threedeesix

Too soon Chris... too soon.

For me I would say that Future World is the way to go as far as the basis for a set of universal Sci fi rules. Ringworld is just too focused on the subject being emulated, as it should be.

However as a huge fan of all things Nivin, and Ringworld specifically, Ringworld is hands down my favorite licensed BRP supplement, and I wouldn't sell or trade it for anything. Part of it is having read the books and been overwhelmed by the possibilities of the setting; the game was the gateway to those possibilities.

Now with that said, with no former knowledge of the Ringworld setting, or interest in the novels, I think Future World is the better purchase.

Monographs are no longer part of Chaosium's business strategy. That's why they're 50% off and in the category of things that won't be reprinted.

Actually in a recent e-mail with Dustin of Chaosium I was told...

"We haven’t made any final decisions on the monograph line. We just needed to make some room in the warehouse. :)"

So, while that may be the case for many of them, it isn't final.

Rod

Started reading my pdf. It's very good so far : ) I love the way it drags me into the Arkwright universe. Very well done.

 

Is it just me or is there something similar (in Bryan Talbot's work) to Camelot 3000, the early 80s Brian Bolland comic?

While not an answer to your question, I do have to say I would LOVE an RPG adaption of Camelot 3000!!! It is one of my all time favorite comic series. Please? Anyone?

Think Rods spidey senses tingle whenever someone mentions him or his great works.

I came up with a bot that automatically looks for my name on the web, notifies me, and deletes any negative posts. 

Your best bet it to study the existing spells and see how equivilent ones were converted. BRP has some built in consistancy with regards to spells so just continue with that. For example, damage spells are typically 1d6 per 3 magic points, as are healing spells. Balence them against those that already exist and you should do fine.

Rod

...does it use hit locations?

/Max

Only optionally. I make reference to them and prefer them myself, however, in keeping with BRP, they are not necessary.

Rod

Classic fantasy looks really interesting. Not sure how I could miss that. Anyway, I read that it should be a second edition with monsters and stuff. Is that canceled now since it will be released for RQ6?

A few more questions, is this book illustrated and does it use hit locations?

/Max

There will not be a volume 2 for BRP Classic Fantasy.

Classic Fantasy 1 served as a player's handbook and in that it is more than complete, including character classes done up as BRP professions and well over a hundred classic spells. While it was intended to be followed up with a companion volume when I wrote it, alas, that was not to be. However, considering that there are many fantastic BRP products and derivatives that are loaded with fantasy monsters and magic items, I wouldn't let that in and of itself stop you from checking it out.

Or better yet, wait for the RuneQuest 6 version, which has everything the BRP version did, however in RQ mechanics, plus everything that was previously intended for the Game Master book and then some.

For those not familiar with the most excellent RQ6 rules, pop on over to The Design Mechanism's website and download RuneQuest Essentials. You cannot beat the price!!!!

http://www.thedesignmechanism.com/downloads.php

Rod

I'm looking forward to it as well. Since the original Classic Fantasy for BRP was kind of incomplete, it'll be nice to see a complete version of it for a better system.

Thanks Auyl, this one will definetly be complete. It has everything the BRP version did, plus tons of "classic" monsters, magic items, etc. Even a couple new "classes".

Rod

Part of the problem in how long I have been working on this is just how many systems I have written it for; BRP, OpenQuest, Legend, and now RuneQuest. Each time I was close to finished when outside influences had me have to start all over again. Each version required me to be pretty familiar with the new system before I could even begin which took time. Yes, all of these systems are very close at first glance, then you get into the intricacies of it and mechanically there are some vast differences.

But in the end, I’m glad for the time invested. The version being turned into The Design Mechanism is by far the best version yet, not because I think this version of RuneQuest is my favorite BRP derived game (it is, but that’s not why ), it’s because I have had all this time to tweak it, build on the previous versions, listen to tons of feedback, etc. Things I should have added way back in the BRP version but just didn't think of I now had a chance to do.

I can’t wait till everyone can get their hands on this version, im pretty proud of it. If anything can truly be called a "labor of love" it has to be writing one game for four different systems over the course of six plus years.

