Wheel Shield

Fair.

No worries, it was like a week and a half ago.

Since tone doesn't always come across, I am asking this in a friendly way. No big deal. Could you ask over on the Pendragon forums? The reason I ask, is last time someone started asking about Call of Cthulhu releases (Against the Static) MOB made a point to update the status over here. Bereft of any information, I got my hopes up that CoG: The Lunar Way was arriving with it. I asked him to clarify but he never came back. And I hope those books are available for you soon. Appreciate it. EDIT: It is interesting that it's across product lines.

Sorry, no. You’re held to a higher standard, at least by me. You don’t get to put on Clark Kent glasses and suddenly you’re divested of all responsibility. I can see why that might seem unfair, but that was part of the price of joining the company. If you’re an unpaid volunteer, I’d consider how much it means to you. Many vocations have a similar position; teachers, police, clergy, performers, etc. This company sells stuff, you’re part of the company. Your behavior matters. And here’s the important part, that isn’t your decision. It’s based on perception. But setting that aside, I have no great animus against you. I might like you in real life. After this I’m not going to try to maintain a grudge. You do good and worthwhile things for the game and community, and I appreciate The Well of Daliath. I can separate this from your other actions. But I was taking Rick’s post in stride. I wasn’t saying anything about the release. To take a cue from Frozen, I was letting it go. But what were you hoping to achieve with “weeping, gently”? Shame somebody, Emasculate them? Because you brought this thread to life. And no, you don’t get to say you didn’t because you used your personal account.

I know buddy, it’s just the attitude Chaosium projects, sometimes. When I read Rick’s post it bugged the hell out of me. It’s not personal or objectionable on the face of it, but it’s condescending. As if to say, “Since no good deed goes unpunished we’re not going to tell you anything anymore.” WTF. When did they start? I appreciate having Runequest in publication and the high quality of the material they’re putting out, but what exactly is the good deed that we’re being so ungrateful for? They announced the book, and after 3+ months of silence, they’re going to punish us with more silence. So, it’s not really about not having the book in March. It’s the “blame the ungrateful customer” sentiment. And the snide “gently weeping” snark doesn’t really help either. There’s no place or any call for that from a company representative. They don’t have to tell me a damn thing, but don’t judge me for being curious.

