I've been 'gearing up' for some Star Trek Roleplaying, and (of course) I plan on using the Prime Directive D20 Books as a basis.
Even though the games I want to run will be set during the Original Series Era, I still want to add a few tweaks and put my own spin on things.
I've written some, but want to go over the format before 'putting them up - so stay tuned!
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Win a Trip to Gen Con!
I don't know if everyone is aware of this yet, but DnD News & Wizards are running a Competition.
If you tell them about your character, you could win a trip to Gen Con in the US this August!
The Eight finalists also will win a 3 Month subscription to DnD Insider, and the overall winner will then be chosen from the finalists!
More information here - www.tellmeaboutyourcharacter.co.uk
How cool is that!
If you tell them about your character, you could win a trip to Gen Con in the US this August!
The Eight finalists also will win a 3 Month subscription to DnD Insider, and the overall winner will then be chosen from the finalists!
More information here - www.tellmeaboutyourcharacter.co.uk
How cool is that!
Sunday, 17 May 2009
DnD for Everything
I was chatting to my good friend Chris by Email the other day, and I commented about other milieu's I would like to play in - and that I wanted to use DnD (or at least the D20 system in some form) as the basis for all our RPG'ing in the future.
Why I hear you ask (well I don't, but you get me) . . . .
1 - Playability. Its a system that works, not I know a lot of people don't like Experience and Level systems - but we do. They may be an abstraction, but for heroic style Role Playing they are brilliant. Plus in real life many people make a big deal over 'Experience' and such systems represent gains in experience (and training) well.
2 - Familiarity. One of the things that can stall any Campaign before it even begins, is lack of rules familiarity - this applies to both players and games masters. If you are playing a D20 based game, all the basic systems are the same. There will be few (if any) new systems and rules amendments to learn.
3 - Fun. The BEST Gaming experiences of my life have been with DnD or the D20 system - period! Both as a DM and as a Player. I know my group feels the same way.
A (short) list of non-DnD D20 Games, both official and unofficial.
Call of C'Thulhu
Shadowrun
Star Trek/Prime Directive
Traveller
Conan
Star wars
Starship Troopers
Stargate
And so on . . . . . .
Why I hear you ask (well I don't, but you get me) . . . .
1 - Playability. Its a system that works, not I know a lot of people don't like Experience and Level systems - but we do. They may be an abstraction, but for heroic style Role Playing they are brilliant. Plus in real life many people make a big deal over 'Experience' and such systems represent gains in experience (and training) well.
2 - Familiarity. One of the things that can stall any Campaign before it even begins, is lack of rules familiarity - this applies to both players and games masters. If you are playing a D20 based game, all the basic systems are the same. There will be few (if any) new systems and rules amendments to learn.
3 - Fun. The BEST Gaming experiences of my life have been with DnD or the D20 system - period! Both as a DM and as a Player. I know my group feels the same way.
A (short) list of non-DnD D20 Games, both official and unofficial.
Call of C'Thulhu
Shadowrun
Star Trek/Prime Directive
Traveller
Conan
Star wars
Starship Troopers
Stargate
And so on . . . . . .
Sunday, 3 May 2009
Multi-Classing Revisited
WHY can't we just do Multi-Classing the 'old-way' - that is, if you belong to two Classes - you have to earn Experience for each.
The Character then gains the abilities of both Classes, and takes the Average of Hit Points, the best resistances from each etc.
Furthermore, they are restricted to the lesser Armour available - but may take any/all the Weapons available to each Class. If the levels between the Classes become too 'uneven' (i.e. more than one level difference) the Character pays for it with a 10% penalty on all Experience earned.
BALANCE I hear people screaming from the highest tower to the deepest Dungeon - Its no secret that I believe vehemently that game balance comes from the Dungeon Master rather than a set of artificial constraints in a rules-set (White Wolf were the first to instigate this in their Storytelling games, and it became very popular throughout the RPG Industry) - Rules Constraints do indeed make RPG's easier to run for newbies and more accessable to the masses - but IMHO they can also bland out the flavour and suck some of the fun out out the whole experience for both the DM and his players.
