and how the Truth being "Out There" differs from it being "Obsolete". |
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| The Spaces Between |
[Nov. 5th, 2009|01:41 pm] |
My mind has been drifting back to Cthulhutech recently, now that the supplment mill has begun to churn out a few more books. I should really get to running "To Kill a Lie" properly at some stage :)
Anyway, one cool thing about the Cthulhu Mythos is that you can take a story seed and with 20 minutes on Wikipedia, turn it into an entire campaign. Strangely, very few of the Call of Cthulhu games I played ever really utilised or delved into the full background of the mythos.
For some reason, I find this easier to do with Cthulhutech and one reason why I enjoy that RPG as much as I do. I think this is probably to do with a slightly greater level of awareness and cohesion in the setting.
Wikipedia also provides cool campaign names like "The Spaces Between". |
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| Village of Hommlet playtest 2 |
[Nov. 3rd, 2009|03:02 pm] |
The second playtest is going well. The second half is in 3 weeks.
The biggest acheivement on the day is that we stayed on time, given that the players have 0 knowledge of the system.
The lack of knowledge did provide an impediment to play, though we managed to get over it and have a good time all the same, which gives me hope whatever is thrown at me on the day. This is, after all, the complete extreme in lack of system knowledge.
I forgot again to add one important piece of information up front, but I rarely make the same mistake 3 times :)
The Giant Frogs have been the most memorable opponent in the first half of the scenario both times, which is sheer awesome IMO
Finally, we had just 4 players due to a last minute drop out. I reduced the number of monsters by 20% (XP-wise) and it worked well. So I should be able to customise the game easily to 4 to 6 players :) |
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| The Return to Hommlet...again |
[Oct. 30th, 2009|02:28 pm] |
The first part of my second playtest of Hommlet takes place on Sunday. This will be 5 college students who have no previous experience with D&D (in any form as far as I know). It will also be set over 2 sessions that are 3 weeks apart, so it will be interesting to see how it pans out. |
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| Session Six - Death and Fire |
[Oct. 29th, 2009|11:11 am] |
The Scintillating River Palace was under attack by Zombies. Jack, Nameless and Wind jumped from the top balcony to main floor to destroy the hordes, only to find that there was a second wave. Also, a spine chain attacked the upper floor where Cloud, Kirin and Tal Aseraf remained.
After the battle, the Circle investigated further. Ekasu Kebab's necklace appeared to some kind of magical beacon. He was given it as a gift by an anonymous person the day before. After some persuasion, he gave it to Jack. Tal Aseraf was unable to discern much about it.
The group decided to follow up the lead that Hidden Phoenix may have come into contact with Kebab's slaving operation in a nearby town of Flamerock. Whilst travelling there, they came across a roadside tea house where Kirin's betrothed Mnemon Rogan (and entourage) were staying. The Circle deftly circled around and avoided it, whilst Wind snuck inside to confirm the presence of Kirin's betrothed.
A little way on, Jack snuck back without the Circle's knowledge and brokered a deal with Rogan. After being satisfied that the dynast's intentions were honourable and proper, he revealed Kirin's whereabouts and arranged a meeting latter in Flamerock. Though he did not wish her harm, Jack wanted to rid himself of her presence that grated him so.
Upon arriving at Flamerock, the Circle booked rooms at the Belligerant Carp. Wind, Tal, Cloud and Nameless went to the slavers to investigate, whilst Jack convinced them that he and Kirin would stay behind in the inn. |
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| Where did all this 18+ months of D&D love come from? |
[Oct. 23rd, 2009|12:36 pm] |
Other people share experiences with 4e that are eeriely similar to mine on RPGnet.
( Beware of Gushing ) |
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| Road to Legend update |
[Oct. 22nd, 2009|07:46 am] |
After a month away, we had a good game last night with all 4 players present. It was our second big lieutenant fight session. The heroes were still carrying around the First Scroll of Heaven from the first big lieutenant fight session and had been unable to store it in a safe location. Due to my high Conquest total, I brought down the pain by introducing the Second and Third Scroll of Heaven. The PCs tried to intercept one and managed to kill Lady Farrow doing so. However, I had backed up Alric Farrow on the same square and the heroes, heavily depleted from the first fight, had no chance.
Following that, the lieutenants secured the Second and Third Scrolls of Heaven. I just need to find a way to pry the First from the heroes dead hands :) Also, during the session, I razed Riverwatch, adding to the razing of Dawnsmoor.
The heroes have XP to spend but no cash, so they are travelling north to get some funds and possibly travel to their first Legendary Area. I think the opportunity for ambush will be when the campaign just hits Gold level, if I can get a couple of lieutenants to them before they can properly advance. In the meantime, all my Conquest is going on Avatar upgrades :)
Current score is OL 199: Heroes 129 but things still seem relatively balanced in play. |
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| Even more D&D on the horizon |
[Oct. 20th, 2009|10:41 am] |
Fraser has been asking me to run him a one off game of D&D4e for a while. Hix bowed out of Eberron next year and was missed with Hommlet. Mash and Scott are playing Eberron next year and want some exposure to 4e before starting.
The end result is another 4e one off. This will be a 3rd level game, that is relatively standard fare, using the Dungeon scenario called Remains of the Empire.
The players, being the kind of players they are, have gone for an all Arcane party - Bard, Sorcerer, Swordmage, Warlock and Wizard. It actually balances out perfectly into 1 Controller, 1 Defender, 1 Leader, and 2 Strikers, so its cool, if a little weird.
