tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47641588213845949802024-03-19T04:48:24.680-04:00Age of RavensLowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.comBlogger1259125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-73714382440109317072023-02-07T11:24:00.003-05:002023-02-07T23:22:02.206-05:00Now at ageofravensgames.com<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-ynbpeVe7uJ_-4s5DUlIEelLpOu1xjUpo85cyuMgsNYWSuruxNQVqJQzmoHl588wnLUeKNxdme85C4wSCoG-SyFXr6v8wCKfGZBw3FGCplUom0s6FfFjGMvZKRFT_hgMWNxqN2gA_eWv0pmrNwRRx6UwkAEP9NzYjISc3y0hpEEE-mSm6zizX8_t/s636/image%20(2).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="636" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-ynbpeVe7uJ_-4s5DUlIEelLpOu1xjUpo85cyuMgsNYWSuruxNQVqJQzmoHl588wnLUeKNxdme85C4wSCoG-SyFXr6v8wCKfGZBw3FGCplUom0s6FfFjGMvZKRFT_hgMWNxqN2gA_eWv0pmrNwRRx6UwkAEP9NzYjISc3y0hpEEE-mSm6zizX8_t/s320/image%20(2).png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">We've moved locations-- you can now find my blog content, hacks, scenarios, reviews, TTRPG histories, AP videos and more at <a href="http://ageofravensgames.com">ageofravensgames.com</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I'm slowly adding in back content from this earlier blog (but only the good stuff) and I have several index pages there. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I have an rss feed for that which you can sub to here: www.ageofravensgames.com/blog?format=rss</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I hope you'll check it out over there!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">(My content will no longer be available as part of The Gauntlet Blog)</span></p>Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-60355960942498562362019-05-29T15:23:00.001-04:002019-05-29T15:23:52.073-04:00Hearts of Wulin Kickstarter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCvWrygvnOE/XO7cIREOHZI/AAAAAAAAQfQ/lvrbDQA3kl08mA49zKXSYPUVUIDHzTHCgCLcBGAs/s1600/how-cover-sample-01_orig%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="525" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCvWrygvnOE/XO7cIREOHZI/AAAAAAAAQfQ/lvrbDQA3kl08mA49zKXSYPUVUIDHzTHCgCLcBGAs/s320/how-cover-sample-01_orig%2B%25281%2529.png" width="210" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Hearts of Wulin</i></b>,<b> an RPG of wuxia melodrama, funded in less than an hour.</b><br />Driven by the characters’ duties, desires, and entanglements with other characters, <i>Hearts of Wulin</i> draws on films like <i>Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon</i>, Chinese wuxia TV series like <i>Legend of the Condor Heroes</i>, and Chinese martial arts novels from the second half of the twentieth century. The game focuses on letting players tell stories steeped in wuxia melodrama, giving them roles as skilled martial artists in a world of rival clans, conspiracies, and obligations. Romance is as dangerous as a blade - and just as often hidden. Everyone has ties to factions, loves they can’t express, and secrets whose possible revelation will shake them to their core.<br /><br />Launched on May 14th, 2019, the Kickstarter funded in less than an hour. Since then the stretch goals that it has met include full color interiors, enhanced material on the supernatural, an essay on combat description from the co-hosts of the Jianghu Hustle podcast; and an expansion using the system to explore turn-of-the-century San Francisco from designer Banana Chan, and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> materials for Joseon dynasty Korea from designer </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clio Yun-su Davis. Upcoming stretch goals include Musketeer-era France, a cyberpunk reframing, and a setting inspired by<i> Revolutionary Girl Utena</i>.<br /><br /><i>Hearts of Wulin </i>comes from The Gauntlet Gaming Community. For several years the Gauntlet has offered a massive online gaming calendar covering story games, OSR, and beyond. The community features multiple podcasts (including ENnie winner <i>Fear of a Black Dragon</i>), active moderated forums, a monthly zine (<i>Codex</i>), blog (featuring ENnie winner Age of Ravens). Hearts of Wulin co-authors Agatha Cheng and Lowell Francis have a deep love of the wuxia genre. Agatha co-hosts the <i>Asians Represents Podcast </i>(@aznsrepresent), while Lowell co-hosts <i>The Gauntlet Podcast</i>.<br /><br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1W4eTCjb5VZ3v3bKl3XvwZkHgAj0NCMxX" target="_blank">Playtest materials are available.</a> An early version, the playtest packet includes only a fraction of the support text that will be in the final product. Nevertheless, it provides a tantalizing and addictive sense of what the final game will be like, and anyone with a basic understanding of how Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) games work will be able to run a short campaign of <i>Hearts of Wulin</i>.<br /><br /><i>"</i>Hearts of Wulin<i> is a joyous exercise in capturing the heart and soul of a beloved media genre in the the sublime form of a well-designed roleplaying game. Lowell and Agatha have seamlessly blended action, romance, humor, pathos, and a deep appreciation of source material ranging from classic Shaw Brothers films to modern serialized TV dramas, to produce a dynamic play experience that'll make great stories even if you're only passingly familiar with those works." – Jim Crocker, JimLikesGames.com</i><br /><br /><i><b>The campaign ends Sunday, June 16th.</b></i><br /><b>The Kickstarter Campaign:</b> <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gauntlet/hearts-of-wulin">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gauntlet/hearts-of-wulin</a><br /><i><b>For more about the Gauntlet Gaming Community, check out</b></i> <a href="http://gauntlet-rpg.com/">gauntlet-rpg.com</a><br /><b><i>The Gauntlet Gaming Community on Twitter:</i></b> @gauntletrpg<br /><b><i>The Gauntlet Gaming Community on Facebook:</i></b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GauntletRPG/">https://www.facebook.com/GauntletRPG/</a></span>Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com197tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-56249351077510004722018-07-13T12:11:00.002-04:002018-07-13T12:11:52.451-04:00History of Universal RPGs (Part Nine: 2016-2017)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgckpc6KUhY/W0jJWPs29II/AAAAAAAAPHs/pHWe2KIgWv0IVGAdxsBRZBmlCFPRtIsngCEwYBhgL/s1600/genesys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="794" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgckpc6KUhY/W0jJWPs29II/AAAAAAAAPHs/pHWe2KIgWv0IVGAdxsBRZBmlCFPRtIsngCEwYBhgL/s200/genesys.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">UNIVERSAL ACCLAIM</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I’ve finally finished these Universal RPG lists. It’s
been hard, harder than I imagined when I first started work on them. I’ve seen
novel approaches executed with grace. I’ve seen striking concepts completely
undercut by text design. I’ve seen character sheets burning off the shoulder of
Orion…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or something like that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ve said before, but Universal Systems present the
greatest challenge to a designer. Sure you can come up with an interesting resolution
system, but how do you build that up? How do you make that compelling to
players? You don’t have the hook of genre and setting. I’ll buy games for
system I’m probably not going to run if the setting or premise grabs me. My
overladen shelves bear stark witness to that. My group’s given up on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gumshoe</i>, but I’ve bought every single
game for that system. They have exciting worlds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So when you’re pitching a Universal system, you have to do
it ten times better than a genre game does. But you also have to avoid bullshit
and hyperbole. Gamers have a keen sense for that; <u>you</u> have a keen sense
for that. You’re competing with <u>every system</u> someone has ever played. If
you dismiss those completely and proclaim your brilliance, you’re going to turn
buyers off. So what do you do?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-urNJu3aXMnw/W0jJXJ661WI/AAAAAAAAPH8/_hWZlfpNS9o0ow7qI3eTgI8LeiWWB9JTwCEwYBhgL/s1600/pic3593300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="680" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-urNJu3aXMnw/W0jJXJ661WI/AAAAAAAAPH8/_hWZlfpNS9o0ow7qI3eTgI8LeiWWB9JTwCEwYBhgL/s200/pic3593300.jpg" width="141" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Figure out what your game does well. Tell us what it puts
emphasis on. Point us to the new mechanics or combinations of mechanics you’re
bringing to the table. Get your playtesters’ impressions about what works for
them. See what they find novel. And then tell us that clearly in your blurbs,
jacket copy, and online pitch. Sell us on what you do—not what you’re reacting
to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>UNIVERSAL INFAMY</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I only include core books here. I’m also only listing books
with a physical edition. I include electronic releases if they’re
notable and of significant size. At the end you’ll see some miscellaneous
entries, covering borderline or similar cases. Some selections came down to a
judgement call. I’m sure I missed some releases. If you spot something Universal
I missed from 2016-2017, leave a note in the comments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/04/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-one-1978.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part One: 1978-1993)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/05/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-two-1994.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Two: 1994-1997)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/07/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-three.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Three: 1998-2004)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/09/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-four.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Four: 2005-2007)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/01/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-five.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Five: 2008-2009)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/02/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-six-2010.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Six: 2010-2011)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/04/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-six-2012.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Seven: 2012-2013)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/03/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-eight.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Eight: 2014-2015)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-history-of-post-apocalyptic-rpgs.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Post-Apocalyptic RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2013/04/history-of-steampunk-victoriana-rpgs.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Steampunk & Victoriana RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2013/10/history-of-superhero-rpgs-part-one-1978.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Superhero RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2012/08/history-of-horror-rpgs-part-one-1981.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Horror RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/03/history-of-wild-west-rpgs-first-fifteen.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Wild West RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/03/kami-katanas-samurai-rpgs-part-three.html" target="_blank"><b>Samurai RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNwBuwHvCr4/W0jJW0j9fsI/AAAAAAAAPHQ/KLPaVhqJ4nsrAiwwGrbDrGwMlS6KC1OLwCLcBGAs/s1600/pic3031057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="663" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNwBuwHvCr4/W0jJW0j9fsI/AAAAAAAAPHQ/KLPaVhqJ4nsrAiwwGrbDrGwMlS6KC1OLwCLcBGAs/s200/pic3031057.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/177843/Everyverse-Rpg?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">EVERYVERSE RPG The Complete Role-Playing Game</span></a></i></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;"> (2016)</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Universal Systems can be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>dry</u></b>. Designers face that challenge in different ways. Some use
clever text design, some examples, some art, some quick-hit summaries. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">EVERYVERSE RPG</i> (yes, capitalized in the text)
avoids these solutions. The first illustration comes on page 11 and it’s a Gaussian
distribution curve. There's little page formatting besides the most basic two-column
layout. The game describes itself as layered. You can just go with one stat or you
can build up layers of complexity. And that gets complex pretty quickly. For
example, you have five distinct methods of character creation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">EVERYVERSE</i> wants to
be a toolkit, but it keeps rolling in more stuff and doesn't break out the options
well. Basic concepts aren't laid out clearly, but fringe bits get major attention.
The flexible approach feels hand-wavy in many places, without discussion of the
implications or how you might fit everything together. It's like a movie of scenes,
but there's no through story. The company has released one supplement, <i><a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/186754/Everyverse-Rpg-Paranormality?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Paranormality</a></i>,
which adds additional options for strange powers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/208584/kridzyt" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Kridzyt</span></a></i> (2016)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A self-published game done through Amazon (it has CreateSpace
and Kindle editions). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kridzyt</i> has a
point-buy system and uses d10 for resolution against a task number. That d10
explodes on a 10. The core book has basic resolution mechanics, some powers
elements, and in the words of one reviewer "weirdly specific setting
material." While it has striking cover art, the interior looks like a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Word</i> doc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All that being said, I'm glad people are still exploring and
designing small games to suit how they play. The reviews for Kridzyt put me in
an old quandary: what reviews do I trust? In this case, the assessments split
50/50 between one and five stars. Are the five star reviews just associates of
the designer? That's my usual guess. But in recent months I've heard and seen
gamers hate-rating products. That complicates my reading. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DX5tfajoYCQ/W0jJYNRyrkI/AAAAAAAAPHg/moZlV53Kf8ARgPnIl_W46jcPTfvpptNIACEwYBhgL/s1600/rwr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="642" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DX5tfajoYCQ/W0jJYNRyrkI/AAAAAAAAPHg/moZlV53Kf8ARgPnIl_W46jcPTfvpptNIACEwYBhgL/s200/rwr.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/189601/ReadWriteRoll-A-Roleplaying-Manifesto?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">ReadWriteRoll</span></a></i></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">
(2016)</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Designer Berin Kinsman has written many books weaving
together story writing, literary approaches, and roleplaying games. He's also created
setting specific games (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kaiju Patrol</i>)
and supplements for rpgs, including <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pathfinder</i>.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ReadWriteRoll</i> is a guidebook which includes
a stand-alone generic rpg, but has a wealth of material on storytelling and
campaign creation. The book’s broken into three sections. “Outline Your Story,”
talks about campaigns types, game prep, and building acts for your plot. “Create
Characters,” covers both the narrative and mechanical elements of characters
(motivations, aptitudes, experiences, resources, wonders). “Tell Your Story”
has the actual play mechanics. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ReadWriteRoll</i> uses
a d20 plus modifiers. A high result indicates success; a low result indicates
failure. But the wrinkle comes in who gets to narrate those results. An even
total gives the player control; odd means the GM (or opponent) gets to say.
There's additional mechanics allowing players to add an extra die, with larger
die types offering greater rewards but also significant risks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ReadWriteRoll</i> has
some ideas and if you're a fan of Kinsman's other work on story and game, it
might be up your alley. In 2017 Kinsman released the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/208234/Lighthouse-Roleplaying-SystemTM?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Lighthouse Roleplaying System</a></i>. This seems to be a refinement of the
RWR game, but with a tightened presentation and sample character templates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. <a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/199093/Revolution-D100?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Revolution D100</span></a></i> (2016)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ah, the noble percentile. Die of choice for those who love both
granularity and a smooth results curve. I spent years in the trenches with this
combination polyhedral, from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Call of
Cthulhu</i> to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rolemaster</i> to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Runequest</i>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Revolution d100</i> follows in the footsteps of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Basic Roleplaying</i>. The makes sense for publisher, Alephtar. For many
years they offered some of the best and most interesting third party BRP products:
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Celestial Empire</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Merrie England</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dragon Lines</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rome: Life
and Death of a Republic</i>. They worked with both standard BRP and Mongoose's flavor
of it. However they seem to have dropped those titles. On Drivethru most have vanished,
with only an R100 adaptation of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Merrie
England</i> appearing. Perhaps we'll eventually see other products converted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BRP has always had crunch. Even the most slimmed down versions
have kept lots of like bits and calculations. It's appealing-- an easy roll-under
core mechanic with room for lots of bells and whistles. A few years ago I tried
Mongoose's version of BRP and found it crazy complicated and specific. The level
of depth and choices meant that you had to seriously invest in an area to have a
reasonable chance to do an action. <u>Like parry a blow</u>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Revolution 100</i> follows
that track. <a href="http://www.alephtargames.com/en/?option=com_content&view=article&id=96:revolution-srd&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=1" target="_blank">You can check out the SRD here</a>. The rules have plenty of options,
advanced rules for combat, modules for flexibly handling powers, but that comes
at a cost of density. If that's your bag, then this might be the game for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OK2SG0g3J4/W0jJYyQb7LI/AAAAAAAAPHo/cCUyzrVtJXgz_aI7yQtvuO8DALMTnE6OACEwYBhgL/s1600/screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OK2SG0g3J4/W0jJYyQb7LI/AAAAAAAAPHo/cCUyzrVtJXgz_aI7yQtvuO8DALMTnE6OACEwYBhgL/s200/screen.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/184301/ScreenPlay?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">ScreenPlay</span></a></i> (2016)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I earlier listed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Primetime
Adventures</i> as universal adjacent. So why does that fit there and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Screenplay</i> fit here? Both use the
concept of real world dramatics to frame their games. But <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Primetime Adventures</i> leans into that, bringing the meta into the
gameplay. You run characters in a TV series, with trappings of the form as
playable elements (like fan mail and such). So those stories, though open, are
still a TV series. But <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Screenplay </i>takes
the techniques of drama and screenwriting makes them a rules framework. It's
collaborative play with Writers (players) and the Director (GM) building the
story together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Screenplay</i> each
writer creates a lead character. They can also create supporting characters as
needed. Characters have a role as defined by the setting and genre. For example
in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the <a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/183357/ScreenPlay-Presents-Ironbound?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Ironsworn Quickstart</a></i>, a
fantasy setting, we have five roles: Commander, Blade, Scout, Shieldbearer, and
Arcanist. Characters have motivations and hindrances. The former acts as a
reward source and the later can be used by The Director to up the challenge. Screenplay
shifts the normal success/fail paradigm, "There is no failure. There is no
success. There are only complications, efforts made by other characters (or the
Director) to make future descriptions harder, restricted, or bring a
character’s impact in the story to an end." That's combined with a
dice-step system for tests. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Screenplay</i> has
lots of interesting ideas. I recommend checking out the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ironsworn</i> PWYW QS version available on Drivethru. It's really well
done and offers a ton of material for a simple introductory kit. I should note
that the designer, Todd Crapper, has another free product (not part of<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Screenplay</i>) up for an ENnie as of the
writing of this piece: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/230952/High-Plains-Samurai-Legend?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">High Plains Samurai</a></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/217272/unbound" target="_blank"><b>Unbound</b></a></i></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> (2016)</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love when Universal RPG writers acknowledge the glut of Universal
RPGs. Take this bit from the Kickstarter for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unbound</i>, "ANYWAY the game we have written is called UNBOUND and
it is STELLAR. Here’s why: it’s a UNIVERSAL GAME, and before you say “oh Grant,
we don’t need another universal game,” let me say NO, YOU DON’T, you need THIS ONE.
It can run ANYTHING so long as it’s got FIGHTS in it, and ALL the best stories have
fights in them so THERE."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">OK then. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unbound</i> comes out of
a successful Kickstarter by Grant Howitt and Chris Taylor. They would go on to write
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Spire</i>, an urban fantasy-rpg with a
highly successful KS. It notably doesn't use the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unbound </i>rules as a base. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unbound</i>
looks sharp-- with a striking cover and good text design. Though I don't dig color/textured
backgrounds, the page frames don't crowd the text. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The game uses card-based resolution. Each player has a deck.
Players draw and compare against the GM’s draw, with traits modifying ratings. Suit
can also impact the final result. I dig it because it doesn't seem to use hand management,
but instead the deck acts like a die, with some potential card-counting. The system
also uses cards to mark stress, a nice tweak that changes things up. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unbound</i> focuses on collaborative story building
and scene setting. It's a recent Universal worth checking out if you like interesting
randomizers combined with indie play.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ULWeBJ8L-Y/W0jJWIU5kWI/AAAAAAAAPG8/Iz5AelIZHYUiYIfS_7DEPzVTTJ1uML6YwCEwYBhgL/s1600/forthright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="660" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ULWeBJ8L-Y/W0jJWIU5kWI/AAAAAAAAPG8/Iz5AelIZHYUiYIfS_7DEPzVTTJ1uML6YwCEwYBhgL/s200/forthright.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">7. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/222089/Forthright-Open-Roleplay-Core-Rulebook?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Forthright Open Roleplay</span></a></i> (2017)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I picked up <i>Forthright</i> for a couple of reasons. First, it has a
striking and colorful front cover; don't underestimate how shiny things draw attention.
Second, and more importantly, the writing team includes Sarah Perry-Shipp. She's
one of the people I follow on G+ and she always shares interesting articles, ideas,
and images. There's a small group of G+ Users that constantly make Sherri and I
say to each other, "Hey, did you see..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A bit from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forthright'</i>s
introduction struck me, that the game's "about shaping and being shaped by
civilization in a fictional world." That's a cool way to look at things and
one that (I hope) reflects my own GMing philosophy. It echoes the openness <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forthright</i>’s approach. It definitely aims
to be a story game accessible to new players. The tone, structure, and established
expectations show this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A campaign begins with building a Game Charter to set expectations.
This includes discussing what's out of bounds, what players want to see, the emphasis
on different kinds of challenges, and any house rules applied. It's a strong collaborative
approach. That feeling runs throughout the rules. For example we have a "retrospective"
phase at the end of session. We've seen mechnaical EoS moves in PbtA games. But
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forthright</i> tries to codify a Roses &
Thorns approach without being judgmental or moving to workshopping. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For an open story game, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forthright</i>
has a lot of options you set for your character: Principles, Stats, Fighting Stances,
Persona, Skillset, Boosts, Relationships, and Sanctuary. The game handles all of
these fairly simply-- we have areas to pick from, but we don't descend into granularity.
Actual resolution uses a d20 with four possible results. On a Setback (1-7) the
action fails and additional problems occur. An Exchange (8-13) gives the player
a mixed success or success with complication. A Win (14-20) is solid success and
a Boon (21+) grants extra effect to the win. Both players and the Guide have tools
to affect this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you're looking for a flexible, story-driven rpg to introduce
new players and draw them into creating the world, I'd recommend this one. As
of this writing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forthright</i>’s up for a
2017 ENnie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">8. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/228813/Genesys-Core-Rulebook?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Genesys</span></a></i> (2017)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have gone on record as not liking stupid dice tricks. It's
among the most curmudgeonly of my many curmudgeon traits. I know people love the
multiplicity of DCC dice, but it’s not my bag. I kind of hated <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fireborn</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Weapons of the Gods</i> solely for having to sort and move my dice around
on the table. Modiphius' 2d20 system bugs me for its unique damage dice. And I
once got Fred Hicks to challenge me in my mentions for my impression of Don’t
Rest Your Head’s mechanics. Mind you I'm a hypocrite on this. I love Mutant:
Year Zero despite the unique dice representing different elements. But at least
those you can easily dub over with standard d6s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway that's on the table as I look at <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Genesys.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This system from FFG repurposes the system used for their now-defunct
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Warhammer Fantasy RPG</i> and more importantly
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Star Wars</i>. The big hook here is unique
dice with different colors and symbols. These give standard resolution results,
but add in markers for bonuses, complications, and other details. The different
dice have distinct roles, sizes, and results. I played <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">SW: Edge of the Empire</i> once, using an online roller specifically built
for it. From a design perspective, I appreciated the design space this opened up.
It lent itself to interesting permutations and results. From a play perspective
I did not dig it. It felt confusing and gamey to me. It felt like a fad that wouldn't
take off. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>(cut to years and multiple supplements later)</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I was more than a little wrong. Anyway, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Genesys</i> uses the SW mechanics but with different
symbols on the various dice. There's an app for rolling, but you'll need to buy
new sets or do a double mechanical translation in your head of the symbols. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Star Wars</i> had distinct career paths with
build trees. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Genesys</i> opens that up more,
but still gives players an archetype path. You spend build points on attributes,
skills, and talents. Overall it feels like middle-weight generic system with a complicated
dice mechanic at its heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the nice things about games major publishers-- lots of
reviews. If you're curious about how <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Genesys</i>
actually performs you can check out <a href="http://gamingtrend.com/feature/reviews/this-will-be-great-when-its-finished-genesys-core-book-review/" target="_blank">Gaming Trend</a>, <a href="https://stickybunton.com/2018/01/03/starting-from-the-beginning-with-genesys/" target="_blank">Sticky Bunton</a>, and <a href="https://nerdsonearth.com/2018/03/genesys-rpg-fantasy-flight-games/" target="_blank">Nerds on Earth</a>. The overall feeling is that while it has cool
ideas, the end product’s underbaked. It lacks details in key places and doesn't
offer tools for a full range of genres. The only supplement we've seen so far for
the system is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Realms of Terrinoth,</i> an
adaptation of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Runebound</i> board game
setting. Hopefully we'll see more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a side note, FFG is working on a new <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Legends of the Five Rings</i> rpg. They're using the "Narrative Dice
System" for that. But at least in the beta documents, it wasn’t a Genesys sourcebook.
Instead it’s a stand-alone rpg, with yet another set of unique and incompatible
dice. I haven't seen the most recent iteration, but it seems an odd way to support
a generic, house system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IkxDYgGDWZ8/W0jJWUOVx1I/AAAAAAAAPH4/RC-N76wlFignog2W4qn3ehdxJxVTYXVxACEwYBhgL/s1600/high%2Bstakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="684" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IkxDYgGDWZ8/W0jJWUOVx1I/AAAAAAAAPH4/RC-N76wlFignog2W4qn3ehdxJxVTYXVxACEwYBhgL/s200/high%2Bstakes.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">9.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/205396/High-Stakes--FREE-storytelling-and-adventure-rules?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">High Stakes</span></a></i> (2017)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was more than a little surprised when I saw Andrea
Sfiligoi's name on this. Sfiligoi's an Italian designer who has made a little
industry out of his simple <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Song of Blades
and Heroes</i> miniatures games. He's adapted that to many genres including
three for Osprey's line of miniature rules (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Fistful of Kung Fu, Of Gods and Mortals, Rogue Stars</i>). I actually just
received an Kickstarter update for the game adapting those mechanics to
spaceship combat. OOH Sfiligoi's worked in rpgs before with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Familiars</i> and his <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tales of Blades and Heroes</i> series. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">High Stakes</i> offers
a basic narrative system. PCs have attributes (Body, Mind, Aura), 5 traits
(skills, talents, etc), and 3 relationships. To make a check players roll d6
equal to their attribute, but they can increase that pool by adding descriptors
and relationships (ala <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lady Blackbird</i>
or<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Cortex</i>). The GM sets the
difficulty and consequences before a test. Difficulty is the number of 3+
results a PC must rolls. But there's an interesting twists-- one worth stealing
for other games. Players can ask for extra dice by Raising the Stakes. They
accept a worse outcome for failure if they do. It's not the raise/counter of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dogs in the Vineyard</i> or the extra cost
of the Devil's Bargain in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blades in the
Dark</i>. But it’s a cool and easily applied push-your-luck mechanic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The game has a few other details-- 1's rolled add
complications, 6s can explode. But overall it’s fairly straightforward. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">High Stakes</i> free beta has no
illustrations, but it does present a lot of general rpg advice and discussion.
If you trimmed that down you'd have a super tight product.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">10. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/224490/monad-system" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">MONAD System</span></a></i> (2017)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An Italian RPG. Their website suggests they're working on an
<a href="https://www.theworldanvil.com/projects/the-monad-system/?lang=en" target="_blank">English translation</a>. They have an interesting pitch line, selling
the game as focused on "interpretation, narration, and resource management."
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Actually their list of reasons to give it a go is worth looking
at. I'm torn about it. On the one hand it feels too vague; on the other it does
make me genuinely curious about the game. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Deep mechanics, yet easy to explain: core mechanics can be explained
to players within minutes, but the system offers depth for more demanding players.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The system encourages roleplay linking advancements to the character's
objectives, ties, convictions, and stances.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Combat is deadly, cinematic and brutal: not a formality, but
a calculated risk.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Choices and strategy matter and wise resource management is key.
Knowing when to risk and when to play it safe is part of the game.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tests can be overcome in three different and complementary ways:
being the character, managing resources or rolling dice.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Encourages co-creation: a deep Backgrounds system allows the
creation of history-rich characters with immediate impact on the story. REM Cards
also offer players the opportunity to surprise the GM and rewrite some parts of
the story outside of the general narrative.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Roles are flexible: everybody can learn to do everything, with
some practical restrictions based on archetypes, story, and setting.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A betting system keeps players on their toes while they watch
the most crucial events unfold.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From what I can glean, the system has a basic skill vs. task
difficulty resolution. If the player’s skill is sufficient, they don't have to roll.
If not they can roll, spend resources to gain successes, or mix the two. The game
also uses cards in several ways-- for resolution, character story elements, and
narrative hooks. The combat seems to be old-school granular but with high lethality.
Overall it looks neat and I'll definitely check it out when the English version
arrives. Also they have an interesting setting for this in the works, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nostalgia: The Nomad Fleet</i>. That's described
as nihilistic science-fiction, which isn't usually my bag, but the art’s striking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKruabm6XhQ/W0jJYkA-t2I/AAAAAAAAPIA/s6gTGRkM3_M2qbzCf9_yhzU3o0EwT8afQCEwYBhgL/s1600/pip.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="572" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKruabm6XhQ/W0jJYkA-t2I/AAAAAAAAPIA/s6gTGRkM3_M2qbzCf9_yhzU3o0EwT8afQCEwYBhgL/s200/pip.png" width="131" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">11. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="hhttp://drivethrurpg.com/product/216645/Pip-System-Corebook?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Pip System </span></a></i>(2017)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eloy Lasanta doesn't get enough attention or credit in the industry.
He's designed or worked on a ton of interesting projects, including AMP, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Part-Time Gods</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Apocalypse Prevention, Inc</i>., <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Camp
Myth</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mermaid Adventures</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wu Xing the Ninja Crusade</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Infestation</i>, and one of my personal creepy
favs-- <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">KidWorld</i>. Lasanta always strikes
off in his own direction with his systems. They're lighter than things like d20
or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Storyteller</i> but still have a good deal
of crunch and plenty of options. He falls in same basket that I put <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">13th Age</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Star Trek Adventures</i>-- trindie, trad-indel, or whatever you want to
call it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pip System</i> builds
on some of Lasanta's earlier concepts, pulling the system out to make it more accessible
and multi-purposed.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Pip</i> uses d6s in two
colors to resolve actions. A character rolls white d6s based on skills and favorable
circumstances. They also roll black dice based on the obstacles to their actions.
Each die which rolls 4+ counts as a success. Whichever side rolls more successes
wins the roll. Ties become a success with a cost. Characters have an archetype,
a few mechanical stats, skills, special abilities, hindrances, advanced qualities,
and gear. It has granularity but doesn't get in the way of the play. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lasanta pitched his successful Kickstarter for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pip </i>as a "family-style" rpg. I
think that's a good description. It has the joy of rolling bunches of dice combined
with the ability to quickly read and resolve those interactions. The core book has
several genre kits, including modern, fantasy, sci-fi, and "spooky." If
you're looking for an entry-level universal rpg that will be well supported in the
future, consider this one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>12. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/215728/Solipstry?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Solipstry</a></i></b> </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">(2017)</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A universal rpg built on ideas drawn from D&D 3.5 and
4e. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Solipstry</i> shows its d20 roots but
looks cleaner than many earlier d20 adaptations. That being said, the character
sheet’s three pages long: P1-- stats, skills, HP, etc; P2-- abilities,
equipment, talents, “enlightenment truths”; and P3-- more talents and skill
perks. They’ve clearly integrated those editions and then built that up with
other elements they dug. “Soon we had Power Words, a Luck system, and Blocking.
Enlightenment brought buffs, both personal and party-based that allow for even
more versatility, in and outside of combat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While this might not be my bag I appreciate the feeling of a
game which the designers have crafted to match what they want at the table.
I’ve read a bunch of these “why we did it” introductions in my hunt for
Universal rpgs. Some designers speak of their creations as sui generis,
sounding like they’ve invented the idea of role-playing. Some spend inordinate
time crapping on other games to show how their ideas are superior. But I
appreciate when designers acknowledge the past and talk about how they’ve built
on that. Don’t underestimate being positive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There’s a free 20-page <a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/230595/Solipstry-An-introduction?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">introductory pdf for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Solipstry</i> available</a>. It does a nice job
of selling their fairly crunchy system, though the text design is super packed.
You can also check out their c<a href="https://solipstry.com/" target="_blank">leanly designed website here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">13. UNIVERSAL ADJACENT</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>These rpgs can be used for a variety of genres, but have a
meta-framework or a tell particular styles of stories. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/221623/Conspire?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Conspire</a><span class="MsoHyperlink">:</span></i></b><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Players
take the roles of conspirators meeting to negotiate and shape the world. Has an
interesting hidden-role mechanic. Players create roles for each other and then
distribute them. Everyone reveals their goals at the end of the session to
assess how they did.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/220200/follow" target="_blank"><b>Follow</b></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b>:</b></span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Written by Ben Robbins, designer of two
of my other favorite universal-adjacent rpgs </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Microscope</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kingdom</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">’s a GMless, single-session game for
telling the tale of a journey (race for a cure, a quest, hunt for treasure). A
great, light game.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/215184/KARMA-A-Roleplaying-Game-About-Consequences?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Karma: A Game About Consequences:</a></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> A GMless rpg that borrows </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fiasco</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'s aesthetic. While its presents
itself as generic, it has a structural hook: single session play leading to a
final showdown conflict. The core rules include several thematic modules that
feel like playsets</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://drivethrurpg.com/product/216560/Tales-of-Entropy?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Tales of Entropy: A Game of Conflict and Consequences</a></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">: Offers an adaptable
system for stories where the players begin pitted against each other from the start.