Should people REALLY be up-tight about this way of Multi-Classing, we could always limit the number of Encounter Powers etc - to the basic Number available at each level, all the Multi-Classed Character would gain really would be a greater choice. I personally don't like this, as its watering things down again IMO.
HOWEVER - if I were to instigate the 'Old-School' Multi-Classing I would reinstate certain Racial Limitations. Thats not Level Limitations, but rather WHAT Classes each Race may Multi-Class in - Mainly for 'flavour', for example with the Devotion and Piety a Paladin would need - I really don't see a Palading Multi-Classing in this way as Logical.
Just some random musings.
The Character then gains the abilities of both Classes, and takes the Average of Hit Points, the best resistances from each etc.
Furthermore, they are restricted to the lesser Armour available - but may take any/all the Weapons available to each Class. If the levels between the Classes become too 'uneven' (i.e. more than one level difference) the Character pays for it with a 10% penalty on all Experience earned.
BALANCE I hear people screaming from the highest tower to the deepest Dungeon - Its no secret that I believe vehemently that game balance comes from the Dungeon Master rather than a set of artificial constraints in a rules-set (White Wolf were the first to instigate this in their Storytelling games, and it became very popular throughout the RPG Industry) - Rules Constraints do indeed make RPG's easier to run for newbies and more accessable to the masses - but IMHO they can also bland out the flavour and suck some of the fun out out the whole experience for both the DM and his players.
Should people REALLY be up-tight about this way of Multi-Classing, we could always limit the number of Encounter Powers etc - to the basic Number available at each level, all the Multi-Classed Character would gain really would be a greater choice. I personally don't like this, as its watering things down again IMO.
HOWEVER - if I were to instigate the 'Old-School' Multi-Classing I would reinstate certain Racial Limitations. Thats not Level Limitations, but rather WHAT Classes each Race may Multi-Class in - Mainly for 'flavour', for example with the Devotion and Piety a Paladin would need - I really don't see a Palading Multi-Classing in this way as Logical.
Just some random musings.
Good Power Gamers
Good Power Gamers - is there such a thing. I have been privileged enough to encounter one, just the one - for they are a rare and elusive breed . . .
How do I discern a Good Power Gamer - simple, I have encountered more varieties of Power Gamer than one could care to imagine.
From the Guy who makes himself feel powerful in the game by constantly badgering and bullying his fellow players, to the fellow who actually ADDS Hit Points of Damage taken to his Hit Points for every other hit (way better than a healing surge Lol), to the chap who fiddles and cheats and grubs each and every little minutia during games and during character creation . . . . .
Now, I'm not going to mention the names of the bad gamers - because I don't think that would be particularly fair - although simply from my descriptions they are going to realize who they are - except for the 'Hit Points Fellow' who passed away a number of years ago, which was a shame - because for all his faults he was a lovely bloke.
But back onto point, the Good Power Gamer - who's name is Andy. His 'Power Gaming Kick' came in with wanting his Characters to be the best and the most powerful they could be (One of his favourite Games was Metascape - it was a Power Gamers dream Lol). Even so, he NEVER attempted his quest for power at the expense of his fellow gamers.
Sure, he made unusual requests as a Player (he wanted a Cambion Character once) - but he was excellent as a Player. Even though Andy couldn't do voices, or accents - all his characters were different. With different goals and passions.
One of my favourites out of all his Characters was Nightshade (not Robin as I thought it was, Andy has since corrected me), a Thief under the Second Edition Rules - I even ran Adventures for Nightshade alone (whilst our Mrs' were nattering in the other room) - I wonder if he ever thinks about Nightshades Solo escape from the Prison at Guildstown - through the sewers no less Lol. Happy Days :-) (though technically not for Nightshade Lol).
So, as I wrote - there are Good (if not great) Power Gamers. You just have to be lucky enough as a DM to find one.
How do I discern a Good Power Gamer - simple, I have encountered more varieties of Power Gamer than one could care to imagine.