This has also given me the idea to change the scenario to "Danger at the White Lotus Academy" in which the PCs as Alumni return to their magic school for a reunion.
Quidditch anyone? |
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| How many people play D&D? |
[Oct. 19th, 2009|03:15 pm] |
Almost from the horses mouth, this was contained in the press release in regard to WotC's recent law suits against PDF pirates:
"According to the lawsuits, about 20 million people worldwide are believed to have played the game, including 6 million at present." |
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| More D&D4e on the horizon |
[Oct. 15th, 2009|12:42 pm] |
With Village of Hommlet pretty much in the bag for Kapcon, I have turned my mind to other D&D4e games. One thing I am enjoying with D&D4e at the moment is the level of support as a DM, making running games a breeze and fun for me. I want more!
Anyway, here are 2 games on the boil:
( Two Games ) |
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| Session Five - I will order the Smorgasbord |
[Oct. 15th, 2009|09:50 am] |
Having reached Greyfalls, the Circle went their separate ways. Cloud and Wind met with their Guild contacts but could find little of Hidden Phoenix. Tal Aseraf and Scarlet Fox met a strange woman, who seemed to know Tal Aseraf. She said that Ekasu Kebab would lead him to Hidden Pheonix.
Meanwhile, Kirin and Nameless went on a shopping trip so Kirin could look the part of a Dynast should she decide to make her homecoming official. Jack sought sagely advice regarding his feelings for Kirin from a masseuse called Grain Fed Beef. The advice was to be honest about his feelings and confront his issue. Jack got drunk and returned to the Inn to do just that.
After making a scene upon Kirin’s return and hearing Tal Aseraf reveal the name of Ekasu Kebab, Jack stormed off to go shopping himself. Whilst doing so, he discovered that Ekasu was a gregarious nobleman with a posse of bodyguards called Copper Body Hidden Soul, most named after types of food. Ekasu would be attending a party held by a man called Wild Grove at the Scintillating River Palace, the Scarlet Empress’ holiday home in Grey Falls.
Cloud secured four tickets to the party and away the group went adorned in the party’s theme of Death’s Embrace. The most elaborate costumes were Cloud’s dark angel and Nameless’ Living Tower. Once inside, it became clear that Ekasu was actually at an even more exclusive party inside this exclusive party. Jack danced off against members of Copper Body Hidden Soul to gain entrance for him and Kirin. Upon seeing Ekasu, Jack impersonated him to let the others inside.
This upper level party consisted of all kinds of debauched activities. Cloud and Tal Aseraf approached Ekasu and Cloud lost a drinking contest, endearing himself to the man. Ekasu had no idea of Hidden Phoenix, though he admitted that he may be a nameless slave.
Just then, Ekasu’s necklace glowed green with Essence and cries could be heard downstairs. The bottom floor had been overrun by zombies. Jack discarded his disguise and charged into the fray to help those in danger, followed by Nameless. |
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| Village of Hommlet - Female Strikers |
[Oct. 14th, 2009|09:30 am] |
One thing that did come out of the plytest is that 4 of the 6 female PCs were Strikers (no Controllers or Defenders)! I guess this has something to do with my own issues :)
As such, the following PCs are being regenderised:
Thotham, the Goliath Warden > Pethani
Galad, the Deva Invoker > Adara
Nyx, the Gnome Sorcerer > Pock
Grai, the Half Orc Barbarian > Korlug |
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| Village of Hommlet - Playtest done |
[Oct. 11th, 2009|07:18 pm] |
Playtest done. It went well, almost entirely as I expected (which is generelly a very good result for a playtest).
( Playtest Report - Spoiler Free )
Overall, it went well. Looking forward to the second playtest. I think the PCs chosen will have a huge impact on play. All on track for Kapcon. |
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| Village of Hommlet - The Playtest Cometh! |
[Oct. 9th, 2009|12:14 pm] |
The playtest for Village of Hommlet is on Sunday. I am looking forward to it but wish it had been a week earlier. At least it isn't in December as originally planned as this would have caused all kinds of issues with a delay to the next session of my Star Wars game.
I will report the overall result when done. My main concerns at the moment are:
1. Time. I am likely to be hard on time for the playtest, until I get a handle on how much time I actually have. Running over will be bad.
2. Rules. Normally I reduce the rules down for a Con game. This helps me as a DM (to be able to help players who may have no idea of the rules) and the players. For this scenario the rules are used in full and I have to prep up on 16 different classes (of which only 5 will be used). I really don't want to spend more than 20 minutes on rules explanation. I plan to stagger the rules discussion, with combat being delayed until the start of the first combat. Also, I am lucky that the background side is much less than normal. Its definitely doable.
3. Skill Challenge. I am banking alot on the success of the sideplot Skill Challenge. I hope it pays off.
4. The Sparrow. How do I include him without outshining the PCs? |
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| The Sparrow |
[Oct. 8th, 2009|04:00 pm] |
Inspired by Jon B, here is another Companion Character for D&D4e:
The Sparrow
Level 1 Striker
Small natural humanoid (Halfling)
( Holy Raverrang in the Face, Ravenman! ) |
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| Insightful observation on the disappearance of adventures in modern RPGs |
[Oct. 7th, 2009|10:29 am] |
I have recently made a number of arguments regarding the growing sophistication of RPGers as a prime cause of the diminution of pre-written adventures. However, this quote by Matthew from RPGnetwas insightful of the issue from a different angle. I think it might be true.
"I think the very early editions of the game were designed by people who were PRIMARILY scenario designers, and not really game designers. Which is why the scenarios are strong and memorable, but the game design is almost nonexistant." |
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