Rather than being free-form, a game's built on a pre-written scenario. Players build
characters with a simple trait descriptive system. The company has an extensive
library of scenarios available online. They're worth checking out.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjXNIgxzswc/W0jJXJNy1JI/AAAAAAAAPH0/OgxbnBkXBrwa2FYqZnzltZNGESmaUFSeQCEwYBhgL/s1600/pic3734028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="722" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjXNIgxzswc/W0jJXJNy1JI/AAAAAAAAPH0/OgxbnBkXBrwa2FYqZnzltZNGESmaUFSeQCEwYBhgL/s200/pic3734028.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">14. ELECTRONIC ONLY</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/220941/3deep-core-rules" target="_blank">3Deep Core Rules</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">:</span></span></i></b><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext;"> Uses a
simple 2d6 mechanic and focuses on episodic play.</span></span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/220996/alone-solo-game-engine" target="_blank"><b>ALONe: A Solo Game Engine</b></a></i><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext;">: Connected
to a genre neutral card accessory called <i>The
Gamemaster’s Apprentice</i>. <i>ALONe</i>
allows players to generate characters and then solo play through stories spun
out by that deck.</span></span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/221422/burps-bezs-universal-role-playing-system" target="_blank">BURPS: Bez's Universal Role Playing System</a>:</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I love the weird summary on
RPGGeek. First it quotes from the introduction, “…has been designed as a
reaction to the many systems out there where high-level, competent characters
routinely do things flat-out impossible for ordinary people. Anyone can get
lucky, and anyone can be unlucky when under pressure.” Then there’s a single
sentence user summary,</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> “The combat
sequence is surprisingly complicated.”</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/213273/crazy-8s-core-rules-second-edition" target="_blank">Crazy 8s Core Rules Second Edition</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">:</span></span></i></b><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext;"> I’m always excited when I find a new term for the GM, in
this case “Talespinner.” Uses, as you might guess, 2d8s for resolution.</span></span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/192875/drudge-core-rule-book" target="_blank">Drudge! Core Rule Book</a>:</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> There’s a lot of “It’s </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">X</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> but you can </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not X</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">” in
the game’s self-description. I also appreciate that it’s “Six-sided dice based,
for ease of transport and use.”</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/214249/hands-destiny" target="_blank">Hands of Destiny</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">:</span></span></i></b><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext;"> Card-driven,
as you might guess. Has hand-management as a key element of play. Cover has
striking pixel art.</span></span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/235002/phase-abandon-3rd-edition" target="_blank">Phase Abandon (3rd Edition)</a>: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This GM-less, narrative game has a wild
cover, but one that makes me unsure what it’s selling. Narrative control shifts
in this game with resource bidding to control that power.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/229307/systemmech" target="_blank">SystemMech</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">:</span></span></i></b><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext;"> “Chance-free
tabletop roleplaying.” Straddles the line between rpg and a skirmish-scale
tabletop miniatures system. The rules refer to it both ways. Very, very
old-school miniatures-y despite being diceless.</span></span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/193196/storycube-roleplaying-game" target="_blank">StoryCube: The Roleplaying Game</a></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">: A fan-created rpg using the eponymous dice. When
Rory's moved to do their own board game-rpg hybrid they asked Creepy Assassin to
remove their project.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/04/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-one-1978.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part One: 1978-1993)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/05/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-two-1994.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Two: 1994-1997)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/07/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-three.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Three: 1998-2004)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/09/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-four.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Four: 2005-2007)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/01/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-five.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Five: 2008-2009)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/02/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-six-2010.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Six: 2010-2011)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/04/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-six-2012.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Seven: 2012-2013)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/03/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-eight.html"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Eight: 2014-2015)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-history-of-post-apocalyptic-rpgs.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Post-Apocalyptic RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2013/04/history-of-steampunk-victoriana-rpgs.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Steampunk & Victoriana RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2013/10/history-of-superhero-rpgs-part-one-1978.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Superhero RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2012/08/history-of-horror-rpgs-part-one-1981.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Horror RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/03/history-of-wild-west-rpgs-first-fifteen.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Wild West RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/03/kami-katanas-samurai-rpgs-part-three.html" target="_blank"><b>Samurai RPGs</b></a></span></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com85tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-19299999120719407402018-06-26T16:30:00.004-04:002018-06-26T16:32:47.502-04:0012 Things About The Green Law of Varkith: Dungeon World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qjAtfcrHk8w/WzKgpxMABMI/AAAAAAAAPD0/gB5rnDXGv0M-iRNIpdq90WEwSK0SOD7egCLcBGAs/s1600/pic3110458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="680" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qjAtfcrHk8w/WzKgpxMABMI/AAAAAAAAPD0/gB5rnDXGv0M-iRNIpdq90WEwSK0SOD7egCLcBGAs/s320/pic3110458.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This Sunday I start five-sessions of <i>Dungeon World</i> using Brendan Conway's <i><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/182461/The-Green-Law-of-Varkith?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">The Green Law of Varkith</a></i>. It's one of three "Chaos Worlds" he's written (along with <i><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/145952/The-Last-Days-of-Anglekite?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Last Days of Anglekite</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/172951/The-Cold-Ruins-of-Lastlife?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">The Cold Ruins of Lastlife</a></i>). I'm also running a one-shot of this for Magpie at GenCon. To help orient myself (and my players) I put together a one-page setting summary for players.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I dig <i>Varkith</i> because I love city adventures and "community building." In <i>Green Law</i> players collectively run a guild in a fantasy city which draws inspiration from <i>Planescape</i> and <i>Perdido Street Station</i>. The PC's guild has stats and can evolve, like the Ark from <i>Mutant: Year Zero</i> and the Crew from <i>Blades in the Dark</i>. There's a distinct guild phase which happens every couple of sessions and can change things. Otherwise the play's more unstructured than <i>Dungeon World</i> or <i>Blades</i>. I'm looking forward to seeing what the PCs come up with. If you'd like the single page pdf, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B2f6sDZVpQV3FSYF7gR-SLU4NsHXAopm/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">you can find that here</a>. </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>WHAT IS IT? </b>Varkith
is a crowded island city state and trade hub lying in the middle of the Bejeweled
Sea. It’s the largest, densest, and most varied city in the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>KEY HISTORY: </b>The
Green Law rules Varkith. Once there was an Age of Heroes, powerful, selfish
individuals who roamed the world pillaging. Some came to Varkith to raze it to
the ground. The Green Lady learned new magics and bound these Heroes to the
city, creating the first Eidolons. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5YYz3QOGjY/WzKgx_wYOgI/AAAAAAAAPD4/zF9OSPJxClEH1yTTjYscA0D4brnCY01XwCLcBGAs/s1600/Dhorvae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="260" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5YYz3QOGjY/WzKgx_wYOgI/AAAAAAAAPD4/zF9OSPJxClEH1yTTjYscA0D4brnCY01XwCLcBGAs/s200/Dhorvae.jpg" width="191" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>RULE OF GUILDS: </b>More
importantly the Green Lady crafted the rule that no individual could exist and
survive in Varkith. Instead everyone had joined with others in Guilds. To
thrive, to even exist in Varkith, one must belong to a guild. Hundreds exist,
each with a slightly different mandate. They come in many sizes with the
largest holding sway over deep powers and large spaces. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>WHAT DO WE DO? </b>Life
in Varkith is about creating a Guild and clawing your way up. In play you will
define your guild’s stated purpose and reputation. We explore stories related
to that purpose in unstructured play. When significant time passes in game, we do
a brief Guild Turn. NPC guilds on your radar take actions and then your guild
makes make a move. We resolve that and work out changes to your guild’s
position & stats, then return to normal play. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>WHO IS THERE? </b>Many
people exist in Varkith. The rules have ten different ones, each of which may
be any class. When you choose a people, you gain all their Custom Moves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>PEOPLES:</b> <b><i>Orkari:
</i></b>Pig-snouted folk of legendary toughness and influence. <b><i>D’horvae:</i></b><i> </i>Fallen builders cursed with scar-magics.
<b><i>V’ss’liga:</i></b>
Squid & Fish-headed folk with a deep faith. <b><i>Halarth: </i></b>Tall, semi-insectoid
people tied to a legendary culture. <b><i>Siccyx:</i></b> Hairless, white skinned
humanoids marked with linguistic symbols. <b><i>Isqu: </i></b>Humanoids who fear their
now-dead god. <b><i>Krktri: </i></b>Intelligent ant colonies with mechanical forms. <b><i>Fellegrith:
</i></b>Corpses ridden by spirits transformed by their escape from The Black Gate.
<b><i>Ym:
</i></b>Extra-dimensional spirits bound to a crystalline matrix. <b><i>The
Freed Ones: </i></b>Familiars escaped from wizards’ tyrannical rule<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6i0NM3ueV0c/WzKg64dXMuI/AAAAAAAAPEA/NnctZHxZHbsFZgY73anD9X423uNLqseFACLcBGAs/s1600/Krktri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="324" height="151" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6i0NM3ueV0c/WzKg64dXMuI/AAAAAAAAPEA/NnctZHxZHbsFZgY73anD9X423uNLqseFACLcBGAs/s200/Krktri.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>INFOVORE:</b> You can
find Infovore Nodes across the city, though only the <i>House of News</i> has reliable knowledge of locations. The Infovore’s a
creature spanning the city which takes in and passes on information throughout
Varkith. Guilders use this system to get and pass information. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>CONTROL: </b>The <i>Green Senate</i> contains the bureaucracy of
Varkith. Most people only have access to the Grand Chamber, but the actual
masters make decisions in the Small Chamber. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>PLACES:</b> Some worship
at <i>The Statue</i> of the Green Lady,
though she claimed no divinity. Largest bazaar in all of Varkith, <i>The Open Market</i> is a stacked,
multi-level center of commerce beyond the control of any one guild. <i>The Dockyards</i> stretch along an entire
coast of the island. Here adventures may even find their own ship. <i>Temple Row</i> showcases the competition between
faiths, sanctuaries, and divinities—come for the gods, stay for the geas. The
downtrodden Krktri have purchased a section of the city, <i>The Hiveruns</i>, and changed the architecture to suit their needs. <i>The Mountain</i> has been swallowed by the
city, cut with tunnels leading to a massive prison at its heart, <i>The Tomb</i>. Atop the mountain lies a
forbidden cube of power. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMzsSfXbL9A/WzKhDqQVtjI/AAAAAAAAPEI/I5h2I_Wt2ZwaEf1wpJYp26n7k7Jzq9BFACLcBGAs/s1600/Freedone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="278" height="174" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMzsSfXbL9A/WzKhDqQVtjI/AAAAAAAAPEI/I5h2I_Wt2ZwaEf1wpJYp26n7k7Jzq9BFACLcBGAs/s200/Freedone.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HIGH & LOW:</b> Two
extremes of Varkith show that the city’s promise of equal opportunity is false.
<i>The Heaps</i> are tightly packed
buildings, constructed one neighborhood atop the other over generations.
Nothing is torn down, it simply serves as foundations. The weakest guilds try
to eke out a living from here. On the other hand, <i>The Glitters</i> are marble carved estates and galleries owned by powerful
guilds and families of Varkith, most often the Orkari. You’ll find most of the
Green Senate lives here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>PEOPLE TO WORRY
ABOUT: </b>Rival guilds, of course as well as the Green Senate. But you should
also be aware of <i>The Jadethroats</i>,
servants of the city who can call upon the powers of the Eidolons to enforce
the Green Law. <i>The Lawkeepers</i>, who
handle most other justice. <i>The Street
Souls</i> magically connect themselves to Varkith and can even reshape it. <i>The Green Monks</i> secretly (and illegally)
worship the Green Lady. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>FUTURE: </b>Varkith
has prospered and grown under these rules, but corruption, stagnation, and
forces the Green Lady couldn’t have predicted have begun to threaten the city’s
stability. </span></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-43027812793300096332018-06-21T15:21:00.002-04:002018-06-21T15:29:02.748-04:00Hearts of Wulin Origins: Turncoat Lovers and the Return of Ageless Sin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1qqQ6_09fZc/Wyv3jxbC92I/AAAAAAAAPBI/N7lUyHdmXaY9KOyN36u2oI7whKf1XwrqQCLcBGAs/s1600/legend-of-fu-yao.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1qqQ6_09fZc/Wyv3jxbC92I/AAAAAAAAPBI/N7lUyHdmXaY9KOyN36u2oI7whKf1XwrqQCLcBGAs/s320/legend-of-fu-yao.png" width="227" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last week I ran <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/02/hearts-of-wulin-what-next.html" target="_blank">Hearts of Wulin</a></i> four times for <a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/06/hearts-of-wulin-pasion-de-las-pasiones.html" target="_blank">Games on Demand Origins</a>. (Full disclosure: I joined
the Origins GoD advisory board this year). Overall we had good attendance--
some games didn't make in some of the weaker slots (Thursday's wonky, as is
Sunday morning). But we filled every table in most sessions. I saw a bunch of
Gauntlet people and folks I knew from G+. I actually introduced myself to people
this time and got to talk to Sarah Richardson, Morgan Ellis, Mike Olson,
and James Mendez Hodes among others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hearts of Wulin</i>
I came away from each session happy and spotted new ways players could engage
the moves and options. I’m going to talk a little about what I did and what I
saw. Then I’ll show off a new, sixth playbook that I took to the con, The
Unorthodox.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SETTING UP</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I laid out the character playbooks just before the con; that
let tweak moves and add player agendas. Handling <a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/02/hearts-of-wulin-entanglements.html" target="_blank">entanglements</a> presented a
challenge. Most PbtA playbooks put relationship/background questions on the
sheet itself. I wanted to keep everything on a single sheet do I needed room. Entanglements,
for better or worse, aren’t tuned to a particular playbook. So I created a deck
of 100+ cards with Romantic and General entanglements on them. I dealt players
three of each and let them pick. They could redraw if none fit their concept. It
worked well. It mixed up the threads each session and gave me more layout space.
It’s a technique I might use for other PbtA games. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wanted to make this process easier since players might
feel out of their element. To help I made up character cards, male and female,
with pictures. On the back of each I put sets of three male, female, neutral,
wulin, or fighting style names. Those worked well; players could pick images
for their character and NPCs from their entanglements. Sherri had a final
suggestion after a f2f home game: a walk-through of the character creation
process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpPzaw29OIQ/Wyv4UuCMsYI/AAAAAAAAPBg/fsEwxC3KHMcYg9qfcTnbRfrUbdykm0JNQCEwYBhgL/s1600/3c1a98e1da96d768c8bf2dd4416c1967_wmk.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpPzaw29OIQ/Wyv4UuCMsYI/AAAAAAAAPBg/fsEwxC3KHMcYg9qfcTnbRfrUbdykm0JNQCEwYBhgL/s200/3c1a98e1da96d768c8bf2dd4416c1967_wmk.jpeg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CHARACTER CREATION</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the table I introduced myself and <i>Hearts of Wulin</i>’s
concept, “Think <i>Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon</i> with equal emphasis on
relationships and action.” Then I handed out basic moves sheets. I went through
each playbook quickly. Since each of the six have three “role” variants, I tightened
that as the sessions went on. Once everyone picked we moved through the
character creation list. As they worked, I dealt out sets from the character picture
deck. Once they’d gotten a couple steps into the process, I passed out the
entanglement cards. There’s a lot to take in so I staged it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With everyone having a rough outline, we went around to do
quick introductions. I made notes, asked leading questions, and recorded their
move picks. Then we went around twice filling in their two entanglements. For
session three and four I used double whiteboards on the table to record names
and draw lines for the connections so everyone could see. That helped a lot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Character creation ranged from an hour to an hour +15. We
took a break and then I threw them into the deep end. I used weddings,
retirement ceremonies, and attacks by a long-dead foes to kick off the
situations. Everything rolled out from there. We played for 2 ½ to 3 hours and
I think in almost all cases I managed to spotlight everyone’s entanglements or
at have their NPCs made an appearance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">OK, that's enough patting myself on the back. It was a good
show and I really like Origins. Now I have to get ready for Gen Con. I'm going
to be running for Magpie which will be a new challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-94oTYJUbPJo/Wyv4UqOKUuI/AAAAAAAAPBw/qBzrHQCeVFkEKQqmtry51xmPKihDj87BQCEwYBhgL/s1600/4D0AD8CFFB3988F633723507E90BFE9B04BD7815_size120_w626_h950.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-94oTYJUbPJo/Wyv4UqOKUuI/AAAAAAAAPBw/qBzrHQCeVFkEKQqmtry51xmPKihDj87BQCEwYBhgL/s200/4D0AD8CFFB3988F633723507E90BFE9B04BD7815_size120_w626_h950.jpeg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">THINGS I NOTICED</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Morgan Ellis pointed out that the triangular entanglements
need to connect between PCs. He suggested asking players to include one PC in each
triangle. That’s a smart idea. It would give us at most eight NPCs in a four
player one shot. I will try that next time.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Inner Conflict</i>’s a good move, but I need to be explicit
about when and where it happens. I also think there might be a way to
incentivize it. I don’t want players repeatedly rolling for the same
entanglement. It shouldn’t trigger when they just run into someone from that
triangle, but when the situation becomes strained. I didn’t have any issues of
push back on this, but I can tell from my own uncertainty I’ll need to spell
that out better for GMs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of the playbook moves with rolls don’t have a stated
fail result. I want to specify those. On the basic moves sheet the <i>Hearts & Minds</i> move isn’t clear
about the break between NPC and PC effects. That’s an information design issue.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I want to use an alternate XP system for one-shots so
players can advance and give weight to the XP generating choices (from PC
pressure, showing mercy). In the last session I offered XP on a Miss and gave
an XP for rolling Inner Conflict. I also made advances cost only 5 XP.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A couple of the playbooks have roles that aren’t as useful
for one-shots. For example those having to do with travel and new places. I
should point those out those when I intro the roles.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally the new playbook, The Unorthodox, worked. I think
someone picked it three of the four sessions. I did see a couple of issues. First,
it has the potential to shift the tone. Pam Alexander pointed that out after
the first session. I don’t think that’s bad, but it’s worth polling the table
about. Second, I need to be better about providing opportunities for the moves
from this playbook. John Alexander played the Prodigy in S3, but I didn’t give
him great chances to use <i>The Golden Lion</i> or <i>Kid with the Golden Arm</i>. I noticed
that after the fact.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have three big tasks I’m going to move to next. First,
explanatory text for the players and GMs about the moves. I need to define scale,
move triggers, and marking chi. Second, I want to walk through each playbook. I’d
like to put examples for each role and talk a little bit more about what their
moves mean. Third, I want to lay out the process of campaign and setting
building. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ll28iw2hGzA/Wyv4U-v173I/AAAAAAAAPB0/B627n-PzOwgOe5evm3FcaeJSgLtVsVjqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/87606954ly1fsf6fgqp1zj21jk2c6hdw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="360" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ll28iw2hGzA/Wyv4U-v173I/AAAAAAAAPB0/B627n-PzOwgOe5evm3FcaeJSgLtVsVjqgCEwYBhgL/s200/87606954ly1fsf6fgqp1zj21jk2c6hdw.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">UNORTHODOX</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>CHOOSE ONE ROLE</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>ACCIDENTAL</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You say you don’t know martial arts and you believe that.
But somehow you tumble through conflicts and flummox opponents. You have a
style element, but no style or weapons beyond what you mistakenly pick up.
Maybe it’s luck, a curse, someone taught you without your knowledge. The first
time you fight a named opponent, you gain +1 Forward. However you must always
show your opponent mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HIDDEN</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You try to hide your martial skills. You might be fleeing
enemies, running from duty, fulfilling an obligation, or protecting someone
secretly. When you fight—against named foes or mooks—you may hide your stance.
They will not recognize your skill and consider you merely a nuisance. If you
win at a cost, you may offer discovery as part of that. On a miss your opponent
realizes you’re something unusual. If another PC tries to pierce your disguise,
resolve that as a PC vs. PC duel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>PRODIGY</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You have great power, perhaps beyond your ability to
control. You may be untrained, cursed, or gifted with these technique. When you
roll your style element to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Duel</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Deal with Mooks</i>, or<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Impress</i>, you may roll 3d6 and take the two highest results instead
of just 2d6. However on a miss or when playing costs for partial success, you
additionally cause collateral damage to the environment or people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQp0P2TyaFI/Wyv4Uq1P1lI/AAAAAAAAPB0/rNIOWGvTIHY8KI-DcHFnMxAEklm2mcfHACEwYBhgL/s1600/20180618205846_12c03e8cb554952237fd1d16029b33e6_4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQp0P2TyaFI/Wyv4Uq1P1lI/AAAAAAAAPB0/rNIOWGvTIHY8KI-DcHFnMxAEklm2mcfHACEwYBhgL/s200/20180618205846_12c03e8cb554952237fd1d16029b33e6_4.jpeg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>AND THEN CHOOSE TWO</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>EVERLASTING CHIVALRY</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You have +1 Ongoing when interacting with common,
salt-of-the-earth folk. You know how to show them you’re one of their own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>FEARLESS FIGHTERS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you have your style element marked, you may opt to
continue fighting by rolling +# of chi marked (max. +3). If you do so and have
to mark chi, you instead mark Wounded and cannot continue fighting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE GOLDEN LION</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You have a loyal pet. It has been trained and responds to
your commands. Choose two of the following tags for it: Adorable, Beautiful,
Burrowing, Distracting, Hidden, Laborer, Messenger, Mount, Mimic, Performer,
Sneaky, Tracker.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HIS NAME IS NOBODY</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you have your character walk alone into a dangerous situation
you’re aware of but they aren’t, roll and mark XP. On a 10+ something alerts
you before your adversaries take advantage; gain +1 Forward. On a 7-9, you’re
taken somewhat unawares—the enemy can act before you (even the scale, seize
something, change the locale, reveal a trap, close off escape, frame you). On a
miss you fall into their trap or ambush<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>MONKEY FIST, FLOATING SNAKE</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you defeat a named foe, you may humiliate them
comically if you show them mercy. You don’t mark XP but instead gain a bond
with them. You may also choose a person or group who now views your opponent in
a different way. Say who and how they now see them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>KID WITH THE GOLDEN ARM</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you try to break something which can be broken, roll.
On a hit you break it. On a 10+ you do so spectacularly or with impressive
control. You may create cracks, trace characters, shatter into powder, break
later, or collapse something massive (like an inn). On a 7-9, you simply break
it or you may take the 10+ result by marking chi. On a miss choose: mark chi or
have your breaking go horribly awry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SHADOW BOXING</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A secret group or order aid you. You may not be aware of
their assistance. Once per session you can flashback to some preparation,
interference, or negotiation they’ve done on your behalf. Describe it and roll.
On a hit, they succeed. On a 7-9 they do so with attention or reduced effect.
On a fail their interference causes you more trouble than help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>A TASTE OF COLD STEEL</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Study</i> a
situation looking for potential trouble, you may freely ask one of these two
questions in addition to your regular hold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">• Who here is looking to cause trouble?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">• What trouble is X looking to cause?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You gain +1 Forward when you interfere with that trouble</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7kbKOy7cH8&list=PLUKV1MEOXoTXiMMDo-_enYoJfcV6Tz07j" target="_blank">If you're curious about this you can check out my playlist for our sessions recorded on The Gauntlet Hangouts. </a></b></span></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-19794664456556960562018-06-05T15:38:00.003-04:002018-06-05T15:38:36.470-04:00Hearts of Wulin & Pasión de las Pasiones: Origins GoD<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>GRINDSTONE ADJACENT</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For a host of reasons May got away from me and the blog. I’ve
been running games and working on several projects, so I have lots of ideas and
cool stuff to post. However I’m holding off for a little bit as Origins is next
week! I dig that convention for the game space, chance to meet friends, and
reliable access to food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I will be running sessions for Games on Demand at Origins.
Please come by and check that our amazing selection of games. I’m scheduled
Thursday morning (9-1), Thursday evening (8-12), and Saturday morning (9-1). I’ll
also be manning the desk for the last possible slot, Sunday morning. I’ve got
lots of free time so I’m hoping to fill in if they need coverage, run pick-up
games, and hang out with people I know from online and The Gauntlet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please come by and say hi! If you want to coordinate
something, you can send me an email at edige23 AT gmail. I actually have a
phone which can check my messages. It’s a crazy revolution in decades-old
technology. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have two games on my menus for the convention:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o--RfevQg6I/Wxbl9Y_En7I/AAAAAAAAO_8/bHuTdaMrBBMmKi96aB3pG0UvpIMnEcA8ACLcBGAs/s1600/HoW%2BCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="429" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o--RfevQg6I/Wxbl9Y_En7I/AAAAAAAAO_8/bHuTdaMrBBMmKi96aB3pG0UvpIMnEcA8ACLcBGAs/s200/HoW%2BCover.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hearts of Wulin</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Virtue vs. Villainy! Obligation vs. Passion! Justice vs.
Tyranny! The heroes of Wulin battle for a better world while struggling with their
own intertwined duties, desires, and destinies. You are heroes trying to serve
your family, faction, or ideals. High-flying action, romantic confusions, and
secret schemes abound. This game aims to emulate the high drama feel of stories
like <i>Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon</i>; <i>Fox Volant of Snowy Mountain</i>; <i>Painted
Skin</i>; <i>Proud, Smiling Wanderer;</i> <i>Princess Agents</i>, and more. Tales of
misunderstandings, betrayals, and farce mix with martial arts action. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This PbtA hack borrows liberally from Apocalypse
Engine games like <i>Masks</i>, <i>Monster Hearts</i>, and <i>The Veil</i>. We’ll tune characters
and relationships in the first hour and then throw into action-melodrama in the
wulin world.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I’ve recorded some sessions of this, you can check out the
most recent ones here:<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Session One: <a href="https://bit.ly/2LZ894W">https://bit.ly/2LZ894W</a><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Session Two: <a href="https://bit.ly/2sFWTle">https://bit.ly/2sFWTle</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPo31kPXOiE/WxbmGTnaqSI/AAAAAAAAPAA/zi21PJC_MFI2BTPlsTsaniocRG_DAw9RgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Pasion-ashcan-cover_TRPG.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="901" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPo31kPXOiE/WxbmGTnaqSI/AAAAAAAAPAA/zi21PJC_MFI2BTPlsTsaniocRG_DAw9RgCEwYBhgL/s200/Pasion-ashcan-cover_TRPG.png" width="146" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pasión de las
Pasiones</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Pasión de las Pasiones</i> is a PbtA tabletop role-playing game
where you play the cast of the world’s most dramatic and exciting telenovela: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pasión de las Pasiones</i>, as well as the
family watching at home. In <i>Pasión de las Pasiones</i>, lies will be exposed, plots
will be shattered, hearts will be broken, and if you’re lucky, you might even
get a happy ending…at least for now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We’re using the rules from the Magpie’s recently released
ashcan of this. I <i>love</i> melodrama and this game has it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>If
you’re curious about this game you can see my online sessions here:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Twin Betrayals: Session One: https://bit.ly/2sJLalB<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Twin Betrayals: Session Two: https://bit.ly/2kPsJs5<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The Scent of Love: Session One: <a href="https://bit.ly/2JgUF2N">https://bit.ly/2JgUF2N</a><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The Scent of Love: Session Two: <a href="https://bit.ly/2LqQpP1">https://bit.ly/2LqQpP1</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>I’m also bringing along a couple of “just-in-case” rpgs,
including <i><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2014/09/magic-inc-mythic-office-politics.html" target="_blank">Magic, Inc</a></i> which uses <i>Action Cards</i> and whatever else I find that
looks easy to pack. I'd love the chance to run HoW a few more times for folks who are interested. </b></span></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-87223848070886448752018-04-24T15:14:00.003-04:002018-04-24T15:15:58.373-04:00Familiars of Terra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HSCBXeyBjNQ/Wt-BZ77XCPI/AAAAAAAAO1I/3ZpGWhAqMAgFVbzvvc4IPz94H4ZmewmLQCLcBGAs/s1600/Familiars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="593" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HSCBXeyBjNQ/Wt-BZ77XCPI/AAAAAAAAO1I/3ZpGWhAqMAgFVbzvvc4IPz94H4ZmewmLQCLcBGAs/s200/Familiars.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don’t often suggest Kickstarters on my blog but I want to
point to one that’s wrapping up in the next couple of days: <i><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1568822309/familiars-of-terra-a-tabletop-roleplaying-game" target="_blank">Familiars of Terra</a></i>.
This game comes from Liz Chaipraditkul (designer of <i>Witch</i>). Liz also oversaw <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heroes & Villains</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Crescent Empire</i> for <i>7<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">th</span> Sea</i> 2e. I’ve reviewed the former and I’m running some fantastic sessions <a href="https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=c9bs_Hy1KUA" target="_blank">using the latter right now</a>. <i>The Crescent Empire</i>’s hands down my favorite Middle
Eastern-themed rpg supplement: smart, respectful, showcasing diverse cultures,
and filled with imaginative space. You can hear my interview about her <a href="http://www.gauntlet-rpg.com/the-gauntlet-podcast/episode-93-7th-sea-with-liz-chaipraditkul" target="_blank"><i>7th Sea </i>work here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What’s <i>Familiars of Terra</i>, well it’s “…an epic fantasy
tabletop role play game set in Terra, a world where everyone has their very own
animal familiar! You play a Seeker, someone who accepted the call to heroism
and adventures through the land helping those in need. Using a standard deck of
poker cards to resolve all checks and exciting familiar dueling mechanics, your
familiar will evolve and change with every exciting adventure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The concept feels like <i>Digimon</i> meets <i>Lgend of Korra</i>. At least that’s
the vibe the Quickstart suggests. That’s how I ran it for our online one-shot. Like the best settings and supplements it has hooks as well as room to
find your own space. Sherri and I love how the system handles the familiars—everyone
has them (ala <i>The Golden Compass)</i>, but those of the PCs develop and
grow. Add to that a strange magical-techno post-apocalypse and I’m hooked. I’m
really looking forward to the final product. It is funded and they’re looking
at stretch goals right now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The interior art’s awesome too. I highly recommend it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you’re interested you can check out the session I ran. I
had a great time—and the players loved it to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2XsYxn3Ln4Y/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2XsYxn3Ln4Y?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can also check out the <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/234696/Familiars-of-Terra-Quickstart" target="_blank">Quick Start on Drivethru if you want to see what it’s like</a>.</span> </div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-11364217159945334192018-04-12T15:21:00.002-04:002018-04-12T15:21:45.207-04:00Archival Footage: Conspiracy X Scenario Sketch<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZSjO_gNOjI/Ws-xs3etuOI/AAAAAAAAO0Y/FiKkwKjxRSsT76V0HJhQHDZI4E6ijtMTQCLcBGAs/s1600/pic904338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="676" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZSjO_gNOjI/Ws-xs3etuOI/AAAAAAAAO0Y/FiKkwKjxRSsT76V0HJhQHDZI4E6ijtMTQCLcBGAs/s320/pic904338.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Several years ago I ran demo scenarios for Eden Studios games at conVentions. I put together my own stories for <i>Armageddon</i>, <i>All Flesh Must Be Eaten</i>,<i> City of Heroes</i>, and <i>Conspiracy X</i>. I actually have an project I submitted ten years ago that's been under contract with them for three years. In any case I've been hunting around and found my notes for my 2004 ConX adventure. They're not complete, but you could easily use them as inspiration for a <i>Monster of the Week</i> scenario. I present this in its rough, unedited form. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>BASICS</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Characters are members of a “Clean Up” Team. They follow up on the work of an
actual Field team. In some ways, their job is more difficult. Generally they
are given a set of tasks to work from. These can range from discrete to more
difficult. They are given a lot of leeway in how they handle things. If the
situation is complex or requires finesse, usually a member of the Cell which
carried out the operation will remain to brief them on what needs to be done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The set up for this is that
they will be given a discrete set of three tasks in advance of their going in
to the situation. The area will also be described as one where there is
potential for enemy interdiction, though you may want to downplay this
particular aspect. Task #1: disposal and elimination of firefight and location;
Task #2: Checking on possible witness to earlier events; Task #3: Sifting
through materials at closed location for further evidence, preparation for
storage and transport; Task #4: General survey of locality to make sure
grumbling is at a minimum…any irritation should be general rather than
specific. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smallish town but not so
small that they seem entirely out of place. Allow them to make their way around
the city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My thought, drawn from my
experience in Ken’s game is that their contact should be out of it. They will
want to keep this quiet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do they need to find
out: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who the team was?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What they were doing here?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What did they accomplish?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do we need to do to
clean things up?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are more of the team left?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who has done this?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can this be contained?</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember that one of the
central points to this should be that the characters have to maintain their
cover very carefully. Breaking character too much could result in creating
further problems. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thoughts/Images</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meet up with contact; dead in
hotel room. Brings up preliminary problem: leave body or clean it up. Either
case creates certain problems. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don’t know if this works
with the scenario/threat I’m imagining, but an abandoned facility. Government
property. Site of a relocation facility. Worn out. Good many of the locals tied
by blood to those who were brought here and locked up. This could be a site for
background research, a location for investigation or a hide out.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One member of the team having
lost it. This being based on what they’ve encountered and his own paradigm on
contagion and transmittal. What is he planning in the meantime? Has he lost it
really bad? Is he just out in the woods or will he try to destroy the town?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, echoing Ken, the source
of the contagion could be a book. Someone carefully making copies…either
printing them or something else. Perhaps printing the outlines and then filling
those in. Sending them out randomly as packages across the country.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps that guy is left or
perhaps one of the other members of the team has been taken. Both should be
dangerous and wrong. Possibility of a showdown between the two of them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ideally this should be done
with a timeline of what is going to happen. They may be able to divert or
lessen the craziness that is going on.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look over my CoCth notes for
scenarios. See if anything there has promise or could work in a 4 hour setting.
Perhaps there are details which could be reused. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the ideas being,
especially if it is a book or an object, that it could have been found on eBay
or else be being sold there. This would allow them to use their respective
skills to hack to find out the identity of the seller and the buyer. I could
use this to lead them to a more substantive investigation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lead in from the previous
investigation is the most important thing to consider. What did group one come
in to investigate and what did they miss? If we know that, then we can start to
consider what we can put in front of the them to serve as clues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At some point, there needs to
be a combat. I shouldn’t be the thing that solves the problem, unless they’ve
come to that naturally through the path of investigation. This combat should
involve most of the group. Include a couple of opportunities of quick, abstract
combats with some risk to them…if not actually dying, then perhaps a serious
injury or something that will impair them. They probably have medical equipment
in the car, but they will have to drag themselves over there. This, in itself,
could be a problem or a trial. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>HISTORY</b></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the late 1930’s, a U.S.
team off the coast of Massachusetts apparently dropped depth charges, destroyed
a number of shoreline facilities and finally raided a small unnamed town. A
number of the residents were killed, some incarcerated and further numbers
shipped to an internment camp far inland. They were held based on their
immigration status as well as with some question of their subversive
activities. Many of them died over the next several years, with their bodies
being quietly disposed of. In 1944 however, funding for this covert project
vanished and those people who had been assigned to guard the few remaining
locals were reassigned to East Coast POW camps. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The center ended up becoming
a kind of shanty town. Eventually a few of the older children were placed in
local schools. While they suffered badly, eventually there was a movement for
them to either move away, or make a place in the community. By the 1960’s only
one family still lived in the internment center. As a covert project, the land
ownership rights had been hidden for some time. While locals, including the
local government tried to purchase chucks of the property, it fell under a
Military/EPA listing. This had been the default for this land. As a result,
many regard it as free land. There is a fence built around the area, but most
people can get around this easily. There are a number of squatters who live on
the property, hunters who make this a regular walk through and also people who
dump in the area. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several months ago, a local, Derek
Rivard, decided to hunt around in the old internment property. His hope was to
find something interesting to sell on eBay. He has a fairly weak antiques
business that he runs out of this home. While digging around, sweating pouring
off of him, his body shaking from the exertion, he uncovered a book. It
apparently had been hand made, with pages and paper made from pulp magazine and
comics which had been pressed together and bleached, sheets of cereal box
cardboard formed the covers. Floss and thread held it together and it had been
covered with some kind of faux leather. The interior pages had some strange
writing, a mixture of languages, all in the standard alphabet, but with
symbols. The ink was faded in places but in others, had simply become
blackened. He took this home, gave it one round to sell on eBay, but that
failed miserably since it had no pedigree. Some of the other stuff he found did
sell. Rivard looked at the book and began to be infected. He placed the book
with his other old books, slowly causing the ones closest to be transformed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then somebody came to buy,
Mitchell “Mitch” Seigelson. They purchased another book from him. Perhaps a
repair book for a particular car model. He got it home and read the book,
becoming infected. He bought a computer and started ordering stuff off the
internet, odd stuff. Since he lived a ways out of town, he was able to conceal
most of this. However, he also needed victims to power what he was doing. It
was this combination of strange purchases which suggested someone mucking
around with bad stuff combined with a string of disappearances that brought the
previous team to town. They were to locate this person, ascertain his level of
knowledge and eliminate any kind of threat he posed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the person that they
traced down. They did some preliminary investigation, but had a pretty good
idea of what was going on. The Cell team, a four person group, closed in on
Seigelson. Unfortunately, this resulted in a firefight, with the result that MS
was killed pretty early. The team leader called in a cleaning team, told two of
the group to straighten things up at the house and get it prepped. He put his
surveillance guy near there and headed back to town to wait for the call from
the team so they could leave. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime, while
investigating the house, and after having seen the body, the CDC person,
Danafer, comes across the book. He is infected, sending him off-balance. He
realizes that this book can transmute and infect other books. At this point he
goes nutter. He kills the other evidence specialist on site, then goes out to
kill the guy in the van. This he drives to a pond nearby and sinks. Then he
heads into town to finish off the Cell leader. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[Background information on
the previous cell. Should only be mentioned lightly at the start. Organization
contacts could also serve as a possibility later on. Especially if they
investigate at all what has gone on.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The book is a kind of
corrupting memetic disease, turning each person into a separate and demented
version of this Demon. It incarnates depending on what the Vices and Sins are
of the person involved. So, for example, Mitch had his own fetishistic drives.
