Introducing...Doraleous and Associates.
Oh....I want to play in this.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Dark Vengeance Overview
I've read a few blog posts that discuss the upcoming Warhammer 40k starter set, but this one is the most complete overview I've seen, and it has lots of great images...
Obsidian Portal
This looks extremely fascinating. I wonder if it would work for us? Thoughts?
https://www.obsidianportal.com/
https://www.obsidianportal.com/
Monday, August 27, 2012
Dark Vengeance
I have yet to succumb to the siren song of Warhammer 40,000, but I must admit that my resolve is weakening...especially now that the new 6th Edition starter set is almost here. It's called Dark Vengeance, and it looks freakin' awesome. Gentlemen, lash me to the mast!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Numbers
Numbers. Even in the most user-friend mode, D&D boils down to numbers. I have a strong aversion to numbers. There, I've said it. That makes me a bit of an anomaly, I believe, when it comes to D&D. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I'm in it for the plot.
D&D has always, to me, been like an "adult" version of a Choose Your Own Adventure book. The twists, the turns the plot developments and the ability to alter the course of history with my actions as a PC have always trumped stats and 'leveling up'.
In the daily grind of life, sending and receiving messages from my friendly game-master has always made my day. I try to explain it to people as having a never-ending novel, sent to me five days a week. Maybe I'm a weirdo at heart, but as someone who loves to read, why wouldn't that be the best gift ever?
So, here's to us numerically challenged D&D players!
D&D has always, to me, been like an "adult" version of a Choose Your Own Adventure book. The twists, the turns the plot developments and the ability to alter the course of history with my actions as a PC have always trumped stats and 'leveling up'.
In the daily grind of life, sending and receiving messages from my friendly game-master has always made my day. I try to explain it to people as having a never-ending novel, sent to me five days a week. Maybe I'm a weirdo at heart, but as someone who loves to read, why wouldn't that be the best gift ever?
So, here's to us numerically challenged D&D players!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Druid Cycle Story Arcs
Current Druid Cycle players have probably guessed that Ekhis is the new long-term villain for the campaign world. 2013 marks both the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Front Porch Gaming Guild and the twentieth anniversary of the Druid Cycle campaign, so I have something special in mind for the Ekhis storyline. There's nothing I can reveal at this moment, however...
Today, let's take a look at the stories of yesteryear. From the beginning, I've tried to have a major story arc that continues for multiple years, in game time and in real time. There are always other sub-plots going on, of course, and PCs have their own personal storylines, but there's usually a single focal point in the game world at any given time. I've listed the story arcs below, along with an estimate of the years they spanned. These dates represent my best guesses (I don't have a lot of documentation handy), so if they don't match with your recollection, let me know.
Today, let's take a look at the stories of yesteryear. From the beginning, I've tried to have a major story arc that continues for multiple years, in game time and in real time. There are always other sub-plots going on, of course, and PCs have their own personal storylines, but there's usually a single focal point in the game world at any given time. I've listed the story arcs below, along with an estimate of the years they spanned. These dates represent my best guesses (I don't have a lot of documentation handy), so if they don't match with your recollection, let me know.
- Fate of the Grand Duchy (1993): Featuring the first appearance of Lwcus, this short campaign was the predecessor of the Druid Cycle series.
- The War Against Rhithyn (1993-94): The original Druid Cycle heroes band together to prevent Lord Rhithyn from conquering First Home.
- The Matter of Naxxia (1994-95): The scheming dark elves instigate the Raid of Naxxia, perhaps the most (in)famous adventure in the history of the campaign world.
- The Hunt for Cocidius (1995-97): A seemingly unstoppable foe cuts a swath of destruction across the world until brought down by a coalition of heroes.
- The Return of Cythraul (1997-99): The demon-lord Cythraul raises a monstrous army that clashes with the allied forces of First Home at the epic Battle of Soldierford Keep.
- Flight Through the Planes (2000-01): Lwcus and a motley crew of adventureres wander the planes of existence as they try to return to their respective homeworlds.
- The Castellan's Journal (2002-04): On the distant continent of Sarras, a group of young, untested heroes attempts to safeguard a powerful book of magic from the many foes who seek to acquire it.
