LivingTriskele

Those are good ideas. My goal though is to make it as simple as possible by basically building off of what BRP already has, quantifying it (the hard part) in terms of point values, and then extrapolating out to include modular options that don't feel so much like disparate aspects of a game, arbitrarily added, but rather cohesive units you can either take or leave as you desire. I think that if I do this correctly there won't be a need for genre-effected prices-- that is, if I manage to make it balanced. There are probably a lot of great and original ways of doing this-- but the easiest way I can think of is just modeling it off of another point-based system. My biggest concern is in regards to point value, which, as things develop may be a point of considerable debate. For example the 10-point cost I proposed to have the ability to cast magic spells (ala GURPS)--do you think the price is too steep? 10 points could buy you a 20 strength instead, to put it in perspective.

I originally posted this in another thread, but thought that maybe the idea deserves it's own. The notion of creating a point-buy system for BRP with advantages and disadvantages like GURPS or Champions (Hero System) has come up more than once. I think BRP is a solid enough system but that a point-buy component could expand its versatility (and in the process, hopefully make it more popular in the long run). I'm beginning to work on a BRP point-buy system. I've decided to use Champions as the primary model (followed closely by GURPS). I'm beginning with BRP's Character Point Budget and combining it with the optional Point-Based Character Creation system described on page 19. One of the bigger questions is "what is the value of a character point in BRP?" I am assuming that the points used to buy powers and the points used to buy Characteristics are of equal value. Thus I've come up with the following starting point amounts Normal: 10 + 24 = 34 Heroic: 20 + 36 = 56 Epic: 35 + 48 = 83 Super Human: 50 + 60 = 110 Before getting into the viper's nest of confronting derived characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, additional super powers, power modifiers, special equipment etc, I think that BRP's disparate (non-point associated) power systems (magic, mutations, psychic abilities and sorcery) need to be addressed. At this point (and in my admitted lack of experience with the system) I'm inclined to apply a cost of ten points each for the ability to use magic and psychic abilities (like the magery advantage in GURPS). These ten point 'advantages' allow a player to purchase spells or psychic abilities using their skill points (as determined by EDU, INT and the Super Skill super power). A price of ten points may be steep-- let me know what you think. The ability to use sorcery would also require an advantage costing ten points but as each sorcery spell is not skill-based, instead this advantage would be requisite for purchasing specific powers defined as 'sorcery spells'--only usable by individuals with the 'ten-point sorcery advantage'. Regarding mutations, I would apply a point cost to them as if they were powers, (or in some cases disadvantages). This is the virtual skeleton from which I plan to hang a point-buy system. All feedback is welcome.

So if you successfully cast a spell from someone's grimoire is it safe to assume that you can then transcribe it into your own spell book? I was separating the idea of casting from a stranger's spell book and transcribing a found spell into your own spell book. I'm all for the idea of finding spells through role-play but an INT x 1% chance to add them into a spell book is pretty rough--when studying the principles of a spell yields a better chance, even if it does take a month. I suppose (as an option) you could use a stranger's spell book to study the principles of spell and learn in it in a month (for the better INT + POW roll) if the immediate gratification INT x 1% roll fails.

I'm personally not one for settings based upon literature or movies (I don't know why this is, because there's a ton of great material out there). But recently I've become completely hooked to the television series 'Heroes' (been getting them on Netflix). I love how having a super power in that series doesn't necessarily make you a insanely powerful. There's a lot of grit, with supers dying left and right. Seems perfect for BRP.

