Oh, and one little thing that's sort of a behind-the-scenes deal: If you're working to upgrade your Attribute rank, there's an involved little process. First, I'll be keeping a running total of your spent points - if one of your goals is to advance your Rank, then I'll be adding to it, but you won't be able to steal a Rank from the current holder without exceeding the current holder's running total by five.I don't think I follow that.
If the Strength auction was done now and Marjana was trying to buy up during play - going from 3rd(11pts) to 2nd(16pts), how much would that cost?
I've always seen it as like buying up after the auction - costs 5 to get to 2.5.Or are you saying we'd both be moving up without changing ranks and the original point costs don't matter once the game starts?
The original point costs still definitely matter. The idea is that if you're trying to improve your rank during in-game character advancement, you'll need to surpass someone else by more than just one point. Using your example: during play, you would have to use up five points to get to rank 2.5, but you could take 2nd if you exceeded their total by a further five. You'll need to spend more, of course, if they are also working to improve their ranking.
Does that make sense?
I think so. Not sure exactly how it works in practice. Probably won't make too much difference except for passing first rank.
Hmmm, if the points are spent immediately and give at least some advantage even if it's just keeping you from being passed by someone behind you, that helps alleviate the stuff whiplash issue. I think I like it.
Would we actually be specifying points to put into stats? Or just saying "I'm working on Strength, but not going into Bad Stuff" and expect to move up when you've got enough points. With points being banked as Stuff until you get there.
Ahh... No, I don't think I can beat picking up an island and swimming off with it. And I'm content with a close second. My bid remains at 34, I'm done. Well played, Nikolas.
Thanks. I love legends, tall tales, and fables. Role-playing gives me the chance to make up my own.
I have to say, I like these as tall tales or fables, but I hope the game itself isn't quite so over the top.
Amber's ridiculously powerful and epic, but not super-hero/myth powerful. The characters in the book were strong, but not like that. Corwin picked up a car, a '70s heavy iron car admittedly, but he didn't just chuck it across the road. Gerard, iconic first in Strength, beat him pretty easily, but didn't just swat him away like a bug.
I'd much rather see Strength characters who can beat the Warfare ones by bashing aside their weapons and shields, taking a hit and then crushing them, than by tossing mountains at them.
I have to say, I like these as tall tales or fables, but I hope the game itself isn't quite so over the top.
Amber's ridiculously powerful and epic, but not super-hero/myth powerful. The characters in the book were strong, but not like that. Corwin picked up a car, a '70s heavy iron car admittedly, but he didn't just chuck it across the road. Gerard, iconic first in Strength, beat him pretty easily, but didn't just swat him away like a bug.
I'd much rather see Strength characters who can beat the Warfare ones by bashing aside their weapons and shields, taking a hit and then crushing them, than by tossing mountains at them.
Don't the "super powers" only apply in Shadow anyway, and even then only in certain ones (or maybe always -except- certain ones)?
Of course! I'm channeling the legends of Heracles and Paul Bunyan, Jason and John Henry. I am indulging in Hyperbole. These tales are the versions known after a hundred years of retelling. Each contains a kernel of truth.
The inception of Nikolas and the Juggernaut was me imagining what the tale would look like after Nikolas played bull-fighter with a wooly rhinoceros.
Give me a few particulars, and I'll write up the legend of Nikolas and The Mysterious Amazon.
Thanks. I love legends, tall tales, and fables. Role-playing gives me the chance to make up my own.I have to say, I like these as tall tales or fables, but I hope the game itself isn't quite so over the top.
Amber's ridiculously powerful and epic, but not super-hero/myth powerful. The characters in the book were strong, but not like that. Corwin picked up a car, a '70s heavy iron car admittedly, but he didn't just chuck it across the road. Gerard, iconic first in Strength, beat him pretty easily, but didn't just swat him away like a bug.
I'd much rather see Strength characters who can beat the Warfare ones by bashing aside their weapons and shields, taking a hit and then crushing them, than by tossing mountains at them.
In the right Shadow, anything is possible. Clearly, wherever Nikolas was, there was far less gravity and mass to contend with.