(Please spare me any jibes about post length. Just don't read it if it's too long for you.) There is what Chaosium thinks it does, and there is what actually it does, and it's not always the same thing. I'm not suggesting intentional falsehood, but perhaps a lack of self-awareness. Not everyone who asks about a release date expects the same thing from the company. Speaking for myself I do not want to: Tell them how to print or ship it. That's not my place and I'm not qualified. Tell them how they should release it (with or without PDFs), or when they should ship it (like when all the warehouses have it). Ask them to give me some weekly livestream to tell me nothing has changed. I read this characterization the other day and I'm just heading it off at the pass. Of course not, that would be a ridiculous waste of time. I do expect Chaosium to tell me when they expect a book to come out. I'm trying to avoid sarcasm, but that's how I see the majority of business conduct themselves along with most Kickstarters. I understand that is subject to change, and if that's the case, update that information... even to say "It's now TBD because of things outside of our control." I understand that @Rick Meints has said that is not going to happen. Still, nevertheless I think it would be reasonable to tell customers when a product is not going to be on sale. I'll anticipate a likely reply, "That's what they're already doing, you [possibly insert some insult or cheap shot]." No. Not really. Chaosium started it's drip marketing for Cult of Glorantha The Lunar Way on or very near to December 24th of last year. Since that date, Chaosium said nothing, nothing at all, except to acknowledge it didn't happen-in the first week of April. There was ample opportunity during the entire month of March to update us. If just to say, "We don't think March is happening, due to circumstances beyond our control." They didn't need to say April, just that it's not March. And if it came on March 30th, no one would be disgruntled if it wasn't April after all. Just communicate with people normally. No weekly update or livestream, just one post from a Chaosium designee. Preferably stickied so people can be referred to it. Then update it again, when there is an actual bona fide change (this is important too). I wouldn't even post a date until it was sent out-of-house. Chaosium doesn't need to incremental updates, just the rough monthly ETA. The Upcoming Publications thread does not serve that purpose. What would that accomplish? Speaking for myself I wouldn't ask about the book, saving my time and Chaosium's, and I'd have a reason to practice patience, other than being lectured by some forum helper. Something I have been in the past and now regret. (I know Jeff posted something in a comment to a post on Facebook, but I'm excluding that from being official. Plus his sharing of content previews are thoughtful and appreciated, so I am leaving that and him out of this). People have their reasons for asking. Like budgetary reasons, should they order a JC POD book this month or next? Or should they not have any expectations and curb their enthusiasm? When you ignore customers this is a range of possible reactions: They ask again. Maybe with the knowledge Chaosium ignored them the first time. (See below) Forum helpers reply on Chaosium's behalf, and they may or may not add misinformation. They may be well-intentioned, but they don't distract from the fact that Chaosium did not answer. Nor did Chaosium verify or correct anything. Chaosium could or already has seen people post wrong information on their forums on their behalf, and chosen to let it go. And it's definitely seen, explanation below. Forum users make up reasons for why something may happen or why it didn't happen, much like ancient cultures attributing natural phenomena to the Gods. Examples: "Maybe The Gloranthan Sourcebook was part of the same print order as The Lunar Way?" or "Since Against the Static arrived in Australia, The Lunar Way arrived with it?" That happens when people can't get any information from a reliable source. Everytime David Scott vanishes a post, it's a confirmation that Chaosium has read the post and chosen not to respond and/or ignored it. Sometimes that's warranted but inquires about products are not such an occasion. Just update the ETA. If the book has left Chaosium's hands, it's helpful to include that, to stem off further queries. I don't care if Chaosium ever entertains some customer notions about shipping and sales, just tell me it's not coming in March before it's actually April. That just seems like the civil and businesslike thing to do. Regarding JTown Compendium: I know there are many high quality works available, some by Chaosium freelancers, and I've bought some stuff and will buy more. It's not a catch-all answer though. If I go into a grocery store to buy some fruit.. say apples and oranges... it's of little help to say to me, "Well buy some pastrami or dijon mustard instead." I personally like pastrami or dijon mustard, but if I want some fruit, that's what I want. Not everyone is desperate to buy anything, this is not the '90's. Sometimes you want something specific and one shouldn't have to justify it to anybody. And JC authors and partners don't actually do what Chaosium does. They announce stuff, they respond to questions, they give updates. They're excited to share when they can sell it in print. It's fun to watch. They're very attentive to their customers. That said, with many of them doing some work for Chaosium directly, as well as being long term friends from conventions of just online interactions, I'm not surprised to see them liking or applauding Chaosium's stance on things. It is, however, a different way to engage with customers. I don't expect this post to change anything. It was just cathartic and self-clarifying. Plus, I like to define myself and/or not be mischaracterized. I tried my best not to make it personal or be overly sarcastic. I ask the same in return. And I do appreciate The Lunar Way video, sincerely.

I did get this sorted! Thank you very much to those who responded

I am beginning to wonder if the easiest and most straightforward thing would be to remove Phase 2 altogether. If a character is only moving and nothing else, they should have a fairly low SR and act early in the round anyway. A move being only +1 for 3m. If the player and the GM want to allow some more flexibility, for example drawing/preparing a weapon while moving, then default to the highest SR OR just combine the SRs but have them execute simultaneously. (Also make sure those "combo actions" are reasonable.) I can see that and think similarly. EDIT: Or I did until @PhilHibbs reminded me of this.

That's not what I took away from my reading, but what you have written makes more sense to me (so thank you). Again, not trying to be passive aggressive against the Q&A, which Chaosium was considerate enough to provide. Having a d20 familiarity, engagement feels like a different sort of "attack-of-opportunity" or "threatened area." That makes sense with the example the Q&A uses about a ranged combatant being engaged. There may not be a way for the shooter and the target to interact, but they're engaged because they're focused on each other (to you use your words). That sort of parallels the d20's concept of being a missile combatant being threatened by an adjacent enemy, even if their distant target can only dodge (or whatever). Yeah, I'm starting to take away that Phase 2 is specialized for people who aren't going to be the focus of an enemy. But! If that's the case, what would their starting SR be if they only intend to move a specific distance. Is it their Dex SR + 1/per 3 M? So it's based on the movement you intend to travel? To all who responded, thank you, this is helping.

Thank you for this. I'm not sure I follow the rest of your post, but it's probably my confusion. I would assume all the combat participants would make a statement of intent..?

Partially I did it because of the definition of engagement which keys in on attacking and defending. But you're right, those are just words and it's the meaning behind them that is important. I didn't mean to be that literal. The other reason being partially because the Q&A examples sort of emphasize it. But I'm going to stop there, because I don't want to blame the Q&A. I think I understand SR well enough, it's that differentiation between Phase 2 and Phase 3 actions. The posts that followed yours helped as well.

I've been running my first game for a little while now. My GameMastery has been kind of weak and before last session I leaned into the combat rules to understand them better. My session went just 'okay' by my standards but the players said they had fun, so there's that. But everything seemed really laborious and complex. Now I played 20+ years ago and I know the game is not that different from the first couple editions (barring Passions and other tweaks), so I figure the problem must be how I'm approaching it. I went through the Core Book combat chapter paragraph by paragraph and outlined it, while going through the Q&A on Well of Daliath. This to pare it down into concrete steps and statements. Jason and David offer the advice (paraphrased), 'don't think of SR as a step-by-step choreography of the melee round, just think of it as who goes first (or in what order).' That makes sense to me, but when I pair it with the rules I'm studying, I end doing exactly that. That is interpreting the choreography of the round, which slows the fight/gameplay right down and actually ends up confusing the players (and me truth to be told). Thinking about it, I think it's the definition of engagement and how it interacts with Phase 2 of the Melee Round. As I understand it, engagement can be defined right in statement of intent, and it hinges on the magic words "attack" and "defend." If you avoid describing those actions, your actions happen before Strike Ranks are considered. Such that you can prepare your weapon, cast bladesharp, and close with your enemy- as long as you don't state you're attacking or defending (assuming you have the ranks available to you, for the sake of argument lets assume the player does). I ran that past the players (who are really rusty too) and they were fairly speechless. There's another wrinkle in there, in that you can deviate from from your state of intent in response to what happens on the battlefield. Like healing an ally before the end of the round when that ally might otherwise die. Which sounds fine, but it opens up the question, "Can I just avoid saying I'm attacking and then alter my plans in response to the evolving situation?" I don't think my players would do that, but I'm seeing the loophole clearly. Anyway, I ended up doing what we are advised not to do, which is treat it like a breakdown of the sequence of every action. In conclusion, I know I can run the game however I like. I'm not trying to make an editorial statement about the core book. Is there a common practice or perspective that I'm missing? Am I making it harder than it needs to be?

Check out this thread, specifically about the last 7 posts. There is some useful information. Short answer: Any day now. The books are printed and are in several warehouses, but they are waiting until all of them have it. Shouldn't be long.

I forgot to reply at the time, but this is a really cool idea. Thank you. @Duff Hehe, that’s pretty clever too.

I thought this might inform, channel, and even ameliorate the anticipation. He posted this less than an hour from my writing this. (Unless FB lies to me) Not long now.