From the Guy who makes himself feel powerful in the game by constantly badgering and bullying his fellow players, to the fellow who actually ADDS Hit Points of Damage taken to his Hit Points for every other hit (way better than a healing surge Lol), to the chap who fiddles and cheats and grubs each and every little minutia during games and during character creation . . . . .
Now, I'm not going to mention the names of the bad gamers - because I don't think that would be particularly fair - although simply from my descriptions they are going to realize who they are - except for the 'Hit Points Fellow' who passed away a number of years ago, which was a shame - because for all his faults he was a lovely bloke.
But back onto point, the Good Power Gamer - who's name is Andy. His 'Power Gaming Kick' came in with wanting his Characters to be the best and the most powerful they could be (One of his favourite Games was Metascape - it was a Power Gamers dream Lol). Even so, he NEVER attempted his quest for power at the expense of his fellow gamers.
Sure, he made unusual requests as a Player (he wanted a Cambion Character once) - but he was excellent as a Player. Even though Andy couldn't do voices, or accents - all his characters were different. With different goals and passions.
One of my favourites out of all his Characters was Nightshade (not Robin as I thought it was, Andy has since corrected me), a Thief under the Second Edition Rules - I even ran Adventures for Nightshade alone (whilst our Mrs' were nattering in the other room) - I wonder if he ever thinks about Nightshades Solo escape from the Prison at Guildstown - through the sewers no less Lol. Happy Days :-) (though technically not for Nightshade Lol).
So, as I wrote - there are Good (if not great) Power Gamers. You just have to be lucky enough as a DM to find one.
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Words & Rules . . . . . . . . .
Words & Rules . . . . . . . . .
Thats what its all about isn't it - 'shaping' your Game world with Words and with Rules.
What I plan to do with 4th Edition is put back some of the ideas I (and my Gaming Buddies) enjoyed from previous editions of DnD and ADnD.
Multiclassing done 'Old School', a new Version of our Old 'Critical Hit' System, Hit Dice at each level (after the first) rather than a Static Hit Point advance, MORE skills - rather than just the small 'Adventuring' Skill selection in the current 4e Rules.
I really like 4th Edition, but there are some elements that need 'tweaking' for them to fit into our style of play.
Thats what its all about isn't it - 'shaping' your Game world with Words and with Rules.
What I plan to do with 4th Edition is put back some of the ideas I (and my Gaming Buddies) enjoyed from previous editions of DnD and ADnD.
Multiclassing done 'Old School', a new Version of our Old 'Critical Hit' System, Hit Dice at each level (after the first) rather than a Static Hit Point advance, MORE skills - rather than just the small 'Adventuring' Skill selection in the current 4e Rules.
I really like 4th Edition, but there are some elements that need 'tweaking' for them to fit into our style of play.
Roleplaying & Respect
Unclebear, over at his blog made a post about "Roleplaying & Respect" -
http://unclebear.com/?p=3236
That people treated him differently because he was open about his interests in Roleplaying and DnD in particular.
I left some supportive remarks, as I found this sad that people are still so intollerant of other peoples hobbies and passtimes.
All I can say really is I've never encountered a DnD'er 'giving himself a treat' over a picture from a DnD manual - I have however walked in on someone 'indulging' his needs over a Character from Final Fantasy.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm . . . . . . . . . .
http://unclebear.com/?p=3236
That people treated him differently because he was open about his interests in Roleplaying and DnD in particular.
I left some supportive remarks, as I found this sad that people are still so intollerant of other peoples hobbies and passtimes.
All I can say really is I've never encountered a DnD'er 'giving himself a treat' over a picture from a DnD manual - I have however walked in on someone 'indulging' his needs over a Character from Final Fantasy.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm . . . . . . . . . .
Sunday, 26 April 2009
A New Appreciation
Now its gone, but not forgotten by some Gamers - who tend to be like rabid dogs when it comes to letting something go - I have a new-found appreciation for DnD 3.5.
It was playable, and fun - albeit more of a Dice Rolling exercise - thats not a challenge towards Players and DM's of 3.5 - an RPG is as good as its Players make it, a really bad set of rules can be turned into an excellent Role-Playing experience given enough enthusiasm and tenacity.