Would we actually be specifying points to put into stats? Or just saying "I'm working on Strength, but not going into Bad Stuff" and expect to move up when you've got enough points. With points being banked as Stuff until you get there.
That second one. Although you could specify the Rank you're trying to earn.
One of my groups liked to explore things like mythic and superhero worlds because if shadow encompassed all then those worlds existed. We figured amberites scaled to the worlds they were in... Gerard was stronger than superman in that world and could bounce bullets. Elsewhere not so much.
Another group had amberites more constant in ability and superman was a product of "magic of shadow" and could beat Gerard at arm wrestling on his world (unless Gerard can tap into the same magic). Amberites avoided some worlds for a damn good reason.
The book even mentions something about construction machines being stronger than Gerard so he isn't superman. Considering a couch was thrown across the room in the books, amberites are damn strong.
So taking it from these perspectives, we found ourselves in the fight to control Star Wars Galaxy. Chaney innately understands the pulse rifles, AT-ATs, and even Death Stars. But if Chaney doesn't buy Psyche, then your average Jedi could really mess him up with the Force. Conversely, I win Dominant Psyche, and even The Voice, or whatever the new Sith lord called himself, would be hard-pressed to Force me anything. Then there's a light sabre debate, but that's unnecessary for now (but, to mention it, they're weapons that require Force Sensitivity to operate, so Chaney many or may not be able to use one).
That about right?
So taking it from these perspectives, we found ourselves in the fight to control Star Wars Galaxy. Chaney innately understands the pulse rifles, AT-ATs, and even Death Stars. But if Chaney doesn't buy Psyche, then your average Jedi could really mess him up with the Force. Conversely, I win Dominant Psyche, and even The Voice, or whatever the new Sith lord called himself, would be hard-pressed to Force me anything. Then there's a light sabre debate, but that's unnecessary for now (but, to mention it, they're weapons that require Force Sensitivity to operate, so Chaney many or may not be able to use one).
That about right?
Technically, you don't need the Force to use a light saber, though it helps you avoid slicing off your own limbs by accident. And you can't do the deflect blaster shots kind of thing without the Force guiding you. Chaney should easily be good enough to use one effectively.
Beyond that, I'd assume the mental manipulation aspect of the Force would be a Psyche contest and most Jedi wouldn't reach Amber rank Psyche. Using Pattern Defense would block pretty much any direct Shadow magic, which the Force would qualify as.
I can't speak to how anything works, since I'm not familiar with the books or system or anything, but as a Star Wars fan I'll put forth that lightsabers don't actually require Force Sensitivity to use them, typically. Most just have a button on the side for us common folks.
As for our stories, I half-expected they were mostly just tall tales and myths, based in reality of superhuman feats, but not to quite the level we're describing. Roy probably didn't kick the train over, but he might have lugged a bunch of really big rocks onto the bridge to derail it.
Yeah I'm speaking solely from a movie standpoint, and I thought I'd remembered something about Luke's force training being necessary for him to build a lightsabre. The only example I remember of a non-Force user wielding them is Grevious, and he was 90% robotic. But, okay, the real meat of my question got answered anyway.
However, there is this bit in the guide I'm using:
Warning: The Pediatrician Private warns that Pattern defense takes a few minutes (depending on how strong your mind
already is), and takes REAL concentration. You won't be able to run or fight effectively, just back off slowly and wave
your sword around. And if they manage to break your concentration, it flickers out.
Sounds to me if Vader and Chaney were in a sabre duel, and Vader flicks Force at him, Chaney wouldn't have time to react. But I really don't know this system (obviously!), so I'm trying to get many of the questions out of the way before I have to stop us mid-fight and figure it out.
I can't speak to how anything works, since I'm not familiar with the books or system or anything, but as a Star Wars fan I'll put forth that lightsabers don't actually require Force Sensitivity to use them, typically. Most just have a button on the side for us common folks.
As for our stories, I half-expected they were mostly just tall tales and myths, based in reality of superhuman feats, but not to quite the level we're describing. Roy probably didn't kick the train over, but he might have lugged a bunch of really big rocks onto the bridge to derail it.