I'm beginning to work on a BRP point-buy system. I've decided to use Champions a the primary model (followed closely by GURPS). I'm beginning with BRP's Character Point Budget and combining it with the optional Point-Based Character Creation system described on page 19. One of the bigger questions is "what is the value of a character point in BRP?" I am assuming that the points used to buy powers and the points used to buy Characteristics are of equal value. Thus I've come up with the following starting point amounts Normal: 10 + 24 = 34 Heroic: 20 + 36 = 56 Epic: 35 + 48 = 83 Super Human: 50 + 60 = 110 Before getting into the viper's nest of confronting derived characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, additional super powers and power modifiers, special equipment etc, I think that BRPs disparate power systems (magic, mutations, psychic abilities and sorcery) need to be addressed. At this point (and in my admitted lack of experience with the system) I'm inclined to apply a cost of ten points each for the ability to use magic and psychic abilities (like the magery advantage in GURPS). These ten point 'advantages' allow a player to purchase spells or psychic abilities using their skill points (as determined by EDU, INT and the Super Skill super power). A price of ten points may be steep-- let me know what you think. The ability to use sorcery would also require an advantage costing ten points but as each sorcery spell is not skill-based, instead this advantage would be requisite for specific powers defined as 'sorcery spells', only usable by individuals with the 'ten-point sorcery advantage'. Regarding mutations, I would apply a point cost to them as if they were powers, (or in some cases disadvantages). This is the virtual skeleton from which I plan to hang a point-buy system. All feedback is welcome.

The rules seem a little unclear here. They describe how to cast a spell from another magicians grimoire-- INT x 1 and if you fail said grimoire is useless to you until your relevant Language skill goes up by 5%, after which you can try again. But under 'Gaining New Spells' it's implied that you get them by "seeking them out, discovering them, and buying or otherwise attaining physical copies of the spell books, scrolls, or some other forms of copies, then transferring the spell into your own grimoire" but no game-rule information is provided, no roll to determine successful transcription. Is it assumed that this process is automatic? If so, and if you've already tried to cast a spell from a magician's grimoire that you want to copy a spell from and failed, what then? Then the process of studying spell 'principles' is given, but this is different than just copying a spell from another source. Clearly I'm confused...

Page 191 says "Under most circumstances, your character can only parry missile weapons with a shield, at the shield's base chance..." while page 206 says "Against missile weapons, a half or small shield has a base 15% chance to block a missile, a full shield has a 30% chance to block a missile, and a large shield has a 60% chance." This seems to be a contradiction as the base chances for shields listed on page 263 are no higher than 20% (for an energy shield).

I gave my players free run to create their own professions (spend their skill points anyway they wanted) unless, they wanted to be a magician-- in which case I had them use a profession template that basically required them to purchase a ton of Knowledge-type skills.

This looks great! Thanks!

Thanks. This is a good idea. I checked the RQ SRD and called shots are -40%, but I prefer the idea of just making the roll Difficult. Cheers, Steve

I think that with work, BRP could equal M&M. I have a personal preference for 'point-buy' systems like M&M, GURPS, and HERO System, and suspect (probably based upon my prejudice) that an optional BRP point-based system would help. More importantly though, someone needs to come up with a more detailed selection of powers and power modifiers. Just my humble opinion. I've begun work on a point-buy system modeled after GURPS and HERO System, though whether I ever finish it is another thing all together...

I've made some final revisions on my character sheet and welcome feedback. These two pages are dedicated to the basics (characteristics, skills, equipment, etc). The gray boxes in the skills section are for the unmodified skill % (before, for example, armor penalties are factored in). F is for fumble, N is for normal success (after adjustments) S is for special success and C is for critical success. I'm still planning on creating more pages--one for each type of power, and of course a notes section including a place for a character sketch. I've noticed that there's a place on this website for people to post their character sheets, though I do not know how to upload them. If you guys want me to do so, I'm willing to, I just need someone to tell how that's done. Cheers. Innerwall/BRP Sheets - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Thanks! Yeah, it's funny I considered whiting that part out or putting a fig leaf on it, but there's something blasphemous about editing De Vinci :innocent: I happen to be reworking the character sheet right now and will post a revised version shortly...

Page 213 addresses targeting a specific area with missile weapons, but I don't see anything on targeting specific hit locations with melee weapons. Am I missing something or is it just not addressed? I imagine I could just make it a Difficult roll. Any ideas? Thanks.