HOWEVER - I still think that its very 'bitty' in its presentation, with a LOT more cross-referencing needed during play than is neccessary. Also, the Multi-Classing is way out of wack - its (sort of) a combination of the Multi and Dual Classing rules from 1st Ed ADnD - with all of the benefits and none of the pitfalls!
Still, upon saying that - its only two real gripes - and as Gygax said "Its your game now, if you don't like something - change it"!
It was playable, and fun - albeit more of a Dice Rolling exercise - thats not a challenge towards Players and DM's of 3.5 - an RPG is as good as its Players make it, a really bad set of rules can be turned into an excellent Role-Playing experience given enough enthusiasm and tenacity.
HOWEVER - I still think that its very 'bitty' in its presentation, with a LOT more cross-referencing needed during play than is neccessary. Also, the Multi-Classing is way out of wack - its (sort of) a combination of the Multi and Dual Classing rules from 1st Ed ADnD - with all of the benefits and none of the pitfalls!
Still, upon saying that - its only two real gripes - and as Gygax said "Its your game now, if you don't like something - change it"!
Saturday, 18 April 2009
4th Ed DnD Rant (re-mix)
People really have some venom towards 4th Edition DnD - don't they!
Do they see it simply as change for changes sake, or maybe the WotC's attempt to wring more cash out of the DnD players/fan base?
TBH after reading through all the Introductions, Net-Information, Blogs, and watching the GenCon presentations on YouTube I can actually see why they would think badly of WotC - none of the information presented about the New Edition really tells the story CLEARLY and none of it is all in one place.
A lot of folks have issue with miniatures playing such a big part of the combat rules in the new Edition, I'm not sure why. RPG's are an evolution (remember that word) of Table Top Wargaming - and were INTENDED to be used with Miniatures.
If you remember my previous post -
So the constant berating and moaning about 4th Ed being nothing like oDnD is nothing but moaning for moanings sake (a very common thing on the Internet, its easy for negative people to whine and hide behind their words).
If you don't like something about an RPG - you CHANGE it. I personally an not a fan of the Modern RPG concept of everybody being equal, the word 'broken' is used WAY too much if you ask me. Balance comes from the DM and the way he handles his Stories, Scenarios, and his players. But these days, with the vast majority of people either being unwilling or unable to put a great deal of effort in - its an attempt to make RPG's easier to manage.
To that I say SCREW it! Lets make everything fun again, and CHANGE things to suit YOU and your gaming group.
Back on point -
IMHO more people should do the same, especially when it comes to gaming.
Its fun, try it . . . . . .
Do they see it simply as change for changes sake, or maybe the WotC's attempt to wring more cash out of the DnD players/fan base?
TBH after reading through all the Introductions, Net-Information, Blogs, and watching the GenCon presentations on YouTube I can actually see why they would think badly of WotC - none of the information presented about the New Edition really tells the story CLEARLY and none of it is all in one place.
A lot of folks have issue with miniatures playing such a big part of the combat rules in the new Edition, I'm not sure why. RPG's are an evolution (remember that word) of Table Top Wargaming - and were INTENDED to be used with Miniatures.
If you remember my previous post -
4th Ed DnD Rant (again)
Some People are STILL ranting about using a Combat Grid an Miniatures, how its not like proper DnD and nothing like earlier editions - to them I say this -
Dungeons and Dragons: Rules for Fantastic Medieval Wargames Campaigns Playable with Paper and Pencil and Miniature Figures.
Thats straight from the blurb on the cover of the 1974 boxed set. . . . . . . .
If you don't like something about an RPG - you CHANGE it. I personally an not a fan of the Modern RPG concept of everybody being equal, the word 'broken' is used WAY too much if you ask me. Balance comes from the DM and the way he handles his Stories, Scenarios, and his players. But these days, with the vast majority of people either being unwilling or unable to put a great deal of effort in - its an attempt to make RPG's easier to manage.