The tall tale thing is completely possible, but so is...well, anything. Shadow's possibilities are infinite. You can go somewhere where the kinds of things Nikolas is narrating are possible, you can go somewhere where your particular physiology gives you Kryptonian powers, you can (if you're not careful) go somewhere where Superman can hand you your butt. Of course, that sort of Shadow is a little difficult to find; the universe finds it hard to put out worlds where Amberites aren't the pinnacle of capacity.
... I really don't know this system (obviously!), so I'm trying to get many of the questions out of the way before I have to stop us mid-fight and figure it out.
Fortunately, not even Amberites (save possibly Dworkin himself) truly understand all the intricacies of Shadow. Sometimes, you are just plain going to find yourself in a situation that you don't understand yet, and you'll just have to learn to deal.
Yeah I'm speaking solely from a movie standpoint, and I thought I'd remembered something about Luke's force training being necessary for him to build a lightsabre. The only example I remember of a non-Force user wielding them is Grevious, and he was 90% robotic. But, okay, the real meat of my question got answered anyway.
However, there is this bit in the guide I'm using:
Sounds to me if Vader and Chaney were in a sabre duel, and Vader flicks Force at him, Chaney wouldn't have time to react. But I really don't know this system (obviously!), so I'm trying to get many of the questions out of the way before I have to stop us mid-fight and figure it out.Warning: The Pediatrician Private warns that Pattern defense takes a few minutes (depending on how strong your mind
already is), and takes REAL concentration. You won't be able to run or fight effectively, just back off slowly and wave
your sword around. And if they manage to break your concentration, it flickers out.
If Vader tries a Force push or something, it's likely to knock him down or back or whatever, unless he already has a Pattern Defense up. Except even Amber rank Strength and Endurance are tough so he'll bounce right back up and next time Vader tries a flick he'll recognize it coming (tk bought with gestures as a limitation) and be fast enough to dodge and get to Vader. Assuming he doesn't just gut Vader when he diverts his attention enough to flick Force.
Edit: At least that's how I'd see it. It would all depend on how Vader was built as well. What the relative ranking in Warfare and maybe other stats were.
As for the lightsabers, Finn used one, if not very effectively and Han used Luke's as a tool in Empire.
Valid concerns, with a fairly complicated answer. All other things being equal, a man with a deadly weapon beats a man with his fists. As Bruce Lee said, "Nowadays you don't go around on the street kicking people, punching people — because if you do (makes gun shape with hand), well that's it — I don't care how good you are."
Bruce is right, guns change everything... something Corwin can confirm. There is a reason Amber has low magic, tech and guns... the amberites are safer that way. The throne war would have left a nuclear wasteland full of demons if tech and magic were high.
...Where Strength gets an advantage is in two major points: First, that they don't need any kind of weapon. Strength is power without restriction. Second, their ability to shape the battlefield is a little (heh) stronger. They can shift rocks or jump cliffs that Warfare can't, and they can flat out run faster, if it comes to that.
Thanks! Makes sense and is fair. I just have an ancient pain about my strength guy due to mismatched expectations (warfare was just about the only thing that mattered in that game). If he had the opportunity to do stuff like Nikolas describes in the right shadows I would have felt less like being Worf. The stories are great!
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One thing I've noticed is that Amber players push the idea of infinite worlds much further than the books ever did. Tech was modern and below and there wasn't a whole lot of magic until the second set of books. Players on the other hand go hang out with jedi and fight superheroes.
One thing I've noticed is that Amber players push the idea of infinite worlds much further than the books ever did. Tech was modern and below and there wasn't a whole lot of magic until the second set of books. Players on the other hand go hang out with jedi and fight superheroes.
I was worried about this exact thing when I first started pinging in about it, but then I realized it didn't really matter
If this guide is right, Princes of Amber came out in 1970. So by saying "modern tech," you're representing two vastly different worlds from then to now. Also, they're an author, trying to make money with a unique invention. It wouldn't behoove them to include other works in theirs, nor to take the "infinite worlds" idea to multitudes of directions, since that not only overcomplicates their narrative, but also brances down metaphysical paths most fantasy authors only trod scantly.