These were deepened by the possession. To change other books mimetically, it
needs a lot of books around. Isolated and on its own, it takes a long time to
infect. However, each of these “memetic beings (I need a better name for them)
is independent from the other. As a result, this may cause strife and/or
hostility between their various forms. Question remains: what other activities
are going on in the town that the group can come across. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***One piece of evidence
could be pieces of paper found out at the encampment…they would have been
slowly transformed over the years. Perhaps they might find, in the records,
similar incidents over the years as this thing reached out and managed to touch
one of two of these people.***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***Another thought regarding
Rivard. Certainly his weakness is a kind of sloth as well as a basic mendacity.
It might also be possible that the group could find out that he has ordered a
scanner. This should be set to arrive soon.***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other time thing is that
Danafer may be calling in an unpleasant Op to clear this place. This can serve
as the other break point for the game. Either the base Guy will manage to scan
and post a version of the book or else Danafer will call down high holy burning
hell on this place, including the PCs. Mind you, Danafer is infected and crazy.
Therefore he will not be open to rational discussions of whether or not
something has been cleaned or not cleaned. He understands everything in terms
of contagion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Six Characters. Note: I used a tarot generation mechanic for the personalities. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forensic/Evidence Dispersal Specialist:</i> Skills in investigation, Science: Evidence Dispersal,
Science: Forensics. [Morgath Debased: Six of Gods (Reversed): Senseless death;
genetic or destructive insanity; utter disregard for or active destruction of
life and/or order; chaotic; The Priest: Lord of Archetypes: Faith, worship,
loyalty, morality; Elf: Knight of Races: Ritual, historical patterns; the old
ways]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sifter/Documentation Specialist:</i> Research connections. Synthesis. Research, Science:
Intelligence Analysis, Wiretapping? [Soul: Three of Ideas (Reversed):
Self-development, self-exploration, understanding; Ilvir Descending: The
Trickster (Reversed): Plans undone, work demolished, tables turned against
oneself; Ahadalayl: Seven of Days (Reversed): Stagnation, lack of development]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Security Specialist:</i> Mostly physical skills, strong but low key. Sign language. Hard of
hearing supported by hearing aids. [Arba-Kur: Four of Waves: Power misused,
abusing a position; S'ave Knor Ascendant: Lord of Gods: Deep knowledge,
thoughtful analysis, careful questioning; true understanding; the answer found;
Trollkin: Four of Races (Reversed): Impotency, infertility, weakness;
inferiority]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Surveyor/Assessor/Surveillance Specialist (Perhaps
Department of Parks):</i> Surveillance,
Electronic Surveillance, Physical and Outdoor Skills [Makistani: Lord of Races
(Reversed): Hesitancy, caution; difficulty in trusting own instincts; analysis;
Yod(Reversed): Lord of Waves (Reversed):Openings, hidden exits discovered; Gild-Kur:
Six of Waves: Wealth--of money, contacts, etc.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Face Man/Health and Human or EPA or Census:</i> Psychology, Questioning, Science: Applied Sociology [Pegasus:
Five of Creatures (Reversed): Inscrutable signs, dreams, obscure references,
ambiguity; Naveh Ascendant: Five of Gods: Sensible fear; solutions through
uncomfortable means; necessary evil; The Seas: Six of Legends: Bounty, harvest,
wealth from nature]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Break in/Disposal Specialist:</i> Lockpicking, Criminal Skills, Body Disposal
Methodology, Forensics purely for covering own work? [Larani Debased: Knight of
Gods (Reversed): Blinding need for revenge;
honor and justice undone by unyielding nature; unyielding law; honor for
honor's sake; Khamsina: Four of Days: Strength, patience, tolerance; Manticore:
Six of Creatures: (Reversed)Lashing out, reactions; rain of blows, frenzy]</span></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-9972641226562171702018-04-04T14:34:00.003-04:002018-04-04T18:53:26.273-04:00Stories from Iruvia: Plot Hooks for Blades in the Dark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfEfQ2e5K2Q/WsUYvJlQEGI/AAAAAAAAOuU/fjnKG_C4G98xZ9lnxTEcrBxG8V9jUIArACLcBGAs/s1600/BitD%2BBanner%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1600" height="157" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfEfQ2e5K2Q/WsUYvJlQEGI/AAAAAAAAOuU/fjnKG_C4G98xZ9lnxTEcrBxG8V9jUIArACLcBGAs/s320/BitD%2BBanner%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I’ve written before about one of my favorite urban supplements,
<i>The <a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2009/10/10809.html" target="_blank">Kaiin Player’s Guide</a></i>. It’s a
player-facing resource for <i>The Dying
Earth </i>RPG covering the titular city. <i><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/11958/The-Kaiin-Players-Guide?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Kaiin</a></i>’s
a hefty book detailing locations, people, and secrets, but it’s not for the GM.
Instead the players may peruse it at their leisure. Eschewing ambiguity, the book clearly lays out problems. Players declare they
want to get tangled up in a particular story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That’s a useful approach for the fiction-first mechanics of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/170689/Blades-in-the-Dark?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Blades in the Dark</a></i>. I’ve created a player-side
resource not for Doskvol, but for U’duasha, an alternate campaign locale from
the BitD Special Edition. This Iruvian city offers new atmosphere, color, and
supernatural elements. I hope John Harper will eventually release a pdf of the Iruvian
text for those who didn’t buy the special edition. Johnstone Metzger’s done an
<a href="https://bladesinthedark.com/fan-creations" target="_blank">amazing set of Iruvian playbooks</a> and those now have a Roll20 version. It would
be great to have more players experience this material. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I’ve provided six hooks/rumors for each of the five
neighborhoods of U’duasha. Some of this will only make sense if you’ve seen the
full Iruvian appendix. But I hope a good deal of it could be useful for <i>Blades in the Dark </i>generally. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njYTEko2BVo/WsUYt9BXsiI/AAAAAAAAOuE/PVzBAQGLpXYfep9PyrvKlmodvTU0wgeBQCEwYBhgL/s1600/betu%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="436" height="182" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njYTEko2BVo/WsUYt9BXsiI/AAAAAAAAOuE/PVzBAQGLpXYfep9PyrvKlmodvTU0wgeBQCEwYBhgL/s320/betu%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">BETU’AT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The district of
miners, laborers, and craftspersons. </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nozar Tabasi</i></b>, a respected tapestry
maker, has been searching for his lost brother, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uktannu</i></b>. However he’s
unaware that family Anserekh<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>killed
and placed Uktannu’s soul in a Hull to preserve and exploit his mining
expertise. Tabasi will undoubtedly pay well for those who can find (and
possibly free) his brother. On the other hand, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Makru Anserekh</i></b> would like
this nosy busybody to go away before others, such as his philanthropic sister<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ishana</b></i>,
learn of his operations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. The I‘Rajin gang has a formal hierarchy built on
contracts and connections. Their wealth and power make others wary of crossing
them. But sometimes the gang’s internal disputes spill out into the open. Leader
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Saru
Daava</i></b> has been more agitated and reckless in recent months after one of
her gang’s internal ledgers went missing. She has searched desperately and
punished several of her enforcers. Currently she suspects the Vizier <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Akhita
the Fair</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>took the book, but has
no proof and no idea where it went. That’s good news for the freelance Mirage <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ozutok
Sabanci</i></b> who currently has the volume. He doesn’t quite understand its
importance, but believes he should be able to sell it on for some coin.
Depending on where it ends up, heads could roll. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. The fixer and marriage broker <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mete Balcan</i></b> is much loved
throughout the district. He can be found drinking in a tea house, wandering the
market, or gambling in a back room. But Balcan’s façade hides a dangerous agent
of the Empire. He covers his tracks well and few suspect him. He often hires
scoundrels for strange tasks to indirectly gain information. His generosity to
those who serve him well is renowned. However some serve him unwillingly, like
the assessment clerk <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tirgataô</i></b>. He would love destroy the
evidence the fixer uses to keep him in line and extricate himself from Balcan’s
grip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Long-time Rail Jack <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nikou Kamran</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>has a fairly encyclopedic knowledge of the comings and goings of
various trains. She’s often seen at the station talking with younger Jacks or
signing up for a short journey. She keeps a particular eye out for interesting
shipments, especially those which people want kept quiet. Nikou knows there’s a
shipment of valuable spices heading out from House Anixis, bearing saffron-like
azayzl and vault pepper. Kamran knows the terrain along the routes and the
necessary stopping points for deliveries, watering, and sidetracking from other
trains. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Those who have suffered injustice often go to the district’s
Khuset Spire to beseech at the Demon Prince of Justice. However of late, owl-masked
vigilantes have been taking matters into their own hands here. The locals have
a whispered system to ask for aid, pinning a message onto an owl in a
particular place. The vigilantes are local merchants who have secretly banded
together. They could need aid or be blackmailed. On the other hand, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’Rajin</i> would pay well for information
on the group</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Some among the A’Tahim bristle at the gang’s focus on
stability and protection. They would like to push further into an all-out war. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nozar
the Welder</i></b> works to undermine this approach. He’s among those
overseeing Betu’at neighborhoods, protecting local citizens from other criminal
gangs. He’s been pushing for confrontations and working behind the scenes stirring
up trouble between <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gangs. In some cases
he’s hired outsiders to hit places. Nozar believes that if an all-out war
erupts, the A’Tahim can seize control. He has several gang members under his
influence who don’t exactly understand his intent. Nozar works to keep this
project from his own leadership as well as his rivals. He has aid in the form
of an I’Yalim officer who would like blood to wash the streets,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Hunter</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Arman Radan</b></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">IYANU’AT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The district of parks,
theaters, and high culture. </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. People have sought the treasures of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mazaiyar the Guiltless</i></b>
for years. The master thief pilfered from the nobility while maintaining a
respectable façade. When he passed, his associates rushed to raid his vaults
for wealth and incriminating information. However they found nothing. The
scavenger <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sênêkas<u> </u></i></b>has a new lead. Mazaiyar apparently had a
fascination with opera and may have concealed his loot in the Circle of Hearts,
an aged theater. There some question whether theater manager <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Asatira
Baastani</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>knows of these
matters, perhaps drawing on those resources herself. Currently the theater is
in the midst of a long-running performance of “The Shah of Blackvale.” Actors
and staff live on the premises making a search difficult.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Like the rest of the world, darkness dominates Iruvia.
But alchemists and botanists have developed plants which can survive and
thrive, fed in other ways. There’s a strong industry in carefully tended
flowers and herbs. They’re processed and converted into perfumes and scented
oils for sale here and in other nations, sometimes mixed with Leviathan ambergris.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Darya
Zangane</i></b> of the Falling Petals Market in particular uses unsavory
methods to obtain cuttings, seeds, and whole plants from collectors in U’duasha
and beyond. She’s made enemies in the process, especially <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gemeti Anserekh</i></b> who
suspects her of stealing a rare rose from his secure greenhouse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Those who wish to have an event recorded for posterity
turn to the many faceted Guild of Painters in U’duasha. Like the city, the
guild splits into four traditions, reflecting different styles and approaches.
Painters use a reed-derived paper, carefully prepared and reinforced to last.
Nobles expect treaties, agreements, large-scale contracts, marriage
arrangements, and the like to be recorded in a painting. These serve as a
history, though not an unchanging one as artists may be hired to “correct” an
earlier image. Currently two traditions of painter families, Daqiq and Wahuma,
vie for leadership of the art world. They jealously guard techniques and
secrets. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hossein Daqiq</i></b> presently rages about an amazing blue tint used
by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Omid
Wahuma</i></b>. Omid makes his remarkable paint from secret fungus gathered in
the deepest vaults of the city’s underground reservoirs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Plays and performances held in licensed theaters must
gain approval from The Conclave. Such permission is usually granted by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seeker
Abbas Eshtiaq</i></b> without much trouble, provided those requesting have a
good reputation, able patrons, or enough ready cash. When complaints come in
from those above, Eshtiaq’s quick to revoke approval. In the last year, The
UnCutting Blade, a group of disgruntled artists and performers have been
putting on underground shows. These satirize the nobility, the Conclave, and
the rule of the four demons. Eshtiaq has been trying to hunt down these
performances, while the troupe’s leader,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rukhsana</b></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">,</b> has been trying to undercut and expose the Seeker.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. The House of Dreams and the House of Majesties were once
a single restaurant, the House of Majestic Dreams. However when the owner-chef
died, he left two competing heirs: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Poriya Vaansh</i></b>, a master of classical
dishes and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bawan Roşan</i></b>, an experimenter who integrates foreign techniques.
The two have been locked in a battle for over a decade, since the original
restaurant burned down mysteriously. They steal each others’ staff, hijack
ingredients, disparage recipes, and even engage in sabotage from time to time.
In particular they battle to serve parties at the houses of the nobility. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Some consider Iruvian bees the great survivors of the
cataclysm, perhaps thriving even more than humanity. The size of a thumb, these
bees pollinate scattered plants and somehow continue to produce wax and honey.
Killing a bee’s considered bad luck and a hive infestation can force a family
to move out. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jahanabad Kamran</i></b>, the Grand Apiculturist of Emberthorn Park
takes special pride in the floral and wondrous products from his hives. However
recently new honeys and striking waxes have made their way onto the market. The
Forger<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Xartamos</b></i> wants his identity and process kept secret: using
specially-made Hulls as intelligent, mobile hives of ghost bees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">SUKRU’AT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The golden district of
the wealthy. </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. The Counting Lodge is both a tea house and place to play “Baaz
Yafiri,” the Game of Deaths. This abstract board game has an ancient tradition,
devotees, and respected masters. However a recent series of games between
masters <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kurigalzu</i> </b>and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Azita Riahi</i></b> has come to a halt split
3-3. The former has vanished for reasons only known to him. The latter is
relieved because she has been pressured by the A’Tahim to lose the final game.
However with nothing settled in the match, bettors and enthusiasts have been
driven to a frenzy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2. </i>River sailors
who wish to partake in the delights of U’duasha have two choices: settle for
the sketchy, violent entertainments of the River Lock warehouses or travel
through Sukru’at to reach sections of the city with higher, but not too high
class pleasures. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seneschal Mahdi Shajarian</i></b> has seen an opportunity here. When
his master, the reclusive <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mehram the Corpulent</i>,</b> died he hid
this fact. Mahdi has been quietly running affairs of the household. He’s turned
the secluded estate into a house of pleasures. Using a network of servants,
maids, and butlers from other houses, he provides discreet services for river
captains and their crew. It’s a small operation, but a risky one. Shajarian has
recruited a group he’s more than willing to cut loose if he can make a decent
score. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Master Rajan</i>,</b> spy-master for the
house of Anixis, looks to uncover the secrets behind the spectacular lanterns
recently displayed by House Ankhayat. Long lasting, bright, and multicolored,
these have become a point of pride for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eshala</i></b>, the expected heir to the
house’s fortunes. He has not sold any of these, preferring instead to display
them conspicuously at gatherings. His artisan, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ajkuna of Thrask</i></b>,
accompanied him back from Tycheros. She has remained on the estate grounds
since then, but has been looking for new materials. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Access to the Asha’va river locks offers lucrative trade
for who can seize it. Though nominally outcast, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Forsaken</i> gang have the tightest grip on that. That’s given them
control over most water-based smuggling. But gang leader <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Torek</i> </b>has become angered
as reports of other goods being smuggled in reach his ear. He has told his
allies in the Dockers to keep an eye out the perpetrators. Unknown to him, a
city surveyor named<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Burnaburiash</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>discovered
a series of underground tunnels leading to the river. He’s enlisted his cousin <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ku-Baba</i>,
</b>an inspector and assessor in his scheme. She makes sure certain packages vanish
from the books and get left in the right place for Burnaburiash’s agents to
pick up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Two generations ago, House Anixis split as a brother and
sister contended for control. The victor, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Matriarch Pegah</i></b>, still lives and
pulls strings behind the scenes. However some resent her control and others
worry about the number of buried bodies. A small group arranged to smuggle in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sevder
Ferhat</i></b>, the only surviving child of Bawan’s brother. Sevder has spent
the last decades in Doskvol, building up a network of agents and informants.
More importantly he has acquired a number of artifacts associated with the
Demon Prince Ixis. He’s accompanied by a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mitra Aslani</i></b>, an Iruvian in the pay
of the Empire and a former agent of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Elstera Avrathi</i>,</b> House Anixis’
diplomat to Doskvol. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Far and away the most common bird in U’duasha is the owl.
These come in all shapes, sizes and species. Other birds don’t survive well
against these predators. It is why the falcon serves as a symbol of status for
the highest of the I’Yalim investigators. The House of Merciful Fletchers, run
by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reza
Safavi</i></b>, sells unusual birds. He pays top dollar for new birds and the
eggs of birds “borrowed” from collectors in the city. Safavi has heard of a
bird of unusual plumage which has taken roost in one of the machine works near
The Well, but has been unable to obtain it since the workers regard it as a
good luck charm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">VAASU’AT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The district of
schools and training halls.</span></i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Students of several schools of swordplay, including Serpent
Alighting and the Falling Star, have been killed in recent months. They have
been caught out in the evening and engaged in duels by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Şeyda Behram</i></b>,
illegitimate daughter of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Scholar Najra</i></b>. She has mastered a corrupt
style and secretly trains herself to kill her father. Several schools would
like to discover who has slaughtered their students, while Behram herself would
like to catch Najra in an ambush. But <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Erfan Mahmoodi</i></b> of the Rising Moon
school has noted the strange wounds on the victims and is looking into how
someone learned such an unusual style. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. The Vaasu School provides education…to those who can
afford it. Some actually study and learn there while other spoiled elites coast
through to please their families. But a few run up against the limits of
scholarship, moving into the realms of speculation and heresy. Some have turned
to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Zindiq Sulili</i></b>. This revolutionary firebrand teaches them
forbidden arts laced with political commentary. He moves from house to house,
salon to salon, always one step ahead of the authorities. He’s sought by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hunter
Deemethresu </i></b>of the I’Yalim, but the Gualim avoid him. He claims to know
secret way to dismiss and fool the black-clad enforcers. In fact while Sulili
possesses mystical powers, he’s something of a charlatan, using the trappings
of subversion to raise his rates. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Lacking strong central institutions, social power is key
in Iruvia. The four houses struggle over loyalty, influence, and reputation.
They command society. However from time to time a member of the nobility will
commit a reprehensible act in public, a transgression with witnesses which
cannot be hidden away. In this case the fallen noble may seek redemption by
supporting or establishing a Lodge of Charity. These lodges provide loud and
visible charitable acts in their patron’s name. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nazanin sul-Kian</i></b> has
become a widely sought expert in establishing these Lodges. She knows how to
stage for effect, have clients demonstrate believable penance, and hire reliable
actors. More importantly she’s also good at funneling charitable monies back to
a noble’s family, allowing them to appear extravagant in their generosity. Some,
especially members of the Hadrakin, resent her corrupt work. Nazanin herself
continues to look for new avenues to generate money using these Lodges. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Student <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Roya Mahdavi</i></b> has developed a new and
unbreakable cypher. A break-in led her to believe that the Ankhayat want to
steal her work. She has gone underground, becoming politically active in a
group called the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shadow of ar-Rafiyyah</i>.
They use strange graffiti encoded with her cypher to pass messages. Imperial
agents and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Enlil-nasir</i>,</b> second to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Captain Hayansa</i></b> of Anixis, have been
seeking Mahdavi and her knowledge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Siyabend Kardux</i></b> of the Vaasu school
has been slowly and carefully insinuating himself into the operations of the
school’s archeological institute. While not a scholar, Kardux masters
logistics, scheduling, and recruitment. As a result he knows where excavations
take place, what they’re bringing back, and who has been hired to work. He’s
looking for a reasonable partner, trying to avoid the scrutiny of the Hadrakin,
who usually consider such areas under their auspices. Kardux also hopes to
avoid the attention of cultists or the Unburned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. U’duasha doesn’t share Doskvol’s culture of broadsheets
and daily journalism. Instead they have storytellers and pamphleteers. The
latter travels throughout the city providing daily news and information at the
tea houses in exchange for tips. Such storytellers have circles of associates,
complete with streetrunners. The former craft longer, more in-depth
pieces—bound volumes detailing their researches and reports. These authors
write under pen names and their exposes can bring down notables. One such
author, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Apsu the Green</i></b>, has gone missing. He had been investigating
corruption and vanished monies involving the military and the current Warlord. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Captain
Nassim Hematti</i></b> grabbed up Apsu, but is uncertain what to do with him.
She’s tortured him for his sources, but so far the writer has given up nothing,
hinting that if he dies he has allies who will publish his notes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-58NeTdY7MfA/WsUYu0CVZlI/AAAAAAAAOuQ/2CrJBIetjUobCEtJMsCtxeqyDs9Ewhc9QCEwYBhgL/s1600/udu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="440" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-58NeTdY7MfA/WsUYu0CVZlI/AAAAAAAAOuQ/2CrJBIetjUobCEtJMsCtxeqyDs9Ewhc9QCEwYBhgL/s320/udu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">U’DU<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The city center which
burns with eternal arcane fire. Home of the poor, the zealots, and the great
steam machines of the city. </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Cultists serving the Forsaken Gods have recently set up Spirit
Nets to catch ghosts before they fall into The Well. The frighteningly sane
zealot <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Atrus al Atrus</i></b> collects these in a forgotten tomb near the
heart of the city. He hopes to use these as power for binding other forces and
perhaps to destroy the Hulls used by the mining companies. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Atefeh Manesh</i></b>, a Zindiq,
has tried to pursue this, but her warning have been turned aside by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ekurzakir</i></b>,
a senior member of the A’Tahim and secret ally to Atrus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. The heat and power of The Well is turned to many
purposes. At “night” it powers forges, great steam engines, punch & form
machines, and material cutters. During the day the lifting of the barriers
creates a wave of heat. It is a crushing task to manage. Unlike the Miners,
these workers have no union. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lezgîn Ararat</i></b> of The Forsaken
exploits this, and materials which slip between the cracks come to him. There
are those, such as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red Mot</i></b>, who would like to unionize or at the very least pitch
people like Ararat into the Well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. A new and potent beverage has appeared on the streets of
U’Duasha-- <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A’tiraq</i>-- a scarlet liquor
of surpassing intoxication despite tasting like burning. Many have sought out
who created and distributes this in hopes of obtaining the secret. The Rakshasa
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mansahet</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>intends to keep this under his control.
By aging a cheap brew in specially treated barrels near the light and heat of
the Well, he’s imbued the drink with power. Currently he uses a loose
conglomeration of street thieves and fellow ghouls to move his product. He
knows eventually he’ll have to face The Forsaken, but he doesn’t realize how
intently the Gualim search for him since the drink echoes their biding
techniques. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. The Weedwall Souk is an occasional black market run
amidst the twisted brambles of the Blackwood. It is said that anything can be
had here for a price. Occultists and arcane practitioners frequent the place
looking for rare substances. The Souk is overseen by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ozdemur</i></b>, a masked figure
who secretly represents the Unburnt. The market master is in fact a carefully
crafted and statuesque Hull who escaped from the Aserekh. That knowledge would
upset <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Arezoo Raeisi</i>,</b> a Rafiq for the Hadrakin who has used the Souk
as a resource and recruitment center. She’s even sold some incriminating pieces,
which Ozdemur has carefully kept as insurance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. From time to time bravos travel into the U’du area,
looking for easy marks to taunt and injure. In recent weeks some have returned
sickened, and a few have even perished from an unknown malady. Doctors sent
into the U’du neighborhood have found no sign of this disease there. The son of
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ashur-dan
Ankhuset</i> lies</b> dying and his father has turned to less savory methods to
find a cure. So far the source, the Deathland Scavengers, have kept quiet. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jaffar
Farzin</i></b>, a scavenger leader, found an artifact he has used to sicken
those who offend him. While this began as a means of gaining justice for the
downtrodden, Jaffar now has bigger plans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Iruvians take astrology seriously as each star represents
a demon exiled from the world. Though gone they still exert influence. The
hours of the night are named after the most prominent constellations. Carefully
trained astrologers are consulted before major decisions by the military and
the nobility. In the last year, however, a new astrologer has operatied out of
U’da. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Armaiti of Dastani</i> </b>has developed an entirely new schema and set
of constellations. She believes these readings reflect a new order coming to
the world. Armaiti’s following has grown, with certain nobles secretly
travelling have her perform a reading. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Argamênos the Seer</i>,</b> master of
astrology in the Vaasu, wants her condemned formally at the very least and has
begun to make moves against her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>See also: <a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/03/lessons-from-doskvol-learning-blades-in.html" target="_blank">Lessons from Doskvol: Learning Blades in the Dark</a></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></span></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-3308996373390855392018-03-30T10:56:00.000-04:002018-03-30T10:56:10.916-04:00History of Universal RPGs (Part Eight: 2014-2015)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X2wwb-9hKE8/Wr5JvplLNmI/AAAAAAAAOpU/Bdhr5uJkWqcQ2b51XJBV4QyPqdwQHdNHgCEwYBhgL/s1600/pic2600185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="790" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X2wwb-9hKE8/Wr5JvplLNmI/AAAAAAAAOpU/Bdhr5uJkWqcQ2b51XJBV4QyPqdwQHdNHgCEwYBhgL/s200/pic2600185.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>WE BUILT THIS GAMING…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Board gamers make a big deal about theme. Those who care judge
games by much the game’s mechanics reflect and deepen the theme. If there’s a
disconnect then the theme’s “pasted on.” It’s one of the foundations of the Eurogame/Ameritrash
divide. Board games of the former thinly apply theme. If you scrubbed it off,
you’d have essentially the same game experience. The latter sacrifices
playability in order to have shiny chrome that replicates the subject matter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So on the one hand we have the excellent <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Azul</i>, a game about tile-laying artists
in classical Portugal. It’s a beautiful game with amazing components that
reflect the source material. The theme’s easily forgotten, especially in the
amazing play. On the other hand you have the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fallout Board Game. </i>It’s a big, messy release from Fantasy Flight
with tiles, figures, and artwork taken straight from the video game. It
simulates <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fallout</i>—many of the most
important systems carry through (gangs, missions, the SPECIAL perks). But that
comes at the expense of play. It’s super random. At the beginning you suck and
will get killed. Repeatedly. You could spend hours trying to build up your
character and end up with 1 VP. Fun’s sacrificed at the altar of
verisimilitude. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aCl45JQspfE/Wr5JwfLedyI/AAAAAAAAOpc/yB-6wmBsNhQTPKFPul0Iob_R7DZjKNWnACEwYBhgL/s1600/pic2344726.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="792" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aCl45JQspfE/Wr5JwfLedyI/AAAAAAAAOpc/yB-6wmBsNhQTPKFPul0Iob_R7DZjKNWnACEwYBhgL/s200/pic2344726.png" width="154" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’m wondering if the same structures apply to rpgs. Games
like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dungeon World</i> have a deep theme:
it wants to simulate the classic D&D experience. It does that well, but
when gamers hack it more broadly they have to work past baked-in default
assumptions. On the other hand, you have thin reskins, like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rolemaster</i>’s series of genre books which
tried to overlay Modern, Samurai, Wild West, and more atop the most kludge
fantasy game out there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I mention this because today’s list has worn me out. Sometimes
I’ll play a board game and I can tell the designer started with a mechanic. They
love that mechanic; they built everything around that. The game’s
architecture’s rests on that foundation. If it’s a simple thing, like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red7</i>, then it’s awesome and stable. But
if it’s a more convoluted teetering edifice (Euphoria) then my eye glaze over
at the inevitable collapse. In reading through and translating many of the core
mechanics from these games my eyes glazed over. Repeatedly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2TugDnmgzCs/Wr5Jr8NmMOI/AAAAAAAAOpM/78a6pzSZCrsj40UQ05UFi1sYpP6bw0hAgCEwYBhgL/s1600/pic2089872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2TugDnmgzCs/Wr5Jr8NmMOI/AAAAAAAAOpM/78a6pzSZCrsj40UQ05UFi1sYpP6bw0hAgCEwYBhgL/s200/pic2089872.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.patreon.com/ageofravens" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">HEY!
I have a Patreon for these lists. If you like them, consider contributing or
resharing to spread the word.</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>…ON MULTIPLE GRANULAR ROLLS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I only include core books here. I’m also only listing books
with a physical edition. I might include an electronic release if they’re
notable and of significant size. At the end you’ll see some miscellaneous
entries, covering borderline or similar cases. Some selections came down to a
judgement call. I’m sure I missed some releases. If you spot something
Universal I missed from 2012-2013, leave a note in the comments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/04/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-one-1978.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part One: 1978-1993)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/05/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-two-1994.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Two: 1994-1997)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/07/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-three.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Three: 1998-2004)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/09/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-four.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Four: 2005-2007)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/01/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-five.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Five: 2008-2009)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/02/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-six-2010.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Six: 2010-2011)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/04/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-six-2012.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Seven: 2012-2013)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">History of Universal RPGs (Part Eight: 2014-2015)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-history-of-post-apocalyptic-rpgs.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Post-Apocalyptic RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2013/04/history-of-steampunk-victoriana-rpgs.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Steampunk & Victoriana RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2013/10/history-of-superhero-rpgs-part-one-1978.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Superhero RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2012/08/history-of-horror-rpgs-part-one-1981.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Horror RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/03/history-of-wild-west-rpgs-first-fifteen.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Wild West RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/03/kami-katanas-samurai-rpgs-part-three.html" target="_blank"><b>Samurai RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/131867/6d6-Core-2nd-Ed?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">6d6 Core</span></a></i> (2014)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of several games on this list released in a Creative Commons
format. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">6d6</i>’s characters have a mix of
"advantages". Each covers an area and has both a die value (1d6+X) and
a character point rating. When players attempt an action they assemble dice from
applicable advantages. Static and dynamic potentials (represented by markers) limit
how many advantages they can apply. Finally the player compares the die roll plus
mod total to a difficulty number. It reminds me of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lady Blackbird</i>'s compiling of traits, but with a lot of extra crunch.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">6d6</i> has added complexity
in combat and other situations where players may not have all their potential ready.
It offers interesting tricks about shifting tokens between states to allow actions.
I’m struck by the cascade of terminology for different advantages. They don't seem
to impact play heavily, but instead categorize concepts. I understand the impulse
to have a cool, encyclopedic approach, but it clutters the field. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can see the <a href="http://6d6rpg.com/wiki/doku.php?id=open:mechanics:core:book" target="_blank">online version of 6d6 here</a>. There's a pdf and PoD version. The
layout's clean, but the three column design makes it harder to follow, especially
given the white space. The art's cc-sourced and doesn't add much to the book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/141792/D6xD6-RPG-Core-Book?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">D6xD6 Role-Playing Game</span></a></i> (2014)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A note to publishers using DTRPG: you get to choose what pages
of your game appear in the preview pdf. Make that choice carefully. Show us what
the game does, give us a sense of the contents, and put your killer tech forward.
Game fiction, dedications, explanation of how the game came to be-- they're less
useful to someone considering the game. It's a small thing, but I'm constantly surprised
by how many games have previews without real info. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lester Smith, an industry veteran of GDW and TSR fame, created
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">D6xD6</i>. The titular dice refer to the basic
roll of the game, generating results from 1-36. Character have a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">focus number</i> for their abilities. If they
have experience with the task, they have to roll higher than that number. If they're
inexperienced or rusty with it, they have to roll below. Better rolls generate additional
success levels. More difficult tasks subtract from the higher of the two dice rolled.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Characters themselves have four attributes (Brawn, Grace, Will,
and Wits) and focus number. Players choose one attribute to be focused in, one to
be weak, and the other two are neither good nor bad. They select a
setting-appropriate occupation and up to nine skills based on that. Their focus
number equals the number of skills chosen; broader experience makes you less good
in any single one. That's complemented by three skills you're rusty in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall it's a good, intuitive, and easy to get rolling universal
system. You can see an online version at the <a href="http://d6xd6.com/" target="_blank">d6xd6 site</a>. The basic book includes seven settings, while the
expanded version includes 26. Most of those individual settings plus others can
be bought seperately as well. They're each 6 pages, so if you like reading quick
new campaign premises, they're worth checking out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/141422/Entropic-Gaming-System?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Entropic Gaming System</span></a></i> (2014)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Entropic</i> seems straight-forward
with the usual system suspects appearing. Attributes and skills have a die type
(ala <i>Savage Worlds</i>). Higher rolls are better, with a default difficulty of
7. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Entropic</i> has a couple of interesting
mechanical bits. For example doubles on successes are criticals, attacks do fixed
damage, and players get three actions in combat. The Stat-Skill-Talents design
triangle appears with qualities covering good and bad stuff (i.e. edges, hindrances,
advantages, disads, etc). Overall <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Entropic</i>
feels <u>very</u> close to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Savage Worlds</i>.
That's not entirely surprising given the publisher's history of SW supplements.
They've supported the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Entropic</i> line with
a couple of setting books and some more general sourcebooks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/127515/Insight-RPG-System-Core-Rulebook?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Insight RPG System </span></a></i>(2014)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Insight leans towards a trad approach universal gaming. The
crunch spills forth: hit locations, split damage tracks for physical and mental
damage, weapon tables with nine dimensions, multiple damage types (pierce, slash,
bludgeon), values for senses, advanced skill combinations, cross-reference tables
to success vs. difficulty. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Insight</i>
has an base mechanic interesting: each of your six main stats offers a number of
dice. Skills connect to those, so when you make a check you roll that many d10's.
Those skills are rated as Unknown, Basic, Known, Trained or Specialized. That determines
the number you need to roll on your each stat die for a success. Difficulty modifiers
can increase or decrease that range. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's definitely a game with detail in mind. It feels like fusion
of GURPS, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Storyteller</i>, and d20 aesthetics.