To that I say SCREW it! Lets make everything fun again, and CHANGE things to suit YOU and your gaming group.
Back on point -
- 4th Edition is an evolution of D&D, AD&D, then D&D 3rd (then 3.5) - I remember the hassle and stress amongst Players and DM's alike when 3rd first came out - Feats had a VERY negative response no one saw why they had been put in - now with 3.5 (and Pathfinder) they are part and parcel of DnD and people just accept they are there.
- Folks complain about PC's being too 'Hard' at first level - but LOADS of people moaned about starting characters at first level. I myself have been badgered by Players wanting to start at 3rd level or higher. Now those same players are complaining about PC's being too good at First level - FFS Hypocrisy or what!
- The constant moaning about all the Classes are the same, no one is any different, all the Powers feel the same - ARRANT NONSENSE! The Powers, Spells, Prayers, and Exploits all work in the same way - that is they have the same basic mechanic. But they are all different in appearance and feel. After many a long debate with Gamers about this, the ones who protest the most know the least about 4th Edition - so my advice is ignore them as they don't really know what they are talking about.
- IF you don't like the Combat rules as they stand, change them. Squares become 'bands' of Range of 6 Feet. Its not exactly hard to work out. Its a good idea to do this anyway, as not all Combats will play out in the same way - some spring out of nowhere and you haven't always got the time (or the resources) to play them out on the Table. Using the squares to feet conversion will enable you to play them out WITHOUT using a Grid and Miniatures. Try it, it makes a change and works quite well.
- I don't like the DnD Bits of Rubber - A lot of people don't. So don't use them, there are plenty of figure Manufacturers out there - Reaper do an AMAZING range of suitable miniatures. For the more exotic Models, I am SURE some company somewhere will be making something suitable at some point - if not, get converting!
IMHO more people should do the same, especially when it comes to gaming.
Its fun, try it . . . . . .
Sunday, 12 April 2009
Lack of Posts & Multi-Classing in 4e
I haven't 'blogged' since Friday, as I've not been well (again) - but on the plus side it meant I got some reading done of the new 4e Players Handbook 2.
Overall, I'm very impressed - BUT I still think Multi-Classing needs some attention, as at the moment its NOT Multi-Classing - its 'dabbling' in another Class.
I have some ideas, and will post them when I have them set in my mind.
Overall, I'm very impressed - BUT I still think Multi-Classing needs some attention, as at the moment its NOT Multi-Classing - its 'dabbling' in another Class.
I have some ideas, and will post them when I have them set in my mind.
Friday, 10 April 2009
Whats in a Name
How important are names to people, names for their characters I mean.
I AGONIZE over names for Characters and PC's. They have to be 'just right' for me.
Sometimes I go for 'dramatic' names - such as Ravenstar (a Mage I played in a 2e Dragonlance Campaign) or 'just' a name such as Marazan (my Warforged Wizard I have in an online Game at the moment).
I've seen random name generators and such and personally would NEVER touch such an infernal engine.
Names for me at least are important, and very personal.
I AGONIZE over names for Characters and PC's. They have to be 'just right' for me.
Sometimes I go for 'dramatic' names - such as Ravenstar (a Mage I played in a 2e Dragonlance Campaign) or 'just' a name such as Marazan (my Warforged Wizard I have in an online Game at the moment).
I've seen random name generators and such and personally would NEVER touch such an infernal engine.
Names for me at least are important, and very personal.
Thursday, 9 April 2009
4th Ed DnD Rant (again)
Some People are STILL ranting about using a Combat Grid an Miniatures, how its not like proper DnD and nothing like earlier editions - to them I say this -
Dungeons and Dragons: Rules for Fantastic Medieval Wargames Campaigns Playable with Paper and Pencil and Miniature Figures.
Thats straight from the blurb on the cover of the 1974 boxed set. . . . . . . .
Dungeons and Dragons: Rules for Fantastic Medieval Wargames Campaigns Playable with Paper and Pencil and Miniature Figures.
Thats straight from the blurb on the cover of the 1974 boxed set. . . . . . . .
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