But we're out for ourselves. K is trying to do much as the original author did, but his story is forced to coalesce with the stories of seven other real people, something the Amber author didn't have to deal with, not to mention the massive explosion of media the past 46 years have brought, including the inception of our favorite dice-based RPGs, and given this system is called "diceless," I can only infer that it was invented long after D&D became popular.
I'm not sure where I was going with this. I don't plan on having Jedi show up, nor have a debate on the nature of reality with Deadpool; I picked SW as an effort to equate something I'm familiar with (or not, since I'm wrong on lightsabres) to this world that I'm not.
Edit: It's also amusing you mentioned Worf and Strength. My example was originally going to be Klingons, but I figured SW had a generally-broader audience and I wouldn't have to explain Klingon culture to whoever wanted to answer. So in light of all this, let me ask you:
If Dominant Strength and Dominant Warfare were trying to impress the Klingons(which in my correlation equals the rest of us, all Ambers): DW would whoop up on them with a Bat'Leth, but his wimpy Strength and Endurance make them laugh at him during their version of arm wrestling and bloodwine drinking contests. They would be much more impressed with DS and his decent Endurance, or in my flowery imagery find him "more Klingon" and he'd ultimately "win."
But, if we are our characters in Shadow Klingon universe, even my Amber rank in Warfare makes me better at the bat'leth than Khaless himself, barring unusual Shadow magic GM-fiat stuff.
Rambling on while waiting for a build at work and being the most boring person in an auction ever :)
Zelazny created a vast world of infinite possibility in the two Amber series. All possible worlds are out there, but the main characters only touched on a small subset of them. Most of it was modern and medieval with the first series with Corwin hardly having any "magic" as many players expect. The second series with Merlin had much more "magic".
Even though they only touched a subset of worlds, Merlin did slay a jabberwoky with a vorpal blade (a friend ended up in the world of that poem while drugged). One character (Martin) had cyberwear.
So while the books weren't about worlds of high fantasy, jedi, etc you can find them. Sometimes players want to discuss the nature of reality with Deadpool or duel yoda... just there are bigger issues concerning the whole of reality that the games are about.
On your question on our relative power level, people with Chaos rated stats are as good or better than any human ever was, Amber is above that, and Ranked above that. So even my character would (most likely unless he was actually real) kick Bruce Lee's butt and shrug of any jedi mind trick.
The stats are pretty ambiguous in exact numbers and some games scale ability to fit the shadow (or in our case sometimes you scale sometimes you don't). The GM basically fits things into a narrative that makes sense and is fun.
But all that said, there were some things in shadow that gave even the elders (our parents, grand parents, etc) a hard time.
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The game seems to have been setup to run something like a throne war. Most of my groups never did that. There was almost always a mix of cooperation against a common goal plus some scheming by some to all of the players. The games with more scheming actually caused some bad blood and boredom in an in-person game (note passing, the GM taking people to other rooms, etc)
Even though I normally like concrete rules (plus dice), prefer cooperative games and there are parts of the rules/advice I don't like, I have had some great fun with Amber. Nicolas mentioned liking writing myths, and rarely do you have more options than in Amber.
Heh. I have similar pains about Psyche from previous games, Etzil. A lot of games put magical combat more on a Merlin scale than a Corwin one. Or worse, make it so mere eye contact makes you a meatpuppet for the #1 Psyche character.
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Alric,
The ADRPG book desccribes Human, Chaos, and Amber Rank more or less as follows:
Human: Joe schmo from planet Earth. Nothing special; an extremely dangerous proposition since even competent shadow people are better than you.
Chaos Rank: Pinnacle of normalcy. Olympic Gold Metallists, Champion Boxers, Fencing Masters, Chess Grandmasters.
Amber: No weaknesses. You're simply better than Shadow people. Better even than the best most worlds have to offer, and better than the rabble of the Courts of Chaos. Simply put, the only people who can best you are those who are Ranked.
It's not uncommon for GMs to say something like "Klingons are known for strength and battle prowess, so most are going to be Chaos Ranked in my game, with some Amber Ranked legendary types."