Yeah, I think that was the point was trying to make. If I wasn't clear, probably my bad, as I get little sleep these days. I think that writing Monographs is a good way to get things going--keep the blood moving. And I believe that previously published Monographs can be reprinted by a licensed BRP publisher. I would love to have license and the means to do it justice. Right now that sounds like a pipe dream. I have some experience in the field of graphic art, and know a very talented friend willing to lend a hand with illustrations. I'm just throwing this out there (not sure how realistic of a suggestion this is) but maybe a collaborative effort is in order. I would love to see BRP gain the popularity it deserves-- but in order for that to happen Chaosium has to either step up and deliver quality supplemental material or an independent publisher has to take the reins (in my humble opinion). Here's a sample of artwork for the setting I'm working on. My friend and I might be able to provide art should a collaborative project arise. Image of Agony column viewed from 36 miles - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting I have yet to see this as an option in Chaosium's submission guidelines but would love to learn more. I was given the impression that if a writer proves him/herself to them with a Monograph potential doors could open.

If I recall, the Chaosium License basically gives you the right to create and publish material for BRP, but you're the one responsible for printing and distribution. No money changes hands between you and Chaosium-- instead you give them a certain amount of copies (or the right to sell a set amount of pdfs). For a little while I looked into 3rd party RQ publishers to submit work to, but I'm not willing to give up the creative rights to my stuff. It's a personal goal of mine to get a license, but right now I'm more drawn to Monograph creation. I don't mind doing the illustrations and the maps. And since they're limited printings you still have the option to pursue a license afterward if you want. Monographs are good motivators to get the work done, and it's still yours when you're finished. There are resources out there that have open license images that you could probably use for your Etruscan thing. If I get a chance I'll look around for you.

I've deleted the older iterations and posted new ones-- page one is just characteristics, derived characteristics, and skills. Page two is weapons, shields, armor and hit locations. I've also included a place for total hp and major wounds for those who prefer not to use hit locations. I'm planning on doing a separate page for each power type. http://s224.photobucket.com/albums/dd235/Innerwall/BRP%20Sheets/