It’s been stated that non-cult books will eventually be mixed in with the Cults of Glorantha. I don’t know what that means for the GM’s Guide specifically, because we have a Dragon Pass book and/or Campaign book floating out there too. To clarify, I have not seen any announcement on what is next, only that other types of RQ books won’t have to wait for all of the Cult books to be released. I have asked this question myself and I specifically watch for responses when other people invariably ask the same thing. I think I have seen it asked on Facebook, and I suspect it’s been pruned out of the upcoming publications thread. Now if they come behind me and say I’m wrong, I’ll be unhappy and disagree with that decision, but there won’t be anything I can do about it. As for what the GM’s book can provide, there's heroquesting information. That’s way too big of a topic to fit in any ‘corner or cranny.’ It’s like The Block, if only from the delayed anticipation. Of course, it’s common for Old Heads to post “I don’t see why you even need that but whatever.” Nevertheless, it’s something I’ve wanted to see from Chaosium for multiple decades. Forum post count is not an accurate indicator how how long one was been a RQ/Glorantha fan. I’ve been assuming that after the Lunar book is released we’ll be given an idea of what is next.

I'm keeping my eyes peeled in case someone has a Yinkin initiation rite they'd care to share...?

Likewise, very good work. I have been using Foundry and have had some ideas. This encourages me to follow through them.

I agree with @Runeword. Jason's "not reply" is a comfort though.

That is my plan!

Hi Folks, I actually want some advice on this one. When I ran the prologue (The Riddle and Rites of Passage), I didn't give the PCs access to Step 6: Cult, because they were all Lay Members of Orlanth and Ernalda (respectively). They passed their initiations just fine. Now they are adult initiates to the community wyter / spirit clan / The Black Stag. Now they're entitled to a little bit of Common Rune Magic and access to Spirit Magic. The Step 6 in the Adventure (pg 21) gives some guidelines as to what is available and refers to the Core Book Step 6, which assumes starting characters have some Spirit Magic. I don't have a problem with that, but my brain is stuck, probably on trying to be authentic. My instinct is... yes let them have all the Step 6 Spirit Magic and Special Skills but they have to spend the time learning them. Cause they don't know them. Because they started as teenagers. But I'm also playing along to the calendar. The seasonal chapter is a month away, but if they're spending all their time training to get what an initiate is supposed to have at the start of the game, it doesn't leave me much time in the Calendar to run a scenario. Like Cattle Raid as a prelude to In A Sheep's Clothing. Should I just let them have the starting initiate stuff immediately (so they become true starting character in the context of game mechanics) as a one time concession and require training times going forward? Or should I make them spend the time learning? (Because learning 1 point of spirit magic is a week of doing nothing else). I can make up my own mind, but it would be helpful to hear some opinions.

I just wanted to write that after talking about starting a campaign for months, I actually got SSiS launched and we're two sessions in. We just got through initiation into the Black Stag community spirit cult. One player went through the Riddle and and the other two went through Rites of Passage. I watched DMs after Dark's playthrough and it really helped give me some structure for the optional opening festival. We're using the Alpha/Beta version of the in-house VTT system being created for RQG on Foundry. With the latest updates, it's getting really slick. It's useable now. The players are having a ball. All three of them played RQ decades ago and they're excited to be playing again. All three of them were more familiar with Prax back in the day, and have indicated that they have never felt so immersed in the setting, and in Sartar / Dragon Pass in particular. I was delighted and surprised that they remembered the Sons of Umath story. I mean it’s probably been 30 years now... whew. I was nervous with the rules, but we've just been adding a few more each session. This was not intentional but I blanked out a little, but I did remember some rules. Next session I remembered a few more. I expect soon we'll be up to speed. I think SSiS works well for that. The PCs are adults now, and I'm using the seasonal model for play. So I'm looking at which episode to run yet and where that fits in the calendar.

Thank you! oh jeez, I looked at that page at least twice. Embarrassing. Doesn’t exactly jump out at you though.

Is there a specific time required to learn spirit magic spells? For additional context, I'm running Six Seasons and the players have just become initiated in to the community spirit cult. So they started pre-initiation and are not initiates in any Rune Cults yet.

I like that as an additional map Nick. Having the names and km marker. Thank you!