The base book includes a sample setting and rules for magic. The company's Norwegian,
but the rules offer clear English. It's cleanly presented, but aims for a depth
that I'm less into now. If you dig things like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">d20 Modern</i> or CORPS it might be worth checking out. The designer has
a fantasy adaptation available for free on DTRPG with the encouragement to purchase
if you like it. They've also released a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Age
of Sail</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wild West</i> supplements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/132619/OneDice-Universal?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">OneDice Universal</span></a></i> (2014)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We can spot some patterns with generic systems. One the one
hand publishers first release a genre game with a new system (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Champions, Numenera</i>, M&M). The
system does well and players start hacking it and sharing fan supplements. So
they develop a generic version (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">HERO System,
Cypher, True20</i>). On the other hand we have “from-the-ground up” universals (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forthright, Forge Engine</i>). Cakebread
& Walton’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">OneDice</i> takes another path;
while the company released a series of complete genre-specific rpgs, they've also
released this one usable for all settings. And they've continued to do that up to
the present. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">OneDice</i> describes characters
simply: three or four stats with six points distributed among them. Figured stats
derive from those. Skills and other packages round that out. As you might
guess, the system uses a single dice for resolution. Roll and add the appropriate
attribute + skill against a difficulty set by the GM. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">OneDice</i> is the epitome of pick up & play rpgs. Cakebread & Walton
have supported the line generously. I sometimes complain about repeated rules
across games, but given the simplicity of the mechanics that’s less of an issue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">6. <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/134355/PERK-Core-Rulebook??affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">P.E.R.K.</span></a> (2014)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">aka <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Pretty Easy Roleplaying
Kit</i>. PERK uses a d6 dice pool system: roll those against a difficulty (4 is
default) and count those that match or beat the TN. You need one success, but the
difficulty of the action determines how many positive dice results you need to get
a success. Extras successes can raise the action’s final effect. PERK makes their
explanation of this more complicated than it has to be- with "success"
on individual dice confused with overall "successes" needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A word on d6 dice pool
systems: I've been running Mutant: Year Zero (and its offspring) for a long time
now. It uses a d6 pool system. In those you only need a single “6” for success.
You'd be amazed at how many times people fail, even with a metric shit-tonne of
dice. PERK’s target number of 4 seems like a merciful approach.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">PERK characters have basic dice pools (Action, Defense, Strength,
Stamina, Focus) with others possible. That's supplemented by PERKs-- race, role,
classes, as well as talent, gear, and skills. The company only released a single
supplement: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">P.E.R.K. Urban Horror</i>, though
Dire Ninja Media also promised a dark urban fantasy game called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Underlife</i>. That game (and the novel based
on it) doesn't seem to have materialized. The system's still available, but their
webpage hasn't updated since late 2016. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">7. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/160137/storium" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Storium</span></a></i> (2014)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ve written this whole list and put off this entry until the
very end. That’s because I have a confession. See I backed<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Storium</i> during its Kickstarter. It had a great pitch: online,
collaborative, text-based roleplaying with content developed by an amazing
array of authors. It would provide evolving tools to support that play. A
central hub, clever organization of material, notifications. It would be
awesome and it would truly be universal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I’ve never actually played it. I don’t know why I feel
ashamed about that. I have plenty of rpg projects I’ve backed that I haven’t
got to the table. I have plenty I’m certain I’ll never get to the table. But <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Storium</i> sounds so cool. And it might be
a way for me to overcome my dislike of play by post games. I’ve tried them and
there’s something about the medium that kills me. Even when we’re creating a
cool story, I can’t bring myself I write responses. I don’t know what it is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Storium</i>’s gotten a ton of positive word of mouth—and <a href="https://storium.com/" target="_blank">you can try it for free</a>. But I know it’s
dropped off the map for many of its earliest and most enthusiastic advocates.
When I’ve talked to folks about their experiences, they describe a trail of
dead and half-finished games. OOH that’s how I’ve heard PbP games described in
general…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">8. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/156613/zettel-rpg" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Zettel-RPG</span></a></i> (2014)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A short, saddle-stapled German rpg. RPGGeek lists it as part
of Gratisrollenspieltag (aka German Free RPG Day). The Geek makes this great comment
about the game, "Jens Stengel's photographs of everything from dice to walnut
shells provide a refreshingly unorthodox backdrop."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">9. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/193882/cdb-engine-manual-del-jugador" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">CdB Engine</span></a></i> (2015)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">CdB apparently stands for Cacería de Bichos, which I’ve seen
translated as Bug Hunt, Bitter Hunt, and Bite Hunting. It’s a massive Spanish-language
universal rpg split into three volumes: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Manual
del Jugador</i> (300 pages), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Manual del Director
de Juego</i> (288 pages), and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Manual de Equipo
y Vehiculos</i> (336 pages). That last book may hold the record for a game-associated
equipment supplement. CbB’s blurb describes it as "hard, realistic and considerably
tactical." That makes me suspect it might not be for me. The same rules also
power the game <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Walküre</i>, a transhumanist
alternate-reality rpg. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It looks like the company has supported the line, judging by
this <a href="https://tesorosdelamarca.com/categoria-producto/juegos-de-rol-en-pdf/cdb-engine/?add-to-cart=5839" target="_blank">page of supplements</a>. There's a solid <a href="https://turbiales.blogspot.com/2017/01/cdb-engine.html" target="_blank">review of the system here</a>. If you're curious about it, check out their <a href="https://www.verkami.com/projects/12909-cdb-engine" target="_blank">crowdfunding page which has descriptions and sample pages</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">10. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/148997/Cypher-System-Rulebook?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Cypher System</span></a></i> (2015)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cypher comes out of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Numenera</i>
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Strange</i>, two already
versatile rpgs. The latter's multiversal setting offered a proof of concept
that the system could handle multiple genres. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Numenera </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Strange</i>
have core books with dense information and detail on the setting. They're about
disgorging a ton of content. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cypher</i>’s
core rules does the same, but with character options and bits as the detail
dump. It's a massive book with dense layout and text. But what’s weird is it isn't
that complicated a system. In fact, I think it conceals its simplicity under a ton
of chrome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Characters have only three stats (Might, Intellect, and Speed).
When they attempt something challenging, the GM sets a difficulty from 1 to 10.
The player negotiates to modify this. The final difficulty times three is the number
the player must meet or beat on a d20 roll. Stats don't affect the roll directly,
instead players can spend from these to reduce difficulty. So state task, GM assigns
difficulty, modify difficulty, roll a 20. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The complexity comes in the modify difficulty section. Characters
have skills, talents, gear, weapons, armor, and effort. Each can reduce that
difficulty. Nothing creates a huge swing, instead you collect incremental shifts
to make things easier. Some of these details can be complicated. For example, using
a stat to reduce difficulty isn't straight 1 for 1. Instead characters spend
Effort which is three points from their relevant pool to reduce the difficulty by
a step, BUT that cost can be modified by an Edge. At higher tiers characters may
spend this effort to reduce it by more than one, but that costs 2 from the stat
not 3. Also you can only apply an Edge once in the sequence of an action—to
effort or other special abilities. Learning the system means pushing aside the bells
and bobs to see the core; playing the system means mastering those bells and bobs.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cypher's core simplicity extends across the board; for example
damage is measured in a handful of states. It reminds me a little of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">True20</i>, core simplicity with levels and classes,
plus a lot of ornamentation atop that. The game also has a couple of key mechanics
outside basic resolution. For one, experience is about exploration and discovery.
As written the GM doles out experience not for mission success or defeating villains,
but for learning about the world. It's a cool concept, but requires tweaks depending
on the setting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">GM Intrusions are the other key idea. At any point the GM may
add an unexpected complication to the situation. This is aimed at a single character's
action (though the repercussions may be broader). The GM offers experience
points to the player in exchange for permission to have this happen. If the player
accepts they have to deal with the problem, get 1 XP, and give 1 XP to another player.
Players can refuse by spending XP. The intrusions feel like PbtA soft moves, but
more parallels GM compels from Fate. The rules encourage the GM to intrude at least
once per session, but no more than once or twice per character. That seems fairly
doable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've run three different Cypher games this month hoping to learn
via stress-testing. I’m still figuring out what I think. Character creation’s a
mix of loose and restricted. The different setting books have key shifts about
heightened powers and the cyphers (one-use items which are a main feature).
Probably the most challenging part for me has been setting the difficulty
number cleanly. The GM’s supposed to do that without reference to a character’s
skills, assets, or position. It’s on the players to bring those forward. As
well a player’s stats act as a pool—a spendable resource and a measure of
damage taken. Some characters will death spiral; others won’t <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Monte Cook has recently released a <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/231653/Cypher-System-Rules-Primer?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">16-page quick system guide for <i>Cypher</i></a>. It does a good job of distilling
the basics. The following year Monte Cook ran a "Worlds of Cypher" Kickstarter,
adding several new full-book settings. It included <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Predation</i> (timepunk dinosaurs), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gods
of the Fall</i> (like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Godbound</i>), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unmasked</i> (weird '80's teen supers), and a
collection of chapters handling different genres.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">11. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/147467/Krendel-Core?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Krendel Core</span></a></i> (2015)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A system with an unusual opening. Universal rpgs have a common
problem: where do they start? Genre-specific games can begin with a setting summary,
lay out typical play, or drop game fic on unsuspecting readers. OOH universal
rpgs don't have that defaulting beginning (though some still vomit game fiction
forth). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Krendel</i> starts with a discussion
of the gamer contract and expectations. From there it moves to explanations of Declaration
vs. Intent, Narrating Success and Failure, and Tailoring the Rules. I haven't seen
another game on these lists begin with that high level discussion. We've had "what
is an rpg?" and "This is why I wrote this universal heartbreaker"
intros, but nothing quite like this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Krendel</i> itself uses
a single d10 roll for resolution. Actions have a target number of 4 + skills &
bonuses - penalties. Players try to roll as close to that number as possible without
going over. If they succeed, they get successes equal to the number rolled. Difficulty
applies penalties to the TN and successes can be spent on various effects. It reminds
me of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fading Sun</i>'s roll under mechanic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The game’s simplicity connects to some serious crunch in places.
The discussion of scale, volume, area, and range came out of left field and
signaled a shift in the rules. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Krendel</i>
opts to present all the mechanical bits before we get to character creation or even
a sense of what characters might look like. Eventually we get to the lists of traits
and skills and their associated rules, but the thread’s hard to follow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Krendel </i>has a ton of
optional mechanics. It presents these in callout boxes next to their corresponding
system rather than pulling them to a distinct chapter. I like rules options and
I dig that it's as much a toolbox as it is a system. But while I appreciate having
options close by for later reference, it distracts while reading initially.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall <i>Krendel </i>feels trad, complete with pages and pages of
powers and abilities, detailed guns & equipment lists, systems for building
unique items, defined environmental threats, and more. Also in some places <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Krendel </i>seems tied to a specific setting
(the Artifice section) and in others moves to the universal. It has great chapter
header art, but the in-chapter illustrations look sketchy at best. If you'd like
to check this out, both the Core and the <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/147470/Krendel-Powers?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Power rules</a> can be found for free right
now on DriveThru. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">12. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/177561/lite" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lite</span></a></i></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;"> (2015)</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A German-language universal rpg. Until recently you could
find it on DriveThruRPG. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lite</i>’s a stat-based,
dice pool system with point buys. It was released with a Creative Commons license
(a more and more common approach). Designer Jürgen Mang also created the comedy
RPG <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Das Weltenbuch</i> and the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">SpacePirates</i> RPG. The latter has had a long
life, with several supplements. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">13. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/150747/PowerFrame-Core-Rulebook?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">PowerFrame</span></a> </i>(2015)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An anime-inspired universal rpg, though not as far down that
road as OAV or BESM. PowerFrame has a cartoony look and a clean layout. Characters
have abilities measure from -5 (appalling) to +5 (masterful). To test an action,
players roll a d6 and add their relevant value. These dice explode both up and down.
The final result has to beat a target number set by the GM. A roll of -3 or less
is a critical failure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To build a character players pick from a list of abilities and
assign points to those. The game seems simple enough, though it does use specific
ranges measured in hexes and the weapon list from the rules primer takes up a full
page. Armor has protection ratings in each of the four different types of damage.
Overall I like the look and feel of the game, but it drops down to trad lists and
approaches in places (distinct action types and lists, dual-wielding rules, movement
points, travel & exposure). If you're looking for something relatively easy
to pick up and play, but want a hex-map anime combat feel, this might be for you.
<a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/127539/PowerFrame-Primer?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">There’s a quick start available</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">14. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/173121/QuestCore-RPG?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">QuestCore</span></a></i></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;"> (2015)</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An rpg from a Swedish company. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">QuestCore </i>came from a Kickstarter which I think supported both the language
editions. It has a small core book-- less than 60 pages. The blurbs mentions D&D
and d20 as inspirations a couple of times. The system itself uses the oft-ignored
d12 for resolution. Characters have seven basic stats (Will gets added to the usual
lineup) and skills. Overall it feels like a slimmed down version of d20. tdphillips
does an extensive <a href="https://rpggeek.com/thread/1837087/lets-read-questcore" target="_blank">read-through over at RPG Geek</a> and confirms that assessment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Kickstarter page is worth looking at. It's nicely designed
and presented, using the best of the game’s art assets. It sets up some of the games
selling points: simpler than D&D, Skip Williamson's writing an adventure, universal
mechanics. But there isn't much meat to the discussion beyond that-- no quick start
or sample material to seriously examine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">15. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/145963/Those-Who-Play-Narrative-Focused-RPG?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Those Who Play</span></a></i> (2015)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Subtitle:</i> A Narrative Focused RPG. Another one funded via Kickstarter;
this had modest goals and 45 supporters. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Those
Who Play</i> appears to be built on a d10 dice pool system with abilities and skills
associated with one of four pools: Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Social. Beyond that
it's hard to say-- the KS page is remarkably thin on details and there's no reviews
so far. And the 114 page pdf goes for $18.29 on DriveThruRPG. That's about $7 more
than if you'd backed the KS originally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">16. Universal
Adjacent</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Several games come close to being universal but place some bounds
on play. I'd originally planned to put <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/130544/CHRONOS-Universal-LARP-System-Core-Deck?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Chronos Universal LARP</a></i> on the list above, but the game has a multiversal setting.
In each world players can explore "Aether" which has shaped history
in different ways. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chronos</i> uses
special cards for generation and resolution.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/221492/Downfall?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Downfall </a></i>has you play child characters in a decaying civilization. While you can use any kind of world, the
play's structured around telling those stories of collapse. It’s a sharp game
and worth checking out. Will Hindmarch used IndieGoGo to fund <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/127526/Odyssey-Journey-and-Change?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Odyssey: Journey and Change</a></i> a few months
before his Kickstarter for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Project: Dark</i>
began<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. Odyssey</i> delivered in late 2014.
In it you explores stories of journeys and how those change the characters. It's
an interesting concept applicable to many settings. Finally <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.dog-eared-designs.com/" target="_blank">Primetime Adventures</a></i> 3rd edition offers the
most recent version of this TV-themed rpg. You can play out any genre, but done
as a television show. That framing device shapes the narrative. Players who
love PTA seem torn on this revision; some appreciate the changes while others
prefer 2e. I hope we can see some violent edition wars over this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">17. Electronic-Only
RPGs</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The following universal rpgs have a substantial electronic-only
edition: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/158024/aarg-preflight-edition">AARG Preflight
Edition</a></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">: A 3d6 based system. Designer Steve Keller released this slim version,
but doesn't seem to have followed up on that.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amazing Roleplaying
Game</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">: Has a fully generic version and one with an alt-history steampunk setting.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cornerstone</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">: Ben Dutter's
1d6 based "answer to </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Freeform
Universal</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fate</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, GURPS, and </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Savage Worlds</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.”</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Modos Roleplaying Game</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:
Though it presents the fantasy genre as a default, Modos is intended for universal
play.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monad System</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">: An Italian
universal rpg which has released several supplements in recent years</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Multiverse Adventures</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:
The in-house generic system powering many of Starbright Illustrations shovelware
rpgs.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pangenre 2e</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">: A d20
universal system which does away with ability numbers, classes and levels.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/208910/sigil-system">The Sigil System</a></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:
The universal version of the system Stormforge Publishing uses for their other game
</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Runed Age</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. The company also released
</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Glyph System</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, a lighter version of
this.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simpli-6:</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Base rules
includes the "Arkalanon" setting. The publisher has released a couple
of supplements including </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mythic West </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and
</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mars Rising</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Solo Gaming Rules:</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
Pretty much what's written on the label.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">VIP Core</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">: "VIP
stands for Variable Initiative Point. The system gets its name because in the VIP
System all actions have an initiative point cost."</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/04/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-one-1978.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part One: 1978-1993)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/05/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-two-1994.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Two: 1994-1997)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/07/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-three.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Three: 1998-2004)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/09/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-four.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Four: 2005-2007)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/01/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-five.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Five: 2008-2009)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/02/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-six-2010.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Six: 2010-2011)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/04/history-of-universal-rpgs-part-six-2012.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Universal RPGs (Part Seven: 2012-2013)</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">History of Universal RPGs (Part Eight: 2014-2015)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-history-of-post-apocalyptic-rpgs.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Post-Apocalyptic RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2013/04/history-of-steampunk-victoriana-rpgs.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Steampunk & Victoriana RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2013/10/history-of-superhero-rpgs-part-one-1978.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Superhero RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2012/08/history-of-horror-rpgs-part-one-1981.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Horror RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/03/history-of-wild-west-rpgs-first-fifteen.html" target="_blank"><b>History of Wild West RPGs</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/03/kami-katanas-samurai-rpgs-part-three.html" target="_blank"><b>Samurai RPGs</b></a></span></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-75486779507617222822018-03-27T11:19:00.001-04:002018-03-27T11:19:35.581-04:007th Sea: The Crescent Empire: Sample Characters<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sp_8Pe2VTEw/WrpgE-ZhE_I/AAAAAAAAOnI/S5Ci3SdrTD0DNsnRNh_itHu7JqlNjkmJQCLcBGAs/s1600/7th%2BSea%2BCover%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="564" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sp_8Pe2VTEw/WrpgE-ZhE_I/AAAAAAAAOnI/S5Ci3SdrTD0DNsnRNh_itHu7JqlNjkmJQCLcBGAs/s200/7th%2BSea%2BCover%2Bcopy.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In April I’m running three rpgs using Middle Eastern
influences in different ways: <i><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/204291/Coriolis--The-Third-Horizon-core-book?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Coriolis</a></i>
(“<i>Arabian Nights </i>in Space”), <i><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/170689/Blades-in-the-Dark?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Blades in the Dark</a></i> set in Iruvia (a locale
with a Persian feel), and <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/218575/7th-Sea-Crescent-Empire?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank"><i>7<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">th</span> Sea</i>’s <i>The Crescent Empire</i></a>. This
last one’s the most complete consideration of Middle Eastern themes across
multiple cultures. I like <i>Coriolis</i>,
but it definitely uses the exotic as its pull. <i>The Crescent Empire</i> feels more respectful. Like the rest of <i>7<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">th</span> Sea</i> it remixes history
and geography to create a more gameable setting. And unlike some other Middle
Eastern/<i>Arabian Nights</i> rpg material I’ve
read the setting and peoples have a voice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway I’ve been working to refresh my knowledge of Middle
Eastern culture. I focused on that in college, even living in Egypt for a year.
But it has been decades since I examined that. I’m working through <i>Destiny
Disrupted</i> and <i>City of Brass</i> right now,
as well as these rulebooks. One of the best ways to get a feel for a game &
setting is to make characters. I’ve created six pre-gens for our <i>7<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">th</span> Sea TCE</i> game. If you’re
running <i>7<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">th</span> Sea</i> you might
find these useful. To give them a focus, I’ve even included proto-Stories for
each to jump off from.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Mechanics note: </b>I chose to have each character's Virtue and Hubris come from the same Arcana. I like how in several cases these forces pull the PC in different directions. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jt6gQXnJGPk/WrpWPajuBiI/AAAAAAAAOmg/9MJnlAEPu0UyWJY12OyTUIVIpvJlJkMewCLcBGAs/s1600/anatol%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="175" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jt6gQXnJGPk/WrpWPajuBiI/AAAAAAAAOmg/9MJnlAEPu0UyWJY12OyTUIVIpvJlJkMewCLcBGAs/s1600/anatol%2B2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Concept:</b> Reformed Guerrilla Turned Escort Guard</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nation:</i></b> Anatol Ayh<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Religion:</i></b> Dinist<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Backgrounds:</i></b> Kurtanglu, Duelist<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">TRAITS </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brawn 3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finesse 3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Resolve 2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wits 2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Panache 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SKILLS </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aim 0 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perform
1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Athletics 3 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ride
2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brawl 2 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sailing
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Convince 0 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scholarship
1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Empathy 2 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tempt
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hide 2 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Theft
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intimidate 2 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warfare
1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Notice 1 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weaponry
3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">QUIRKS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earn a Hero Point when you involve yourself in a conflict
solely for the glory it will bring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earn a Hero Point when you resort to the edge of your blade
to defend a noble ideal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ARCANA: The Hanged
Man</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Virtue: Altruistic:</i></b> Activate your Virtue to suffer a Risk’s
Consequences in place of another Hero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hubris: Indecisive:</i></b> You receive a Hero Point when your Hero
takes an Action to pause in hesitation, doubt, or uncertainty before she makes
a move.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ADVANTAGES</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Duelist Academy:</i></b> You may perform Duelist maneuvers (see other
materials). You are trained in Mubarizdun which gives you the Style Bonus: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mubarizdun Shock</i> When you wield a heavy
weapon in two hands, you may perform a special Maneuver called Mubarizdun
Shock. When you perform Mubarizdun Shock, deal one Wound. The next time any enemy
(Villains, Brute Squads, etc.) who saw you perform Mubarizdun Shock deals
Wounds this Round, she deals one less Wound for each Rank you have in
Intimidate. You may perform Mubarizdun Shock only once per Round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heedless Assault:</i></b> When you inflict Wounds to another character,
spend a Hero Point. The Wounds you inflict cannot be reduced in any way. For
the rest of the Round, you may not spend Raises to reduce Wounds that you or
any other character takes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Remember My Name:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point to activate this Advantage
before you roll dice in a Risk against a character that you have encountered
before. Remind him of what happened last time you met (if the interaction went
in your favor) or tell him specifically how this time will be different (if it
didn’t). You gain 5 Bonus Dice on all Risks against that character. This lasts
until the end of the Scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Skirmisher:</i></b> When you engage in Mass Combat as a Solo, enemy
units lose dice equal to your Ranks in Wits or Finesse (whichever is higher) on
all rolls directed against you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Valiant Spirit:</i></b> You begin each game with 2 Hero Points instead
of 1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">STORY</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goal:</i></b> Convince [Former Lover] to Leave [Villain's]
Service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reward:</i></b> Intimidate 3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 1</b> Find
[Agent] of [The Villain]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 2</b> Impress
and woo them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 3</b> Get them
to repudiate [Villain] and come with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNkgBo7s8Rk/WrpWPL_9EbI/AAAAAAAAOmc/n7aZWFClyFEpdK6jCApgyHV4oYspD2vWgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Boxer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="175" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNkgBo7s8Rk/WrpWPL_9EbI/AAAAAAAAOmc/n7aZWFClyFEpdK6jCApgyHV4oYspD2vWgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Boxer.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Concept:</b> Boxer
Physiker</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nation:</i></b> Sarmion<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Religion:</i></b> Yachidi<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Backgrounds:</i></b> Pugilist, Yachidi Doctor<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">TRAITS </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brawn 4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finesse 2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Resolve 2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wits 3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Panache 2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">SKILLS</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aim 0<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perform
1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Athletics 3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ride
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brawl 3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sailing
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Convince 1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scholarship
3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Empathy 3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tempt
1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hide 0<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Theft 0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intimidate 1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warfare
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Notice 3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weaponry
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">QUIRKS</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earn a Hero Point when you drop what you’re holding to fight
with fists regardless of your opponent's weapon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earn a Hero Point when you coerce, persuade, threaten,
cajole or otherwise force a character to allow you to give her medical
attention.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ARCANA: The Tower</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Virtue: Humble:</i></b> Activate your Virtue to gain 2 Hero points
instead of 1 when you activate your Hubris or trigger a Quirk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hubris: Arrogant:</i></b> You receive a Hero Point when your Hero shows
disdain, contempt, or otherwise looks down on a Villain or someone who could
cause harm to friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ADVANTAGES</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Boxer:</i></b> You gain 1 Bonus Die when you make a Brawling Risk to
punch, kick, headbutt or otherwise injure another character using nothing but
your own body. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Duelist Academy:</i></b> You may perform Duelist maneuvers (see other
materials). This style is modified from an Avalonian style<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>to give us a Barehanded one. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Fish’s Leap:</i> When able to move freely—your armor is not constrictive and
you have vertical clearance—you may perform a special maneuver called the
Fish’s Leap. The Leap is a sudden high jump that allows you to leap over or
around your target’s guard, regardless of your weapon. This maneuver deals Wounds
equal to your Ranks in Athletics, and these Wounds cannot be prevented in any
way. You may perform the Leap once per Round. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Extended Family:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point to reveal you have a
distant cousin who lives nearby and can help you with materials, information,
or shelter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Indomitable Will:</i></b> After another character attempts to
intimidate, seduce, or otherwise goad you, spend a Hero Point to automatically
resist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Staredown:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point to intimidate a character into
backing down from a threat, letting you into somewhere he shouldn’t, or
otherwise getting out of your way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Triage:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point to identify a poison or disease,
determine a character’s injuries (and how to best treat them) or save someone
from an immediate medical threat (such as someone choking, has a collapsed
lung, etc.). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">STORY<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goal:</i></b> Obtain Lost Secrets<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reward:</i></b> Miracle Worker (4pt. Talent)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 1</b> Track down
[The Villain]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 2</b> Find out
who they gave [Ancient text] to. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 3</b> Locate and
steal the text. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 4</b> Find a
translator for the text. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Kxd3SCVJ4o/WrpWPCBkE6I/AAAAAAAAOmU/Z2Q1bO88QhcSYl6ljgiFdZus_7avJqq_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Persic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="175" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Kxd3SCVJ4o/WrpWPCBkE6I/AAAAAAAAOmU/Z2Q1bO88QhcSYl6ljgiFdZus_7avJqq_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Persic.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Concept:</b> Hunted
Rebel Turned Tomb Raider</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nation:</i></b> Persis<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Religion:</i></b> Ahurayasna<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Backgrounds:</i></b> Persic Rebel, Treasure Hunter<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">TRAITS</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brawn 2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finesse 3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Resolve 2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wits 3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Panache 3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">SKILLS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aim 3 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perform
1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Athletics 3 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ride
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brawl 1 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sailing
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Convince 0 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scholarship
2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Empathy 1 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tempt
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hide 3 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Theft
3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intimidate 1 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warfare
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Notice 2 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weaponry
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">QUIRKS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earn a Hero Point when you tell someone in authority exactly
what you think of him, even when you really shouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earn a Hero Point when your hunger for rare trinkets, lost
artifacts or a similar treasure gets you into trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ARCANA: The Fool</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Virtue: Wily:</i></b> Activate your Virtue to escape danger from the
current Scene. You cannot rescue anyone but yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hubris: Curious:</i></b> You receive a Hero Point when you investigate
something unusual, especially if it looks dangerous.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ADVANTAGES</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Deadeye:</i></b> You gain 1 Bonus Die when you make an Aim Risk using a
pistol, blunderbuss, or a thrown weapon such as a knife or axe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Delay the Inevitable:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point during an Action or
Dramatic Sequence and select any Consequence with a Time Limit. You delay that
Time Limit by as many Raises as you spend. However, that Consequence can no
longer be overcome or reduced by anyone spending Raises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Got It!:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point to immediately pick a lock, crack a
safe, or disarm a trap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nerves of Steel:</i></b> Whenever you spend a Hero Point to give
yourself Bonus Dice in a Risk against a creature or character with a Monster
Quality, you gain 1 Re-Roll in addition to the normal effects of your Hero
Point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Perfect Balance:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point to move across a thin beam,
jump from one place to another, or otherwise perform a feat of perfect agility
and balance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Slip Free:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point to slip your hands free from
manacles, loosen the rope tying you to a chair, or similarly free
yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Team Player:</i></b> When you spend a Raise to create an Opportunity,
you can spend a second Raise. If you do, you activate the Opportunity on behalf
of another willing Hero— she doesn’t need to spend her own Raise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">STORY</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goal:</i></b> Bring Back [The Item] to its owner<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reward:</i></b> Brush Pass (3 pt. Talent)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 1</b> Locate
[The Villain's] secret lair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 2</b> Steal [The
Item].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 3</b> Return it
to [Rightful Owner].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-GgaOMKJMg/WrpWQPPjOVI/AAAAAAAAOmo/rtcOKczmlPEB_VTLtahAyeg7bNU3GBHLACEwYBhgL/s1600/diplomat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="175" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-GgaOMKJMg/WrpWQPPjOVI/AAAAAAAAOmo/rtcOKczmlPEB_VTLtahAyeg7bNU3GBHLACEwYBhgL/s1600/diplomat.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Concept:</b> Unexpected
Diplomat </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nation:</i></b> Tribes of the 8th Sea<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Religion:</i></b> Ahurayasna<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Backgrounds:</i></b> Zahrah’s Cousin, Courtier<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">TRAITS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brawn 2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finesse 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Resolve 3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wits 3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Panche 3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">SKILLS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aim 0 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perform
3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Athletics 1 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ride
2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brawl 0 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sailing
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Convince 3 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scholarship
2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Empathy 2 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tempt
2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hide 1 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Theft
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intimidate 0 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warfare
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Notice 1 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weaponry
3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">QUIRKS</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earn a Hero Point when you convince another character to
commit to a course of action by appealing to his bloodline, family honor,
national pride or a similar aspect of his personal history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earn a Hero Point when you turn the tide of violence with
charm and flair</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ARCANA: The
Lovers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Virtue: Passionate:</i></b> Activate your Virtue when another Hero
takes Wounds to prevent her from suffering those Wounds. You take one Dramatic
Wound instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hubris: Star-Crossed:</i></b> You receive a Hero Point when your Hero
becomes enamored with someone she really shouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ADVANTAGES<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Amab Almaada:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point when you have fewer Raises
than your opponent during the first Bayt of a poetry duel. You can reassign the
Skills that you have chosen between your three Bayts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">An Honest Misunderstanding:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point to edit, redact,
or otherwise alter something you or another Hero just said, “reinterpreting”
the words into the kindest compliment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Direction Sense:</i></b> As long as you have some point of reference,
you are never lost. That isn’t the same as knowing exactly where you are—if
you’re knocked unconscious and wake up in a dungeon, you don’t necessarily have
any idea what city you are in, but if you manage to escape your cell you will
never get turned around in the winding tunnels that make up the dungeon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Friend at Court:</i></b> When you are at a ball, feast, or similar high
society function, spend a Hero Point to reveal you have a close friend also in
attendance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Insistent:</i></b> When you apply Pressure to another character, spend
a Hero Point. The effect of your Pressure lasts until the end of the
Round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Multi-Tasker:</i></b> When you spend a Raise on your Action to activate
an Opportunity, you may spend a Hero Point to reduce a Consequence as if you
had spent a single Raise to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Old Traditions:</i></b> You know the old rites of hospitality and
can request them from another when you need food, water, shelter, medical aid
or something similar. The other character offers you this aid so long as she
does not believe it places her in danger, and so long as you make assurances to
do the same for others. This Advantage has no effect against a Villain or his
direct underlings, or characters who have some reason to already dislike or
distrust you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rhyme & Verse:</i></b> You are a Kavi, a poetry duelist (see other
materials). You are practiced in Hakawati. The Hakawati Style focuses on
familial and tribal history, weaving tales from subplots and darting to and
fro. Referencing one drama to the next, interweaving words like crafting a fine
basket, a Hakawati poet takes oral history and puts it to rhyme and meter.
Style Bonus: A Hakawati practitioner gains 1 Bonus Die during the second
Bayt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">STORY<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goal:</i></b> Implicate Rival<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reward:</i></b> Fencer (3 pt. Talent)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 1</b> Track down
[Agent] of [The Villain].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 2</b> Set them
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 3</b>
Incriminate and get [Agent] arrested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kX_RwikQ9wU/WrpWPF_F61I/AAAAAAAAOmY/W6lleMqTT7skKhXN6HZNb2dHv8_0AAThwCEwYBhgL/s1600/anatol%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="175" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kX_RwikQ9wU/WrpWPF_F61I/AAAAAAAAOmY/W6lleMqTT7skKhXN6HZNb2dHv8_0AAThwCEwYBhgL/s1600/anatol%2B1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Concept:</b> Former
Pirate Turned Scout</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nation:</i></b> Anatol Ayh</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Religion:</i></b> Dinist <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Backgrounds:</i></b> Explorer, Pirate<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">TRAITS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brawn 2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finesse 2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Resolve 2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wits 2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Panche 3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">SKILLS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aim 1 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perform
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Athletics 3 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ride
1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brawl 0 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sailing
2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Convince 1 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scholarship
2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Empathy 1 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tempt
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hide 1 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Theft
1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intimidate 2 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warfare
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Notice 2 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weaponry
3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">QUIRKS</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earn a Hero Point when you set your eyes upon a sight few,
if any, have ever seen before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earn a Hero Point when you make a personal sacrifice to
ensure the freedom of another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ARCANA: The
Fisherman</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Virtue: Humble:</i></b> Activate your Virtue after you roll dice for a
Risk. You lose half of your Raises. All other Heroes in the Scene with you gain
as many Raises as you lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hubris: Timid:</b>
Receive a Hero Point when you avoid the spotlight, insist that you're nothing
more than a simple man or refuse to take credit for something that would be
advantageous for you to claim as your own work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ADVANTAGES<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Indomitable Will:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> After another character attempts to
intimidate, seduce, or otherwise goad you, spend a Hero Point to automatically
resist.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quick Reflexes (Weaponry):</i></b> Choose one Skill. You always take
actions as if you had an additional Raise to spend when you use that Skill. For
example, if a Hero has Quick Reflexes with Weaponry and rolls 3 Raises with
that Skill, she takes her first Action on 4 Raises. If she spends 1 Raise to
take an action (and so has 2 Raises remaining) her next Action occurs on 3
Raises. A Hero can buy this Advantage multiple times. Each time they do, they
choose a different Skill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Second Story Work:</i></b> You can spend a Hero Point to locate a way
into a building or restricted area. You can bring up to one other character
along with you, but everyone else has to find their own way in—or wait for you
to open a path for them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sniper:</b> </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You gain 1 Bonus Die when you make an Aim Risk using a long-barrelled musket, longbow, or crossbow.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Step Where I Step:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point when you spend a Raise to
take an Action involving movement, navigating a dangerous environment, avoiding
a trap, leaping a chasm or some similar threat. Another Hero of your choice
comes with you, avoiding any threats as if she had spent a Raise.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">STORY</span></b><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goal:</i></b> Rescue Former Captain [name] from [The Villain].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reward:</i></b> Student of Combat (3 pt. Talent)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 1</b> Track down
a known agent, [Name].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 2</b> Get the
information on location from the agent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 3</b> Rescue
Captain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q0PNq8GYpU/WrpWP1rrGZI/AAAAAAAAOmk/UagmUk6uxQoG23dm0Dgz9NFkApkLmXmIQCEwYBhgL/s1600/asassin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="175" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q0PNq8GYpU/WrpWP1rrGZI/AAAAAAAAOmk/UagmUk6uxQoG23dm0Dgz9NFkApkLmXmIQCEwYBhgL/s1600/asassin.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Concept:</b> Sorcerer
of Light from the Land of Assassins</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nation:</i></b> Ashur<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Religion:</i></b> Orthodox<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Backgrounds:</i></b> Hatapu, Castaway<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">TRAITS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brawn 2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finesse 3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Resolve 3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wits 3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Panache 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">SKILLS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aim 3 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perform
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Athletics 2 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ride
1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brawl 2 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sailing
2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Convince 0 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scholarship
3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Empathy 0 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tempt
1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hide 3 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Theft
1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intimidate 0 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warfare
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Notice 3 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weaponry
0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">QUIRKS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earn a Hero Point when your commitment to saving someone
else from witnessing the horror and pain of death causes you trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earn a Hero Point when you go out of your way to save
another character from isolation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">ARCANA: The Drowned
Man</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Virtue: Tenacious:</i></b> Activate your Virtue when you would be
killed. Through some twist of fate or circumstance you survive, but are
immediately and forcibly removed from the Scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hubris: Doomed:</i></b> Activate your Hubris when you take 1 or more
Dramatic Wounds. You gain a Hero Point for each Dramatic Wound you just
endured.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ADVANTAGES<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brains of the Outfit:</i></b> When you spend a Hero Point to give Bonus
Dice to another Hero during a Risk, you may spend a second Hero Point. If you
do so, you grant that Hero additional Bonus Dice equal to your Ranks in Scholarship
if you describe how your knowledge of academic pursuits will aid in her
Risk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cast Iron Stomach:</i></b> Spoiled or raw food never negatively affects
you, and you still gain required sustenance from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cover Name:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point to employ a cover identity until
the end of the Scene. Choose any non-National Background for your cover
identity. While operating as your cover name, once per Round during a Dramatic
Sequence, you can change your Approach to any Skill from your cover identity’s
Background. A Hero can only have one cover identity at a time; if you purchase
this Advantage again, you invent a new cover name and lose your old one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Disarming Smile:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point to keep another character
from drawing a weapon, starting a fight, or resorting to violence. She will
still defend herself, but she will not start any violent conflicts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Handy:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point to repair a broken item, rig a
damaged gun, patch a leaky ship, or perform similar miracles, causing the
object to function normally for the rest of the Scene. At the end of the
Scene—or if the object suffers any additional damage—the object becomes
unusable until you have time to perform serious repairs with the proper
tools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reckless Takedown:</i></b> Spend a Hero Point to immediately defeat a
single Brute Squad, regardless of its Strength. You immediately take 1 Dramatic
Wound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sorcery (Nawaru):</i></b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Guardian’s
Peace: </i>Activate this turru to give another person a sense of calm, simply
by touching him (minor).<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Guardian’s Dart:
</i>Point at a target at range and this turru sends a fine, concentrated beam
of light to destroy it. If aimed at a character, he takes Wounds equal to your
Finesse; if aimed at a handheld or particularly fragile object, it is
immediately destroyed. A larger object (such as wagon, statue or building) is
partially destroyed and unusable or unsafe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sorcery (Nawaru):</i></b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cover
of Darkness:</i> Activate this turru to draw all light into yourself—in a room,
or if outside, a small area centered on you. Candles are extinguished, fires
snuffed and even the sun itself dims. The darkness lasts until you release the
light, you leave the area, or the end of the Scene. (minor) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dawning Revelation:</i> Activate this turru
to call on the powers beyond to reveal a major piece of necessary information
to aid you in your current situation. However, one must take care—the
conception the powers have of necessary (and when it is necessary) may not be
the same as yours. What you get will always be useful, just not necessarily as
expected...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">STORY<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goal:</i></b> Track Down the Traitor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reward:</i></b> Sorcery 3 (2 pt. Talent)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 1</b> Find
[Agent] of [The Villain].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 2</b> Kill them
quietly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>What do you think? Comments or suggestions?</i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/01/150-colorful-npcs-for-7th-sea.html" target="_blank">150 Colorful NPCs for 7th Sea</a></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/01/150-details-for-7th-sea-scenes.html" target="_blank">150 Details for 7th Sea Scenes</a></i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/01/150-details-for-7th-sea-scenes.html" target="_blank"> </a> </span></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-37918647181410500932018-03-22T09:40:00.002-04:002018-03-22T09:40:23.961-04:00Coriolis: The Third Horizon: 1P Player Cheat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iqydzqA2Mr8/WFrQExQL06I/AAAAAAAALTw/Eu69DOuYLOItmVFWTha1vmFV5KU_a_gMgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/coriolisscov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="710" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iqydzqA2Mr8/WFrQExQL06I/AAAAAAAALTw/Eu69DOuYLOItmVFWTha1vmFV5KU_a_gMgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/coriolisscov.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm preparing three different games for the Gauntlet Hangouts in April, <i>Blades in the Dark</i> (in Iruvia), <i>7th Sea The Crescent Empire</i>, and <i>Coriolis: The Third Horizon</i>. I ran <i>Coriolis</i> before when the quickstart first came out. It shares the <i>Mutant: Year Zero</i> system, with a few key differences like level of combat granularity and how it handles rerolls. Below is a cheat sheet which should give players the basics when they come to the table. <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/tesmtejiv06wofo/Coriolis%20Basics%201_1.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">You can find a pdf here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>BASICS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Coriolis</i> uses much the same system as <i>Mutant Year Zero</i>, though more forgiving. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You roll a pool of d6’s usually based on Attribute + Skill. You’re looking for one “6” for a success. That’s all you need. There are only 16 skills in the game: <i>Basic</i> and <i>Advanced</i>. You can only make an advanced skill test if you have at least a 1 in the skill. One or two successes is a limited success. Three+ successes is a critical success. In combat you can spend extra successes for additional results. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No successes means the GM gets to inflict a problem. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you get no successes, you can ”Pray to an Icon.” Reroll all non-6 dice. You can only do this once per roll. BUT when you do this, the GM gets a Darkness Point. They can spend this on effects later in the session. You can do <i>Preparatory Prayers</i> to a particular icon. For the rest of the session you get an extra die when you reroll skills associated with that Icon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gear gives you extra dice to relevant skills. Aiding someone as an action gives an extra die. If you have the <i>Command </i>skill, you may roll that giving extra dice = to successes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most skills are self-explanatory. Social leverage modifies <i>Manipulation</i>. Use <i>Observation</i> to spot ambushes and super-hidden things. Otherwise if you look for a thing, you find it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everyone begins with a randomly determined <i>Icon</i> association. This gives you an Icon talent. These talents as well as some others generate <i>Darkness Points </i>for the GM. The GM uses Darkness Points to make things ammo run out, have ship systems break, activate adversary abilities, reroll their check, give a reaction to an NPC, invoke a PC’s personal problem and so on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>COMBAT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Roll one die for initiative. Talents & combat successes can raise this. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On your turn you have 3 Action Points (AP). Slow actions cost all 3 AP; normal actions cost 2 AP; and fast actions cost 1 AP. The lists make it look complicated, but it’s easy in play. </span><br />
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>SLOW ACTIONS (3 AP):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Firing an aimed shot; firing full auto; administering first aid; tinkering with a gadget; activating a mystical power. </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>NORMAL ACTIONS (2 AP): </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Attacking in close combat; firing a normal shot; reloading a weapon; ramming with a vehicle. </span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FAST ACTIONS (1 AP): </b></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sprinting a short distance (typically 10m); taking cover; standing up; drawing a weapon; picking up an item; parrying; making an attack of opportunity in close combat; Making a quick shot; going into overwatch; getting into, starting, or driving a vehicle.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FREE ACTIONS (0 AP):</b></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Using your armor against an attack; defending in an opposed roll; a quick shout to a comrade. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A quick attack/shot is a fast action, but gives you a -2. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">STRESS= mental damage = Mind Points. DAMAGE = physical effects = Hit Points. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Melee Combat</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With a successful attack you inflict weapon damage. For each additional six, choose one bonus effect: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">+1 damage (may choose multiple times.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inflict a critical injury. This costs extra sixes (beyond the first one) equal to weapon’s Crit Rating. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Deal 1 point of stress (may choose multiple times)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Raise your initiative score by 2 (may choose multiple times)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make enemy drop weapon or hand-held item.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pin your enemy in a tight clinch. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Defending</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Defending against a melee attack is a fast reaction. Test Melee Combat. Each six allows you to choose an effect. </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Neutralize one enemy 6. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perform an attack dealing weapon damage. You may not increase this. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inflict a critical injury. This costs extra sixes (beyond the first one) equal to weapon’s Crit Rating. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Raise your initiative score by 2 (may choose multiple times)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make enemy drop weapon or hand-held item after attack. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An aimed shot is a slow action, giving you +2. A quick shot is a fast action but you get a -2. Only at close range and your weapon empties if you fire three times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ranged Combat</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With a successful attack you inflict weapon damage. For each additional six rolled, choose one bonus effect: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">+1 damage (may choose multiple times.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inflict a critical injury. This costs extra sixes (beyond the first one) equal to weapon’s Crit Rating. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Deal 1 point of stress (may choose multiple times)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Raise your initiative score by 2 (may choose multiple times)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make enemy drop weapon or other hand-held item.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Additional Options: </i>Grappling, Attacks of Opportunity, Reloading, Overwatch, Automatic Fire. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Damage is not rolled, it is simply inflicted. Cover and Armor resist damage. Roll that value; each 6 reduces the damage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you go to 0 HP, you are <i>Broken</i>. You cannot take actions or use skills. Further damage may cause <i>Critical Injuries</i>. If someone has the <i>Medicurgy</i> skill they may attempt first aid.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>END OF SESSION:</b> GM asks XP questions (risking for mission, personal problem, learning about PC, helping PC buddy, following Icon). You may spend 5 pts to raise a skill or add a talent. Some talents also cost <i>brir </i>(money).</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-53316601905678726472018-03-15T13:19:00.002-04:002018-03-15T13:19:20.047-04:00Lessons from Doskvol: Learning Blades in the Dark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxVa8Jpblxk/WTgZu2wFdHI/AAAAAAAAMK0/GUMndzT8djc7bjzSVAKq1sWtZBsN45syQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/bitd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="682" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxVa8Jpblxk/WTgZu2wFdHI/AAAAAAAAMK0/GUMndzT8djc7bjzSVAKq1sWtZBsN45syQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/bitd.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This last Friday marked the 16<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">th</span> session of our
f2f <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/170689/Blades-in-the-Dark?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Blades in the Dark</a></i> campaign. I
checked in and everyone seemed on board to continue. I’ll check in again in
another six sessions. We have a big table for this: six players, and over all
the sessions we’ve only had a single player missing twice. Blades doesn’t feel
designed for a table of six, but it works and we’ve seen characters (and the
gang) evolve over arcs. In April, I begin an online Blades campaign using the
Iruvia setting (and Johnstone Metzger’s new playbooks). I set that up for a
dozen sessions through The Gauntlet Hangouts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I dig <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blades in the
Dark</i> but even sixteen sessions in I learn new things about the play. At its
core <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blades</i> has a simple and flexible
resolution mechanic. The rules offer extensive advice and examples. Notably the
rules embrace that different GMs run differently, even with the same core
system. BitD talks about rulings and how they affect play. A GM tunes and shades
their Doskvol through choices and interpretations. I’ll repeat this phrase
throughout: that can take some getting used to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blades</i> has deep
structures built on those simple rules. Designer John Harper has keenly crafted
and developed those. Each playbook suggests new things about the setting.
Mechanics like downtime and post-score resolution enrich choices. I’ve found <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blades</i> easy to learn, but challenging to
master. This post covers some lessons I’ve learned and things I’ve noted. <b><i><u>YRMV</u></i></b>
but I want to point GMs (and players) to some considerations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you’re interested in <i>Blades</i>, I recommend checking out
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHFeW6sDK7Y&list=PLhnce2Cs9CTUeWd6F4wlHlWVqwcq6zrQV" target="_blank">Kyle Thompson</a>’s extensive and unconfusing video series walking through the
rules. If you already dig Blades, consider checking out <i><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/samjokopublishing/hack-the-planet" target="_blank">Hack the Planet</a></i>, a Kickstarter by Fraser Simons which takes BitD into solarpunk territory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">MY STUFF</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each character has “possible” equipment in their playbook.
On a job each player selects their loadout LEVEL, trading number of items for
raising suspicion. On the actual job they can use that many items, selected on
the fly. Blades bakes that in by making each playbook’s choices unique. What
they can have speaks volumes about their archetype and the setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However in play we often forget equipment. When I GM I don’t
have those lists in front of me. The players forget because I move things fast
and they focus on stress and special abilities. I need to get better about
that. On the other hand, the book doesn’t spend much time on how exactly you
can use items. In the past I defaulted to an extra die if applicable. But a
recent discussion pointed out to me that it could also encompass fictional
justifications for actions, changes in scale of success, negation of some
stress cost, or pre-requisites for massively challenging tasks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">SUCCESS</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ve thought recently about where and how systems define
results/ success/ consequences. For example, in standard PbtA games your roll
lets you or the GM define those. Costs include GM Moves or the player picking
from stuff. PbtA also has a “tell them the consequences and ask” principle, but
that’s a situational thing. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mutant: Year
Zero</i> follows PbtA’s pattern. Players say their intent and roll. If they
roll one success they do it; they can spend extra successes to do more or
better. If they fail, then something bad always happens. In combat missing
serves as a cost; outside of combat the GM picks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Systems with modifiers figure out challenges and apply them
to the roll. Sometimes straight failure means nothing happens, sometimes it
triggers an obvious consequence. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cypher</i>
has a twist on this—additional costs can come from particularly bad rolls. The
GM can also perform an “Intrusion” at any time to complicate things. While the
rules discuss what bad stuff and intrusions look like in relation to different tasks
and roles, the system doesn’t require that failure generate anything other than
failure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the other hand <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">7th
Sea</i> takes a different approach. When a player needs to do something, they
make a Risk. When they take an action, they 1) say what they want to
accomplish, 2) define their skills & trait, and 3) get bonus dice and roll.
The GM says how many raises they need to do what they want. But the GM <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">must</b> also establish what Consequences
are on the table: getting hurt, losing something, an NPC’s safety, taking too
long, looking bad, expendable resources, a bad future position. Essentially the
GM has to state their move. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">EVERY RISK</i>
has a Consequence (sometimes more). If it doesn’t have a consequence, then the
player shouldn’t roll. This frontloads thinking about fallout and
circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blades in the Dark</i>,
as I read it, mixes these approaches. A standard control has two axes: position
and effect. Position defines the severity of consequences or problems. The situation
may make that obvious or it may remain abstract. Sometimes I describe the
moment in more detail to put everyone on same page. The player rolls and from
the result level we determine any consequences (mixed or failure). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But we also have situations players walk or fall
into—intrusions of a kind. They’re attacked by a master duelist, the demon pops
up, the building collapses—and there’s a consequence on the table. It’s not
necessarily the fallout from an action, it’s events in the fiction. Now players
act to avoid the consequence and rolls to see how much stress they take in the
evasion. Here we have sometime close to <i>7<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">th</span> Sea</i> with frontloading
and choice. In play we flip back and forth between those two, with one
potentially rolling into the other. Eventually it flows, but at the start it
requires a new approach to seeing what’s happening on the table. (<a href="http://walkingmind.evilhat.com/2018/01/" target="_blank">See also this post</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TEACHING AND LOOKUP</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love how <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blades in
the Dark</i> teaches the rules. It slowly and carefully layers information,
backing up to repeat and emphasize as it introduces new systems. I have a
strong memory of it slowly clicking into place. That organization and structure
has a cost. I have a hard time finding things when I have to look things up at
the table. Years of baked-in assumptions of where you find bits in a rulebook
made that worse. But even with tabs attached to pages, when I have to reference
something it will invariably elude me. Every freaking game it takes me two
minutes to find the session end experience mechanics. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ON DECK</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you run BitD, I highly recommend Andrew Shields’ <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/172348/Blades-in-the-Dark-Heist-Deck-Print-and-Play?affiliate_id=451397"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blades in the Dark Heist Deck</i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i> It’s generates excellent characters,
challenges, and targets. You’ve got some of that in the random tables at the
back of the rules, but this has greater depth and detail. I’ve used them as is
and as a springboard for other concepts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">GHOST TOASTIES</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’m soft on ghosts. I’ve tried to make them seem scary and
super dangerous—the book suggests encountering one ought to damage a person’s
sanity. I’ve done that when they’ve faced spectral guards and similar
challenges. But the setting makes ghosts ubiquitous and hitting the same note
doesn’t feel quite right. I need to figure out how to make them more nuanced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I’ve also been soft on some of the consequences and costs
for our Whisper. Our player likes to dig herself deeper into situations, so I
don’t want to double the cost. I suspect the way I handle Whispers looks more
like a classical mage. Overall the lesson becomes think about how you want ghosts
presented at the table. If you have a Whisper player, you need to give them
fair warning and a sense of how you’re going to play this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>COGNITIVE LOAD</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Doskvol challenges the GM. On the one hand, it offers an
awesome, well-realized city. I support <a href="https://www.patreon.com/ryandunleavy/posts">Ryan Dunleavy’s Patreon</a>
for new maps. I bought a poster-sized map and set it in the middle of the
table, covered with plexiglass. Doskvol’s strange layout and gothic look
provides the players a touchstone. But the GM still has to do some heavy
lifting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Doskvol has a multitude of moving parts and events—and I’m
not just talking the factions. The many groups have complicated relationships and
unique agendas. If the GM keeps clocks for the many gangs and groups, have to
analyze and advance those consistently. They need to think about what the
factions look like—especially what territories they hold and how that impinges
on the PC gang. The GM juggles a lot there, but the game supports that with
reference lists. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Understanding and conveying the actual feel and culture of
the city poses more difficulties. In order to pull off scams and plot actions,
players need a sense of the world. As with other story games, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blades</i> builds much of that through
collaboration and questions. But quickly the GM has to manage consistency,
especially as new details smack up against key setting concepts. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blades in the Dark</i> has several, but I’ll
point to just one: it’s dark all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There’s no sun. All the light in Doskvol comes from
firelight or ghost-powered lamps. That changes the setting massively. How do
people get food? The book mentions mushrooms and some other sources, but ghost growlights
eventually screw things up and limits scale. What other sources exist, what
kinds of plants can people eat—and then what kinds of wildlife survive? Is this
constrained food supply a pure free market or does the Empire control and dole
out some subsistence rations? That’s a classic historical formula—if so what
does that distribution look like, how much corruption exists? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Darkness is just one detail, but it has a host of implications.
What about the death of the gods and the existence of cities, what about the
massive risk in travelling between cities, what about the ubiquity of ghosts,
what about the massive Deathlands keeping everyone trapped in urban centers? Doskvol
creeps up on you. You might have grokked the feel of the place, but not have a
grip on the actual city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many game settings don’t have the same level of
interconnected depth. I run a ton of rpgs for The Gauntlet Hangouts; I’ve
learned how to condense and present settings. I find the key elements and put
those in front of the players: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kuro,
Unmasked, 7th Sea, Mutant City Blues</i>. I file off corners and heavy details
to deliver verisimilitude. But <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blades in
the Dark</i> has a complicated architecture. As with the rules there’s a simple
key premise: rough urban center in perpetual darkness. But the game enriches that
deeply. If you run, you’ll find yourself returning to the book repeatedly to
help your framing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5S5DltwAnc/Wqqpl4GcU3I/AAAAAAAAOio/6QAz6lP11ooqPreCSL9ckipqXaWMkbhCQCEwYBhgL/s1600/thief-audale-bridge-fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1260" height="185" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5S5DltwAnc/Wqqpl4GcU3I/AAAAAAAAOio/6QAz6lP11ooqPreCSL9ckipqXaWMkbhCQCEwYBhgL/s320/thief-audale-bridge-fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">PARITY OF ABILITY</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Players will discover the potent character abilities. In my
game multiple PCs have chosen three of these. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Functioning Vice (Spider)</i></b>
allows the players to modify the results of their roll when indulging their
vice. In practical terms, this means they’ll never overindulge except in rare,
rare circumstances. Plus if someone shares their vice, they can bring them
along for the same effect. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Calculating (Spider)</i></b> allows for an
additional downtime action. If you have six players, as I do, and everyone
takes this, as they did, that’s 18 downtime actions. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Training,</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Asset Creation</i>,
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heat Reduction</i> will skyrocket. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Little Something on the Side (Slide) </i></b>gives the character +2 stash at
the end of every downtime. That will rack up and changes the resource dynamic
at the table. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">None of these break the game, but GMs should know how they
can shift play. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>JOB DESCRIPTIONS</b></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each Gang Type has a set of preferred jobs aka <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hunting
Grounds</i></b>. They pick one of four as favored, but the others point to the
kinds of missions the gang will typically want to handle. These don’t map
directly to the six job types mentioned in BitD’s Approach section. For example
Assassins have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">accident, disappearance,
murder</i>, and<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> ransom </i>as choices. I can
easily imagine these operations and what they’d look like in the system. On the
other hand, our crew type, Hawkers, have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sale,
supply, show of force</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">socialize</i>.
That presents greater challenge to structure as a cool job-- one where everyone
gets to show off their talents. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That means as a GM you need to look really hard at and
brainstorm those. The gangs can do jobs outside of these, but those choices
points to what the players might expect. I wish the book had further discussion
and examples for the different hunting grounds. I think that’s a rich vein to
tap for someone doing Forged in the Dark supplements. Rob Donoghue has pointed
to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leverage </i>and <a href="http://walkingmind.evilhat.com/2017/07/27/the-long-con/" target="_blank">cons as a rich source of job types and that helps</a>. But I probably need to spend some prep time
thinking more about variations on these hunting grounds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Hope that proved useful. If you’ve run or played
Blades, what have you seen?</i></b></span></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-54469189087009339922018-03-08T11:24:00.004-05:002018-03-08T11:24:55.432-05:00Unmasked: Five Sample Characters<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SV1VUm8bDdU/WqFjCVYM2gI/AAAAAAAAOgw/bVhO2-NtwowTxTY0oWnh2TAXH-gFjKknwCLcBGAs/s1600/Unmasked%2BCov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1234" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SV1VUm8bDdU/WqFjCVYM2gI/AAAAAAAAOgw/bVhO2-NtwowTxTY0oWnh2TAXH-gFjKknwCLcBGAs/s200/Unmasked%2BCov.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I’m running three different <i>Cypher System</i> games this month, as I mentioned in <a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/02/cypher-system-1p-player-cheat.html">this
post</a> on my <i>Cypher System</i> cheat
sheet. Both <i>Fall of the Gods</i> and<i> Predation</i> have excellent pre-gens in
their quick-starts. Unmasked does not, but that gave me the opportunity to dive
into the character creation process. I asked the players to pick their
descriptors and class. I also had them outline the kinds of powers they’d like
and I hunted down fitting foci. You can see the results below. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Unmasked</i>
characters have two parts: their teen selves and their “Mask” selves. It’s a
great concept, with a tug-of-war or split happening between those. In a few
cases I stuck took parts from some of the class themes in the <i>Cypher</i> core book to make the players’
concepts work. These are all Tier 1 Effort 1 characters, but I gave them two
extra abilities because we’re only playing four sessions. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9H0osv6qOg">You can watch the video for
Session One here</a>. You can also find <a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/02/cypher-system-1p-player-cheat.html">my
revised Cypher 1P Cheat here</a>. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Darlene Szabo</b> is a
<b><i>CREATIVE TEEN</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MIGHT 6<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SPEED 7<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INTELLECT 9<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">TEEN SKILLS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Collage (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Puzzle-solving (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Learning new things (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pleasant Social Interactions (Intellect Inability)</span></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plus three teen skills</span></i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewQstcmXhO8/WqFjUIYaW2I/AAAAAAAAOhE/vgxrzWI1eA8g-GAe_pXqiGkhnDypVsJEQCEwYBhgL/s1600/hs%2BgIRL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="146" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewQstcmXhO8/WqFjUIYaW2I/AAAAAAAAOhE/vgxrzWI1eA8g-GAe_pXqiGkhnDypVsJEQCEwYBhgL/s200/hs%2BgIRL.jpg" width="104" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MASK: Babylon Pi </b>is a<b>
<i>NEW WAVE CHANGER</i> </b>who<b> <i>WANTS TO BE
ADORED</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MIGHT 11<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SPEED 11<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INTELLECT 15 Edge 1<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Power Shifts:</i></b> 1 Shift Sonic Blast (7d); 1 Shift Attacks; 1
Shift Sound Control<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MASK SKILLS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Music (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Speculative Thinking (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fitting In (Intellect Inability)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ABILITIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Class Basics (Light weapons no penalty, Prodigy Sight, Use
Momentos)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Encouragement (1 Intellect Point)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Liberace (1 Intellect) <i>Unmasked
General Ability</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Original: Teen Only;
<i>from Creative</i>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sonic Blast (1 Intellect Point)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sound Control (2 Intellect) <i>Note to get what the player wanted I made up this in as the ability to
perform minor sound illusions. Enabler.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spin Identity (2+ Intellect Points)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stink Eye (1 Intellect Point)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Terrifying Presence (2+ Intellect)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWDv1ZkmBII/WqFjTbeEbfI/AAAAAAAAOg0/CVvG3IZjqWwuzIYgB5MHmQ6eynOoGn0iwCEwYBhgL/s1600/demon%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="276" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWDv1ZkmBII/WqFjTbeEbfI/AAAAAAAAOg0/CVvG3IZjqWwuzIYgB5MHmQ6eynOoGn0iwCEwYBhgL/s200/demon%2Bcopy.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anthony Rivas</b> is a<b>
<i>LAWFUL TEEN</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MIGHT 6<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SPEED 7<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INTELLECT 7<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">TEEN SKILLS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Non-combat tasks when upholding the law (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Knowing laws (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Revelation prophecy (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Dungeons and Dragons</i>
(Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Skateboarding (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Breaking the law (Intellect Inability)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MASK: Abraxas</b> is a<b>
<i>MYSTERIOUS CHANGER</i></b> who<b> <i>CONSORTS WITH
THE DEAD</i></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MIGHT 10<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SPEED 10<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INTELLECT 14 Edge 1<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Power Shifts:</b> 1
Shift Unliving Vigor (additional recovery roll); 1 Shift Fast (see skills); 1
Shift Necromantic Attacks (see skills)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MASK SKILLS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stealth (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Resisting questioning (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Initiative (Speed Power Shift)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Speed defense (Fast) (Speed Power Shift)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Necromantic Attacks (Speed Power Shift)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gaining Trust (Intellect Inability)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ABILITIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Class Basics (Light weapons no penalty, Prodigy Sight, Use
Momentos)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Aggression (2 Intellect Points)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Confounding</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Death Touch (1 Intellect Point)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Entangling Force (1+ Intellect Point)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Premonition (2 Intellect Points)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seek Them Out (1 Intellect Point) <i>Unmasked General Ability</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Speaker for the Dead (2 Intellect Points)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Shawn Jefferson </b>is a<b>
<i>GUARDED TEEN</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MIGHT 6<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SPEED 6<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INTELLECT 10<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">TEEN SKILLS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Intellect Defense (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Discerning Truth (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pinball Wizard (Speed Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Scrounging/Dumpster Diving (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plus a teen skill</span></i></li>
<li><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Deception or Persuasion (Intellect Inability)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MASK: Bulldog </b>is a<b>
<i>BRASH SMASHER</i> </b>who<b> <i>ABIDES IN STONE</i></b></span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MIGHT 22 Edge 2<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SPEED 10<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INTELLECT 9<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Power Shifts:</b> 1
Shift Armor (total 2); 1 Shift all Strength tasks; 1 Shift Punch Damage (+3d)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MASK SKILLS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Initiative (Speed Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overcoming Fear or Intimidation (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Punching (Might Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(<i>physical skill: run,
climb,etc</i>) (Might Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(<i>physical skill: run,
climb,etc</i>) (Might Trained)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ABILITIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Class Basics (All weapons no penalty, Prodigy Sight, Use
Momentos)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bash (1 Might Point)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Golem Body</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Golem Healing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No Need for Weapons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Where Did That Come From? (2 Might Points) <i>Unmasked General Ability</i></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zmKrJQ-RhcY/WqFjTyGYVHI/AAAAAAAAOhA/xUAfqSJjxO0vQ6JIVwxjGSrO7utb_oiwACEwYBhgL/s1600/goth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="180" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zmKrJQ-RhcY/WqFjTyGYVHI/AAAAAAAAOhA/xUAfqSJjxO0vQ6JIVwxjGSrO7utb_oiwACEwYBhgL/s200/goth.jpg" width="83" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Eric Pinkard </b>is a<b>
<i>METAL-HEAD TEEN</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MIGHT 10<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SPEED 7<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INTELLECT 6<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">TEEN SKILLS <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mechanical repair (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Drinking (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Makeup Application (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Applying Band-Aids (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blend in or Conceal Identity (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MASK: Warlock </b>is a
<b><i>LUCKY THINKER</i> </b>who<b> <i>TRAVELS BACK FROM THE
FUTURE</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MIGHT 10<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SPEED 9<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INTELLECT 15 Edge 1<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Power Shifts:</b> 1
Shift Interfacing with Technology (see skills); 1 Shift perfect organism
(resistance poison, suffocation, etc); 1 Shift attacks <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MASK SKILLS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Interfacing with Tech (Intellect Power Shift</span>)</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ABILITIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Class Basics (Light weapons without penalty, Prodigy Sight,
Use Momentos)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Advantage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Far Step (2 Intellect Points)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'll Waste You: Teen Only; <i>from Metal Head</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Luck Pool</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Onslaught (1 Intellect Points)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Scramble Machine (2 Intellect Points)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shatter (2 Intellect Points)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's Heavy (3 Might Points)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sofia Di Maio </b>is a<b>
<i>KIND TEEN</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MIGHT 6<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SPEED 8<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INTELLECT 8</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">TEEN SKILLS <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pleasant Social Interactions (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Discerning People's Dispositions (Intellect Trained)</span></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plus three teen skills</span></i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Detecting Falsehoods (Intellect
Trained)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MASK: Laser Flip </b>is a
<i style="font-weight: bold;">SWIFT MOVER</i> who<b> <i>MOVES LIKE THE
WIND</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MIGHT 13 Edge 1<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SPEED 18 Edge 1<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INTELLECT 8<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Power Shifts:</b> 1
Shift Unarmed damage; 1 Shift Dexterity (-1 movement, acrobatics, dexterity,
and Speed defense); 1 Shift Reaction Speed (initiative and Speed defense). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">See skills.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MASK SKILLS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Balancing (Speed Trained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Initiative (Speed Power Shift)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Movement, Acrobatics, Dexterity (Speed Power Shift)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Speed Defense (Speed Power Shift</span> x2)</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ABILITIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Class Basics (Light and medium weapons without penalty,
Prodigy Sight, Use Momentos)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Block (3 Speed Points)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Danger Sense (1 Speed Point)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fleet of Foot</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Karma: Teen Only: <i>from
Kind</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No Need for Weapons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Opportunist</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Running Speed</span></li>
</ul>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-91504556210502574922018-02-28T10:08:00.004-05:002018-03-08T10:45:01.296-05:00Cypher System: 1P Player Cheat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tomorrow kicks off my <i><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/148997/Cypher-System-Rulebook" target="_blank">Cypher System</a></i> month on the Gauntlet Hangouts. I’ll be running sessions of three different <i>Cypher </i>settings: <i><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/186171/Gods-of-the-Fall?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Gods of the Fall</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/214180/Predation?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Predation</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/227681/Unmasked?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Unmasked</a></i>. It’s the first time I’ve run <i>Cypher</i> and I’m excited to give it a try. I’m using pre-gens for the Thursday games, but making up characters for our Sunday sessions of <i>Unmasked</i>. To orient myself (and the players) I crafted a one-page cheat sheet. It doesn’t cover everything, just the basics players might hit in a couple of sessions. I’ve also made a <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/5jgst8l23t6ekil/CYPHER%20SYSTEM%20BASICS%201_1.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">formatted pdf of it if you’re interested</a>. Also check out the <i><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/231653/Cypher-System-Rules-Primer?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Cypher System Rules Primer </a></i>available for free. <span style="color: red;"><b>NOTE: I've updated the pdf with a couple of additional details. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>CYPHER SYSTEM BASICS</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Declare your task.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The GM assigns a difficulty, usually 1-10, and a stat (Might, Speed, Intellect). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You reduce that difficulty number (via skills, circumstances, effort)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Multiply the final difficulty by 3.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Roll that number or above on a d20</span>.</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>LOWERING DIFFICULTY</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As you can see, you’ll focus your work on step 3. So how can you lower difficulty?</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Skill: </b>if you have a related skill reduce difficulty by one step. If you’re “specialized” reduce it by 2 steps instead. If you have an Inability you increase it by 1. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Assets: </b>This catch-all includes equipment, aid, high ground, etc. This can at most reduce the difficulty by 2 steps. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Effort:</b> For every 3 points spent from the stat Pool, reduce the difficulty number by 1. Abilities modify this spend. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you reduce a difficulty to 0, you don’t have to roll. If you have Edge with a stat, you reduce the cost of Effort and ability activation from that Pool by one. You also have an Effort rating based on your Tier. This shows how many times you may apply Effort to a single action.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>COMBAT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Combat works the same. You roll both attack and defense; the GM never rolls in this fame. For initiative roll a d20 Speed roll. If you beat the NPC value, you go before them. Otherwise you go after. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Weapons do set damage. A light weapon does 2 damage, but reduces difficulty by 1 step. A medium weapon does 4 damage. A heavy weapon does 6 and requires both hands. Armor subtracts straight from damage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you roll a 19 and succeed, you get a minor effect. In combat that’s +3 damage, knockdown, or anything similar. If you roll a 20 and succeed, you get a major effect and regain any Effort you spent. A major effect in combat’s +4 damage or a similar effect. Outside of combat, major and minor effects let you do more and look cooler. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In combat, a 17 adds +1 damage; an 18 adds +2. You may spend Effort to increase damage. One level of Effort (usually 3 points) does +3 damage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you roll a one, the GM makes an Intrusion (see below) and doesn’t offer XP.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>DAMAGE AND HEALING</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Damage is subtracted from the appropriate Pool, usually Might. When your first stat Pool gets reduced to 0, you are Impaired. It now costs an additional point to apply Effort. You don’t get major or minor effects from rolls when Impaired. If you take more damage apply it to the next Pool (Speed, then Intellect). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you’re Impaired and take enough damage to reduce another stat Pool to 0 you’re Debilitated. Can crawl around, but that’s it. If you take enough damage to reduce another Pool to 0 you die. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To recover you Pool, rest. Roll 1d6+1 and divide the result among your Pools as you wish. Your first recovery each day takes an action. After that it requires an increasing amount of time (ten minutes, one hour, ten hours). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>INTRUSIONS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At any time, the GM may introduce a complication called an Intrusion. This spotlight’s a particular character. Something happens, a task turns out to be more difficult, a job requires more resources, the place blows up. If you’re chosen, you must deal with the situation, but you get 2XP. Keep one and give another to another player. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may decline an intrusion, but this costs 1 XP. If you have no XP, you can’t refuse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>INSIGHTS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are planning, researching, or scout, scouting, you can spend 3 Intellect and an action to gain a single bit of special knowledge from the GM that you can count on with certainty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>ABILITIES AND CYPHERS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your characters may have abilities allowing enhancements to actions, bonuses, or new action types (like firing lasers from your eyes). If something costs points to activate it, reduce that cost by your character’s Edge with that stat Pool. Cyphers are one-shot items; you can only carry a limited number of these. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>END OF SESSION</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the end of a session, the GM awards each player 1-4 XP if they made any significant discoveries. Basically if you learned or found out anything cool or new you get XP. This can be about the plot, the world, themselves, etc. 10 gains you a benefit; four benefits raise your Tier. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>What other essential elements did I miss? I left off distance & action since they're basic and can be explained in a moment by the GM. Here I wanted concepts players might need to check back on. I'll revisit this after I've run some sessions to see what key bits I forgo</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t. </span>Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-28521644012664182242018-02-26T16:19:00.003-05:002018-02-26T16:21:59.920-05:00Hearts of Wulin: What Next?<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ran the last session of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hearts
of Wulin</i> PbtA yesterday. I tied together several character threads, put two
PCs in the spotlight, and significantly changed some entanglements. Down below I’ve
put links to the session videos and my previous posts on the system. Today I
want to consider some of the material I need to develop if I want to make this
a full-fledged game. This isn’t everything, but its where I plan to start. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Side note: I used a PbtA <a href="https://joebanner.co.uk/whats-a-love-letter/">“Love Letter”</a> this
weekend. That’s not a technique I’ve used much before. But we had a player miss
session three and return for four. It generated cool story changes and worked
well. I need to remember these for longer campaigns with characters dropping
out and popping back in later. Here’s the letter’s text: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You went
to protect your brother and remove him from the dangers, but also to consult
with your parents about the potential marriage arrangement. When you confront
your parents, roll. On a 10+ they hear your words and understand that what they’ve
done may be premature. However to keep face they require something significant
of you. What is it? On a 7-9, they’re upset with you and it creates a rift. They
will instead offer your brother’s hand in marriage to Zhen Ai. How does this
reshape your entanglements? On a 6-, they command you to accept the marriage
and formally announce it</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/01/hearts-of-wulin-conventions-assumptions.html" target="_blank">Hearts of Wulin: Conventions & Assumptions</a></i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/02/hearts-of-wulin-moves-mechanics.html">Hearts
of Wulin: Moves & Mechanics</a></i></b></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/02/hearts-of-wulin-playbooks.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Hearts of Wulin: Playbooks</a></b></i></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7kbKOy7cH8" target="_blank">Session One Video</a></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=_60X91dDNIY" target="_blank">Session
Two Video</a></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0oikEVArxI">Session
Three Video</a></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P47_lDETRnI" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Session Four Video</a></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">GM PRINCIPLES,
AGENDAS, AND MOVES</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ran this rough draft of </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hearts of Wulin</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> without a formal set of GM practices. Instead I
relied on my sense of the genre and conventions. Now I need draft guidance for
what that actually means. Looking back at sessions, I’ve spotted opportunities,
moments where I could have deepened the setting without too much intrusion.
