Battleground Games Forum
Role-Playing Games => Dungeons & Dragons / Pathfinder RPG => Torland Campaign => Topic started by: Guu on May 24, 2014, 11:35:05 AM
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I imagine it's time to kick off a discussion of our summer game, as I have a feeling we'll hit a hard stop at the end of the current arc in Rick's game. He wants an extended hiatus (three or four 3.5/Pathfinder type levels, which realistically will be most of the summer and part of the fall with our group), so we need a filler game in the meantime.
Because our game group consists of seven members, advancement-type boardgames (HeroQuest, Descent, and the like) won't really work. These games are designed for 5 players or so. We'll probably need an RPG. Having talked about it no one has a strong preference, but a few demands have come up:
- No 4e - This one from Tom and Jay.
- No D&D type Fantasy - This one from me. We play a lot of D&D and this is a chance to branch out.
- No 40k Games - People seemed willing but unenthusiastic about this.
Essentially, it really seems to come down to who has access to rules and is willing to run. Jay is running a few different games now and bowed out, but other people are willing enough. Steve had some ideas for a few one-offs. I mentioned running superheroes game and a few people were interested. I think it would make for a light summer filler.
If we are doing a superheroes game, I have a fair bit of material for the old Marvel Superheroes game, which is fine but has that oldschool feel to it. Jay wanted to do Mutants and Masterminds, but I'm not sure if he means the 2nd or 3rd edition.
Mutants and Masterminds is the go-to (http://greenroninstore.com/collections/mutants-masterminds/products/mutants-masterminds-deluxe-heros-handbook) superhero system, so if people are going to spend actual money on the books, that's the only one I can really recommend. There's also a more narrative-based 'free' rules set from some M&M writers called Icons (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=81475). I don't know much about Icons (yet), but I'm not sure that it's worth using over M&M. We could also adapt some of the universal rule sets for supers...the FATE system (http://www.faterpg.com/), which is also 'free', comes to mind. That game is more narrative-based though and isn't the typical kind of play that we endorse.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this? The forums are really the only way we can discuss things as a group, so let your opinions be known. Otherwise I'll get bored this weekend and begin building a game to shove down your throats.
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Well, if you hit the ground running and start making something, I'll bet nobody else would object at that point.
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Even if we're doing a supers game there needs to be some group discussion about the kind of game it should be. A few particulars that come to mind:
- Real world or imaginary world? Some people like real world games, some don't
- Modern day or some other time? I'm guessing people want modern day but maybe someone wants to do WWII-era pulp or something
- Established universe or unique universe? I'm not personally a fan of doing any established universes. As Rick mentioned they come with too much baggage.
- What kind of power level? I think we should go with X-Men/Spiderman kind of power levels. Potent characters who aren't disgusting like Superman or the Silver Surfer.
That's all I can think of atm.
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We could also try something really different with a super-heroes game...some sort of post-apocalyptic thing. An age when superheroes doing superhero junk have destroyed most of civilization, or maybe normal humans have destroyed most of civilization in some kind of war against the superheroes.
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To be honest with you Josh, I am willing to try the Marvel Superheroes game. I always have a sweet spot for marvel over any other super hero universe. So in the interest of new experiences I say lets do that one. (also prevents us from having to buy new books :) )
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Technically I think it's not 'Marvel' Superheroes per se; just the RPG system that Marvel exists in.
Basically, Josh and I were talking about it and more or less agreed that putting us in the same universe as Marvel would be too much for a relatively short game in a system that nobody is too familiar with. So we won't be teaming up with the X-Men or the Avengers... this time.
At least, I think that's right...
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I think Jay was talking about the system, and the old 1990's Marvel Superheroes was its own game and system combined. I have a lot of reference material for it. That being said, Jay specifically requested using Mutants and Masterminds, and as I own both books I'm OK with M&M. I don't know the system as well but I think it's easier for everyone to pick up because it's based on d20.
I'm hoping we can have a larger discussion about the universe before committing to anything, but I, too, am a Marvel over DC fan, so you can expect the campaign to have more of a Marvel flavor.