It's certainly not unheard of for characters to seek out Shadows of Desire with more powerful creatures to create their armies with.
Heh. I have similar pains about Psyche from previous games, Etzil. A lot of games put magical combat more on a Merlin scale than a Corwin one. Or worse, make it so mere eye contact makes you a meatpuppet for the #1 Psyche character.
I've seen that too one game basically ended when one of the players started to rewrite the minds of the other players at their leisure (I'd rather have a character stabbed than controlled). I am hoping that it takes more than eye contact or even touch to initiate a psyche war. Trump, Magic, Logrus Tendrils, and the like I hope are required. Trump seemed to be relatively easy to shut down (Brand was shut out by one of the youngsters) and you can always refuse contact.
An artifact that transfers psychic barrier costs 9 points... damn near everyone had one of those after that other game. Of course people were also running around with invulnerable armor and deadly damage weapons all the time too.
I hope for a balance between the Corwin and Merlin series. The Merlin series is my favorite because it delves more into magic and the settings potential than the first. I know of several people who run Amber games where the second set of books never/couldn't happen.
It's certainly not unheard of for characters to seek out Shadows of Desire with more powerful creatures to create their armies with.
Very true... dangerous things out there. Sometimes its best to run and wait until the time is right.
Heh. I have similar pains about Psyche from previous games, Etzil. A lot of games put magical combat more on a Merlin scale than a Corwin one. Or worse, make it so mere eye contact makes you a meatpuppet for the #1 Psyche character.I've seen that too one game basically ended when one of the players started to rewrite the minds of the other players at their leisure (I'd rather have a character stabbed than controlled). I am hoping that it takes more than eye contact or even touch to initiate a psyche war. Trump, Magic, Logrus Tendrils, and the like I hope are required. Trump seemed to be relatively easy to shut down (Brand was shut out by one of the youngsters) and you can always refuse contact.
An artifact that transfers psychic barrier costs 9 points... damn near everyone had one of those after that other game. Of course people were also running around with invulnerable armor and deadly damage weapons all the time too.
I hope for a balance between the Corwin and Merlin series. The Merlin series is my favorite because it delves more into magic and the settings potential than the first. I know of several people who run Amber games where the second set of books never/couldn't happen.
It's certainly not unheard of for characters to seek out Shadows of Desire with more powerful creatures to create their armies with.Very true... dangerous things out there. Sometimes its best to run and wait until the time is right.
I believe this is actually one of those where the second series isn't canon.
I really dislike the psyche barrier trick. Letting people not invest anything in psyche, but have a near perfect defence for only a few points is really bad design. We generally added in some disadvantages: mostly that it was real obvious and creepy even to minimally sensitive people, and made psyche control harder to get.
Even invulnerable armor and deadly damage weapons don't give the kind of absolute advantages the psyche barrier does. If nothing else, they easily counter each other.
Edit: I'd really rather have a game more like the books, even the Merlin books, where everyone may have their couple of iconic items, but there isn't a standard loadout of gear that you basically need to compete.
You could also get way better results than anyone bidding in Endurance by spending 23 points on conferred Endless Stamina and Regeneration.
I agree that turning on the "Christmas Tree" lights is against the spirit of Amber.
Like Etzil mentioned, I prefer it if psychic contact requires something to initiate. I'd also like it if, like wounds, a high Endurance can potentially undo psychic surgery after time, and/or, if, as shown in the books, walking the Pattern can undo that sort of thing to some degree. Gives you an opportunity to have your revenge, same as if you were wounded in a physical fight.
I (now) recall that the Merlin books aren't canon, but there are aspects that are like the Logrus, Broken Patterns, etc. I believe we (players) know little of the courts.
Eztil doesn't know much about either but was trained in some fundamental principles of behavior and things of an occult nature so he should be able to get by. His parents made sure he was well educated in at least the basics all the essentials: politics, swordmanship, occult, surviving in the woods naked... you know the things all kids do. They just scrubbed off all the copyrighted words like Amber, Pattern, Logrus.