Rod

That would be where the confusion has come from. I said I was turning it in at the beginning of the year, from that point there is still lots to do.

I don't take anything too personally. I'm every bit a fan as much as a writer and I understand how difficult it can be to have to wait for something your excited about.

But now I'm on the other side of the door and can see it from a completely different prospective. If it was as simple as writing it and turning it in, you would have had it months ago, but it would have been broken and suffered from balance issues.

I have a great group of playtesters that do nothing but take everything I write and stretch it, pull it, and twist it an an attempt to see if it gives. Unfortunately, many times it does and has to be rewritten. This can and does include complete chapters, which is time consuming.

So while I understand your impatience, the book will be better in the long run for the time it has taken to produce it.

Rod

True.  But in dystopian stories the bad guys have pretty much won.  Good had its chance and muffed it. 

Where this isn't the case, is with the "apparent" utopian society that hides the truth. For example, in The Time Machine, utopia was a sham and the protagonist over through it. The same can be said of the movie version of Logan's Run. Within the dome was utopia, but it was a lie, true freedom lay outside the dome, in the ruins of the former civilization. Again, it took the protagonist to bring it down.

Another GREAT example is the cinematic trailer of the upcoming Tom Clancy game The Division. Its a dystopian society in every sense of the word, but the player characters are trying to make a difference. Check out the link below, its a good example.

Rod

Ah, I wish I could agree, Rod, but I think a Blade Runner sequel is a bad idea. A terrible idea.

We can still be friends.

At least its not a reboot.

A lazy, slightly snide, slightly smug article that ignores 100 years of SF before it. A typical Grauniad piece, actually.

But again, there was a separate link to a Blade Runner sequel. So there's that.

Interesting article. I think I was most excited about the link to Blade Runner 2 that popped up.

I didn't know.

Cant wait.

This has been talked about for a day now. Is it out yet? If not, lets get crackin. I want it!!! 

Rod

If you just want to get it published and not have to spend anything in the process, talk to Chaosium about going the Monograph route.

It would be sold in both PDF and dead tree versions through their website and online stores like RPGNOW and Drive Through RPG. Plus, you don't have to worry about distribution, print runs, etc.

You won't become rich doing it that way, but it gets your foot in the door so to speak, and you can make a little money in the process. Plus you still retain the rights to your book if you decide to do something else with it down the road.

Rod "Been There, Done That" Leary

Regarding a license, I have been in contact with Chaosium and it is a viable option. The problem is that I would need help from a handful (or two) of backers to pay for the license, and I really don't know if that is possible without a Kickstarter campaign. And I'm not too keen on that, even though it wouldn't take much more than, say, $400 to reach the goal. The work involved at the moment seems a bit overwhelming (a snazzy video with me speaking broken English? I'm not sure if I should smile or weep…). I might change my mind though : ) 

Hey Mikuel,

Its coming along and making great progress. Just adding a last minute chapter and filling in the rest of the book with monsters, spells, and magic items until I run out of room or Loz and Pete make me stop.  ;-)

That's really all I have for now, sorry. It should be turned in soon, with soon being a relative term. Thanks for your interest.

Rod

I have been following this myself as I have many fond memories of Ultima Underworld. It was one of, if not the first "dungeon crawl" that truly felt three dimensional. I remember coming to a crevasse and looking up and seeing an opening in the opposite wall about eight feet above me. That's something that is easily taken for granted today but was truly amazing for its time.

Rod

But this is mostly for a GM aid. Although the PCs might use it occasionally to invent something to deal with a particular problem-in grand Star Trek tradition.

But if they do, they can only use it in one episode adventure and never mention it again.  ;-)

Rod, tried PM ing you and it says you cannot receive any new messages ?

Too busy to clean out my in-box right now. Just send me an e-mail at...

threedeesix -at- metrocast -dot- net

Rod

Edit: In-box has been emptied for those that give a damn.  ;-)

If you still need a copy drop me a private message with your e-mail and I'll send you one.

Rod