- The Jordan Saga (2004-09): After dark rites performed by the League of Trismegistus, an innocent girl is possessed by an ancient evil and the heroes make a tragic choice when they realize they cannot save her.
- The Quintessence Rifts (2009-10): The magical barrier that separates the planes becomes frayed, and new races and peoples -- including the irrepressible Lwcus -- appear in First Home.
- The Cult of the Old Ones (2010-12): Led by a devious lich called Calvus, the worshippers of the immortal Old Ones seek to destroy the seven chosen children and their families.
- Ekhis and the Ternion (2012-??): The heroes learn of a mysterious manipulator called Ekhis, who has sown the seeds of discord and war throughout the centuries.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The Chosen Children: Who's Next?
Thus far we've covered five of the seven children: Neanias, Devon, Florian Romlin, Roan, and Tancred. The final two children are still in the womb, and will remain as such until it's narratively convenient for them to be born! But what do we know about those final two? The sixth will be the offspring of the mighty human cleric Seneschal Senchan (Kevin) and his tiefling paramour, Astera. The seventh child will be an eladrin born to Arawn and Brynne, the rulers of the elf realm of Annuvin. Keep watching the blog for the birth announcements!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Annoyed gamemasters
I like sillyness as much as a good story. Many of my first roleplaying leading experiences ended up ending with my reoccuring villians cornered. Sometimes it is a wizard that has frozen them. Sometimes a warrior cuts through the minions quicker than I expected. Often a rogue or bard that are known for their resourcefullness, find some way to disable how I planned the scene to play out.
Clearly, this is not the solution. Not that I exhibited much more maturity in my very young roleplaying years.
Source:
http://www.reallifecomics.com/archive/000731.html
Clearly, this is not the solution. Not that I exhibited much more maturity in my very young roleplaying years.
Source:
http://www.reallifecomics.com/archive/000731.html
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Pathfinder for Kids
Just because Matthew is only five doesn't mean he can't enjoy some good old-fashioned dungeon-crawl action. We boiled Pathfinder down to the absolute basics: armor class, hit points, and attack bonus. He has a very good grasp of arithmetic, so he picked it up quickly. Here's our victorious fighter, Sir Angus...
Sunday Comics
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Meet the New Sorcerer
I think I have a new favorite 5e class! Check out the new sorcerer class in the updated packet for the second iteration of the D&D Next playtest.
This character is just brimming with magic. Unlike the wizard, who obtains magic from research and study, the sorcerer's magic is innate -- the result of a curse, a draconic bloodline, or some other personal factor. As the sorcerer casts spells, he or she depletes a pool of willpower points (akin to the power points that 4e used for psionic magic). But here's the twist: As the hero uses up willpower points, he or she begins to transform! The only sorcerer option presented in the playtest packet is the sorcerer with a draconic bloodline; as such, this character takes on aspects of a dragon as willpower points are spent. It's a cool feature that combines fluff with crunch -- in other words, the change has both a roleplaying ("Hey, look, my hands are turning into claws!") and a mechanical ("Nice! I now have a +2 to all melee damage rolls!") component.
I don't know what other versions of the sorcerer are going to look like, but the draconic sorcerer is awesome. With an attack bonus better than the cleric, proficiency with all weapons and armor, and some nice buffs to melee combat, this character a very capable front-line warrior. The character can also cast a limited selection of wizard spells (by spending willpower points) and use special draconic powers (also by spending willpower). Both of these magical abilities can be used while wearing armor. Once all willpower points are spent, the draconic sorcerer then gains +2 to melee damage rolls until the next extended rest.
Strategic by Design...FYI, I'm playing a sorcerer in your upcoming playtest game!
This character is just brimming with magic. Unlike the wizard, who obtains magic from research and study, the sorcerer's magic is innate -- the result of a curse, a draconic bloodline, or some other personal factor. As the sorcerer casts spells, he or she depletes a pool of willpower points (akin to the power points that 4e used for psionic magic). But here's the twist: As the hero uses up willpower points, he or she begins to transform! The only sorcerer option presented in the playtest packet is the sorcerer with a draconic bloodline; as such, this character takes on aspects of a dragon as willpower points are spent. It's a cool feature that combines fluff with crunch -- in other words, the change has both a roleplaying ("Hey, look, my hands are turning into claws!") and a mechanical ("Nice! I now have a +2 to all melee damage rolls!") component.