I too am not very fond of the item creation rules, it encourages more gear than I'd like. Especially if psychic barrier, invulnerable armor, and deadly damage are basically standard issue. But the abuses weren't as bad as I remembered... I think some people forgot the transfer costs since some players would have items to move through shadow. But it allowed them to spend huge on the auction and not have to use the people who bought pattern/logrus as a taxi.
All that said I do like more "magic" than the first series. Despite being "The Sorcerer of Avalon" Corwin really was a tough bastard who was pretty good with a sword and had some magic items.
Indeed. Corwin mentions having been a sorcerer, but seems to have moved passed his dabbling in arcane arts.
I think our preferences are similar as far as all that goes. I tend to play more martial characters, but enjoy the dynamics of the Attributes and Powers systems much more than those of the item system. I'd much rather have deadly skill with any weapon than a single (or dozen) deadly weapon(s).
I'd much rather have someone throw their Mindblender on Puree spell at me than look into my eyes and have me dance monkey dance.
Indeed. Corwin mentions having been a sorcerer, but seems to have moved passed his dabbling in arcane arts.
I think Corwin either dabbled in shadow magic, had control over the shadow, or got the title "sorcerer" from his wisdom and amberite traits.
I'd much rather have someone throw their Mindblender on Puree spell at me than look into my eyes and have me dance monkey dance.
The mindblender spell at least requires taking sorcery, racking spells, etc. Eye contact for the monkey dance is a bit much for me.
Like the idea of recovering from psychic surgery and the like.
Indeed. Corwin mentions having been a sorcerer, but seems to have moved passed his dabbling in arcane arts.
I'd much rather have someone throw their Mindblender on Puree spell at me than look into my eyes and have me dance monkey dance.
Another counter we used is that Warfare is speed. He's catching your eye and starting to dominate you until his neck is suddenly sprouting a dagger.
Doesn't work as well if he's doing it remotely.
As for "sorcerer" in the first series, it always read to me more like using Pattern than the specific spellcasting of the Merlin books. Corwin's Pattern abilities appear like sorcery to Shadow dwellers. Fiona's the Sorceress because she's gone far deeper into Pattern than the others. Similarly with Brand and Trump, which is still drawing on the Pattern as a source.
Heh, or you could always use the Warfare Savant excuse "I anticipated that you might attempt to control my mind at some point, and I have set up certain countermeasures. If I don't deactivate them in twenty seconds, let's just say you'll have to pick up your own brain before pulling mine apart. Do you think I have it in me to resist your probes for twenty seconds?"
Another counter we used is that Warfare is speed. He's catching your eye and starting to dominate you until his neck is suddenly sprouting a dagger.
Valid point, but it is another reason Warfare can become the only thing that matters in a conflict. "Invisible spellcaster catching me in the jacuzzi while I'm drunk... dagger in the neck" Part of it comes from the advice in the book on how you can never, ever, surprise or beat Benedict. That was taken to heart in one game and rank 1 Warfare couldn't be defeated by any means... didn't help that that player was a dick about it too.
But that is all grumbling about the past. I shall endeavor to not do it again.
There is some balance in all the stats and powers and it can fit the stories in the right hands. Brand didn't directly take on anyone but nearly destroyed the universe to remake it in his own image. Even the items have an explanatory role if need be (also necessary because the titular characters of both series had items).
As for "sorcerer" in the first series, it always read to me more like using Pattern than the specific spellcasting of the Merlin books. Corwin's Pattern abilities appear like sorcery to Shadow dwellers. Fiona's the Sorceress because she's gone far deeper into Pattern than the others. Similarly with Brand and Trump, which is still drawing on the Pattern as a source.
Good point about Corwin and what I poorly alluded to with his amberite nature. Exploring the advanced powers is fun too. Still like sorcery and conjuration and think they fit well in the game. Power Words didn't exist in the books as far as I can tell but do have a good role as well.
Edit: Despite the rpg's advice , Corwin beats Benedict. Of course maybe it was part of some grander tactic... I call BS on that. :)
Edit Edit: There is advice on trickery winning the day. But there is the section about not ever surprising Benedict.