I'm of the opinion that playing in an established universe is problematic; there's just so much baggage. However, if the group wants to be in DCU or MarvelU that's fine with me. We could also try a hybrid thing where we just decide that only certain heroes/villains show up. Or we can go with a completely unique universe.
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I went through the characters that are completed and made a few minor adjustments. Nearly everyone was in violation of the PL10 limit on attacks, meaning basically your bonus to attack and your damage with the power can't be more than PL*2, which is 20 in our case. I swapped a few numbers around to make everyone fit.
Rick- You'd actually under-spent by a few points so I beefed up your defenses (the gadgeteer in the book spends on defenses). I also had to move a few points around so that your bonus to attack with your energy beam + damage was 20. (The main problem being your base dexterity was 3 instead of 2...seems like you followed the book for the most part.)
Jay- Your character was way over the limit for the combined attack bonus + damage. I moved points into your move rock ability. So now you're doing +12 to hit and 8 damage with your fists and you have a pretty respectable +6 to hit and +9 damage with a thrown rock.
Thomas- I had a little trouble figuring out what you were doing with your weapon power so I hope I got everything included the way you wanted. I had to move a few points around for you as well to keep your ranged attack balanced for PL10. I made some major changes to the way your character works, actually, but I think I did it the way you want. I lowered your base strength and dex to 1 and 0, repectively, and gave your suit the augment stats power so you've got str 9 and dex 10 when you're in your armor. I also tinkered a little with your equipment so you have your limo, cell phone, headquarters, and a secret comlink you can use to communicate with whoever.
Riley's character is about 1/2 complete so I didn't bother to try and finish it for him. I think I'd be assuming too much as he hasn't picked any advantages, equipment, or skills yet.
In any case, I think you'll find your characters are more effective than they were before I went through them, but if you want to make any changes we can do it at the next session.
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thanks for that josh, unfortunately i cannot show up on Friday as i have to work until 9:30. super sorry. Golem would probably be around the city causing accidental damage when the team meets him if u want to introduce him without me i understand, but the gamer in me would prefer you to wait for me till next session.
Jay
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Gaa... my character is at a severe disadvantage without a portable wall to hide behind!
Hmm... portable wall...
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I'm pretty under the weather and I'm not sure if I can do the game tonight. I'll give you an update by noon.
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well I hope you feel better Josh but I am working until 900 tonight. I will show up after work for about an hour if there is game. If no game then I will just head home after a quick stop in the store.
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Let's just table the game this week. People can do the fatpack challenge instead.
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I'll still be around. Mostly because of boredom.
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How are things looking this week?
I'm sick again but I'm coming unless I lose my voice.
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It's the Friday of a holiday weekend. I'll be there even if there's no game.
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Well, Rick and I are the only ones who read this space, but here's an update:
Both my wife and kid have been sick and they're not getting better. I'm not sure if the significant other will let me go to the game tonight. I'll update this space if I can't come, but that probably won't be until 6pm or so.
Basically I'm just waiting to see if she says, "You can't go out because we're sick!"
Happy wife, happy life and all that.
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not sure who is going to be there tonight. I heard from Riley that Josh was probably going to cancel. I will be down anyway for a while to hang out and just chill.
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Are we playing this friday night?
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As far as I know we are. You trying to jinx us?
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He jinxed us. My wife has some going away thing for a colleague at 7pm in Longwood, so I can't make it. :( I'm sorry to have to cancel it.
The next two games would be Dec. 19th and then January 2nd. I should be fine on both of those days. Does anyone else need to cancel? The holidays are traditionally a time of obligations, so if the game has to be cancelled dem's da breaks
That being said, does anyone want to get together on a weekend afternoon for board games? Marvel and whatnot on some weekend between now and New Year's? I'm staying in town this year so I'll be available and particularly as we move towards Christmas I'll have a fair bit of free time.
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Interesting...
Just tell me the day.
I've read recently that they made a version of Legendary set in the Aliens universe. Anyone ever seen/played it?
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So... who's interested in showing up and doing stuff? I like stuff.
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Well this is good cause i come baring bad news.
My car is going into the shop today and as i went to ask steve if i could get a ride home last night jay asked me first if he could get a ride to and from BGs since his car was in the shop. As i explained mine will also be the the bill speaks up saying he has to work.
Short story. Me jay and bill not making it.
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It must be contagious. The check engine light on my car came on this morning...
Looks like a Netflix night for me then...
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Ya some idiot hit my car so I don't really want to take it out any more than I have to. "Golem sad :'("
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Are we looking OK for this week?
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Isn't that supposed to be your call?
It's all good with me.
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Well I'm asking because last week was like...carmageddon.
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Nah, I'm all set now...
unless you just jinxed it!
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Seems if we are accursed we'll find out tomorrow at some point.
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I am planning to be there around 6pmish. Tom is giving me a ride. (still really shouldn't drive my car @ night since one of the headlights is out.) Will keep you posted if things change.
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Just a friendly reminder that at next week's game it would be nice if everyone could update their character sheets for the Pathfinder game to 5th level and let me borrow them. I'm looking to work on starting that campaign up again. Anyone planning on changing characters let me know.
Josh has already said that he wants to move on from his wizard, probably to a paladin.
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Things looking OK for people tonight?
By asking I'm sure I activate the curse.
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Alas I am not feeling the best today. I was exhausted yesterday and think it is for the best that I stay in today and try and get better. (and not infect anyone else with whatever is bothering me). I will bring the dwarf cleric next session Rick really sorry about that.
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Well, I'm sick too. My son gave us all throat infections for Christmas and I got it last. I'm through the worst of it, but a big part of why I was asking was to gauge participation.
See? The curse still works.
Are we only down a Golem then?
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I get out of work at 7 so should be there 20 after 7.
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Well we'll meet up and try and make some fun happen.
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Time for the mid-week jinx?
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wut?
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When we ask if the game will happen and the asking makes it not happen.
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I plan on being there tonight around 5 or 6pm.
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In light of the snow we've had (and they're calling for more Friday but not much) is everyone kewl with the regularly scheduled program?
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hmm... well there isn't much scheduled. And it isn't a 100% chance that we're doing to get any.
I'm conflicted.
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Let's talk about it more while waiting for the others to weigh in.
I don't like going through snow at night.
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What I'm reading now is that there will be less than an inch of snow overnight, starting sometime after midnight. Everytime I've checked since yesterday the time that they are expected snow gets later and later.
So I think we'll be alright.
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Alas my work schedule has potentially changed. NOOOOOOOOOO. I will be unable to make it tonight. I will keep you guys posted. I hope Friday will not be my night to close now, but if it is I won't be able to keep coming to this game. Sorry
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That is incredibly depressing news.
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I will not be able to make it to game tonight. Stuck babysitting until around 11pm. Sorry guys
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Well, with the weather being as it is I think we need to call it off until next time. Then we won't have to worry about snow. This will be probably be the last supers session so I think if it's possible for everyone to attend we should make that happen.
Side note: is there a night when people gather at the store for boardgames like the good old days? I feel like I never get to see anyone anymore.
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So close to the climax? I had no idea.
Boardgames eh? I can dig it. (Un)fortunately, I have a temporary opportunity to put in some extra hours at work starting Monday so I won't be able to play boardgames for a little while. Much sadness.
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Some weekend afternoons are good for board games. I'm thinking of swinging over there tomorrow, depending on the wife's schedule.
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Also, the end kinda depends on where the players go and what you guys decide to do, but finishing up this Heiress arc should tie up any lose ends of the story.
My intention is to table the game for a while then pick it up again sometime in the future when we can run it as a one-off or another short set of filler adventures.
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Okay! How are we doing for this week? I'm down. We should all be able to make it. The weather is even halfway good according to the forecast.
I will warn y'all that I might be a little late. My commute has been running 2~3 hours a week (because I drive though Boston to Cambridge). I'm going to leave earlier on Friday to get my kid out of daycare and make it down to the game, but I don't know what the drive to South Shore will be like. Hopefully I'll be there by 7:30 but I should absolutely make it by 8:00.
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I won't be in until around 7 myself. At my place the opportunity for extra work ebbs and flows, and right now it's flowing, so I need to get all the hours I can while it lasts.
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Lunchtime and we're at NO REPLIES. Things are looking good for a max attendance game.
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I'll be there.