I don't know what other versions of the sorcerer are going to look like, but the draconic sorcerer is awesome. With an attack bonus better than the cleric, proficiency with all weapons and armor, and some nice buffs to melee combat, this character a very capable front-line warrior. The character can also cast a limited selection of wizard spells (by spending willpower points) and use special draconic powers (also by spending willpower). Both of these magical abilities can be used while wearing armor. Once all willpower points are spent, the draconic sorcerer then gains +2 to melee damage rolls until the next extended rest.
Strategic by Design...FYI, I'm playing a sorcerer in your upcoming playtest game!
Friday, August 17, 2012
More Playtest Material
Wizards has released some additional content for the second iteration of the playtest. Visit their site to download the updated playtest packet, which includes two new character classes -- the warlock and the sorcerer -- and a lengthy adventure. I haven't read through everything yet, but so far I'm really digging the D&D Next version of the sorcerer.
Pathfinder #1 Review
I finally got my hands on the first issue of Dynamite's new Pathfinder comic book, and it was well worth the wait. Although the art didn't captivate me, the story held a good pace, with lots of action and plenty of witty dialogue. This first issue reminded me of IDW's excellent Dungeons & Dragons comic -- that is, before they dropped the original series and replaced it with a so-so Forgotten Realms story.
As an added bonus, the issue contains a surprising amount of Pathfinder game content. There's a detailed map and description of the setting (the town of Sandpoint in Varisia -- familiar to those who've purchased the Pathfinder Beginner Box), adventure hooks, NPC stats, a set of pre-generated first-level characters (the main characters of the series, who are also familiar to Beginner Box owners), a brief combat encounter, and even a removable game map (with the familiar grid of one-inch squares) for use with the encounter. The map is snugly inserted into the comic and can be removed easily without ripping, tearing, or cutting.
That's a lot of stuff for a comic that's still only $3.99. If Paizo and Dynamite continue providing this much roleplaying content in every issue, Pathfinder is quickly going to become one of my favorite comics. As it stands now, the series is definitely staying on my pull list. I can't wait to see what's next.
As an added bonus, the issue contains a surprising amount of Pathfinder game content. There's a detailed map and description of the setting (the town of Sandpoint in Varisia -- familiar to those who've purchased the Pathfinder Beginner Box), adventure hooks, NPC stats, a set of pre-generated first-level characters (the main characters of the series, who are also familiar to Beginner Box owners), a brief combat encounter, and even a removable game map (with the familiar grid of one-inch squares) for use with the encounter. The map is snugly inserted into the comic and can be removed easily without ripping, tearing, or cutting.
That's a lot of stuff for a comic that's still only $3.99. If Paizo and Dynamite continue providing this much roleplaying content in every issue, Pathfinder is quickly going to become one of my favorite comics. As it stands now, the series is definitely staying on my pull list. I can't wait to see what's next.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Humans Are Too Damn Good!
You may have seen my post earlier in the week that described some initial reactions to the second iteration of the D&D Next playtest rules. One of the points I mentioned was the astonishing racial ability score bonuses that humans get. The more I think about it, the more I feel this rule is terribly unbalancing, both in narrative terms and in game mechanics.
In the current D&D Next rules, each race -- or, more accurately, each sub-race -- gets a +1 bonus to a specific ability score. Hill dwarves get a +1 to Constitution, wood elves get a +1 to Dexterity, etc. Humans gain a +2 to an ability score of their choice, as well as a +1 to all other scores. Wow. Just...wow. That floating +2 is overpowered all by itself. Think of it this way: I'm making a cleric with a base 16 in Wisdom. If I make him a dwarf, I can get him up to 17 by selecting the mountain dwarf sub-race. But if I select human, I'm at 18. The same goes for Dexterity-loving rogues, Intelligence-loving wizards, and Strength-loving fighters. On average, non-human races simply cannot match their human peers in primary ability scores for any character class. Moreover, the additional +1 in all other ability scores makes humans even more ridiculously superior. In a game where 20 (and therefore a +5 bonus) is the maximum ability score for player characters, every +1 that you get is just that much more important than it's ever been.
