A Dilemna...

The fiercest of enemies to all things electronic, my 5 year old son, has put me in the market for a new laptop screen.  It seems everything works and all documents are there but there is an obvious crack down the middle of the screen and streaks running across it also.  My posting may be a little sporadic temporarily until I get a new laptop, netbook, or replace the screen.  I just tested out the mobile email blogging feature and it seems to work fine.  I can use the laptop of my better half but I am not going to tie hers up for hours while I type, revise, type, etc. until the post feels "just right".  Rest assured, faithful readers, I am still hear but I am experiencing a minor setback. 

Test

Testing out the mobile email blog posting feature.

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edit - replaced listing with posting - damn you, autocorrect.
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Sent from my HTC Inspire™ 4G on AT&T

OPUS: One Page Universal System

In my wanderings on the old internet, I ran across the OPUS role-playing system.  It is supposed to print out with rules on one side of the paper and the character on the other.  It looks pretty smooth and adaptable to me.  For those interested in a quick playing, easy going go then I would suggest taking a look at it.  If you are interested, there is also a yahoo group focused on the game.

[Toldara] House Rules - Character Generation

After a long absence of too many years, I returned to role playing games with the release of D&D 3E.  One of the first things I did was start work on a campaign world, Toldara, for my own games.  With the release of 3.5, the rules bits of the setting had to be adjusted in a few areas.  Eventually, Pathfinder came out and I found myself tinkering with another 3.X iteration of the game.   

I enjoy playing the 3.X/Pathfinder versions of the game but I want less book keeping and rules referencing the older I get.  I have fiddled around with a few of the other games to see what they have to offer.  I like the idea of Microlite20 but I do want just a little more crunch than that; it is a great game regardless.  C&C may be "just right" but I need to purchase my own copy of the rules to make sure.  I have been looking at the retroclones to see which one catches my eye.  Of course, which ever game I decided on will include house rules and this is what I have decided on so far.   

Rules System

The Toldara campaign will be powered by the Basic Fantasy rules.  Following the link will take you to the downloads page that contains rules, supplements, adventures, and more.

Ability Score Generation

The generation of ability scores is done by rolling 9D6 and then splitting them up into sets of 3D6.  The three scores generated are then assigned to Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution.  Another 9D6 is rolled and then split up among Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma using the previous method.  After all of the scores are generated the racial modifiers are applied to the scores.  The rolls must be used on the abilities rolled for and can not be switched between groups.

Hit Points

All beginning first-level characters begin play with the maximum available hit points according to the appropriate hit die for the class and any modifiers gained from the Constitution score.

Races

All of the core Basic Fantasy races will be available for play plus the addition of the following:

• The Gnome, Goblin, Half-Elf, Half-Orc (with appropriate changes), and Lizard Man (Slarn on Toldara) from the supplements on the download page. 
• The Anshu, Karnin, and Oranian races will need to be converted to the Basic Fantasy standard.

Classes

All of the core Basic Fantasy classes will be available for play plus the addition of the following:

• The Assassin, Barbarian, Druid, Illusionist, Necromancer, Paladin, Ranger, Scout, and Sorcerer classes.

Of course, this is all a work in progress.  As play progresses, things may change further.

When Is Enough, Enough?

In my post from yesterday I was curious about how much info should be included in a campaign document.  I made the post from my cell phone so it was really short and to the point.  I got a reply from Eldrad that instructed me to "just tell a good story".  I completely agree with this and think that is exactly what the goal should always be in a role playing campaign.  What I was actually looking for was just a little bit different.  What I would like is feedback about the following questions:

As a player, how much information about a campaign setting do you feel is the "right" amount for proper play and at what point does it become information overload?

As a game master, how much information about a campaign setting do you feel is the "proper" amount for getting the players into the game and at what point does it just become pointless details?

I am asking because I really want to start delving into the details of my campaign world but I am torn on what to include and what to leave out.  For instance, when it comes to religion in the campaign do people prefer just a simple list of gods with a few blurbs of information or do they want that information plus a breakdown of followers by race, area, worship centers, artifacts, etc.?  

Any and all opinions would be highly appreciated!

Mobile Note: Campaign Info?

I am considering posts about my campaign world but I would like to know how much info people typically include in a campaign document.

Wrestling & Memories of the Mayfly

There have been several posts over at Memories of the Mayfly about a tabletop wrestling game and what should be included in the design.  I am a big fan of old school wrestling from eighties that was done under complete kayfabe.  My favorite promotion of all time was World Class Championship Wrestling from the Dallas Sportatorium.  A short video tribute can be found on youtube:



WCCW was the home of the Von Erich family for those that do not know.  In my opinion, the older wrestling was much better than the crap that is on the TV today.  Although I prefer old school gaming and old school wrestling, I will not be hollering at any kids to get off my lawn any time soon.  If you dig old school wrestling or are interested in the design of a tabletop wrestling game then go check out the Mayfly.

Marvel Avengers Assemble (2012)

Yeah, I know that many other people have probably posted about this already but I just wanted to give a "HELL YES" to upcoming Avengers movie.  I was concerned with how well this would be pulled off but it looks like everything is in good hands.  I can not wait until opening day...

I'm Back

I got my replacement broadband modem/router combo in the mail yesterday.  I got it all hooked up after work and caught up on my blog reading; I even made a comment on a few of them.  I am assembling a few posts for later in the week.  In the meantime, I present some motivational music....

Mobile Note: Dead in the Water

My high-speed modem/router died. Due to free replacement instead of out of pocket expense, I opted to wait while it shipped. I will return in short time...