Another counter we used is that Warfare is speed. He's catching your eye and starting to dominate you until his neck is suddenly sprouting a dagger.Valid point, but it is another reason Warfare can become the only thing that matters in a conflict. "Invisible spellcaster catching me in the jacuzzi while I'm drunk... dagger in the neck" Part of it comes from the advice in the book on how you can never, ever, surprise or beat Benedict. That was taken to heart in one game and rank 1 Warfare couldn't be defeated by any means... didn't help that that player was a dick about it too.
But that is all grumbling about the past. I shall endeavor to not do it again.
There is some balance in all the stats and powers and it can fit the stories in the right hands. Brand didn't directly take on anyone but nearly destroyed the universe to remake it in his own image. Even the items have an explanatory role if need be (also necessary because the titular characters of both series had items).
As for "sorcerer" in the first series, it always read to me more like using Pattern than the specific spellcasting of the Merlin books. Corwin's Pattern abilities appear like sorcery to Shadow dwellers. Fiona's the Sorceress because she's gone far deeper into Pattern than the others. Similarly with Brand and Trump, which is still drawing on the Pattern as a source.
Good point about Corwin and what I poorly alluded to with his amberite nature. Exploring the advanced powers is fun too. Still like sorcery and conjuration and think they fit well in the game. Power Words didn't exist in the books as far as I can tell but do have a good role as well.
Edit: Despite the rpg's advice, Corwin beats Benedict. Of course maybe it was part of some grander tactic... I call BS on that. :)
He does. By tricking him with something he didn't know about. Which is the whole point of fighting in Amber - find an advantage to let you stop someone tougher than you.
I do think that Wujick turned everything up to 11, boosting a lot of things beyond the source material.In a lot of cases, it should be a combo of multiple stats: In the psyche vs warfare thing, it's linked to does he beat your Psyche by more than you beat his Warfare. And of course, direct eye contact is the riskiest Psyche approach. Psyche plus powers giving remote contact is harder to stop.
My apologies for being so absent from the thread.
I can only claim the standard busy with work and such, but don't despair, I am back in the bidding.
Each set of bid results tells me more about James.
As an aside, have you considered where you asked to be sent when first you Walked the Pattern?
(Apologies if this has come up already as I have not caught back up on with reading this thread- y'all have been busy.
If you were unaware, as some of you may be, walking the pattern also means that when you have reached the end, you can have the Pattern send you anywhere you wish to go, as long as it is within the power of the Pattern.)
Mine was 'Send me to where my mother died.'
And you can guess how well that turned out.
In terms of Trump, I've Seen the Trump of James of Amber.
He stands, boar spear strapped to his back, wearing his signature plain brown, trimmed with silver in honor of his mother, three rings on each hand and well-made boots on his feet, with a ring of stones in the background.
Welcome back James!
With my Amber in Warfare and yours in Strength, we'd make a lovely pair!
I have a lore question. Dworkin found/created Amber. His son Oberon ruled it for a while, but now Oberon's son Corwin rules it. Dworkin is a bit remote to worry about, but why is Corwin now King instead of Oberon? Did Corwin kill him, or did he die/otherwise abdicate and Corwin beat out his siblings for the throne?
Actually, Random is the King of Amber.
Oberon abdicated the Throne, and the Unicorn (speculation says she is Oberon's mother) gave the Jewel of Judgement to Random. Pretty much everyone who mattered decided at that point that meant Random was chosen as King.
Before that, when Oberon was thought to be dead, Corwin's brother Eric was the Regent (and then King), and he and Corwin had fought over the throne, resulting in Corwin's blinding and imprisoned. After a few years in prison, Corwin had managed to regrow his eyes and was rescued by Dworkin.
Oh! I saw "King Random" in one of the introduction pages, but I thought that was their tongue-in-cheek voice they'd been using.
So then Corwin and Brand and all of these other people are Random's brothers, or kids?
Random is the brother of Corwin, Brand, .. (its a big list some have been lost) They are all the children of Oberon and several mothers. All dysfunctional families are pale reflections of theirs. Merlin is Corwin's son, Martin is Randoms.
Often the players are children of Random's generation. Sometimes other generations (younger or older)
Mostly (half) brothers/sisters. Excepting Merlin, Rinaldo/Luke, and Martin, who are part of the next generation.
Also, I believe Random was Oberon's youngest known son.
Family Tree
Hard to find one without someones campaign changes. Think this ine is from books only.
Thanks for sharing that. The site has some pretty neat maps and info.
Whoof: I'll reply to all this later, guys, just checking in on my phone just now. Expect the finalization of Strength and the beginning of Psyche within two hours, and then some responses to all the awesome speculation going on.
And that's it for Strength! The final rankings are:
Amber rank: James
6th: Eztil, 1
5th: Chaney, 2
4th: Alric, 10
3rd: Marjana, 11
2nd: Roy, 34
And First in Strength, the mightiest of heroes: Nikolas, with 40.
I have most bids for Psyche recorded at this point, but I'm still waiting on one or two folks who were observing the end of this playing out first. Once I get those in, we'll move right along into the challenges of the mind.
Ech - sorry, folks, those promised replies are gonna have to wait for a while. It's been a long week, and I am wrecked. Sleep first, Amber metaphysics later.
I turned to make my wishes known to my officers, and the power fell upon me, and I was stricken speechless. I felt the contact and I finally managed to mutter "Who?" through clenched teeth. There was no reply, but a twisting thing bored slowly within my mind and I wrestled with it there.
Steel can be forged into the sharpest blade, the body honed to perfect strength, yet the imagination holds no such limits. Is there one who realizes the true potential of the awakened mind?
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7th: Eztil, 1
6th: Roy, 3
5th: Nikolas, 5
4th: Marjana, 7
3rd: Chaney, 13
2nd: James, 23
1st: Alric, 25
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Why, yes there is! Alric of the Purple, Alric the Clever, Alric the Wise, Alric the Sorcerer - he has as many names as he has possibilities, for his is the power of magic. Is there another to claim those titles?
And once again, for your convenience: the Rankings so far, including public unspent points and current bids for Psyche. Let me know if your records of any of those numbers are off from mine.
Color me surprised. I don't think I've ever seen initial bids for Psyche so low, even with a 100 point budget and Pattern not included.
Color me surprised. I don't think I've ever seen initial bids for Psyche so low, even with a 100 point budget and Pattern not included.
I'm not surprised at all. Psyche isn't nearly as important as Warfare, or Endurance, or even Strength.
No one wants to bid on Psyche. We might as well just close the auction now and move on to Endurance.
The thing about bidding high for Psyche is you run out of points for powers to make it as useful as it could be. And, really, except for my outrageously high initial bid for Warfare, this is in keeping with most of the other bids. Additionally, often Psyche is the first auction out of the gate, when points are ... more available.
That said, James would be a chump to let Alric steal first place for a measly 25 points.
The thing about bidding high for Psyche is you run out of points for powers to make it as useful as it could be. And, really, except for my outrageously high initial bid for Warfare, this is in keeping with most of the other bids. Additionally, often Psyche is the first auction out of the gate, when points are ... more available.
That said, James would be a chump to let Alric steal first place for a measly 25 points.
Not at all! James fully understands the value of Endurance, and I'm sure he's planning on stealthfully "buying-up" his Warfare and Strength, and he'll of course need points for that as well as the powers you mentioned.
I think James is perfectly fine with 23 Psyche. That still puts him well above everyone else!
Right, James?
Addendum: Oh, also, I have my laptop back now! So yay for actually being able to type out responses!
The thing about bidding high for Psyche is you run out of points for powers to make it as useful as it could be. And, really, except for my outrageously high initial bid for Warfare, this is in keeping with most of the other bids. Additionally, often Psyche is the first auction out of the gate, when points are ... more available.
That said, James would be a chump to let Alric steal first place for a measly 25 points.
It's 7 points behind the initial high bid for Strength. That's just silly.
But like I said, it may just be different bidding strategies. It'll go up. Lots of people have points to burn. 50+ points in Psyche leaves plenty of room for Trump. Even more for Advanced Pattern or Sorcery.