The human ability score advantage hurts the game in narrative terms, as well. In nearly 40 years of D&D, we've come to understand that elves are smart, halflings are nimble, dwarves are tough, and so forth. Humans, if anything, are known for being versatile. To that end, I'd expect humans to gain a single floating +1 bonus to any ability score. To me, that seems in keeping with humans' place in the D&D world. But what we have here in D&D Next is a game mechanic that fundamentally alters the narrative world. Now humans are as smart as elves, as nimble as halflings, and as tough as dwarves...all at the same time. This rule needs to change.
In the current D&D Next rules, each race -- or, more accurately, each sub-race -- gets a +1 bonus to a specific ability score. Hill dwarves get a +1 to Constitution, wood elves get a +1 to Dexterity, etc. Humans gain a +2 to an ability score of their choice, as well as a +1 to all other scores. Wow. Just...wow. That floating +2 is overpowered all by itself. Think of it this way: I'm making a cleric with a base 16 in Wisdom. If I make him a dwarf, I can get him up to 17 by selecting the mountain dwarf sub-race. But if I select human, I'm at 18. The same goes for Dexterity-loving rogues, Intelligence-loving wizards, and Strength-loving fighters. On average, non-human races simply cannot match their human peers in primary ability scores for any character class. Moreover, the additional +1 in all other ability scores makes humans even more ridiculously superior. In a game where 20 (and therefore a +5 bonus) is the maximum ability score for player characters, every +1 that you get is just that much more important than it's ever been.
The human ability score advantage hurts the game in narrative terms, as well. In nearly 40 years of D&D, we've come to understand that elves are smart, halflings are nimble, dwarves are tough, and so forth. Humans, if anything, are known for being versatile. To that end, I'd expect humans to gain a single floating +1 bonus to any ability score. To me, that seems in keeping with humans' place in the D&D world. But what we have here in D&D Next is a game mechanic that fundamentally alters the narrative world. Now humans are as smart as elves, as nimble as halflings, and as tough as dwarves...all at the same time. This rule needs to change.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
More on Backgrounds
As I mentioned in my last post, I'm loving the D&D Next concept of backgrounds. In this edition, the background is much more robust -- and more fully integrated into the game -- than the bland, watered-down backgrounds we saw in 4e. The purpose of the background is to give your character an origin story that situates him or her within the game world. Additionally, it provides your character with training in three skills.
The background also provides a "trait," which is the part I find the most fascinating. With the trait, D&D Next does a great job of synthesizing a narrative feature with game mechanics. So I'm a "commoner." What does that really mean? Aside from the skill lists, how is being a commoner different from being an artisan? That's where the trait comes into play. The trait indicates how you use your background in the game world.
Here are my favorite backgrounds and their associated traits:
- Commoner: Long-time Porch players probably know that I'm a sucker for any game feature that gives you a home base or a henchman, and this trait gives you both! As a commoner, you get a patch of land and a structure associated with your particular occupation (a farmhouse, an inn, etc.) as well as an NPC to look after your business while you're off on adventures.
- Knight: Free room and board for you and your companions when you show up at a place where your station is recognized.
- Noble: You get three retainers! They don't fight for you, but they can accomplish various mundane tasks.
- Priest: You gain a residence at a temple of your faith, and you can get free healing for your party from other practitioners of your religion.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Playtest Version 2: Initial Thoughts
I've read through the second version of the D&D Next playtest materials and I have some initial reactions. So, in no particular order, here they are...
- I'm disappointed that they changed the surprise rule from the first version of the playtest.
- So humans get a +2 to one ability score and a +1 to all other ability scores. That seems overpowered to me, especially given the flat math of the new edition -- every +1 bonus will be worth a lot more in 5e than it was in previous editions.
- That said, the flat math doesn't seem quite so flat anymore. Looking at the character class packet, it appears that something akin to Base Attack Bonus is returning to the game, although it seems to be increasing along a much flatter curve than in previous editions.
- Fighters no longer suck! In fact, it looks like we can build some pretty awesome and diverse fighter characters using just these basic rules.
- Rarely is it possible to nerf a spell by adding damage, but that's what they've done with Ray of Frost. Now the spell inflicts damage (and it's pretty good damage for a minor spell), but it no longer stops enemies in their tracks.
- Flaming Sphere seems way overpowered.
- Rope Trick is cool. Timothy is going to love it.
- So wizards can cast the ritual version of any spell in their spellbook, without having the spell prepared. Clerics, apparently, can only cast the ritual version of a spell if they have it prepared. Or am I reading that incorrectly?
- They seem to have fixed the problem with heavy armor. Now the typical sword-and-board fighter will not be incentivized to abandon Strength and go with Dexterity-based offensive and defensive options.
- Rogue sneak attack...holy cow! That's some heavy-duty damage!
- Themes are now called Specialties. They appear to be bundles of related feats. As a player, I will probably forgo the Specialty option and just pick from the general feat list (if that's possible).
- Backgrounds, however, are just flat-out awesome. They're my favorite part of D&D Next so far, and I'll follow up with another post explaining why.
Monday, August 13, 2012
New Playtest Packet!
Wow, this time they really took us by surprise! The new D&D Next playtest packet is available for download. If you signed up for the previous playtest, you probably just received an email about the new version of the rules. If you haven't signed up yet...why haven't you?!
Endless manuals
One of my biggest issues with any game system is the number of books & rules. There should be some guidance, but it shouldn't be too rigid that gameplay comes to a sudden halt to look up these rules. Here is a silly, yet practical example that has happened often around the game tables I have played at.:
Source
http://www.reallifecomics.com/archive/050726.html
Enjoy!
Source
http://www.reallifecomics.com/archive/050726.html
Enjoy!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
Poll Results
When I set up this blog earlier in the year, I included four surveys. The survey period ended this week, so I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the results. My first observation is that surveys apparently are not very popular! We don't have too much data, but let's see what we can glean from the responses...
1. If we were to add sub-pages that were focused on particular topics, what sorts of pages should we add?
The most popular answers, each receiving three votes, were a "gamers wanted" page, a page for the technical discussion of rules, and a page for short fiction. As it turns out, I've had numerous discussions with fellow blog authors Timothy and Strategic by Design (as well as some of our readers) about whether to add sub-pages. For the time being, we're going to keep everything on the main page, and use the labels (see "Hot Topics" on the side menu) to organize the posts around specific topics. The main page has worked well for two of the three top responses ("gamers wanted" and rules discussions), and we haven't yet had any submissions of short fiction. If we do start adding fiction, we may want to create an entirely separate blog just for that.
2. If we were starting up a new campaign, which of the following would be your top choice for the genre?
The most popular answers, each receiving three votes, were a "gamers wanted" page, a page for the technical discussion of rules, and a page for short fiction. As it turns out, I've had numerous discussions with fellow blog authors Timothy and Strategic by Design (as well as some of our readers) about whether to add sub-pages. For the time being, we're going to keep everything on the main page, and use the labels (see "Hot Topics" on the side menu) to organize the posts around specific topics. The main page has worked well for two of the three top responses ("gamers wanted" and rules discussions), and we haven't yet had any submissions of short fiction. If we do start adding fiction, we may want to create an entirely separate blog just for that.
2. If we were starting up a new campaign, which of the following would be your top choice for the genre?
No genre received more than one vote except for superheroes, which received two. I'm pretty sure I know who those two people are, and their wish has already come true! I'm excited about Tales of the Ternion and the opportunity to tell some different kinds of stories.
3. Which statement or statements best describe your feelings about the D&D rules?
Given what I know about the tastes of my fellow Porch players, I wasn't surprised by these responses. We do have some grognard leanings, as evinced by the three votes for 2e and four for 3e. (Full disclosure: I cast a vote for each of those!) There were also a lot of votes for the "edition neutral" choices: four for "I don't care about the dang rules as long as the story is good" and five for "I just play whatever edition everybody else is playing." That's encouraging news, because I fully intend to convert the Druid Cycle campaign world to 5e as soon as it's released!
Given what I know about the tastes of my fellow Porch players, I wasn't surprised by these responses. We do have some grognard leanings, as evinced by the three votes for 2e and four for 3e. (Full disclosure: I cast a vote for each of those!) There were also a lot of votes for the "edition neutral" choices: four for "I don't care about the dang rules as long as the story is good" and five for "I just play whatever edition everybody else is playing." That's encouraging news, because I fully intend to convert the Druid Cycle campaign world to 5e as soon as it's released!
4. What sort of content would you like to read?
There were a lot of responses for this one, and every option received at least two votes. Articles about general roleplaying topics (four) and articles about D&D (four) were the top vote-getters. I think the articles we've posted over the past four months align pretty well with these interests. However, dear readers, if there are topics you'd like to see more of (or less of), please don't hesitate to let us know!
There were a lot of responses for this one, and every option received at least two votes. Articles about general roleplaying topics (four) and articles about D&D (four) were the top vote-getters. I think the articles we've posted over the past four months align pretty well with these interests. However, dear readers, if there are topics you'd like to see more of (or less of), please don't hesitate to let us know!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Next Week?
I wrote in my previous post that Pathfinder #1 goes on sale today. However, when I showed up at my friendly local comic book store, they told me that it wasn't coming out until next week. Until then, I'll be reading Demanding Respect: The Evolution of the American Comic Book, by Paul Lopes, a professor at my alma mater, Colgate University.
Pathfinder #1
Just as my enthusiasm for IDW's Dungeons & Dragons comic books was starting to wane, here comes Paizo Publishing and Dynamite Entertainment with a Pathfinder comic book series. Issue #1 goes on sale today.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Lack of Numbers
If you noticed, in my series I have a lack of numbers. I think the biggest hinderance of DND is that players always try to optimize the options. Often this involves number crunching to mathematically get the best advantage.
I think the ideal character is unique. A druid that specializes (say ice effects) should be able to freeze foes in place, make the ground slippery, the area cold enough to shiver (hurting effectiveness). It should not matter if they use an area effect, ray, or touch. Spells should be unique to each character theme. There should be no general wizard that can use any arcane spell.
Why?
1) Players like customizing their character to their own image.
2) Many players resent wizards where the whole speed of gameplay has to stop to get their spells back. Wizard character players hate having their hands tied because they cannot do their craft (cast spells).
Think about it. X-men characters (or most comic strip major characters) can use their powers at will, but are limited to usually one power. I think having a themed character unique powers that match that theme seems ideal. Weaker powers should be available every turn. Moderate powers should be available every few turns. There should be few powerful effects that take awhile to build.
I am going to discuss Advanced Dungeons & Dragons the next few weeks. It is a detailed system that addressed some of these issues. Thanks for reading!
I think the ideal character is unique. A druid that specializes (say ice effects) should be able to freeze foes in place, make the ground slippery, the area cold enough to shiver (hurting effectiveness). It should not matter if they use an area effect, ray, or touch. Spells should be unique to each character theme. There should be no general wizard that can use any arcane spell.
Why?
1) Players like customizing their character to their own image.
2) Many players resent wizards where the whole speed of gameplay has to stop to get their spells back. Wizard character players hate having their hands tied because they cannot do their craft (cast spells).
Think about it. X-men characters (or most comic strip major characters) can use their powers at will, but are limited to usually one power. I think having a themed character unique powers that match that theme seems ideal. Weaker powers should be available every turn. Moderate powers should be available every few turns. There should be few powerful effects that take awhile to build.
I am going to discuss Advanced Dungeons & Dragons the next few weeks. It is a detailed system that addressed some of these issues. Thanks for reading!
Friday, August 3, 2012
The Chosen Children, Part 5: Tancred
We now turn to the dwarf Tancred, the fourth of the seven chosen children. Named after his paternal grandfather, this "Little Tancred" is the son of the adventurers Baret and Cordula. His mother, Cordula, is the current Brewmaster General, a position of great cultural and military significance in the city-state of Steel Mountain. It will be a shock to all of dwarvenkind if Little Tancred grows up to be anything but an axe-swinging, ale-swigging warrior.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
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