Based on that I’ve assembled a preliminary set of GM elements—complementing more
universal PbtA admonitions.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GM Principles/Agendas</span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Establish the Wulin World</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emphasize the Split between Wulin and Normal World</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone Knows Each Other, Except When They Don’t</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Entanglements Change</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remind Them of Duty and Family</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone Speaks Obliquely About Feelings</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things Always Happen Without Warning</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Show the Parallel World of Imperial Authority</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Set and Maintain Your Level of the “Fantastic”</span></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GM Moves</span></b><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apply Long Suffering Wounds</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An Ally’s Accidental Betrayal</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Force a Struggle</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark a Condition</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Face the Past</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Engage a Rival</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a Challenger Appear</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Draw Them Together</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hint at Corruption</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Invoke Loyalty to Teachers & Mentors</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Threaten Family</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suggest Future Devastation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bring Loyalties into Conflict</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reveal History’s Hidden Truth</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Catch them in Revenge by Association</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peel Back a Disguise</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Level Accusations</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Send a Mysterious Invitation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Change Someone’s Scale</span></li>
</ul>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">SUPERNATURAL STORIES</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As it stand right now, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hearts
of Wulin</i> could include supernatural elements. There’s no reason to keep
that out of the fiction. But the mechanics don’t incentivize or enhance that. I
want to develop an optional material to help simulate movies like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bride with White Hair</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Green Snake</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Zu Warriors</i>. There’s a fine line between the heightened abilities
of martial arts in these movies and actual supernatural forces. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can think of three parts to support that: a) new roles for
the playbooks; b) new standard moves; and c) material covering supernatural
forces in the setting (ghosts, wizards, gods). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would be cool (and symmetrical) to have a new role for
each playbook. Off the top of my head, I’ve considered: Exorcist, Alchemist,
Monster Hunter, Taoist Magician, Cursed, and In Human Guise. This last one
would represent supernatural forces who have taken another form to interact
with humanity: Susu from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Sorcerer and
The White Snake</i>, Monkey from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Journey
to the West</i>, or Xiaowei from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Painted
Skin</i>. We’d handle that as an open secret at the table. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I imagine the Exorcist/Monster Hunter would have the ability
to resist the influence of and interact with their respective sphere of influence.
For each they’d also begin with an entanglement related to their work: a ghost
who loves them, a monster they protect, a creature seeking revenge but tied to
someone they care for. The Taoist Magicians often deals with ghosts, so maybe
it doesn’t need its own role move. I’d also like to steer away directly from
things with real world analogues. I’m not sure about the Alchemist and what
they could do. Both <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Qin the Warring Era</i>
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Legends of Wulin</i> have systems for
this, but I don’t want anything elaborate. Maybe more an herbalist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have an idea for The Cursed, but it’s rough: You have an
additional condition called Friends & Family. Any time you mark a
condition, you may mark this instead. If you do so, a future scene will
showcase a terrible event or encounter having happened to a close NPC. They
might be injured, haunted, or even simply angry at you for an unclear reason.
You have to deal with their problems to clear this condition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wonder if additional Basic moves would be needed. There’s
a trope in many of these movies that supernatural elements terrify the hardiest
unless they have preparation. I might not need anything except Overcome and a
consideration of Scale. As for going detailingr the supernatural—probably worth
assembling some general discussions of those tropes and maybe laying out some
fronts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">REVISING BASIC MOVES</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you saw in my Basic Moves post a few need significant re-tuning. I don’t think require complete retooled, but we will see. With more
play we might discover which moves get used and which get forgotten. In a
couple cases how I ran at the table varied from their text. I need to reconcile
that. For example, I originally intended that the Comfort & Support move wouldn’t
clear Conditions in a conflict situation, only outside of that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the table I let the players do clear those in a fight
because it felt right. Not permitting that would have shut down interesting
choices and limited things. In a PbtA game aiming for tragic pressure on the
players that might be right. But for one that embraces empowering action it
wasn’t. So I need to stress test other moves to see if we’ve got other frayed
edges. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">REVISING THE PLAYBOOK
MOVES</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Changing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Comfort &
Support</i> in turn meant I had to change at least one playbook move. In
general I’m happy with the starting playbook choices. They reflect the kinds of
characters I expect from this setting. Some of the moves seem a little
derivative and I need make them feel like they’re part of the wulin world. I
like eight moves each; I wouldn’t want to do too many more. They’d have to be
pretty cool to add them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a related note the playbooks right now say that players
can create custom moves for their style as an advancement. I need to provide examples
of those and guidelines for building them. I don’t necessarily want to go down
the rabbit hole of pre-built styles but I need to figure out what those could
look like. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">GENRE SUPPORT</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I want to write this up as a formal (and publishable)
project, I need develop materials which can help someone get into and run this
genre. The GM Moves will establish some of that. Tweaks to Basic and Playbook
moves to deepen flavor will help as well. A list of suggested viewing and
reading’s a must. To supplement that I want to go through some of the classic
movies and books examine them in the context of the game. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jianghu Hustle</i> does a great job of analyzing films to draw out
their wulin and gameable elements. I’d like to do something similar, but
talking about what moves occur at particular moments in these movies. I’d also
like to walk through some of the best wuxia TV series to show what a great resource
they can be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">OTHER CONCEPTS</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had additional concepts I didn’t develop for this first
draft. I don’t know if they’ll be worth pursuing. For example I thought players
transitioning might transition between the five archetypal playbooks as their
characters grew. Moving from X to Y playbook would open up a special move tied
to that shift. For example a character changing from Loyal to Outside might
have the “Disillusioned” move; from Aware to Student might gain “Broken Path;”
from Student to Bravo could have “Worldly.” I don’t know if it’s a worthwhile
goal to come up with twenty of those or not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">AWARENESS</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love these movies and stories but I’m also an old, white
dude. If I tune this publication I want to have Chinese and other Asian readers
look it over. It’d be great to have someone familiar with Chinese wuxia series
especially give their input. These are flashy, melodramatic stories—often soap
operatic-- but I don’t want to end up with a parody or something that just
revels in exoticism. I also need to get someone familiar with Korean swords
& history dramas. How do they differ and what kinds of tools might we need
to better serve those? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ORIGINS</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always take one of my own games to Origins Games on
Demand, though they’re often not picked by players. Last year I did all <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tales of the Loop</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Veil</i>; I never got to run <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Magic Inc</i>. I’ll try again with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">HoW</i>. With some tuning it could work as a
one-shot: two entanglements, list picks for names, pre-set factions, simple
playbooks. I might create NPC cards with pictures from my Pinterest board to
help evoke the setting. If I’m going to do that I’ll probably run a couple of
two shot sessions for the Gauntlet Hangouts in May. A split online two shot’s
probably the equivalent of a f2f four hour game. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I still have a bunch of work to do, but that’s the basics.
Thoughts?</i></span></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-69201105306430040472018-02-22T14:06:00.004-05:002018-02-22T14:06:45.483-05:00Cake in the Background<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'd almost finished a blog post draft and then I realized I'm going be spending at least part of my birthday tomorrow cleaning up my dad's water-damaged basement and I'd really rather be playing <i>Monster Hunter World</i> and so here's a picture of me running D&D as a kid at one of my birthday parties using a homemade DM screen. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcSDmac-clw/Wo8T-6woGaI/AAAAAAAAOZk/yG378z67D3E-13P9KbaEPwphphNw-nS4QCKgBGAs/s1600/img125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="450" height="272" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcSDmac-clw/Wo8T-6woGaI/AAAAAAAAOZk/yG378z67D3E-13P9KbaEPwphphNw-nS4QCKgBGAs/s400/img125.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-61713137261959833502018-02-20T15:09:00.002-05:002018-02-20T15:09:58.680-05:00Hearts of Wulin: Playbooks<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gw1pBb-FK4Q/Wox_qMiSC0I/AAAAAAAAOY4/datPctWE700kzdvEVgXlZgmppTeBLuL1gCLcBGAs/s1600/hearts%2Bof%2Bwulin%2Bposter%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gw1pBb-FK4Q/Wox_qMiSC0I/AAAAAAAAOY4/datPctWE700kzdvEVgXlZgmppTeBLuL1gCLcBGAs/s320/hearts%2Bof%2Bwulin%2Bposter%2Bcopy.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I posted the basic moves for Hearts of Wulin last week. So
far we have five playbooks Aware, Bravo, Loyal, Outsider, and Student. Each has
three “base” moves players choose from to refine their role. You can see some
moves are original and some hybridized. These are my first attempts; I think
they work well, but I also need to go back and look at them for how they fit
with the Basic Moves and the genre. I'm also unreasonably proud of naming all the moves after wuxia films & series. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With this, my last post, and experience with PbtA, you can
probably run <i>Hearts of Wulin</i>. As with the other move, where it says “roll,”
players select which Chi to roll with. You can see an example Google character
Spreadsheet for HoW here. There are some small changes to the Move texts
between these posts and the sheet, but they’re basically the same. On Thursday,
I’ll post some thinking about GM Moves & Principles, next steps,
repurposing these rules, and a distinct module for more supernatural wuxia
stories (<i>Bride with White Hair, Green
Snake, Chinese Ghost Story</i>). If you dig this, have questions, or run this
preliminary version yourself, give me a heads up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/01/hearts-of-wulin-conventions-assumptions.html" target="_blank">Hearts of Wulin: Conventions & Assumptions</a></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/02/hearts-of-wulin-moves-mechanics.html">Hearts
of Wulin: Moves & Mechanics</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7kbKOy7cH8" target="_blank">Session One Video</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=_60X91dDNIY" target="_blank">Session
Two Video</a></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0oikEVArxI">Session Three
Video</a></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htn2e25JUVU/Wox_q-Z0EVI/AAAAAAAAOY8/XdXYBNsgqOERzpuPjNn9tRqH8X5wTjnCwCEwYBhgL/s1600/135198296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="366" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htn2e25JUVU/Wox_q-Z0EVI/AAAAAAAAOY8/XdXYBNsgqOERzpuPjNn9tRqH8X5wTjnCwCEwYBhgL/s320/135198296.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AWARE</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>PICK ONE ROLE:</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MASTER</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You're a paragon of calm and thoughtfulness. You understand
when it is time to fight and when it is not. When you attempt to stop a
conflict as it breaks out, roll. On a 10+ you cool tempers. If anyone decides
to instigate the fight, they must mark a condition. This lasts until the
circumstances change. On a 7-9, you have a moment to negotiate. You must offer
the attacking side something they want or they will press their assault. On a
6-+, you’re caught up in the fight and suffer damage or blame.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SCHOLAR</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You're a gifted scholar, well read and well informed. When
you perform a Study action based on history, research, or informants, you
always gain +1 Hold. You gain +1 Forward acting on the information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TRAVELING SIFU</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have travelled across the land and met many people. You
know telltale signs and markings that reveal members of a faction. At a glance
you can pick out an unhidden person’s group or organization. When you attempt
to penetrate a disguise roll. On a 10+ you can identify them and ask a
question. On a 7-9 you can identify them but they notice your attention. On a
6+ you misidentify them or walk into a trap. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>THEN PICK TWO MOVES:</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FIVE DEADLY VENOMS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can immediately spot and identify any kind of poison or
potion before it's consumed in your presence. If someone has been struck by
poison, you may roll Overcome with a +1 to treat and heal them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HIDDEN DRAGON</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can build strange devices. Say what you wish to create
and the GM will tell you what you need (time, materials, assistance). If you
have those, roll. On a 10+ you build it. On a 7-9 the GM will tell you how its
effect will be uncertain or fragile. On a miss, choose whether you injure
yourself in the failure or the creation backfires spectacularly when used.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>CLANS OF INTRIGUE</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Choose a faction, you take +1 Forward on any social
interactions with a member of that faction. You're regarded as an honored guest
by them until proven otherwise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>STORM RIDER</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once per scene you may move to anywhere within line of
sight. This can be accomplished regardless of height or distance provided no
completely blocking barriers exist. While all PCs possess “lightfoot” movement,
this motion demonstrates mastery and may shock your opponents. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A TOUCH OF ZEN</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While you have a condition marked on your Style Element, you
may substitute another Chi in for Martial actions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FINAL MASTER</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you craft a plan with someone roll. On a 10+, hold 3.
On a 7-9, hold 2. You can spend your hold 1-for-1, regardless of distance,
while the plan is being carried out to:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add +1 Forward</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clear a Chi
condition</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reveal you have something necessary for the mission </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a miss, hold 1, but your
plan falls apart at the worst possible moment. On a fail, your plan’s revealed,
leading to betrayal or ambush.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THE PROMISE</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you attempt to keep someone from dying in your presence,
roll. On a 10+ you keep them from passing, though that may put them into a
suspended state. On a 7-9, you can do so, but there is a significant cost. On a
fail someone will somehow blame you for the death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>ASHES OF TIME</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take a +1 when you deal with <i>Inner Conflict</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-XP7Svm2c8/Wox_jSwuxoI/AAAAAAAAOYk/KO0Kl1dKKDgDlVye6YQoAh2mKHnso4NKACEwYBhgL/s1600/46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-XP7Svm2c8/Wox_jSwuxoI/AAAAAAAAOYk/KO0Kl1dKKDgDlVye6YQoAh2mKHnso4NKACEwYBhgL/s320/46.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BRAVO</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>PICK ONE ROLE:</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FAVORED ELDEST</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You're the blessed one, the person expected to take control
of your family one day. One parent may spoil you, defending you even if the
other becomes irritated at your behavior. You always have coin and everywhere
you go, merchants and innkeepers set the finest table for you and your entourage.
You can defer payment; they know your family's good for it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THIEF</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You keep a charming smile and live well, but behind the
scenes you pursue a life of crime. You're not a common criminal, of course. You
simply work to have the finer things in life you deserve. And you only steal
from those who deserve it. You may even be a "Robin Hood" character, striking
at fat cats and corrupt officials to aid the poor. Come up with a legendary
name for your criminal identity. You also have a foil: a magistrate or
investigating official who pursues you but manages to always pass you information
via their bumbling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>GALAVANT</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You travel from place to place, enjoying yourself, gambling,
and leaving a trail of broken hearts behind. You probably enjoy a bad
reputation among the respectable classes, but that only adds to your aura. You
may not be wealthy, but you know how to stay ahead of problems. When you would
suffer social, legal or financial consequences, name someone and roll. On a hit,
they suffer instead. On a 7-9, they know it was you. On a fail, your
scapegoating falls apart and your erstwhile victim finds out what you tried to
do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>THEN PICK TWO MOVES:</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THIEF OF THIEVES</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you case out a location, roll. On a 10+, ask three
questions from below. On a 7-9, ask two. Take +1 Forward acting on the answers.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What’s my best path in/out?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What happened here recently?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What here is worth stealing?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who or what here is not what they seem?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can I embarrass them?</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a miss, you find yourself in over your head. The GM will
tell you how you're in a bad spot.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>GOLDEN KNIGHT</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your clothing, belongings and quarters are all lavish and
expensive. Gain one of the following NPCs as a retainer: Servant, Assistant, Bodyguard,
Consort, or Teacher. Name the NPC and give them a 2-4 word description.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HEADS FOR SALE</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you go to your circle of contacts to get something you
want roll. On a hit, you get what you want. On a 10+ they provide more than you
asked for in volume or quality. On a 7-9 there's a cost or complication. Choose
one: it takes time, it depletes your ready cash, it attracts unwanted
attention, your contact needs other assistance—burn a bond. On a fail they
don’t have it and someone finds out about your hunt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>LAUGHING IN THE WIND</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you express yourself through a performance of song,
poetry, or other art, roll. On a 10+, choose 3. On a 7-9, choose 2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People understand your message.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One person present must meet you; tell the GM who.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You inflict or clear a condition of your choice in someone
present.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This experience begins to change popular opinion. Tell the
GM what it is you hope for. (2 choices)</span></li>
</ul>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LEGEND OF THE FOX</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you Study in a formal, official, or high society
setting you always have +1 Hold for choices. You gain +1 Forward acting on the
answers. As well without rolling you may always pick out who is the most
influential or wealthy person in the room at a glance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>IT TAKES A THIEF</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can slip from any restraint or pass through any door or
window as if it were open. This slippery nature <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>extends to attack and defense—you move
elegantly to avoid attacks so as to not wrinkle your dress or spill your plum
wine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TRACING SHADOW</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you spend time with someone to learn their web of connections,
roll. On a hit, you discover their three closest confidantes and a short descriptor
of that relationship. Alternately, you may learn one confidante and one debt
the target has not revealed to others. On a 7-9 your target’s aware of your
workings. On a miss someone you didn’t want to know becomes aware of your
meddling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>COME DRINK WITH ME</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So long as you continue to interact with someone, you keep
their attention and distract them from other business. You may even draw them away
to another locale. If they want to leave you, the target must mark a condition.
This ability doesn’t work after an open conflict has erupted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24VDVSESSAw/Wox_jdlGyCI/AAAAAAAAOYg/cztChlFFtWQemeYbAVnJP0XPEy6or9VjwCEwYBhgL/s1600/102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24VDVSESSAw/Wox_jdlGyCI/AAAAAAAAOYg/cztChlFFtWQemeYbAVnJP0XPEy6or9VjwCEwYBhgL/s320/102.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>LOYAL</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>PICK ONE ROLE:</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>DEVOTED CHILD</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You're loyal to your family or clan, and they in turn
support you. You have no worries about resources. Once per session you may call
in a favor from your family: a letter of introduction, pulling strings to get
you and your companions into an exclusive party, or perhaps support for a wild
plan. They may ask favors or have other expectations for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OFFICIAL</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You might be a magistrate, judge, or simply a civil servant.
This gives you a measure of authority. You have connections who can give you
information or help you out when you need it. Choose a type of contact- street
beggars, court hangers on, members of a particular faction. You can always make
contact with someone of that type who can give you basic information or help
you in some minor way, so long as it doesn't cost them anything or put them in
danger. If you want more hard-to-find information or a dangerous favor, you
will have to agree to a cost your connection stipulates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SWORDSMAN</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in the wulin world have learned combat, but only a few
have truly devoted themselves to it as deeply as you. Your service to your
family and clan comes in being the best knight you can be. You have an
additional Wounded condition. When you mark your first Wounded, you're bloodied
and cut, but you can still fight. You're only taken out after checking your
second Wounded. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>THEN PICK TWO MOVES:</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HEAVEN SWORD AND DRAGON SABRE</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You possess a legendary blade which can be recognized
wherever you go. You gain +1 when you Deal with Mooks or attempt to Impress
someone from the martial world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>PALADINS IN TROUBLED TIMES</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you seek advice from one of your seniors, roll. On a
hit they will tell you what to do. On a 10+, mark XP if you follow their advice
and take +1 ongoing to follow through. On a 7-9, you get +1 forward to see it
through if you do it their way. On a miss, they’re secretly connected to the
troubles you’re asking about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>STRIFE FOR MASTERY</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you give NPCS an order based on your authority, roll.
On a hit, they choose one from below. On a 10+, take +1 forward against them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow your order</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clear your path</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clumsily attack you</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Freeze with uncertainty</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a miss someone of your scale will challenge you for your
abuse of authority. This may happen now or in the future.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TRAIL OF THE EVERLASTING HERO</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you hunt someone, roll. On a hit, you know exactly
where to find them and can track them until you do. On a 10+, they're not
alerted and you take +1 Forward against them. On a miss, someone unpleasant
finds you first.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TWO WONDROUS TIGERS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you Support an ally, give them +2 to their roll instead
of +1.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>LEGEND OF THE MOUNTAIN</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you defend someone or something from an immediate
threat, roll. On a hit, you keep them safe and choose one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take control of something</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Change the location of the conflict</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gain a bond with the person protected</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a 7-9, you also expose yourself to danger or escalate the
situation. On a fail, tragedy occurs.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FLYING DAGGERS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may burn a bond with someone to appear in their
presence. Others may burn a bond with you to have you appear as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>RAGE OF THE TIGER</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When someone breaks a promise to you or lies to you and you
find out, you gain a Bond with them. If you burn this bond in an action against
them, you may add +2 Forward. Additionally, you can spend it to have one of
their plans or activities go awry. Say what happens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_speSoA04qg/Wox_lRnMn9I/AAAAAAAAOYw/6in6-NEKByklX8XtbaomzI_QdC2N_jrtACEwYBhgL/s1600/Tear%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_speSoA04qg/Wox_lRnMn9I/AAAAAAAAOYw/6in6-NEKByklX8XtbaomzI_QdC2N_jrtACEwYBhgL/s320/Tear%2B17.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">OUTSIDER</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>PICK ONE ROLE:</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>REBEL</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You rebel against something: a corrupt official, your
original faction, the Empire itself. When you call up your fellow rebels to aid
you, roll. On a hit you can secretly summon a small group to assist you. On a
7-9 choose one: it takes a long time, you cannot do this again until you're
performed a quest for your faction, the group's small in number, you attract
unwanted attention. On a fail, they’re in trouble right and your efforts deepen
that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WANDERER</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You travel from place to place in search of something:
purpose, faith, love. When you return to a community you’ve visited, roll. On a
hit, the locals remember you favorably. On a 10 or greater, they owe you a debt
of gratitude. On a fail you left a mess behind when you departed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TRICKSTER</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You're a trickster, happy go lucky and smart. You know how
to use the rules of the wulin and outside world to your advantage. You always
have leverage when you go to use the Hearts & Minds move, even against
those who might not otherwise be susceptible to your words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>THEN PICK TWO MOVES:</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A DEADLY SECRET</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When villains appear you always know who they are. The GM
will name them and you may declare (or ask for) one detail about them. You're
never taken by surprise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THE IMPOSTER</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can assume a perfect disguise. If you're impersonating
someone specific you must have seen them and have their garb. When you might be
challenged, roll. On a hit, your disguise fools them. On a 7-9 they have a
delayed suspicion. On a miss, your disguise falls apart on inspection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>ROYAL TRAMP</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may attempt to escape a situation, even when surprised.
When you try to escape, roll. On a hit, you get away. On a 7-9, choose a
complication:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You must mark a condition</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You end up in another dangerous situation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You leave evidence behind</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You owe someone; burn a bond.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a fail you walk right into their hands.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HOUSE OF TRAPS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you reveal a trap you've left for someone, roll. On a
hit, your opponent trips into it, and you get an opening or opportunity. On a
10+, you take +2 forward against them. On a miss, the trap inadvertently leads
to a dangerous escalation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>ALL MEN ARE BROTHERS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may choose to appear as another faction to those who do
not know the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HAVE SWORD, WILL TRAVEL</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once per session, you may announce your presence in the
perfect place to "help" someone, regardless of distance or logic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>REIGN OF ASSASSINS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So long as there are shadows and cover, you may attempt to
become invisible and undetectable for a scene. When you conceal yourself, roll.
On a hit, no one can detect you until you decide they can. You can break this
by choice or attacking. On a 7-9 you remain hidden but leave some trace of
yourself behind or alert someone in the scene before you reveal yourself. On a
miss, your attempt fails and leaves you vulnerable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HEROES SHED NO TEARS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you reject someone's declaration of love or friendship
because of the gap between you, clear a condition and take a bond with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k41D9hlogJo/Wox_kht9Q8I/AAAAAAAAOZE/r1xJ1TuXQmoV-_f2QshSUIZBcyKC-sbBQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Heavenly%2BTear%2BCharacter%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k41D9hlogJo/Wox_kht9Q8I/AAAAAAAAOZE/r1xJ1TuXQmoV-_f2QshSUIZBcyKC-sbBQCEwYBhgL/s320/Heavenly%2BTear%2BCharacter%2B4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>STUDENT</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>PICK ONE ROLE:</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WANDERING MONK</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You belong to a temple, but have decided (or been told to)
explore the temporal world. When wearing your temple robes, locals will treat
you with respect and even bandits may think twice before attacking you. You may
ask for hospitality while travelling. You must decide a vow which could cause
you problems during your journeys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>YOUNGER SIBLING</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You understand devotion and dedication even in the face of
suffering. When you burn a bond with a person for a bonus, you gain +2 instead
of +1. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HOPEFUL APPRENTICE</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have to prove yourself and your natural talent. When you
battle someone above your Scale, you do not lose immediately. You may choose to
mark a condition to keep your clearly superior foe busy. This gives others
breathing room to act, protect people, or get something they came for. If you
do this to cover the group's escape, then everyone gets away, including yourself.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>THEN PICK TWO MOVES:</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SACRIFICE</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you mark the <i>Wounded</i> condition, all of your allies gain
+1 Forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THE PROUD YOUTH</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you seek the guidance of one of your elders, tell them
a problem you face, and ask them a question about the problem. They will answer
it honestly, and tell you what to do. Take +1 ongoing if you listen. If you go
your own way, mark XP. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FACE TO FATE</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At start of session, roll 2d6. On a 6-, mark XP and the GM
gains a “karmic” soft move for later use. On a 7+, note the die roll. At any
time during the session, you may swap this in for a roll by you or an ally. The
swapped out roll goes away. If the roll has not been swapped by the end of the
session, it goes away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>RAGE AND PASSION</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you intervene as someone offends, horrifies, or upsets
another, roll. On a hit you may change what was said said into the kindest
compliment. On a miss, you make matters worse. If the effect came from a failed
move, on a 10+ you eliminate any fallout. On a 7-9 you reduce the GM Hard Move
to a Soft Move. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>BLADE HEART</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you attempt to change the loyalty or purpose of a
worthy henchperson or lieutenant, roll. On a 10+ they hear your wisdom and
passion. Depending on the situation they may come with you, go to face their
master, or flee. On a 7-9, your words make them hesitate. Choose if this plants
doubt in their mind or if they take a deliberate or inadvertent action to
assist you right now. On a fail, they push your efforts back against you. Mark
a condition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>STATE OF DIVINITY</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may use <i>Comfort or Support </i>to clear a <i>Wounded</i> condition.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SMILING, PROUD WANDERER</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You're just here to see the world. Once per scene, you may
ask one question from <i>Study</i> without rolling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SAVIOR OF THE SOUL</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You're inexperienced, but somehow you alone are the voice of
reason. When you offer advice to another PC and they ignore it, you take +1
Ongoing during any attempt to bail them out of their troubles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>If you dig this, have questions, or run this preliminary version yourself, give me a heads up.</i></span></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/01/hearts-of-wulin-conventions-assumptions.html" target="_blank">Hearts of Wulin: Conventions & Assumptions</a></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/02/hearts-of-wulin-moves-mechanics.html">Hearts of Wulin: Moves & Mechanics</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7kbKOy7cH8" target="_blank">Session One Video</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=_60X91dDNIY" target="_blank">Session Two Video</a></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0oikEVArxI">Session Three Video</a></span></i></b></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-5456629510198947002018-02-15T10:27:00.002-05:002018-02-15T10:27:30.279-05:00Hearts of Wulin: Moves & Mechanics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8g6Wcw18Hp8/WoWlOcKuXBI/AAAAAAAAOXk/RGIL9HwOd6sFGTkqKnK1oad4HlnhpZqNgCEwYBhgL/s1600/The%2BSmiling%2BProud%2BWanderer%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8g6Wcw18Hp8/WoWlOcKuXBI/AAAAAAAAOXk/RGIL9HwOd6sFGTkqKnK1oad4HlnhpZqNgCEwYBhgL/s320/The%2BSmiling%2BProud%2BWanderer%2B7.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">FORWARD IS FOREARMED </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We’ve had two sessions so far of <i>Hearts of Wulin</i>. When we’re
done all four, I’ll put all these rules together in a manageable form. I’ll
also be doing edits and changes. But today I wanted to show you what we’re
playing from. This post just covers the non-playbook; next week I’ll post the
playbooks. I’ve added comments in a couple of places to clarify choices. This is a PbtA hack, so
it assumes knowledge of those mechanics. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My vision of wulin comes from a ton of stuff: RPGs to
movies to TV shows. Of those, four stand out as my touchstones. For movies that’s
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Painted Skin</i>. The latter has more
supernatural than I’m working with, but has awesome personal entanglements.
More important are two Chinese TV shows. The
first is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Proud_Twins_(TV_series)" target="_blank">The Handsome Siblings</a> </i>(2005) aka <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Proud
Twins</i>. Taken from a novel by the prolific Gu Long, that story’s been adapted multiple times
for film and TV. The second and more important is <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laughing_in_the_Wind" target="_blank">Laughing in the Wind </a></i>(2001),
taken from the novel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Smiling, Proud
Wanderer </i>by Louis Cha. That’s had several adaptions, including Jet
Li’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Swordsman II</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also want to note that I wrote an earlier, terrible version of this. Renee Knipe generously looked at that and nicely didn’t point
out how awful it was. She’s also working on a PbtA wuxia game and I
suspect her version’s stronger than mine. As well I started listening to
<i><a href="http://misdirectedmark.com/category/jianghu-hustle/" target="_blank">Jianghu Hustle</a> </i>just after I began this revision. That heavily influenced my
thinking—especially the concept of Scale and having triangular entanglements. Go listen to that podcast. Lastly I probably wouldn’t have written this if the amazing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Weapons of the Gods/Legends of Wulin</i>
didn’t have the most convoluted and opaque mechanics I’ve ever seen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/01/hearts-of-wulin-conventions-assumptions.html" target="_blank">Hearts of Wulin: Conventions & Assumptions</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7kbKOy7cH8" target="_blank">Session One Video</a>; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=_60X91dDNIY" target="_blank">Session Two Video</a></i></b>. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">STATS</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Characters have five stats, also called Chi. Each has a
loose thematic; typical areas it covers. Think of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fate Accelerated</i>’s approaches or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Veil</i>’s emotions rather than concrete abilities. Players have a
choice of three arrays for distributing stats:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Array 1: +2, +1, +1, 0, -1<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Array 2: +2, +2, 0, 0, -1<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Array 3: +1, +1, +1, 0, 0</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>EARTH</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stability, Focus, Presence:::Obsessive, Condescending,
Uncaring<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>FIRE</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Creativity, Speed, Passion:::Reckless, Alienating, Unfocused<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>METAL</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Control, Solidity, Reflection:::Unsatisfied, Inflexible,
Scared<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>WATER</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Awareness, Wisdom, Flexibility:::Uncertain, Isolated,
Depressed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>WOOD</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Might, Endurance, Growth:::Overconfident, Angered,
Licentious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When players mark a condition, they mark one of their Chi. Until
they clear that condition, they may not roll with that stat. If a condition
directly results from their roll, they always mark the Chi they rolled with.
Players can describe the condition as they want, usually based on what’s
happening in the story. Chi conditions can be a lack or excess of that element
within them. The right-hand elements under each present options, but players choose
their own name for what’s happened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Players also have a sixth condition, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wounded.</i></b> This doesn’t
close out a stat but does take them out of a conflict. It also requires time
and medical attention to heal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzWqAX1FWCE/WoWlMR4VlJI/AAAAAAAAOXY/JK_bodxBjfEyyA53VZx8Ml-d2kymYkzbACEwYBhgL/s1600/The%2BSmiling%2BProud%2BWanderer%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzWqAX1FWCE/WoWlMR4VlJI/AAAAAAAAOXY/JK_bodxBjfEyyA53VZx8Ml-d2kymYkzbACEwYBhgL/s320/The%2BSmiling%2BProud%2BWanderer%2B6.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>STYLES</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone chooses a style the Chi associated with it. You
roll that stat for martial combat. Your style element should reflect your style’s
appearance and flavor. You’ll also name your style. I have some example names
below, but please feel free to make up your own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ways of the Waters, The Hidden Path, Unfallen Dragon,
Seeking Pilgrim’s Style, Storming Master’s Form, Shadow Brother’s Style,
Shooting-Stars Hands, Way of the Graceful Warrior, Black Crane, Secrets of the
Stone, Heavenly Gifted Form, Eight Diagram Sabre, Path of the Blossoming Tear,
Vengeful Beast Mastery, One Soul Legion, Sun and Moon Serpent Sword, Golden
Hawk Form, Sunburst Method, Fist of Precise Thought, Forge-Hammer Heart, Quiet
Sage’s Steps, Taunt of the Monkey, Thousand Spear Palm, Grasshopper’s Wisdom.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By default, you can use your style unarmed, but most styles
have a weapon associated with them. This is for color and fiction. You can
actually fight with anything. Typical categories are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flexible (Chains, ropes, whips, cloth)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Improvised</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Massive (axe, hammer, greatsword)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paired (knives, wind & fire wheels, sticks)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sabre & Sword</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spear</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thrown</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unusual</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A character’s style should be important color for them, but
not something we spend mechanics on. If players focus on their style, they can
create custom moves for it as an Advance. I lifted the weapon groups from <i>Legends of Wulin</i>, but I may rethink their
presentation.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BONDS</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can spend bonds as a resource in play to get a +1 on a
roll (after you roll). By default you start with 1 Bond each with your
Clan/Faction/Family, the player to your left, the player to your right. You can
use a simple descriptor for those (friend, brother, rival, lover, suspicious). </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: to keep things simple, I had them just start with one
for their clan and one for their most connected PC.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’ll gain more bonds via moves. You may have a max +3 bond
with someone or something. If it would go higher, you reset it to 0, mark XP,
and reveal something about them (subject to PC approval). Burning a bond can
represent you alienating that group, calling on their aid, or using up the
boost their friendship gives you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ENTANGLEMENTS</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the bread & butter of the relationships in the
game. Each entanglement represents a fraught relationship with a person, group,
or institution. But each one is a triangle as well, with a third party who
creates problems. Since these include PCs, hold off on detailing all of them
until everyone’s introduced their characters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You begin with three entanglements, one of those must be
romantic. (In the spreadsheet) I have some example entanglements; feel free to
make up your own. I’ve written them for persons but you can easily sub in
groups or factions in some places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/02/hearts-of-wulin-entanglements.html" target="_blank">I posted my list of entanglements here</a>. Originally I’d
steered away from too much guidance—I only required at least one romantic
entanglement. When I’d had specific restrictions for relationships in my <i>Changeling the Lost</i> PbtA hack they’d
been a stumbling block in character creation. But a couple of players suggested
we needed more rules: one entanglement with two NPCs to give you something
exclusively your own, at least one with a PC involved, and at least one
romantic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also didn’t realize how quickly players would engage with
their entanglements and change them. I need to think about guidance for making
those changes: what can they shift, when can they do that, and how does that
affect things?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95oHteMxlfM/WoWlz6V8MSI/AAAAAAAAOXw/Qfxeu8KoBRIspK4_9jwUqPFezvS7yUNGACEwYBhgL/s1600/The%2BSmiling%2BProud%2BWanderer%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95oHteMxlfM/WoWlz6V8MSI/AAAAAAAAOXw/Qfxeu8KoBRIspK4_9jwUqPFezvS7yUNGACEwYBhgL/s320/The%2BSmiling%2BProud%2BWanderer%2B8.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">COMBAT</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DUEL<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you fight against a worthy foe, roll +Style Element. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your foe is lesser scale than you, on a hit you win the
conflict. On a 10+ you may mark XP if you permit them to escape or show them
mercy. On a 7-9 you may let them go or finish them with a cost (now or in the
future). On a failure, you win but they inflict a condition and escape.
Depending on the fiction they may return at a higher scale. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your foe is your scale, on a 10+ you win the conflict and
may mark XP if you show mercy. Additionally if appropriate you may declare a
change in the fiction (a change of heart, impressing someone, shifting an
entanglement). On a 7-9 choose one: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You win at a cost (condition, injury, escape, reputation,
roll Take a Powerful Blow).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You narrate how you lost (mark XP). You gain +1 Forward the
next time you face them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You deadlock with your opponent. You may reveal or learn
something about them.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your foe is above your scale, you lose the conflict. On a
hit, you may declare how you lose. On a 7-9 roll <i>Take a Powerful Blow</i>.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you have faced or studied a foe above your scale, you
may do something to even the score: study a secret technique, acquire a weapon,
conduct a stratagem, weaken them, cheat, fight alongside someone that you have
an adversarial entanglement with, team up with a group who shares mutual bonds,
or the like. Some potent named foes may require several steps to equal in scale.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PC VS. PC DUEL<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you challenge another PC make an offer of what you’ll
give them if they accept your victory. You may offer your unspent XP, character
actions, burning bonds, changing entanglements, or similar things the GM
approves. You put a single offer on the table. If the other player accepts,
they lose the duel and mark XP. You must follow through on your offer. If the
other player rejects the offer, you both mark a condition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FIGHT MOOKS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you fight a group of foes who collectively are below
your scale, roll. On a hit, you defeat them. Describe how you do so. On a 10+
you do so easily. On a miss, choose: their numbers overwhelm and you must retreat
(mark XP) or you win at a cost. If multiple characters fight mooks, then if one
retreats the others must as well (and mark XP).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wxSiCvMUIY/WoWlLkRgwMI/AAAAAAAAOXU/yN9sqC7wQw4AY8x3Ztvtqq3C1gNz54bMACEwYBhgL/s1600/DVP3sCqUQAA03lN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="857" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wxSiCvMUIY/WoWlLkRgwMI/AAAAAAAAOXU/yN9sqC7wQw4AY8x3Ztvtqq3C1gNz54bMACEwYBhgL/s320/DVP3sCqUQAA03lN.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">OTHER BASIC MOVES</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HEARTS & MINDS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you pressure someone susceptible to your words, say
what you’re trying to get them to do and roll. For NPCs: on a 10+, they bow to
your words and do what you want. On a 7-9, they can instead choose one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They reveal themselves: you may ask two questions of them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They overreact: you gain bond with them. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They hesitate: you gain +1 ongoing on them. This lasts until
there is a major change with them in the fiction.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They alienate: they create animosity between themselves and
someone of your choosing.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For PCs: On a hit if they do it, they mark XP. If they
don’t, they mark a condition. They may burn a bond to avoid this. On a 7-9 you
mark a condition as well.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had some questions with this move. You can see various
versions in other PbtA games, but I think I had “Provoke Someone” from <i>Masks </i>as the model. One players questioned
the “reveal themselves” aspect here. I think it works because it’s a choice the
NPC makes to avoid doing something. In Session Two I mistakenly read an action
as triggering rather than <i>Study</i>. It really
should have been that since players wanted the NPC to tell them something. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>IMPRESS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you act to impress others or succeed at a competition,
roll. Describe your performance. On a hit you impress and convince. Pick two. •
Create a bond • Gain a favor • Clear a condition. On a 7-9 the GM will offer
you a hard bargain. If in direct competition, the bargain will usually relate
to them. This move is useful for public gatherings or explicit or implicit
competition, (artistic performance, kata demonstration, tournaments). For
working with someone specific, see <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hearts
& Minds</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>STUDY</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you study something in order to change the game state,
roll. On a hit you always gain basic information. On a 10+ gain two hold. On a
7-9 gain one. Spend this hold 1 for 1 on the options below, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ask a question about a situation or place (escape routes,
hidden details, biggest threat, dangers)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ask a question about a person (motivation, desires,
intentions, means of manipulation)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Learn a person’s scale</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reveal a detail—declare something which changes or adds to
the established fiction significantly</span>.</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I talked about my feelings about PbtA informational moves in my <a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/02/mystery-academy-masks-tng-mechanics.html" target="_blank"><i>Mystery Academy</i> post</a>. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is my
solution—bundling together </span><i style="color: red; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">spout lore,
read a sitch, pierce the mask</i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, etc. One of the end of session comments suggested
having set questions like other PbtA games. I don’t know if I want to run it
that way, but I might create an optional version for GMs who dig that. At the
very least I’ll include sample questions.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">COMFORT OR SUPPORT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you comfort or support someone, roll. If you’re outside
a charged situation, on a hit they hear you: they clear a condition. On a 10+,
you can clear a condition yourself, ask them a question they must answer, or
gain a bond with them. If you’re in a charged situation, on a hit you may give
them +1 on their roll (before or after rolling). On a 7-9 you share in any
consequences from their action. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Need to better point to the split within this move.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">INNER CONFLICT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you deal with forceful emotional turmoil and pressure
from one of your entanglements, roll anything but your style element. On a 10+
you manage to keep yourself together. On a 7-9 you must either flee the scene
or mark a condition until you make a change in the entanglement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Given how much we interacted with entanglements, this became
a go-to move. <i>Monsterhearts </i>influences
this. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TAKE A POWERFUL BLOW<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Someone’s assault gets past your defenses, roll + conditions
marked. This can be physical, social, or emotional. On a 10+, choose one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you must remove yourself from the situation: flee, pass out,
etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you give your adversary everything they want</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">two options from the 7-9 list</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a 7-9, choose one.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you embarrass yourself and lose face. Burn two bonds.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you give ground; your opposition gains something they want</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you struggle past the pain; mark two conditions</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a miss, you stand strong.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This move is really reserved for a climactic scene where
characters face someone significant. It’s a response to a GMs Hard Move. I
expect, given the outlets elsewhere, we’ll rarely come to this. Is it
necessary? Not sure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OVERCOME<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you do something under pressure, roll. On a 10+, you do
it. On a 7–9, you flinch, hesitate, or stall: the MC can offer you a worse
outcome, a hard bargain, or an ugly choice. On a miss, be prepared for the
worst.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So here’s our “<i>Act Under
Pressure</i>” move. Do we need it? I think we do; it generates interesting
results and responses. I want to use it sparingly though. We assume competency
for our wulin heroes, so we can handwave a ton of stuff. But, for example, when
one of the players had to flee a scene with a corpse in tow and the guards
pounding on the door, we had them roll this. The 7-9 result got them away, but
not before being spotted. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV5YSvJY_EQ/WoWlLrDuToI/AAAAAAAAOXQ/IIwuvZwAoRQWjYJtH_PrxD0xtThtdctZQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DVP3sCnVoAAJ9JN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="857" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV5YSvJY_EQ/WoWlLrDuToI/AAAAAAAAOXQ/IIwuvZwAoRQWjYJtH_PrxD0xtThtdctZQCEwYBhgL/s320/DVP3sCnVoAAJ9JN.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">OTHER SITUATIONAL MOVES</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LEAD CHARACTER<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the PCs go into conflict as a group, nominate one PC as
the lead. Two rules apply here. One, you cannot be the lead character again
until everyone has had equal turns at it. Two, if the conflict's directly
related to your entanglements, you have priority. This does not trump the first
rule. The lead character has first choice to take on any worthy foe(s) in the
scene. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If there is more than one worthy foe, they may face both
(putting themselves down a scale) or ask other PC(s) to handle the other
foe(s). Non-lead character can perform other actions: set up opportunities,
comfort & support, and most importantly deal with the Mooks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This tries to formalize PC spotlighting in what might
otherwise be a chaotic scene. Some of the other moves refer back to it</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NEW TECHNIQUE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you go off to develop a new technique to face a foe of
higher scale, describe your montage and roll +(the number of times you have
faced that foe). On a hit, you gain scale on your foe. On a 7-9 there’s a
significant cost to learning the move.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MISUNDERSTANDINGS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once per session when you meet a new wuxia character,
nominate a PC present. They get into a conflict with them—describe the nature
of the misunderstanding. Roll +Style Element. On a 10+, the PC may choose to
win or choose to leave it undecided. If the latter, they may mark experience
and gain a bond with the encountered character. On a 7-9 the result is
undecided before the fighting’s finished. On a miss, the result is undecided
but the encountered character will bear a grudge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This needs revision The idea’s good, but the phrasings
unclear on two points. First “a new wuxia character” ought to be “a wuxia
stranger.” I want to emphasize that they don’t know each other. Second, I use
the term ”undecided” in slightly different ways in the paragraph. To make it
clear, the 7-9 should say something like “it’s unclear who would have won the
fight.” And perhaps the player should get a question? On a fail, it should be,
“though no one wins the fight, the encountered character will bear a grudge.”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HEEDLESS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you walk alone into a dangerous situation you’re aware
of, but your character isn’t roll and mark XP. On a 10+ you’re altered by
something before your adversaries can take advantage. On a 7-9, you’re taken
somewhat unawares—the enemy can do something before you act (even the scale,
seize something, change the locale, reveal a trap, close off escape, frame you
for something).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This one needs work. I added it for Session Two. In the
debrief we talked about its intent and how it gets played out. In the wulin
genre we often have heroes walking into situations that we as the audience (and
the players) know are dangerous, a trap, etc. I want to simulate and
incentivize this. The move itself has two problems. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First, I wrote “alone,” because that’s how I pictured it: a
PC heads off by themselves to put their life in danger. But that’s a needlessly
restrictive detail. It could be the group as a whole. Second, there’s the
difficulty of emulating heroic naiveté. It’s hard to divide a player’s smart
sense of danger from what their character might expect. I think, if I want to
do this, I need to phrase it as an offer from the GM. It’s a different kind of
fictional trigger, more like a compel. I’m still thinking about this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wonder if I couldn’t merge <i>Misunderstanding</i> and <i>Heedless</i>
somehow</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BONDS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bonds represent friendship and influence. If you have a
bond, you can burn it to gain a +1 on a roll. This can represent you alienating
that group, calling on their aid, or using up the boost their friendship gives
you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CONDITIONS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">I mentioned how those
worked above, but here’s some of the additional text:</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may clear chi conditions via the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Support or Comfort</i> move. Alternately, between scenes you may
narrate how your character deals with the problems of the condition. This
should cost something (time, resources, making an entanglement more messy). You
can then clear the condition. The Wounded condition’s more involved and
requires time and medicine to heal. At the end of a story arc, all characters
may clear a condition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ADVANCEMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You mark XP in several ways. When you take a loss in a
conflict, when you agree to pressure from another PC, and when certain moves
offer it. Each session you highlight one of your entanglements. If you interact
with that entanglement in a significant way during the session, you may mark 3
XP. If you interact with your other two entanglements, you may mark 1 XP each.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you gain 8XP, you may take an advance. This is a
shortened version, so we’re not worrying about higher level advances. With an
advance you may: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add +1 to one of your Chi (Stats). You may take this option
five times; once for each Chi.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add a new move from your playbook. You may take this 3
times.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add a new move from another playbook. You may take this
twice.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add a custom move for your martial style. You may take this
twice.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have some other ideas about advancement, but I kept it
simple for this version. I probably need to specify a Start of Session move
where players highlight one of their Entanglements.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next Post: The Playbooks</span></b></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-85018906112429421332018-02-14T12:09:00.001-05:002018-02-14T12:09:05.617-05:00Mystery Academy: Structure, Story, and Revisions<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--V31mcAg1TA/Wnyv3wZCvuI/AAAAAAAAOUw/7H9VygtftmQLRRGFxzQIRE9_QNtsL6ZvQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Mystery%2BAcademy%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="556" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--V31mcAg1TA/Wnyv3wZCvuI/AAAAAAAAOUw/7H9VygtftmQLRRGFxzQIRE9_QNtsL6ZvQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Mystery%2BAcademy%2Bcopy.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/02/mystery-academy-masks-tng-mechanics.html" target="_blank">In my last post</a> I went over my system adaptations for <i>Mystery Academy</i>, a weird school PbtA
hack of <i>Masks</i>. It didn’t require a
ton of work: a couple new moves and some tweaks to get it running. It’s a different
question if it ran well. This post looks at structure, story, and things I need
to fix before I run this again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Masks: The New
Generation is properly referred to as Masks: A New Generation, or MANG. I grew
up with Star Trek: The Next Generation. I cannot help but refer to and abbreviate
it Masks as Masks: TNG. The correct version flies out of my head every time I
realize I’ve written it wrong. So for the rest of this I’ll simply call it
Masks. I also call the MC the GM because I’m old.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you’re curious you can see the session videos here (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnx-bUN_E9Q&index=" target="_blank">Session
1</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68A8pcz60UI&t=2s&index=" target="_blank">Session 2</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdp_UqtKyK8&t=2s&index=" target="_blank">Session 3</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hBrHosI2Ck&t=8s&index=12&list=" target="_blank">Session 4</a>).</span></b></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">STRUCTURE</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the way <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Masks</i>
builds backstory for your group of teen heroes. Each playbook has questions
about “When Your Team First Met.” They’re tuned to the specific archetype. It’s
a clever technique and one worth stealing for other games—allowing you to do an
origin story without having to play it out. I can imagine doing a version for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Changeling the Lost</i> along the lines of “When
all of you first emerged from the Hedge…” Originally I thought of doing
something like that and <a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/08/mystery-academy-my-masks-new-generation.html" target="_blank">my first post has some sample questions</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ditched those when I got to the table. Instead during
character creation I used leading questions to explore individual backstories. I
wanted to start the actual game with uncertain characters arriving together.
Being dropped into a strange place with no guidance is a great set up which
lets the player develop relationships on the fly. It also let players color and
add to the description of the actual school. Some of the bits, especially the
idea of a Tower in the main house, gave me material I fashioned into something cool
by the end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throughout I gave the players the opportunity to describe
something they notice and add to the scene. That’s how we ended up with a
second tower on the grounds and weirdly unmatched intercoms spread all over
the place. The Seek move supports this, but you can also just do a montage or
ask what they find that’s unusual. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve written <a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2010/01/campaign-frame-schooling-pcs.html" target="_blank">about School games before</a> and what they offer. My <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mystery Academy </i>approach removes some potential features: sports,
dances, holiday recess, etc. You could easily add that to your version of the
school. My set up still allowed the most important scene in school games: the
foreshadowing lesson. You’ll see that in Session Two when Dr. Friday talks
about experimentation and observer bias. It’s a great technique, but requires a
little prep from the GM’s. I think about the story themes so far and imagine
some possible key scenes. Then I figure out what subject might fit. At the
table I give a little lecture based on that topic. Those ideas then color the
rest of my set up and GM moves for the session or arc. It doesn’t require much
prep and doesn’t put the game on rails, and the payoff’s solid. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">STORY</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here are elements of
the setting and story to consider. You can tweak these, but this is what I
worked from. In my notes I refer to a Class, that’s the generic name for the PC
group (and other parallel NPC groups).</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have a large and sprawling estate. There should be older
building, suggesting it was once a larger facility like a sanitarium or
college. This gives plenty of outdoor room for the PCs to explore: woods,
greenhouses, abandoned buildings with secrets to reveal. It also gives more
space for players to come up with what’s actually there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a related geography, the Class has their lessons in one
of these compound buildings. In my game they had to clean and straighten it up.
It provides a space they can describe and also suggests the other Classes have
their own buildings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are two other Classes. I kept them off-stage at the
beginning except to confirm they existed. I moved one of the PC’s sister over
to that group to create a connection. In my game one Class appeared adversarial.
They’re our Slytherin. I didn’t have the chance to bring the other Class on
stage, but I intended for them to be potential allies, perhaps under the thumb
of the Sinister Class. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main estate house is untenably massive. Think the
Winchester House presented clearly as a maze. Eventually the characters
discover it doesn’t adhere to normal conventions of space. Within the house,
the PC have a wing. There’s a common room, boys’ room, girls’ room, and shower facilities
down the hall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each Class’s “wing” has a designated color scheme. That
helps the players grok what’s where. An early rule given is to not enter the
other Classes’ wings. I had someone show up and go through their stuff early to
show that rule isn’t well-enforced. The staff and teachers’ wing, which they’re
not supposed to enter either, also has a color. Mostly important and teasingly,
they’re not to enter rooms marked with red scarves or flags. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The staff and the teachers have a special naming convention.
That’s a sign for the strangeness, but also helps the players keep track of who
is who. In my case we had seven teachers, each named for a day of the week. We
had twelve staff, each named for a month. I didn’t put all of them on the table
in the four sessions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There’s no wi-fi or internet. But the school has a large DVD
collection as small consolation. This will obviously be a point of contention.
In my version the school is atop a cliff and there’s a small, isolated New
England town down below. They never went there so I never had to figure out
what might be available to them there (or not). The players also asked about
mail, which would of course be scanned by the staff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To emphasize their isolation they have to take care of their
own cooking for two meals a day and cleaning their areas. They’re given their
own kitchen and dining area. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the second day, a teacher finally explains the rules to
them: they’re to attend classes six days a week, prepare their own lunch &
dinner, avoid the other Class or Staff wings, cannot leave campus, must not
discuss their schoolwork with the other classes, and aren’t to kill the other
students. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There’s more but I wanted to get down some of the essentials
of how I set things up. You can change that structure to make it more intimate,
less sinister, and/or more clear. These all offer structural elements for the
players to move within. But the Gm also has to think about some higher level
details. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">THINGS TO THINK ABOUT</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the character creation section we discussed tone. The
players asked for middle path—not too light, but also not truly dark. They
wanted an uncertain and mysterious situation. That fit with my conception, but
I can imagine something different. For example, perhaps the staff wouldn’t be
ambiguously antagonistic. Maybe they could be helpful like something out of
Harry Potter. In that case, the threats would be external—perhaps an invasion
of the school. Challenges could also come from rivals or turncoat staff
members. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want to run this, you have to consider how you want
to frame the “weirdness.” What do the character think their powers are? Are
there super-beings in this world? Because I hacked <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Masks</i>, the players may have come with a sense that they possessed classic
super-powers. But the strangeness they encountered suggested something beyond
that. It wasn’t Xavier’s Academy but something weirder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it could have been something like the Massachusetts or Hellfire
Academy, a school intended to corrupt their students. In that case the arc
would probably have the teachers testing the students dangerously, with the
eventual discovery of plans for villainy. At that point they might escape to
something like the X-Men or even go on the road like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Runaways</i> or the doomed characters from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Legion</i>. In my case I had another idea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides the level of strangeness, you’ll have to answer one
basic question: what do the staff want from the students? It’s pretty obvious
that the kids will push back against the rules and rebel. The teachers have to know
that, so why not put them under tighter leash? Let me give my answer and then I’ll
come to other options. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My school had once been in the hands of someone else. The
current staff and teachers had fought the original owners to gain the location’s
power. When they took over, they found those powers had been sealed. The
invaders’ nature prevented access. But others, those not involved in the war
and innocent about the nature of things, might be able to. By letting the students
explore, the staff hopes those kids will unwittingly unlock something. They don’t
really care what happens to the Class, though those who survive will make useful
recruits.The staff’s powerful and arrogant, so the underestimate what powers
these youths could wield. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And in my vision this connects to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mage the Ascension</i>. I think a couple players picked up on that. The
school is a former chantry, one of the most potent, connected to places beyond.
The staff come from the Technocracy, hence some of the technology I hunted at. So
that was my take, but I can imagine handling it in many other ways (parallel
universe invaders, time travelers, fictonaut conspiracists ala “Tlön, Uqbar,
Orbis Tertius”).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So why are the PCs at an advantage? In my game I suggested the
Class before them, those occupying their rooms, had gone. They escaped, got
lost, died, whatever. That forced the staff to quickly pull up new students
without proper vetting. They ordinarily wouldn’t have chosen children with
their confidence or heroism. The other Classes have limitations preventing them
from being as brave or united as the PCs. One is made up of bullies and the
other contains easily cowed students. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT MIGHT BE OTHER REASONS?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There’s a power struggle among various staff and teachers. They’re
so focused on their own plans, they pay less attention to potentially wayward
students.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The end goal is a sacrifice, so they don’t care so much if
some of them get harmed or lost. As long as they have a chosen few victims they
can properly indoctrinate, they’re good.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the students may be a “chosen one” and the staff
wants to find out who it is. That will grant them some kind of power or
control. But they don’t want to alert them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The staff may run the school day to day, but there’s a
secret force or figure behind the scenes giving orders. These contradictory and
strange instructions give the students room to operate.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A defense system exists but the students discover a way around
it early on. If they can keep this a secret, they can explore without
interference.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The school itself is evil and controlling the staff for some
nefarious purpose.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You should also consider the agenda and allegiances of the
various adults. Not all the staff should be on the same page. We have some
neutral, some hostile, some sympathetic, and some faking their kindness. In the
“War Chantry” frame I used, a few NPCs hadn’t originally been part of the
Technocracy. Some had betrayed their fellows, but others had remained strong.
These survivors had been bound by Technocratic magics to serve them, but could
push against that programming. At least one surviving member of the old chantry
had managed to pass as a Technocrat but remained unbound and hidden among the
staff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SYSTEM CHANGES</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much of the system worked. I can’t claim any real credit for
that. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Masks</i> offers a solid PbtA
structure and I had great players. Of the changes I made, in particular players
dug the Seek action I mentioned last time. PbtA always has collaboration, but
having a move reinforcing that helped. It’s especially good because of Sherri’s
suggestion to allow the player to change the world or ask the GM to do it for
them. That gave room for input or seeing what I had in my head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can hear a lot of this system discussion in the Roses
& Thorns section of the final session. If you’re interested in the nuts
& bolts I recommend checking that out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Directly Engage a
Threat </i>move never came into play. Brendan Conway, designer of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Masks</i>, caught this right away,
commenting on my last post. It took me four sessions of running to realize it
didn’t work for our scale. Players never actually fought anything and even if
they did, the move doesn’t feel quite right. We have several <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>thematically related moves: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Directly Engage, Defend, Take a Powerful
Blow</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Act Under Pressure</i>. I
need to figure out how to bundle these together into one or two moves that fit
with the genre. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throughout the game I forgot about the Team/Trust pool and
how it serves as our Aid action. The players remembered in the last couple of
sessions and used it. I like how the mechanic reflects the group coming
together. But I don’t know if it feels redundant with the spendable Influence
mechanics. Maybe I need to tweak that to make those more like Bonds from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Worlds in Peril</i>? Would that cost us some
of the flavor? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also had some questions about moves dealing with Adults. Some
of that came from my own framing. In particular when the PCs deal with Adults they
know are adversarial, should they react in the same way? We had a moment of uncertainty
about that in Session 3 when Rosa faced Ms. August. In those situations are the
characters <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rejecting Influence</i> or are
they resisting a hit to get what they want? I’m not sure yet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I need to rewrite the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Read
the Scene</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pierce the Mask</i> example
questions to add genre feel. That’s an editing pass approach I need to do to everything:
how can I tweak the wording to make this feel like the genre I’m aiming for? It’s
still a fan hack and not something for publication, but I want it to be better.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A final issue arose from the End of Session move:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the end of every
session, choose one:</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...Grow closer to your
class. Explain who made you feel welcome; give an Influence to that character
and clear a condition or mark potential.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...Grow into your own
image of yourself. Explain how you see yourself and why; shift one Label up and
another down.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...Grow away from the
class. Explain why you feel detached. Take an Influence over you away from
another character.</span></i></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Across the board, players went with Grow Closer. It makes
sense in the context of this game and how I ran it. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Masks</i>’ structure plays to the drama of the team interaction. Our
game had dramatic scenes and arguments, but we never pushed to the breaking
points <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Masks </i>rightly encourages. As
written this would work for a GM who leans into causing separation and tension
between characters. Maybe in a game where there’s only one Class and we have
NPCs to bounce off of. But If I run this again, I’ll revise that to incentivize
all the choices or go for a more basic checklist. I also need to get more
Potential doled out to the characters…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>THAT’S IT. WHAT DO YOU THINK? QUESTIONS?</i></b></span></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-45850860839357978972018-02-08T15:40:00.003-05:002018-02-08T15:40:43.237-05:00Mystery Academy: Masks TNG Mechanics<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In January I ran four sessions of “Mystery Academy,” a game
set in an enigmatic school. Sherri spoke about it in this week’s <a href="http://www.gauntlet-rpg.com/the-gauntlet-podcast/neo-shinobi-vendetta-mystery-academy-crossroads-carnival" target="_blank">Gauntlet Roundup podcast episode</a>. A few things influenced how I imagined the setting: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morning_Glories" target="_blank">Morning Glories</a></i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gunnerkrieg Court</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Harry
Potter</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Strange Days at Blake Holsey
High</i>. John Bellairs, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Locke &
Key</i> among others. Some players suggested other models—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lumberjanes</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Greenhouse
Academy</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New Mutants</i> for
example. A couple of months back I posted <a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/08/mystery-academy-my-masks-new-generation.html" target="_blank">sketches of my initial thinking</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used <i><a href="http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/193258/Masks-A-New-Generation?affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Masks: A New Generation</a></i> as the game’s basis. It’s an excellent
rpg of teen superhero drama, open enough to adapt to other settings and
purposes. For example last year I ran a post-Zombie Apocalypse game with it. That
had potential, but needs more work. I like how <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Masks</i> handles powers, social dynamics, and influence. As opposed to
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Monsterhearts</i>, it focuses on a team of
characters and establishes tension within that group. MH has more individual
teen drama; it’s also darker than <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Masks</i>
and what I aimed for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For this hack I mostly used <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Masks</i> as-is. I made a few changes to basic moves, added two new
moves, and stripped away the playbooks. Each character began with five stats, a
minor & major weird power, and a single move reflecting their background.
In today’s post I focus on the mechanical side of the game. Next time I’ll talk
about concepts, story, framing, and what changes I’d made to the mechanics. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>If you’re curious you can see the session videos here (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnx-bUN_E9Q&index=" target="_blank">Session 1</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68A8pcz60UI&t=2s&index=" target="_blank">Session 2</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdp_UqtKyK8&t=2s&index=" target="_blank">Session 3</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hBrHosI2Ck&t=8s&index=12&list=" target="_blank">Session 4</a>). </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">YOU WILL FIND MOVES</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I stuck close to the Masks: TNG rules, but changed some wording
changed to reflect the setting. For example, for the move <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unleash</i>, I refer to characters using “their weirdness.” I wanted to
reinforce the uncertainty of their powers. In a couple of cases I broadened
moves, like the two informational moves-- <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Read
the Scene</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pierce the Mask</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">READ THE SCENE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you study a place, thing, or situation with an eye to
action, roll <b>+ Superior</b>. On a 10+, ask two questions. On a 7-9, ask one.
Take +1 while acting on the answers. Questions are open, but here are some
examples (followed by the standard questions). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PIERCE THE MASK<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you pierce someone’s mask to see the person beneath,
roll <b>+ Mundane.</b> On a 10+, ask two questions. On a 7-9, ask one. Note:
certain adult staff members require additional set up in the fiction to allow
this move on them. Questions are open, but here are some examples (followed by
the standard questions).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noNs0IpB5-Q/WnyzDZjEWGI/AAAAAAAAOU4/jSCK1aAOnEQG-Jkor6PvAyBI-9xY0gvCQCLcBGAs/s1600/Blake_Holsey_High_Cast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="717" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noNs0IpB5-Q/WnyzDZjEWGI/AAAAAAAAOU4/jSCK1aAOnEQG-Jkor6PvAyBI-9xY0gvCQCLcBGAs/s320/Blake_Holsey_High_Cast.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">MYSTERIES AND
COLLABORATION</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve been thinking about “question” moves a lot. They’re
interesting in many PbtA games and when well done, they support the fiction.
But they can also limit players, especially if they have a strong sense of what
they want to know. In that case they have to bend the given questions out of
shape. That’s especially true for games focused on investigation. As you saw
above, I kept the example questions as is, but if I do another iteration I’ll add
setting specific ones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Informational moves overall can challenge a GM. I’ve been
trying to articulate my approach. It <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">isn’t</i>
novel; I’m guessing most handle it this way. When players ask a question, I
give them generally accessible info—assuming competency and appropriate positioning.
In that sense we’re taking a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gumshoe</i>
approach. You don’t have to roll for the basics, or even follow ups easily
gleaned. We go to a roll when pursuing further presents a potential cost: time,
resources, attention. For PbtA I go to the roll when the information sought could
change the game state—opening avenues, establishing important facts, creating
opportunities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mystery Academy</i>
I wrote a move that actively encourages player additions to the setting. While
we already do that through leading questions, I also wanted something that says:
when you go looking for something, you can declare what it is. Or you can hand
it over to the GM if you’re more interested in reacting. The move also
encourages players working together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SEEK</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you explore, research, or draw on your memories to seek
answers, say generally what you might find and roll. If someone aids you, you
may roll with an appropriate stat. On a 10+ you may declare what you've found
out or ask the GM to answer in a positive way. On a 7-9 you may declare or ask,
but the GM may add a cost, make it adversarial, or have it be ambiguous. On a
6-, the GM may make the declaration entirely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">OTHER CHANGES</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because we’d be acting on a smaller scale than <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Masks, </i>I wanted a move for “doing
things.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ACT UNDER PRESSURE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you do something under pressure, roll <b>+Savior.</b>
On a 10+, you do it. On a 7–9, you flinch, hesitate, or stall: the MC can offer
you a worse outcome, a hard bargain, or an ugly choice. On a miss, be prepared
for the worst.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of these changes and additions meant I had to modify the
conditions characters could take. In Masks each condition gives a -2 to some
actions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Angry:</i> -2 Engage, Seek </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Afraid</i>: -2 Comfort; Pierce Mask</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Guilty:</i> -2 Provoke; Read </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Hopeless: </i>-2 Defend; Reject</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I<i>nsecure: </i>-2 Unle</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ash, Act Under Pressure</span></li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNAHIHW_V-E/WnyzaLGFJ0I/AAAAAAAAOU8/3_LOSo-ey409BI8iyChiXIl3pQnXLVHiACLcBGAs/s1600/magicians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNAHIHW_V-E/WnyzaLGFJ0I/AAAAAAAAOU8/3_LOSo-ey409BI8iyChiXIl3pQnXLVHiACLcBGAs/s320/magicians.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">INFLUENCE AND TRUST</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We used the spendable Influence option from the back of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Masks </i>core book. Players gain points of
influence to spend later on effects. I also changed the Team Pool to a Trust
Pool and limited that a little:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TRUST MECHANICS </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you enter a charged situation together as a Class, add
one to the Trust pool. Determine who is leader. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the leader has an Influence on each classmate, add
another Trust.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If everyone has the same purpose in the scene, add another
Trust.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If anyone mistrusts the leader or wants to be leader, remove
a Trust.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your class is ill-prepared or off-balance, remove a
Trust.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The leader can mark a condition to avoid removing a Trust.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone working with the class can spend Trust one for one to
help a classmate; give them +1 to their roll. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Classmates can also burn Trust to act selfishly. When you
act selfishly, say how your actions ignore or insult your classmates, remove
one Trust from the pool, and shift one Label up and one Label down. You can use
this after rolling to alter the Label you’re rolling with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whenever time passes, the GM empties the Trust pool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>END OF SESSION</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the end of every session, choose one:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grow closer to your class. Explain who made you feel
welcome; give an Influence to that character and clear a condition or mark
potential.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grow into your own image of yourself. Explain how you see
yourself and why; shift one Label up and another down.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grow away from the class. Explain why you feel detached.
Take an Influence over you away from another character.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For Advances players could increase a label or add a custom
move. I suggested looking at the Background moves (see below) for ideas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>WEIRD POWERS</b></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each character began with a little power and a big one,
their “weirdness.” The little one gave a modest effect without a roll or acted
as supporting fiction for a roll. The modest powers were: appearance changing,
being slightly unseen, doors unlocking, moving small objects at a distance,
talking with animals, and impressions from the past on an object. They more
impactful than I’d originally imagined, but that was better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any bigger power required the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unleash</i> move. Some of those included whirlwind of force, reshaping
metal into a defense, manipulating emotions, and guidance towards the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXri-4eEQms/Wnyz3FunPyI/AAAAAAAAOVA/7zwdkXCNLj0OiJxvWNhM6P_Pop97y337QCLcBGAs/s1600/moorim-school2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="780" height="178" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXri-4eEQms/Wnyz3FunPyI/AAAAAAAAOVA/7zwdkXCNLj0OiJxvWNhM6P_Pop97y337QCLcBGAs/s320/moorim-school2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">BACKGROUNDS</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Players didn’t have playbooks, but I still wanted to give
them something beyond their weirdness to differentiate them. Each character
chose one background taken from the various Masks Playbooks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>ANGRY:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Things never go your way, the world's out to get you.
You knew that they'd somehow try to throw you away, but you don't care. (“I
don’t care what you think” from The Delinquent).</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>BORN TO STRANGENESS:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Perhaps your parents were part of a
strange conspiracy that led to you coming here. Maybe you grew up in a cult.
Possibly you were found in the woods. </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You
always roll Seek with +1.</i></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>BRAINY:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Your intelligence completely defines you. You
understand its greatness and wish others would either leave you alone or simply
acknowledge your superiority. (“Dangerous web” from The Janus, but substitute
the phrase “using your intelligence” for “using your powers”)</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>COMPETENT:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You've always been self-assured and able to handle
yourself. You learned early on to look out for number one. Whatever you've tried
to do sports, school, drama you've excelled. Now you have to rely on others.
(“It feels kinda personal” from The Soldier)</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>DELINQUENT:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Maybe you grew up in a criminal family, maybe you
just picked things up on your own. (“Troublemaker” from The Delinquent)</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>FAMOUS:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Always the whispers: "Wait, isn't that...what are
they doing here?" (“Are you watching closely? From The Delinquent but
substitute in “When you use your fame to mislead, distract, or trick someone
susceptible,”)</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>FOREIGNER:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You come from someplace exotic and strange. It might
not be a distant land. You might have grown up the anointed heir. Or perhaps
you're the pampered child of a CEO who has known only luxury. (“not so
different after all” from The Outsider)</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>INNOCENT:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You've never been any place like this. Maybe you grew
up homeschooled, in a closed off environment, or just away from people. You
might simply be a rube... (“What’s this thing?” from The Innocent but
substitute in “ask for someone else’s guidance on the school”)</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>LAB SUBJECT:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You been subject to some kind of testing,
isolation, or treatment because of your weirdness. (“Thick and thin skinned”
from The Bull)</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>ORPHANED:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Something happened to your parents, a terrible
tragedy that has stuck with you. You won't let that happen again. (“Game face”
from The Janus)</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>PROTECTOR:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You have always looked out for others or perhaps
just someone in particular like a little brother or abused friend. (“There when
it matters” from The Bull)</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>ROYALTY:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You come from the elite. You know better and these
rubes are simply wasting your time. (“Cold and cruel” from The Star)</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>SCARED:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> For some it is shyness, for others it is a very real
terror of something. This place frightens you and you have to constantly be on
guard. “When you assess a charged situation, you may ask one additional
question, even on a miss.” (Reworded from The Protégé)</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>SCATTERED:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You wear your strangeness on your sleeve. Your
dress, manner, speech, or attitude reveal that you're not entirely on the same
page. (“Not from around here” from The Newborn).</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>WELL-ADJUSTED:</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You grew up in a normal, happy family. You don't
get all the weirdness, conspiracy, and danger that seems to surround you. </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have an additional condition you may
mark, Disillusioned. Choose one action it gives a penalty when taken.</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next time: story, structure, and revisions</span></i></b></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-30018978597722634322018-02-06T10:04:00.001-05:002018-02-06T10:04:15.203-05:00Neo Shinobi Vendetta: Fate Pre-Gens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TrmNUuQM2_c/WnnB94f500I/AAAAAAAAOTs/ZCbJBwkOdhwFDRECtPWsy0QEf6iusYXsQCLcBGAs/s1600/200px-Mirai_ninja_movie_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TrmNUuQM2_c/WnnB94f500I/AAAAAAAAOTs/ZCbJBwkOdhwFDRECtPWsy0QEf6iusYXsQCLcBGAs/s1600/200px-Mirai_ninja_movie_poster.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ran two sessions of my anime-ninja-sci fi mash up <i>Neo Shinobi Vendetta</i> online last month.
That’s the game I talk about on this week’s <a href="http://www.gauntlet-rpg.com/the-gauntlet-podcast/neo-shinobi-vendetta-mystery-academy-crossroads-carnival" target="_blank">Gauntlet Roundup podcast episode</a>.
We had a great conversation and I recommend listening to it. I discuss the
purpose of the setting, shifting tone in play, and the challenges of action in
a story environment. Plus sweet ninjas chopping off heads. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve posted NSV material before. I have entries covering the
<a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2014/05/neo-shinobi-vendetta-campaign-sketches.html" target="_blank">overall setting</a> as well as a <a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2015/05/neo-shinobi-vendetta-one-shot.html" target="_blank">shorter version</a>. I also wrote up the <a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2014/06/neo-shinobi-vendetta-sketching-ninja.html" target="_blank">game’s shinobi powers</a>. Originally I wrote NSV for <i><a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2016/06/action-cards-what-what.html" target="_blank">Action Cards</a></i>, our <i>Fate</i>-influenced
homebrew. I’ve run it that way f2f and a half dozen times at Origins and Gen
Con. Because I hadn’t yet worked out cards in Roll20, I went with <i>Fate Core</i> for our Gauntlet sessions. If
you compare the AC and <i>Fate</i> versions,
you’ll see how easy conversion is. You can find the AP videos <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBq3LfshTbI" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=PlF31app_BQ" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our characters have sixteen skills, some powers, and a few
stunts. It’s a larger pool of options than standard <i>Fate</i>, so it’s probably closer to <i>Atomic Robo</i> in power level. Each character has a "corruption"-- some of these trigger if they roll ++++ or ----. Others give a cost. I decoupled the stunt/refresh
connection in making these characters; they’re crafted particularly for
one-shots+. I also opted to go with a stress pool rather than check boxes. That’s
purely about keeping things simple and easy to teach online.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CONCEPT </b>Master of Guile
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>TROUBLE </b>Don't Stop Deceiving </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>REFRESH</b> 1 <b>STRESS
1</b>3</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SKILLS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">AIM +3 PHYSIQUE ---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ATHLETICS +2 SCIENCE ---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DECEPTION +4 SOCIETY +3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DEXTERITY +5 STEALTH
+2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">FIGHT +3 TECHNOLOGY
+1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INVESTIGATE +2 UNDERWORLD
+4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">KNOWLEDGE +1 WILL
+1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>STUNTS & POWERS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Compensation (Memetic Base): </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may use Deception for Fight
tests.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Hijack (Ghost Set):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You can see through the vision of
others. Distance and barriers determine the difficulty of the test required.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mirrors (Wizard Set):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You can generate a host of duplicates
by spending 2 stress. These can distract, help evasion, or other effects. They
wear out quickly.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Spider (Wizard Set):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You can cling to walls and other
surfaces with perfect control as if walking normally on the ground. This
includes ceilings, sides of moving cars, and even sword blades. This does not
give perfect balance and you can be knocked down or off.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Always a Way Out: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">+2 on checks made to create an advantage
whenever you’re trying to escape from a location.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Clever Disguise: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may assume disguises as an action. Your
skill and technology allow you to resist scrutiny where it might otherwise
fail.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Memetic Overlay Corruption: </i></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">atavistic reactions, possession,
reversion of other states, or disorientation.</span></li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-769nc8YiPZ0/WnnB-Ig4wUI/AAAAAAAAOTw/GskUDqphQKI7qLA7BQhR9XoQhSe3xzr8ACEwYBhgL/s1600/259833_500x800x250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="424" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-769nc8YiPZ0/WnnB-Ig4wUI/AAAAAAAAOTw/GskUDqphQKI7qLA7BQhR9XoQhSe3xzr8ACEwYBhgL/s320/259833_500x800x250.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CONCEPT </b>Voice of the Nano-Kami </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>TROUBLE </b>Echoes in My Head
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>REFRESH</b> 2 <b>STRESS</b>
12</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SKILLS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">AIM +4 PHYSIQUE
---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ATHLETICS +1 SCIENCE
+3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DECEPTION +3 SOCIETY
+1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DEXTERITY +2 STEALTH
+2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">FIGHT +2 TECHNOLOGY
+4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INVESTIGATE +3 UNDERWORLD
+1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">KNOWLEDGE +5 WILL
---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>STUNTS & POWERS </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Disintegration (Nanoswarm Base): </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can deal stress to
hardened structures: walls, structural supports, vehicles. This can be used for
an attack or to set up other effects.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Flight (Nanoswarm Base):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Spend 2 stress to become capable of
flight for a scene. Pick two when you fly: Agile, Fast, Carry Others, Hi-Attitude,
Long Distance, or Super Silent.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Rebuilder (Nanoswarm Base):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You can reshape existing
material into new forms, duplicate objects, or even create a new item. States
and types of matter can be changed.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Subdual (Invoker Set): </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can declare any attack nonlethal.
Additionally as an action you can put to sleep any grouped noncombatants or
bystanders.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Data Surveyor: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You have an acute eye for accounts. You can
easily pick out patterns and problems in a fraction of the normal time. You're
also an expert at using bits and pieces to track people. You can test to locate
someone at a particular time or guess behavior based on the past and get quick
results.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Fast Friend: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On entering a new social situation (party,
meeting) you may spend a fate point to rapidly make a good friend or contact.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Nanoswarm Corruption: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">collateral stress, brief independence,
misread commands, or even visible scarring and marks.</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CONCEPT</b> Lumbering Mountain of Poison </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>TROUBLE </b>Painless</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">REFRESH</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> 2</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">STRESS</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
12</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SKILLS</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">AIM --- PHYSIQUE
+4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ATHLETICS +2 SCIENCE
+5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DECEPTION +2 SOCIETY
+1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DEXTERITY --- STEALTH
+2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">FIGHT +3 TECHNOLOGY
+3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INVESTIGATE +4 UNDERWORLD
+1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">KNOWLEDGE +3 WILL
+1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>STUNTS & POWERS </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Armor of God (Demon Set): </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You add +2 physical stress for
each condition taken.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Body Shaping (Genocolony Base):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You can reshape your body.
Extend limbs, grow bigger, shrink to half size, perform contortions, or slip
into tight gaps or containers</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Reweaver (Genocolony Base):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You may also take an additional
4 point condition.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Bend Bars/Lift Gates:</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You may spend a fate point to perform
an absurd lift, pull, or other feat of strength.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mad Science:</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You may use Science tests to do a major attack
or effect if you have access to materials. You mix chemicals, rewire systems, etc.
quickly. Limit 1 crazy plan per scene.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Retag: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When being individually hunted or pursued, you can
spend a fate point to re-center the hunt on another target you come into
contact with. This creates an additional obstacle for your pursuers.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Genocolony Corruption:</i></b> DNA absorption, rampant consumption,
bizarre growths, and uncontrolled tentacles and the like.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzWq_BvB-q8/WnnB-N64OtI/AAAAAAAAOT0/jGeR30Y9rMMfbSgNolVniCWYXAb20W32QCEwYBhgL/s1600/MiraiNinja_arcadeflyer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="251" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzWq_BvB-q8/WnnB-N64OtI/AAAAAAAAOT0/jGeR30Y9rMMfbSgNolVniCWYXAb20W32QCEwYBhgL/s320/MiraiNinja_arcadeflyer.png" width="225" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CONCEPT </b>Whispers of the Coiled Serpent</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>TROUBLE </b>Some Call it Cowardice </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>REFRESH </b>2 <b>STRESS
</b>13</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SKILLS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">AIM +5 PHYSIQUE
---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ATHLETICS +1 SCIENCE
+1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DECEPTION +3 SOCIETY
+2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DEXTERITY +1 STEALTH
+4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">FIGHT +3 TECHNOLOGY
---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INVESTIGATE +2 UNDERWORLD
+2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">KNOWLEDGE +3 WILL
+4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>STUNTS & POWERS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Deathcloud (Sorcerer Set):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You may perform an electrical
attack hitting a tight group. This targets everyone close by. Add +1 stress per
target and divided it evenly among the targets.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Id Insinuation (Psychic Base): </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may slightly cloud the
minds of targets in an area within sight for effect. You can also spend a fate
point to edit short term memories on a target.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Savior (Saint Set):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You may heal an ally in combat as an
action. Roll against a difficulty of 0. By spending a fate point you may affect
two targets.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Alarmist: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You have an instinct for avoiding traps, sensors,
and alarms. You gain +2 to checks to spot and circumvent them.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Precise: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can hit absurdly small and precise targets with
ranged attack. If you need to roll, reduce the difficulties for size and
environment,</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Wicked Edge: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You do +2 stress using Fight. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Psychic Drawback: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You do not suffer corruption, but using
talents takes a toll on your body. Each use costs stress to activate. Pay for
ongoing talents when first turning them on. This stress cannot be healed via
other effect in combat, but does heal naturally with rest.</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CONCEPT </b>Meticulous Planner</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>TROUBLE </b>Mercy for the Innocent</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>REFRESH</b> 2 <b>STRESS</b>
12</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SKILLS </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">AIM +2 PHYSIQUE
+1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ATHLETICS +4 SCIENCE
---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DECEPTION --- SOCIETY
+2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DEXTERITY +4 STEALTH
+5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">FIGHT +3 TECHNOLOGY
+3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INVESTIGATE +3 UNDERWORLD
+2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">KNOWLEDGE --- WILL
+1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>STUNTS & POWERS</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Hurdle (Dragon Set): </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shinobi can ordinarily make high jumps
and leaps, at least twice normal distance. When you use this power, you may
make insane leaps and jumps.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Lull (Chimera Set):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> By concentrating you can create an area
nearby that, when scanned, causes most devices to read most common &
expected results.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Soul Sense (Chi Field Base): </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You sense lifeforms in a short
radius, even through barriers. You may tag targets (up to 3). You know direction
of tagged targets and do +2 stress to them.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Cleaner: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You’re an expert at removing evidence from a scene.
You gain a +2 to all tests for this. You can also clean a scene after the fact.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>From the Darkness: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You do +2 stress when attacking a
surprised opponent.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Scoundrel’s Reflexes: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may make a stealth check to hide
yourself even when surprised, without penalty.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: red;">Chi Field Drawback: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">You do not suffer corruption, but using
talents takes a toll on your body. Each use costs stress to activate. Pay for
ongoing talents when first turning them on. This stress cannot be healed via
other effect in combat, but does heal naturally with res</span>t.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span> </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-057mPiJD3Tc/WnnB-NzVFYI/AAAAAAAAOT4/S7VIXcQHdq02GBiRXZ4lKubRAWfHwDE-QCEwYBhgL/s1600/miraininjajpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="377" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-057mPiJD3Tc/WnnB-NzVFYI/AAAAAAAAOT4/S7VIXcQHdq02GBiRXZ4lKubRAWfHwDE-QCEwYBhgL/s320/miraininjajpg.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CONCEPT </b>Body of Metal
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>TROUBLE</b> More Machine than Human</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>REFRESH</b> 2 <b>STRESS</b>
12</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SKILLS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">AIM +1 PHYSIQUE +1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ATHLETICS +3 SCIENCE
+4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DECEPTION +3 SOCIETY
---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DEXTERITY +2 STEALTH
+3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">FIGHT +4 TECHNOLOGY
+5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INVESTIGATE +2 UNDERWORLD
---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">KNOWLEDGE +2 WILL
+1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>STUNTS & POWERS </b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Instinct (Serpent Set):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> When struck in melee, you do 1 stress
back to your attacker.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Sensory Array (Cybernetics base):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You can see in absolute
darkness, aware 360 degrees, perceive microscopically & telescopically, and
are protected from blinding/deafening.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>SubDermal Plating (Cybernetics Base):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Reduce any physical stress
done to you by 2.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Sinuous (Serpent Base):</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You do +2 stress in grapples. If
you've grappled a target, they take the first 2</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">stress done to you outside of the grapple.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Grappler: </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">+2 to tests made to create advantages on an enemy
by wrestling or grappling with them.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mastercrafted:</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Twice per session you can reroll a result if
you explain how your personalized advanced equipment helped you out.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Cybernetics Drawback:</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The most obvious source of powers; can
only be concealed with difficulty. While you do not suffer corruption, your
implants render you vulnerable to humanity-based effects. Take +2 stress from
mental or psychological attacks.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>If you have any questions, hit me up</i></b></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-30375810530780110732018-02-01T15:11:00.002-05:002018-02-01T15:11:19.017-05:00Hearts of Wulin: Entanglements<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fd0RRoWJMzo/WnN0CpeQyrI/AAAAAAAAOQc/hWfYcD-KGU0ng0PoHEYfWPKKqUJl4PBmwCLcBGAs/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fd0RRoWJMzo/WnN0CpeQyrI/AAAAAAAAOQc/hWfYcD-KGU0ng0PoHEYfWPKKqUJl4PBmwCLcBGAs/s320/hqdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been working on the complicated and fraught relationships for <a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/01/hearts-of-wulin-conventions-assumptions.html" target="_blank"><i>Hearts of Wulin</i> </a>PbtA. I want these to be the bread & butter of the melodrama. Each entanglement represents a complicated connection with a person, group,
or institution. They're all triangles, with a third party creating problems. I hope to work these like Flags in other games, with players being able to highlight them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Characters will begin with three entanglements, one of which must be romantic.
I've created examples, but I hope players will make up their own or remix these. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ROMANTIC</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note that love here can be strong & passionate or a passing
infatuation. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cannot choose between <i>[object
of affection]</i> and <i>[other object of
affection]</i>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I disguised myself to get close to <i>[object of affection],</i> but <i>[their
romantic partner]</i> suspects and hates me.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I disguised myself to get close to <i>[object of affection],</i> but <i>[their
romantic partner]</i> is falling for me.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fled from <i>[object of
affection]</i> because of the heartache, but their [romantic partner] has
called me back with a debt I owe them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know <i>[a person] </i>loves
me<i>,</i> but my actual <i>[object of affection] </i>loves them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I lost to <i>[a rival]</i>
in order to maintain or increase the affection of <i>[someone close to them].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love [<i>a childhood
friend/someone I overlooked]</i> but I waited too long and now they <i>love [a person]</i>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love <i>[object of
affection]</i>, but my <i>[clan/faction/order]</i>
has forbidden it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love <i>[object of
affection]</i>, but my <i>[parent/teacher/sibling]</i>
is their sworn enemy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love <i>[object of
affection]</i>, but our two <i>[clans/factions/orders]</i>
are at war.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love <i>[object of
affection]</i>, but their <i>[parent/teacher/sibling]</i>
is a villain.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love <i>[object of
affection]</i>, but their <i>[parent/teacher/sibling]</i>
is a sworn enemy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love <i>[object of
affection]</i>, but their <i>[person of
Authority (mentor, senior sibling, parent)]</i> hates me.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love <i>[object of affection],
</i>but they are engaged to <i>[someone I
respect/care for/owe a debt to/hate].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love <i>[object of affection],</i>
but they are wed to <i>[someone I
respect/care for/owe a debt to/hate].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pursue <i>[object of
affection]</i> despite knowing that <i>[my
friend/peer/sibling] </i>pines for them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I rejected <i>[a person],</i>
but my <i>[object of affection] </i>loves
them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still pursue <i>[someone
who rejected me] </i>despite the interference of <i>[someone with an unrequited love for them/s someone with an unrequited
love for me]</i>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My <i>[friend/rival/sibling]</i>
and I both vie for the attention of <i>[object
of affection]</i> despite their indifference to both of us.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is an unrequited love between my<i> [object of affection] </i>and I because of the wishes of or duty to <i>[a person].</i></span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">GENERAL</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>A [rival or sibling]</i>
disparages me, and <i>[Person of Authority
(mentor, senior sibling, parent)]</i> won’t condemn them for some reason.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A <i>[rival/person in authority]</i>
knows about some shady business I did to a <i>[friend/peer/mentor/lover]</i>
or their family.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A <i>[rival]</i> has
sworn to kill me, but I have promised <i>[a
lover/their sibling/a friend/a parent]</i> that I will not harm them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I brought my <i>[friend/lover/peer]</i>’s
<i>[sibling/parent]</i> to justice.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been ordered <i>[by
my clan/person of authority] </i>to undercut <i>[someone I love/respect].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been passed over by my <i>[school/clan/teacher/family]</i> in favor of <i>[my rival]</i>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been promised to <i>[a
person]</i> and their <i>[romantic interest]
</i>wants to get rid of me.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been promised to <i>[an
awful person]</i> but they have a <i>[sibling/friend]</i>
who is much more interesting.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have discovered that my <i>[friend/lover/sibling]</i> has been hiding their true power from me but
has told <i>[another friend/sibling].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have discovered that my <i>[friend/sibling] </i>has been consorting with an <i>[enemy/enemy clan].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have hidden my true identity from <i>[friend/peer/teacher]</i> because of my duty to <i>[clan/their enemy].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have learned that my <i>[friend/lover]</i>’s
<i>[family/clan/teacher]</i> has lied,
betrayed, or fooled them, but they will never believe me.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have promised my <i>[teacher/sibling/clan/parent]
</i>that I will destroy my <i>[friend/lover].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I helped hide away [a person] who is a threat to or wanted
by <i>[a friend/mentor/lover].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I helped hide away [a person] who is a threat to or wanted
by <i>[your clan].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I learned that my <i>[friend/lover/sibling]</i>
has been learning techniques from an <i>[enemy/enemy
clan].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made a promise to <i>[someone
I respect/love]</i> to aid <i>[a rival/troublemaker/fool].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I owe loyalty to my<i>
[elder sibling/parent/sensei] </i>despite how they treat my <i>[friend/lover/sibling].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I rejected <i>[a person] </i>and
now they have sworn vengeance against me and especially <i>[my friend/lover].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I suspect <i>[a person] </i>of
evil, but <i>[someone I respect/love]</i>
believes in them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I swore to <i>[someone I
respect/love]</i> to protect <i>[a person] </i>who
would be deeply offended if they knew. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was involved in a crime against <i>[a friend/mentor/lover/sibling]</i>’s <i>[friend/relative/lover].</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m the heir to your <i>[school/clan/teacher]
</i>but <i>[a person]</i> I’ve known a long
time resents it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My <i>[boss/parent/mentor]</i>
treats me badly but I give them loyalty despite my <i>[friend/lover/siblings] </i>disapproval.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My <i>[clan] </i>suspects<i> [someone I love/respect</i>] is working
against them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My <i>[friend/lover/peer]</i>
is an agent for my <i>[enemy/enemy clan]</i>
but I do not know it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My <i>[friend/peer/mentor]</i>
has rejected my <i>[sibling]</i>’s love.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My <i>[friend/sibling]</i>
has been exiled from my <i>[clan/school/family]
</i>but no one will tell me why.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>My [mentor, senior
sibling, parent]</i> disapproves of me, and <i>[sibling,
lover, friend, peer, parent]</i> agrees with them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>My [mentor, senior
sibling, parent]</i> disapproves of me, but <i>[sibling,
lover, friend, peer, parent]</i> won’t stand up to them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My <i>[peer/friend/rival]</i>
and I defeated<i> [a person/agent of a clan]
</i>but only I gained credit and now they resent it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My <i>[sibling]</i> and I
were separated at birth and an <i>[enemy] </i>raised
them to destroy my clan.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My <i>[sibling] </i>loves
<i>[a rival/enemy].</i></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>ANY CLASSICS I'VE MISSED?</i></b></span></div>
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Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-30742192621428760242018-01-31T13:46:00.001-05:002018-01-31T13:46:16.325-05:00Hearts of Wulin: Conventions & Assumptions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xYtyMoGrZJ0/WnIOUtseZKI/AAAAAAAAOPY/4FrA-V0_u0cBV3sSPPdEmuENpZmydKNIgCLcBGAs/s1600/xajh03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="600" height="243" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xYtyMoGrZJ0/WnIOUtseZKI/AAAAAAAAOPY/4FrA-V0_u0cBV3sSPPdEmuENpZmydKNIgCLcBGAs/s320/xajh03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm finishing up the rules for my Hearts of Wulin PbtA hack, in prep for Sunday's session. I'll post more about it after we've played a session. I'm hoping our game will be able to emultate the melodrama of these novels, <a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2009/06/61909.html" target="_blank">TV shows</a>, and <a href="http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/01/wuxia-homework-shaw-brothers-films-on.html" target="_blank">movies</a>. I wrote up some of the conventions for the players:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We’re a week away from the first Sunday morning session of <i>Hearts of Wulin</i>. My inspiration comes from Chinese wuxia TV dramas; <i>Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon</i>; <i>Painted Skin</i>; some Shaw Brothers films, and more. You don’t have to know those, just melodrama. I’m still tweaking things and I’ll send a link to Google folder materials later in the week. Here I want to talk about conventions of this setting and game.</span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is set in a “fantastic” version of ancient China. Characters can do fantastic things but there’s no sorcery or the like per se. The world of the martial clans operates outside the normal realm. They have their own power structures and rules. While they live under an Emperor, that relationship can be fraught. Our stories will deal with relationships and struggles within the Wulin world.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is melodrama. Reactions and responses are heightened, nothing is simple, there’s always something at stake.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Characters often talk obliquely about things: emotions, desires, drives.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Characters have duties: to a clan, a school, a mentor, a sibling, a parent and these come into conflict with their desires and friendships.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fighting can be a conversation, telling and revealing things through that struggle.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone has a scale*. If someone is better than you, you can never beat them. UNLESS the circumstances change: you cheat, you’ve gone away to study and learn how to fight them, you’ve set up something in the environment, you’ve acquired a special weapon or technique, you’re fighting alongside a friend that you have a close bond with. If that happens, the results come into question.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People believe things: if it’s written down it must be true. If someone says something people accept it until they have clear and specific evidence presented to counteract that. Yes, I know he’s a noble hero with a good reputation, but this person said that he slaughtered this village—OK, checks out. People who ought to know better will fall for this.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone has a set of Entanglements, relationships which cause them problems or strains. Each entanglement is a triangle connecting you, the subject of the entanglement, and a third party.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’re awesome and you’ll get the chance to describe your awesomeness.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anything can happen at any time. <i>Suddenly Ninjas!</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Travel just happens. We don’t worry about distance and time unless a) there’s some clock you’re racing against or b) you have an encounter on the road. But usually if you say you’re going somewhere, regardless of distance, we just cut to there.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If someone’s wearing a disguise, it is perfect up until the point it isn’t.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You gain experience in the following ways: you lose to an opponent, you allow yourself to be fooled by a villain, you make your entanglements more messy, or you accept pressure from a fellow PC. There are a few other ways, but those are the big ones. Sometimes as a reward we’ll cut away to the villains talking about their plans and plots.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In session one we will create a set of clans: righteous, unrighteous, and ambiguous. I’ll have a list of possible names and we’ll assign keywords to them. Imagine them like Corporations from the Sprawl, larger groups and institutions you’re connected to or interacting with.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We’ll then build characters from there, establish entanglements, and get rolling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One point to be clear on: this is a fictional version of China, with all the historical and cultural accuracy of a soap opera. We will work to be respectful of the cultures involved within the context of this heightened, exotic, and fantastical space.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>*Thanks to the <a href="http://misdirectedmark.com/category/jianghu-hustle/" target="_blank">Jianghu Hustle podcast</a> for giving me the terminology to describe this. </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764158821384594980.post-29634951714936573552018-01-25T10:20:00.004-05:002018-01-25T10:20:56.192-05:00Mutant: Year Zero: 36 Mood Elements for The Zone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyxO_b0b_iw/Wmn1OLgYt3I/AAAAAAAAOM4/UWnnnZDV4lkeXBEiU5iCSMPJpwpjD_hugCLcBGAs/s1600/MYZ%2BPost%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyxO_b0b_iw/Wmn1OLgYt3I/AAAAAAAAOM4/UWnnnZDV4lkeXBEiU5iCSMPJpwpjD_hugCLcBGAs/s320/MYZ%2BPost%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I dig all the random generation tools <i><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139453/MUTANT-Year-Zero--Roleplaying-At-The-End-Of-Days&affiliate_id=451397" target="_blank">Mutant: Year Zero</a></i> puts
forward. They’re rich enough to create interesting situations, but modest
enough the GM can easily use them. The random “Threats” create
quick interesting stories from simple premises. I can draw one just
before the session and easily fold it into events. Yesterday I pulled “The Last
Drop” which meant a clean water shortage in the Ark. It connected nicely to elements the players had already established. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s also easy to use the sector generation tools to create
the “hex-crawl” areas the PCs move through in the Zone. I like the level of
detail it offers and I can create a cool place in a minute or two. The Mood
elements are particularly nice: a table of six add-on bits for each of six
types. They offer a mix of atmosphere, ornamentation, and story hooks. To
supplement that I’ve created another table with the same structure and 36 new
ideas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">See also my <a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/01/mutant-year-zero-36-plots-for-roles.html" target="_blank">36 MYZ Plots for Roles</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUKV1MEOXoTWuYbqIzi35l3wuHyDTKoZv" target="_blank">AP Playlist</a>, and <a href="https://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2017/03/mutant-year-zero-rpgs-i-love.html" target="_blank">review of the game</a>.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">PEOPLE</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. In the distance they spot what seems to be a beast. It
runs off, revealing itself to be a person covered in an elaborate homemade
costume. Are they part of a larger tribe? Where do they flee to?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. They find tunnels excavated in a garbage mountain. Are
the dump tunnels occupied? Is it a lone junk-person or a whole group?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Someone has created a tableau from scavenged dolls,
action figures, and figurines. What story does it tell?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. A survivor staggers across the landscape, but they are no
longer entirely whole. Some strange animal, insect, or plant has taken over
their consciousness. How do they know?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. They discover a plot of land covered with deep parallel ruts.
Weeds and twisted plant choke the ground, but someone clearly tried to farm
here in the near past. What strange seeds do they find? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. A mound of bones and shells sits here; they’re marked
with signs of tools and cutting. A few pieces suggest strange weapons used to
bring down prey. How long ago was this created?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">NATURE</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Though benign, swarms of small insects cover the sector.
They cling to surfaces, get into bags, and create an echoing sound. What drew
them here? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Tracks and disturbances indicate a mass migration of
animals passed through recently. Where did they head? What were they fleeing
from (or going towards)?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. A small pond seems to be fed by an underground water
source or spring. The Rot-free water draws animals. What beasts might they see?
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. The sector appears completely filled with tall, dead
stalks. Their density and height makes crossing and navigation difficult. Will
the group venture into the funereal field? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. The party picks up a pack of scavenger beasts. They
circle from the air or follow at a distance, but won’t approach or attack.
Instead they wait for someone to inevitably die-- a party member or another
animal, they don’t care. What do they look like? How many do there seem to be?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Dead woods dot a greyish-black landscape. However the
trees, when touched, evaporate into a cloud of ashes, dust, and gas. Does
anything survive here?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">WEATHER</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Winds howl across this sector. They start and stop,
switching direction and nearly pushing them over. Is this a constant here or
anomalous event?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Icy rain begins to fall. Within moments frost and slick
patches cover everything. Does it grow colder and freeze solid or simply keep
going miserably?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. The air is wet and moist. The humidity becomes almost
unbearable. Water beads and condenses on anything remotely cool. What kinds of
fungus blooms in this environment?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Streaming, flickering lights dance across the night sky.
Perhaps damaged atmosphere creates these aurora borealis. Is it natural? Or is
it a warning sign of something to come?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. A cloud funnel runs from the sky to the ground below.
What causes this? Is it a weirdly calm marvel, a tornado held in place, or
something else?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Rain falls from the sky, but it isn’t water. What does
the downpour consist of? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">REMAINS</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. A tarnished metal statue stands atop a stone monument.
Who or what does it depict? Could it be salvaged for some purpose? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. A fragmented hologram hangs in the air. It reacts in a
primitive way, but speaks in a language they cannot understand. What does it
look like? Was it a guide, an advertisement, a warning?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. A solar-powered drone glides quietly above, a tattered
banner dangling. Can it be captured? Why hasn’t something destroyed it already?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. The concrete canyons of a large-scale skate park force
the group up and down. What debris has collected at the bottoms of these
half-pipes? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. <o:p></o:p>A great skeleton of bone and metal stands alone. What was
this fearsome Trex? What other beast remains might they find here?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. A sea of cargo containers—rusting into one another—lies irregularly
before them. Some are stacked neatly while others seem haphazardly flung into
place. What might live there? Could artifacts or good scrap still be found
among them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--H38Mv_5y34/Wmn1OBecqEI/AAAAAAAAOM0/6yaO4BKqYs8s7rdzO3Xj0A3Lv4K4BD6QgCEwYBhgL/s1600/MYZ%2BPost%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--H38Mv_5y34/Wmn1OBecqEI/AAAAAAAAOM0/6yaO4BKqYs8s7rdzO3Xj0A3Lv4K4BD6QgCEwYBhgL/s320/MYZ%2BPost%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. They hear a thunderous explosion. Moments later the party
feels a wave of air. In the far, far distance they just make out a massive
smoke pillar. It’s too far to reach in a simple journey, perhaps it is a
mystery for another time. Does it happen again or is it a singular event?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. The air becomes still and suddenly everything is quiet. A
blanket of silence falls on the sector. Footsteps, voices, gunfire—nothing can
be heard. How do the PCs communicate? How long does it last?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Two huge trash hawks battle in the skies. Does one win?
What do they fight over?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. A rumbling below the ground grows louder as it approaches
them and quiets as it moves of into the distance. Are there any visible signs
of what has passed beneath?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. An autonomous big rig truck trundles across the
landscape. It’s worn, showing the signs of age and attacks by various
predators. The trailer is rusted and torn open. Where is it heading to? What
were its last orders?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Another Stalker-led party from the Ark crosses their
path. Who gets the drop on whom? What info might they be willing to exchange?
What things aren’t they sharing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">TERRAIN</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. A geyser of hot water explodes in the sector like
clockwork. It could be natural or an artificial phenomena. The sulfur and acid
surrounding the spot make the ground treacherous; unwary explorers can fall
into a caustic bath. Can the group use this?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Great sections of the sector are set in the ground. A
massive building once sprawled here, but in vanishing left an exposed basement
complex. What might be found in this open-air maze? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Enormous dunes make travel difficult. Slogging up them
will be exhausting. What are they made of? (sand, pebbles, bone dust, metal
filings, something else?) What happens here when the weather turns bad?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Seemingly solid areas turn out to be quicksand. What kind
of granular material is it made of? How do they detect and move past it? What
treasures might be lost at the bottoms of these pools?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. A layer of mud sticks to everything here. Deep gouges and
ruts crisscross the landscape. There might even be trenches. Is the mud dry or
wet? Has it preserved anything?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Shallow water covers this sector. It comes up over their
feet, but in a few places it is boot deep or more. It’s less dangerous than
unpleasant. How to they spot drop-offs? How to they keep the damp from seeping
into everything?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>If you've run or played MYZ, any other cool details you've dug?</i></b></span></div>
Lowell Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02359280169506945906noreply@blogger.com2