I really want to see BRP fly and one of the ways to accomplish this is to provide supplemental material. I'm working on two Monographs myself and hope to find the time to develop an optional point-buy system with advantages and disadvantages. About a half a year ago Pyramid Magazine published a small mini-campaign/setting of mine for GURPS (The Kingdom of Innerwall). They purchased the electronic rights to it, though from what I understand I can still publish it in paper form. It's not expansive enough to justify an entire Monograph, but I was thinking it would make a nice addition to a Monograph compilation of mini-campaign/settings. If I can find a few good writers/artists willing to collaborate, we might be able to throw a quality compilation of BRP mini-settings together. Maybe even support these settings in future Monographs. Just to put it out there, I don't want to seem like a big-headed snot, but I'm a little particular about the quality of this project. The details regarding payment could be worked out later, though I imagine it could be determined by word-count and graphics contributions (don't quit your day jobs). Creative rights would be retained by respective authors. We could come up with contracts if need be--my fiancé worked in the legal department of Lucas Films so she could probably help us there, if that's a concern. This idea is just in the fetal stages--but I think there's potential. We'd be looking at something with at least 60 pages. I've pasted some info below-- Monograph Submissions Chaosium monographs are a means for you to present your ideas to a discriminating roleplaying audience. We're looking for more monographs to publish this year. Chaosium Monograph Submission Guidelines Chaosium monographs are a means for you to present your ideas to a discriminating role playing audience. Here you find out just what is a monograph and how to submit a monograph to Chaosium. What is a Monograph? Monographs are longer works by one or more authors on a single idea or concept. On these products you also fulfill the functions of editor and layout artist. We at Chaosium do little in the way of editorial. We have adopted this idea to provide a way for you to present your role playing background, game, or setting to an exclusive audience of discriminating role players. We run across many good ideas from potential authors who, for various reasons, lack the time or focus to fully develop those good ideas. We find many of these works compelling and think that you and your peers would enjoy them. Monographs are digitally reproduced small run publications featuring cardstock covers and tape bindings. Because costs are relatively low, we can explore all manner of publishing possibilities without worrying about printing thousands of books at great expense. The monograph line allows us to test ideas and authors we'd otherwise be hesitant to publish Monographs need to be at least 60 pages in length to keep things cost-effective. You can estimate that there will be about 700 words per page. The minimum word count for a monograph is therefore 42,000 words. Mongraphs can be longer than this, and we have considered and published works of more than 100,000 words. We are particularly looking for monographs highlighting the Basic Roleplaying rules, and of course we will also consider monographs for Stormbringer, or Call of Cthulhu! What Sort of Book?We are interested in four kinds of roleplaying books. A book might blend these approaches, but usually falls into one of the following categories. After each category is an example. The examples are not solicitations. Books of Scenarios: Scenarios must have intriguing ways of getting the player- characters into the action, and definitely must be interesting enough to keep them playing. BASIC ROLE PLAYING adventures can encompass many genres, and should highlight an interesting or clever feature of the rules. Background Books: We are particularly interested in treatments of your settings or campaigns in which other BRP players might find delight. Here are bad guy guilds, wizard schools, temples to the gods, space agencies, and other role playing goodies. Support Books: These would expand or enhance areas of the core rules. Here you might find other magic systems, powers, weapons, and the like. These we will scrutinize for rules compatibility. Notes on How to Create a MonographWe expect that you will create your monograph using Word or some similar word processing program. We can also accept files from page layout programs such as Quark and InDesign. Setting up your Document: please use a page that is 8.5 x 11" in dimension (not A4), set up to be facing pages. Use a 2-column format with a .2" gutter (the space between the columns), Use margins of .6" all around with 1.2" for the inside measure. This will ensure that your text does not run into the center binding area of the book. Fonts: Chaosium has access to many standard and unique fonts. For the body of your text use a font of 10 to 11 points and 2 points of leading (set line spacing to AUTO). For large bodies of text serif faces (Times) tend to be easier to read than sans-serif (Helvetica) fonts. Other than chapter heads, you should have only about 3 levels of headings; more than this confuses the reader. You must own the fonts you use in your work, and you should include copies of the fonts you used (especially if they are decorative or unique). If we cannot solve a font problem we may replace a font with something similar. About Art You will place all of the art in your work. All of the art included must be original and used with the permission of the artist. The same holds true of maps and diagrams. Give the artists credit. Do not use third-party software to create your maps, for licensing reasons. For best reproduction art should be black and white with strong areas of light and dark. Avoid using grayscale images; they sometimes do not reproduce well. Bold art helps of offset the grayness of the text on the pages and provides the reader with pleasing areas for the eyes to rest. Page Numbers: Please include page numbers on every page. Occasionally it is OK to omit page numbers on title pages or on the indicia page. It is simplest if the title page is page 1. FTP: We can accept submissions uploaded onto our server. We will make arrangements with you individually to enable this option. Otherwise please send us a CD with your work included.

Instead of creating multiple character sheets, I'd like to create one that suits everyone's needs. I was using Steven Leary's sheet as a template, but will reference the actual character sheet in the BRP book, to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Yeah, this group likes to cut off limbs. But I could try to put one together for you when I find the time (got the mother in law flying in today so it may be a while...).

Heh, I was joking. That was my bad actually and I'm glad you caught it!

Alright, so I tightened up page one and finished a draft of page two. Note that I've included benefits as well as failings. Just seemed like the optimistic thing to do. Once again, feedback is welcome. The Vitruvian Man seems more faded on photobucket than on my machine, but then photobucket may have its own methods of compression... Image of BRP Character Sheet One - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting Image of BRP Character Sheet Two - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting