New OOTS products from CafePress
New OOTS t-shirts, ornaments, mugs, bags, and more
Page 20 of 20 FirstFirst ... 1011121314151617181920
Results 571 to 595 of 595
  1. - Top - End - #571
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    JustPlayItLoud's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Albuquerque
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    Quote Originally Posted by Eldest View Post
    No, I think you misunderstand, I want to start with Mauve, who knows one of the other player's characters and so has a reason and somebody to (try to) act as a moral guide. I suggested the knight for interesting RP, but it could be anybody.
    I'm fine with that. It would be unbecoming a knight to refuse to accompany a young lady wandering the countryside.

  2. - Top - End - #572
    Firbolg in the Playground
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Boston, MA
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    I think it could make sense to have Will and Jan know each other--Will often finds himself having to travel dangerous roads through the wood, and a guide like Jan would be a valuable hire. Any thoughts, Tsa?

  3. - Top - End - #573
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    Eldest's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Someplace Nice
    Gender
    Female

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    Quote Originally Posted by JustPlayItLoud View Post
    I'm fine with that. It would be unbecoming a knight to refuse to accompany a young lady wandering the countryside.
    Hey, the band's back together!

    Except instead of Team Foggy (think that was the name) it's Team Lady and Knight.

    That needs a better name.
    LGBTA+itP

  4. - Top - End - #574
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    JustPlayItLoud's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Albuquerque
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    Quote Originally Posted by Eldest View Post
    Hey, the band's back together!

    Except instead of Team Foggy (think that was the name) it's Team Lady and Knight.

    That needs a better name.
    I think we alternated between Team Foggy and Team Fogey, as they were similar and similarly appropriate.

    Agreed on the new team name, needs some work. We'll see what transpires.
    Last edited by JustPlayItLoud; 2014-02-14 at 06:28 PM.

  5. - Top - End - #575
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    Tsa'Bakr's Avatar

    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    Sounds good to me Amaril. Jan would love traveling with a minstrel. I was thinking Jan could be a paid contractor for hunting and forest guide services anyway. Jan is always ready to listen to a good song or story and will gladly jump at the chance to adventure with such a knowledgable fellow.

  6. - Top - End - #576
    Firbolg in the Playground
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Boston, MA
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    Quote Originally Posted by Tsa'Bakr View Post
    Sounds good to me Amaril. Jan would love traveling with a minstrel. I was thinking Jan could be a paid contractor for hunting and forest guide services anyway. Jan is always ready to listen to a good song or story and will gladly jump at the chance to adventure with such a knowledgable fellow.
    Perfect. So, should they be travelling together now, or should it be a past meeting when Will needed to get somewhere specific and happened to be passing through Jan's homelands? Will isn't exactly a rich man (all his worldly possessions amount to his equipment list and enough silver for his next meal), so it might be difficult for him to afford long-term pay for a bodyguard, but he'd manage if the company was entertaining enough. I'll leave it up to you.

  7. - Top - End - #577
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    Tsa'Bakr's Avatar

    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    I would say that they could have initially met while under the pay of a previous adventurer and became friends then. Now they hire themselves out to travelers who need a hunter/guide and an entertainer/chronicler. Jan pretty much lives day to day as well, so they have similar needs for a paying benefactor.

  8. - Top - End - #578
    Firbolg in the Playground
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Boston, MA
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    Quote Originally Posted by Tsa'Bakr View Post
    I would say that they could have initially met while under the pay of a previous adventurer and became friends then. Now they hire themselves out to travelers who need a hunter/guide and an entertainer/chronicler. Jan pretty much lives day to day as well, so they have similar needs for a paying benefactor.
    How about they're both in the employ of a nobleman who serves as Will's current patron and hires Jan as a mercenary bodyguard for him? That makes sense to me, and gives Zap an opportunity for an important NPC connection.

  9. - Top - End - #579
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    Tsa'Bakr's Avatar

    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    Quote Originally Posted by Amaril View Post
    How about they're both in the employ of a nobleman who serves as Will's current patron and hires Jan as a mercenary bodyguard for him? That makes sense to me, and gives Zap an opportunity for an important NPC connection.
    I'd rather Jan be the hired hunter or guide than bodyguard, but I'm good with that. Jan is much too aloof and carefree to make a good mercenary... He's a lumberjack not really a hired "axe".

  10. - Top - End - #580
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Zap Dynamic's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    On Another Adventure
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    Quote Originally Posted by Amaril View Post
    How about they're both in the employ of a nobleman who serves as Will's current patron and hires Jan as a mercenary bodyguard for him? That makes sense to me, and gives Zap an opportunity for an important NPC connection.
    Quote Originally Posted by Tsa'Bakr View Post
    I'd rather Jan be the hired hunter or guide than bodyguard, but I'm good with that. Jan is much too aloof and carefree to make a good mercenary... He's a lumberjack not really a hired "axe".
    I've got ideas swimming around already!

    What if the two of you never necessarily worked side by side? You were both in the employ of the same nobleman and have spent a couple of nights drinking together by chance, but you've never really had the opportunity to get to know one another? That gives Will freedom to serve in the court of the noble and Jan freedom to spend his time out in the Blackwood, but still gives the basis for a connection.
    Last edited by Zap Dynamic; 2014-02-14 at 09:14 PM.
    Avatar by the wonderful and talented Ceika!
    Playing:

    Past Faves: The Blackwood | Raaneka | Cachimba

    My DeviantArt.

  11. - Top - End - #581
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    Tsa'Bakr's Avatar

    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    Quote Originally Posted by Zap Dynamic View Post
    I've got ideas swimming around already!

    What if the two of you never necessarily worked side by side? You were both in the employ of the same nobleman and have spent a couple of nights drinking together by chance, but you've never really had the opportunity to get to know one another? That gives Will freedom to serve in the court of the noble and Jan freedom to spend his time out in the Blackwood, but still gives the basis for a connection.
    Sounds good to me. Jan would generally gravitate towards the music at any nightly gathering to enjoy his beer and mead.

  12. - Top - End - #582
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    Eldest's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Someplace Nice
    Gender
    Female

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    So how do the knight and the witch know each other, then?
    LGBTA+itP

  13. - Top - End - #583
    Troll in the Playground
     
    NecromancerGuy

    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Therinos
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    I think it was discussed that the knight and witch would happen upon each other, and the knight would insist on escorting her to where she wanted to go (provided of course that her destination didn't seem overly objectionable for one reason or another).
    Quote Originally Posted by Zap Dynamic View Post
    I want to create a world that is full of possibility, and one of the best ways to handle it is by creating a bunch of stories that haven't yet been finished.
    Quote Originally Posted by Grey_Wolf_c View Post
    At this point, however, I'm thinking way too hard about the practical problems of running a battle royale school for Russian assassins, so I think I'll leave it there.
    In my posts, smilies generally correspond to my expression at the time. As an example, means "huh?" and "Hmm..". Also, "Landis" is fine.

  14. - Top - End - #584
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    Eldest's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Someplace Nice
    Gender
    Female

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    Loud, got a preference? If you want we could even do the "happen upon each other" in-game. Or perhaps Ulrich was a regular at the tavern her parents ran before fire did what fire does? Or something in between.
    LGBTA+itP

  15. - Top - End - #585
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Zap Dynamic's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    On Another Adventure
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    Hey everyone! I found time to update the Weapon Mastery language and wanted to make sure we were all on the same page.

    Quote Originally Posted by Weapon Mastery
    At character creation, you may choose one Mastery (advancing to "Skilled") at no cost instead of choosing a spell. Additional Masteries chosen at first level cost 60 sp each. Starting characters may not be more than "Skilled" in any Mastery. After character creation, Masteries can be purchased using the mechanics in this guide. All characters begin with basic ability in every weapon. They may attack with no penalty and deal normal damage according to the statistics provided for each weapon in the rule book.

    Advancing beyond basic skill level requires several things. First, a character must have the corresponding skill for the weapon to be mastered. Second, the character needs time and money for training. Use the chart above to determine the cost of each skill level, and the time needed to achieve it. Training occupies half of each day for the indicated amount of time.

    When you are skilled with a weapon you receive a +1 bonus to attack and damage, and unlock new abilities with the weapon. When you are considered an expert in a weapon your +1 bonus to attack and damage is increased to +2, and you unlock further abilities. Mastery increases the bonus to +3 and unlocks the full potential of the weapon.
    Does that make sense? I'm pretty sure everyone is already in compliance of this, but let me know if you're not sure or if you have any questions.

    Also, I've finished all the random generation for the start of the adventure! You'll be starting play at the front gates of the town of Denvorn, seat of the province. It's definitely the most metropolitan settlement of this frontier realm. These 2000 souls strike a balance between civilization in the wilderness and decadence amid a suffering province. More details to follow!

    You'll also be receiving a PM with a list of rumors your character has heard. Investigate these if you're looking for quests and treasure. Please make sure your inbox has space in it.
    Avatar by the wonderful and talented Ceika!
    Playing:

    Past Faves: The Blackwood | Raaneka | Cachimba

    My DeviantArt.

  16. - Top - End - #586
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    Tsa'Bakr's Avatar

    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    Quote Originally Posted by Zap Dynamic View Post
    Hey everyone! I found time to update the Weapon Mastery language and wanted to make sure we were all on the same page.



    Does that make sense? I'm pretty sure everyone is already in compliance of this, but let me know if you're not sure or if you have any questions.

    Also, I've finished all the random generation for the start of the adventure! You'll be starting play at the front gates of the town of Denvorn, seat of the province. It's definitely the most metropolitan settlement of this frontier realm. These 2000 souls strike a balance between civilization in the wilderness and decadence amid a suffering province. More details to follow!

    You'll also be receiving a PM with a list of rumors your character has heard. Investigate these if you're looking for quests and treasure. Please make sure your inbox has space in it.
    I will take a look tonight and see what I need to do to Jan.
    Tsa'Bakr...the "T" is silent

    Avatar by the wonderful Ceika: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/member.php?4020-Ceika

  17. - Top - End - #587
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Zap Dynamic's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    On Another Adventure
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    And now I've added some info on Denvorn Town, where you'll be starting. Check it!
    Avatar by the wonderful and talented Ceika!
    Playing:

    Past Faves: The Blackwood | Raaneka | Cachimba

    My DeviantArt.

  18. - Top - End - #588
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    JustPlayItLoud's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Albuquerque
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    Quote Originally Posted by Zap Dynamic View Post
    You'll also be receiving a PM with a list of rumors your character has heard. Investigate these if you're looking for quests and treasure. Please make sure your inbox has space in it.
    I look forward to receiving it. This area looks good. Starting off here fits nicely for where I'm going to try and take this character.

  19. - Top - End - #589
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    Tsa'Bakr's Avatar

    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    So, inexperienced question here...where do we post for the game? To this thread? or somewhere else?
    Tsa'Bakr...the "T" is silent

    Avatar by the wonderful Ceika: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/member.php?4020-Ceika

  20. - Top - End - #590
    Firbolg in the Playground
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Boston, MA
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    I assumed Zap would let us know when there was an IC, but it occurs to me, are we doing this on GitP at all?

  21. - Top - End - #591
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    Eldest's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Someplace Nice
    Gender
    Female

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    Last time we did a game it was on giantitp, and I'd prefer it being on here if it's PbP. So that's my guess.
    LGBTA+itP

  22. - Top - End - #592
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Zap Dynamic's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    On Another Adventure
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood - A Folkloric "Mini" Setting (WIP, PEACH)

    We will indeed be playing on the forums. You should all have your rumors at this point (please let me know if you haven't gotten the PM yet), so all that's left is for me to start up the IC thread, which will happen sometime tomorrow.

    Before we get started with the game, I want to bounce some ideas off of you guys about pacing. It would be great if we could each post once every 48 hours, and I'll start to get worried about you if it's been more than three days since you last posted. It's no worry if your suddenly busy, but please let me know via PM or posting here to the OOC thread. I plan to accommodate work schedules (lord knows I'll be busy enough), so let me know if we need to adjust posting expectations etc.

    As far as the story goes, I always find myself bummed by the pacing of pbp games. It takes forever to do anything! Here are a couple things I'd like to do to accomplish that:

    • Outside of dungeons or combat, you may post three separate actions per post, each intended to take about 10 minutes of in-game time to accomplish (for a total of 30 minutes). You may suggest longer actions that combine two or more of these 10-minute blocks.
    • In dungeons, each post should account for 1 ten-minute round of action.
    • In combat, each post should be for one 6-10 second burst of action (a typical turn).


    Beyond this, I want to make it advantageous to fast forward through a few months of gameplay at a time. In between adventures, I want you guys to feel free to pursue a warrior order, trade guild, or whatever toots your horn. Spell and Weapon Mastery is designed with this kind of pacing in mind, and I wanted to provide alternatives for those who didn't want to train towards a new spell/weapon mastery during advancements.

    How does this sound? I'm happy to make any changes we think are important.
    Last edited by Zap Dynamic; 2014-02-18 at 10:09 PM.
    Avatar by the wonderful and talented Ceika!
    Playing:

    Past Faves: The Blackwood | Raaneka | Cachimba

    My DeviantArt.

  23. - Top - End - #593
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Zap Dynamic's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    On Another Adventure
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood Campaign Setting | Folklore. Action. Dice. | PEACH

    Hey everyone! I've got some threads for you.

    IC Thread

    OOC Thread

    Dice Rolls

    I'll get a starting post up in the IC Thread by the time I go to sleep tonight... most likely in the next 2 hours. Gotta grab dinner first.
    Avatar by the wonderful and talented Ceika!
    Playing:

    Past Faves: The Blackwood | Raaneka | Cachimba

    My DeviantArt.

  24. - Top - End - #594
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Zap Dynamic's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    On Another Adventure
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood Campaign Setting | Folklore. Action. Dice. | PEACH

    When I started this setting, I walked a long trail of introductory research into folktales (especially Germanic tales) and ancient Chinese literature. A Definition of Wuxia and Xia was one of the early articles I read, and after giving it another read today I think it's one of the best resources I've found. It gets a little far from my own goals when it waxes historical context toward the middle, but it's a great insight into the martial culture of the Blackwood, particularly the Sentinels.

    I think I'm going to write something inspired by this for the Book of Tales. Either a brief moral history of the Sentinels, or a quick story emphasizing key elements of knighthood, villainy, and how similar they can be in the Blackwood. That said, I wanted to post this because I think it's a great, short read.
    Last edited by Zap Dynamic; 2014-02-25 at 12:39 AM.
    Avatar by the wonderful and talented Ceika!
    Playing:

    Past Faves: The Blackwood | Raaneka | Cachimba

    My DeviantArt.

  25. - Top - End - #595
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Zap Dynamic's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    On Another Adventure
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Blackwood Campaign Setting | Folklore. Action. Dice. | PEACH

    I'm planning to introduce Downtime Rounds into the Blackwood. Here's the first draft of the mechanics!

    Downtime Rounds
    It may be an exciting place, but life moves slowly in the Blackwood. Characters might go on one or two adventures at a time, but most of their lives are spent searching out and preparing for the next one. Whenever the party finishes an adventure, they have the option to take a Downtime Round. These special rounds are measured in months, and may be as long or short as the party needs. Each month, players may choose two Exploits to pursue. Each exploit is assumed to fill half of each day.


    {table=head]Exploit...|Provides...|...and...
    Training|1 Reputation/3 Months|Advancement Check
    Research|1 Adventure/3 Months|Skill/Talent Check
    Trade|1 Resource/ 3 Months|Wealth Check[/table]

    Training
    Spoiler
    Show
    Mastering new spells and fighting techniques takes time and training. Characters gain 1 Reputation level for every three consecutive months of training. Reputation could be fame or notoriety, and may provide bonuses or penalties to characters in play. If characters have an alter ego (or several), Reputation should be tracked separately for each identity. Each point of Reputation grants a +1 bonus to Wealth Checks.

    Characters who spend their time training also have a chance for Advancement. Players should roll 1d6, then add their highest attribute. This DL for this check is 7+1/Advancement. For example, the DL would be 7 for a character with no Advancements so far, 9 for a character with 2 Advancements, and so on. Characters may make 1 Advancement Check for each month they spend in training, but they may only advance once during any one Downtime Round. Each Advancement grants a +1 bonus to Wealth Checks.


    Research
    Spoiler
    Show
    Learning is the key to growth and the goal of many characters. Whether by reading ancient tomes or keeping an ear to the ground, characters learn of 1 new Adventure for every 3 consecutive months of research. This Adventures will be determined by the GM, but spending 1 Fate point will allow a player to dictate either the premise or reward of an Adventure.

    Characters who spend at least 1 month researching may attempt to learn a skill or talent. Players should roll 1d6, then add the most relevant attribute for the skill or talent to be learned. The DL for this check is 7+1/Advancement. For example, the DL would be 8 for a character with 1 Advancement, 10 for a character with 3 Advancements, and so on. Characters may make 1 Skill/Talent Check for each month they spend in training, but they may learn 1 skill and 1 talent during any one Downtime Round. 1 relevant Skill and 1 relevant Talent each grant a +2 bonus to Wealth Checks.


    Trade
    Spoiler
    Show
    Some characters may harbor ambitions of enterprise and success. Characters secure a steady supply of 1 Resource for every 3 consecutive months engaged in the pursuit of trade. A Resource is defined by the player, and could be a material (wood, iron), a service (blacksmithing, transportation), or an entity (guards, cattle). Players may describe this resource however they prefer, but everything is subject to GM approval. Each relevant Resource grants +1 to Wealth Checks.

    Players interested in making Wealth Checks must make an initial investment of at least 500sp into a product: training, trade, or research.

    Training: +1 to Advancement Checks, 20% Weapon/Spell Mastery Discount
    • Example Trades: Warrior Order, Thieves Guild, Scholars Academy

    Trade: 20% Discount with all Merchants
    • Example Trades: Shop, Inn, Black Market

    Research: +1 to Skill/Talent Checks, +1 Fate Point/Downtime Round
    • Example Trades: Library, Spy Network, Town Criers


    It takes three months for this initial investment to begin earning profit. After the third month, characters earn profit equal to 1% of their total investment per month. This rate of return is modified by certain conditions:
    • +2% if you have a relevant Skill
    • +2% if you have a relevant Talent
    • +1% per relevant Resource
    • +1% per Advancement
    • +1% per Reputation level


    For example, let’s say Gertrude, an average woman with no Advancements, wants to start a caravan. She spends 3 months to secure wagons as a Resource (+1% Profit), then another 3 months and 500sp to secure teams to drive the wagons and trade deals in other towns. She has no relevant skills, but the Lucky Devil talent will grant a +2% Profit bonus to her Wealth Check. Her total Profit is 5% (1% base, +2% Resource [wagons], +2% Talent [Lucky Devil]), so she will earn 25 silver pieces each month. Considering the average commoner earns 1 silver piece per day, Gertrude doesn’t have the best caravan yet!

    Profit can be increased by learning new skills, securing more resources, and gaining fame and notoriety, but investing more silver into the trade is the fastest way to see greater profits. Characters may invest more silver into their trade any time they take a trade action during a Downtime Round. Even the shrewdest and most established traders are unlikely to earn more than 10% profit from their trades. This is not only historically accurate, but it’s a great motivation for characters to remain adventurers until they have invested huge sums into their trades.


    I want to justify the passage of time in the setting, so I was looking for some kind of mini-game/side mechanic that would skip ahead a few months at a time. The idea is to encourage pursuit of a trade of some kind while leaving opportunity for less commercial downtime. That said, I think a part of three characters, each pursuing one of the three Exploits, would complement each other's endeavors well.

    Thoughts?
    Avatar by the wonderful and talented Ceika!
    Playing:

    Past Faves: The Blackwood | Raaneka | Cachimba

    My DeviantArt.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •