captramses's page

I actually entered last year. I thought out my idea as well as I could. I had no expectations in the positive as to what would happen. I am used to being treated negativly when I come up with an idea..."Oh now that is just plain stupid..." I actually got that from a company I submitted to. So when I came up with my idea for an item I girded myself for the inevitable negative comments about things outside my submission.

I entered the item and...eventhough I took some small amount of negativity from particular arrogant people in another online location...The comments from the only person who offered a critique were well thought out, non-derrogatory and actually helpful. No by the way I did not win and when I saw the caliber of the other entrants I did not begrudge those who won. They did damned fine work.

Honestly; time will not allow me to enter this year and oddly enough I feel sad about this...However If I, as a non winner, can offer a suggestion: You get treated the way you treat others so if you don't make it and actually want a critique then write a respectful email and please remember that these folks are busy..they have other entrants to sift through.

I have been looking for an all around replacement to the IBM of the RPG industry (d20). Although it is a solid system there is really nothing innovative enough to keep my interest with the exception of the refresh rate in Fantasycraft.

However I have found that an old system (GURPS) and a newer iteration of the FATE system (Dresden Files) have really piqued my interest.

Maybe they will be different enough to keep me vaguely interested in the current elephant in the room.

Right now I'm running a Pulp game with Savage Worlds, which I'll likely do for the next little while. However, I'm not burned out on fantasy genrewise. I am feeling more burnt out on D&D systemwise.

Isn't Fantasy Craft basically a d20 system?

ronin wrote:

I have no experience with the system but I have heard good things about Fantasycraft. My other suggestion would be to take a break from fantasy and run a modern/future game.

That's what I did when I got burned out on fantasy and it was a good decision.

It is based on it as a root but they use the Mastercraft system which is slightly different.

I have no experience with the system but I have heard good things about Fantasycraft. My other suggestion would be to take a break from fantasy and run a modern/future game.

That's what I did when I got burned out on fantasy and it was a good decision.

Try looking at the Dresden Files iteration of the FATE system.

I have always wanted someone to do a Science Fantasy using an engine that was different then the norm. I gave to the project. Let's help get this thing off the ground.

captramses wrote:

Is that Pathfinder Specific or will it include other systems as well?

I don't think there's anything in the code yet that's Pathfinder specific.

'Yet'? does that mean there are plans in the works?

Is that Pathfinder Specific or will it include other systems as well?

I live in Beaverton and would be interested. It has been a while for me...about 2 years. I do have to admit that even though I am not a fan of GH since I have played alot of it in the past your comment about paying attention to what the players put into their characters has me intrigued since I tend to focus more on character development then anything else.

I want to play this one. I have always liked the monk but felt that they get too short changed at earlier levels. This one speaks to me.

I have to say that this one bugged me. I can't get past the unbound ability...Why would they even need that one. I do not see the overpowered aspect as the judges do but I do see the limiting of allignment as to much to get past.

I would not want to play this one.

I have to say that I did not want to like this class. It seemed as if it dumbed down the bard. But after reading it three times I have to admit that I like it. Despite what some people see as an overpowering aspect I see the limitations.

I would love to play this class.

A lot of mechanics was quoted here and I have to say that this is just a little to niche character for me.

I would not play this class.

For me it was a question of where I could take this class if I played it and one thing leapt right out at me...This class would be an exceptional lead in to the Pathfinder Prestige class since it is in that thematic vain. However the one thing that kills this for me is the choice to replace Uncanny Dodge and Improved Uncanny Dodge.

Despite the potential for this class I would not play it.

I really wanted to like this one. It was well thought out and tight. My issue with this is class choice. I wonder if Rouge would have been a better base for this.

I would not want to play this class.

I have a few issues with this archtype and some of them have been mentioned. This being said however I really like this class. I am not a fan of Magic Users as a whole with the exception of the Bard but I really enjoyed this one.

I would want to play this class despite some of the front end loading and the apparent nullification of the Quick and the Dead.

I really love the thought out choice for class list and some of the abilities. However I have to fall down on the side of the judges. What does it for me is the very last line. The strict adherence to the faith bugs me since it limits their abilities in the wrong way in my opinion.

I would not want to play this class.

My prejudice against Paladins remain even after this arch-type. I could not get past the classess bond with the elephant.

Would I want to play this class...No

I really wanted to like this one. To me a tactician is all about the smarts not the phyisical skills. The tactician is the person calling the shots and thusly needed skills like Diplomacy, and a few more knowledge skills.

Would I want to play this character...No!

MMA meets Pathfinder.

I have to say that I am neutral overall about this one. I like the setting tie in and potential for Hellknight usage but I wonder if it is too setting specific.

Would I want to play this character? Unsure.

This being said however it is sound mechanically and I could see it being played.

Despite my neutrality on it I would have to recommend it for advancement.

Well; I for one was tickled pink over this one.

Having been raised in a home where there was always a televangilist on the tube I harkened back to that time in my life. Now I must admit though that after reading this I laughed so hard coffee almost came out my nose.

"Sit down before I put this Glove on you."

Ultimately I had to ask myself..."Would I want to play this character?" And the answer was a resounding YES!!!. I love the spell additions and I thoroughly enjoyed the convincing faith, however what sold it for me was 1. The fact that the Evangilist did not rely on his own faith but the faith of those listening, and 2. That it was an archtype for the Bard.

Up to Pathfinder I never really liked playing the Bard and PFRPG made the bard enjoyable again. You good sir have continued this tradition for me.

I would recommend this for advancement.

Good job and Congrats to those who made it.

This Gaming year:

1. Learn to paint minis (I don't use them or maps really but I like the idea)

2. Play more; try different systems like DC Universe, and return to some old ones like M&M, Heroes Unlimited and GURPs. Have to find groups though.

3. Actually work up the nerve to post some of my writing on here.

4. Try not to loose my love for gaming after the events of last year.

5. Write more!

Good luck Neil. I am not aware of this appropriate thread you talked about for feedback. Could you please let me know?

Never done it before but my item has been submitted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PPfI7h_fDE

Whoever mentioned Keysi had the right idea Check it out.

Sorry just discovered some real cool videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAjpRSWQPwU&feature=related

Demo

You know this is producing a great list and one I can't add to except to say that European Fighting styles have prevailed throughout DnD history and only recently has Asian Fighting Styles been given some love. Not saying that one is better then the other mind you but wanting to see more love in areas other then European.

I did see a demonstration of this style http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jogo_do_Pau
and I liked what I saw.

What I have real serious issues with is attaching styles to races. Regions and Classes are cool and make sense to me but making them race specific causes me some indigestion.

Now who ever it was that said using non-earth names had the right idea in my opinion which was followed up by Sean's comment on the subject.

Again my support and love for Region/Class specificity and Template system with the basics covered and room for expansion by the players.

Thanks

Well here is my list and I will give my reasons for them. I do not support making them race specific. Making them a favored art form of a race I can stand behind (If that matters) but I would open them up to all races.

Having been a student of the Martial Arts for 20+ years: Ki Aikido (Shin Shin Toitsu) Shaolin Kempo, Taijutsu (The Fighting art of Ninjutsu) and Krav Maga I could see how some of those arts could be applied to specific races although I would make Aikido a favored form for Halflings myself (Just another opinion).

Another thing that could be done is make them favored by particular classes (Rouges - Taijutsu/Ninjutsu; Druids - Animal Form Kung Fu). Not being a serious, published game designer (I have tampered with house rules) I would like to see a more templated system where there is a base number of skills, feats, special abilities or a combination there of followed by a way for characters to customize them even further; to make them their own for the potential to role play (I can hear the cringes now) I have to admit though that I have seen Martial Arts treated as an unwanted step child of system with efforts made to make them feats and the like. This bothers me greatly. I truly hope that an honest effort is made to incorporate them.

aikido
capoeira
jiujitsu
judo
karate
kendo
kenpo
krav maga
kung fu (animal forms)
pankration
sumo
tae kwan do
tai chi
Chin'Na
Escrima/Arnis
Hwarang-do
Isshin-Ryu
ninjitsu
Muay Thai
Savate
Jeet Kune Do
Wing Chun

I discovered this movie by accident on Netflix and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am going to see the second one and will own the first one at least.

I personally believe the Riddler should be a new face or a rarely seen actor. For me Heath Ledger ruined the Joker role for me.

Jason as Damiel

I personally feel that we need more Asian themed material in combat, classes, magic and beasties. I do not believe that calling a Ninja just another Rouge or a Samurai just another fighter is sufficient or appropriate. There are some fundamental differences between them that are not addressed when considering comparisons.

I also do not believe that calling a Katana a bastard sword and using those stats truly give the Katana the uniqueness it richly deserves. I know I make changes in any game I play.

This being said however I think that every one is tired of seeing Asian themed characters that appear to be better then a standard class. I know I am. I also do not believe they need to be foisted into a prestige class. I believe that Both the Samurai and the Ninja need their own base class but I would support a genre restriction to them to be enforced by the GM. If the game does not have Oriental themes then they would be out.

As long as Paizo leaves the Asian flavor in the Ultimate Combat Book I would buy it. I have the core rule book and will get the GM Guide and the APG only because I believe that the three book widen the field which is something I like.

I believe someone already mentioned the Palladium take on conversions and I also believe someone mentioned that as long as the conversion was not published in any format (For Public Consumption) they would be alright.

Slightly redundant I know but I just thought I would throw that out there first.

This being said I have seen a few conversion attempts in the d6,d20 and even a d10 system but the ones I have seen that seem to work the best are those based on a point system such as Gurps. I am not saying that it can't be done I am just saying that this was what I have seen. In my experience the biggest issues people have had was with the HP,SDC,MDC system for damage. I would love to try any conversions to see what people come up with just remember that if you don't want the Palladium Dog-Lawyers after you do not publish for general consumption.

I've just had a brilliant idea for a new take on nullsec corporation management...

I have a proposition. We create an entirely neutral corporation. I'm thinking of calling it the "Geneva Syndicate." Our objective will be to carve out a slice of nullsec, preferably one close to empire space, and then allow it to be roamed freely by others, even if they aren't in our corp.

Basically, we will act like our very own CONCORD. Anyone caught gate camping or griefing or what-have-you in our space will be hunted down and obliterated. People who just come in to do some mining or rat hunting are more than welcome to hang around. If they start causing trouble or look like they're trying to undermine us in some way, we tell them to shape up or ship out. Further acts against the spirit of peace will be met with overwhelming violence.

I think it would be cool to create "safe" nullsec for younger characters to come experience a part of the game they might otherwise be missing out on.

I am fascinated by this idea; we in the collective must know more.

I was wondering if anyone else GM's in the sort of style that I do, where I try to rely on immersion and imagination entirely to paint the scene of whats going on. This I have learned can be very hit or miss. I choose not to use use map layouts and miniatures because for one, they all cost more money, and two, the more proxies you use, the more you deter from the feel of what is actually going on. I try to keep combat very, as I say "conceptual" letting players who charge headlong into melee know they are "engaged" by X amount of baddies, and those that are at a range casting spells or firing off arrows or what not are given a range of where the actual melee is taking place. I always hear suggestions to use a "whiteboard" but I find that combat can sometimes become more dull, and I end up feeling like John Madden drawing circles and X's and arrows and all that jazz and that tends to deter the whole "immersion" effect I go for...

Any suggestions to this style of GMing would be greatly appreciated.

Ah my good man; another convert. Let me say that with a little work you will find sessions with no map layouts and minis much more fulfilling; this being said however, you will find that a good topographical map even one hand drawn will give you a a whole lot of enjoyment and make your sessions based on imagination to be much more fun.

The key to success in a session based solely on imagination is the imagination of both you and the players. Think of reading a good book; if you can easily visualize the images being presented through the medium of words then you will have no trouble at all. If you have difficulty then it may present problems. In the latter case you may want to start small and simple, at least until you are used to this kind of thing.

Another point I want to touch upon is the idea that you will have to tone things down: In my experience this is complete rubbish. This is where imagination shines. Let the minds of the players take what you have mechanically informed them and visualize it the way they want; as long as it jibes with the mechanical presentation.

Combat is indeed where things get interesting. For this I say use your own seating arangement as a gauge. Your players are going to ask the invaribly astute question: "How far away am I from so-and-so?" You would then say: "Double the distance between us now..."

I have not read Kinkmaker but Lilith has been raving about it alot. I am usually not a fan of AP's due to their reliance on story vs PC's. The PC's are usually drug along in a normal AP and are not encouraged to 'explore' the other potentials that they think are cool. I am a strong proponent in the sandbox style of Adventure since the story does not take place in a vac.

For me the rule is one start; something to explain why the PC's are together. Multiple middles to take into consideration what the PC's are going to do. Finally a plethora of endings to cover most of the potential paths the characters take. I do realize that this is difficult for a lot of GM's to do but the real key here is the flexability of the GM and the self confidence to let the PC's explore the world that the GM has given a framework to.

Just my thoughts.

Ok; my thoughts as a player and a GM: I like the heck out of this creature. I especially like the Spell Dissonance; about time someone did that. Spell Casters as sacred cows needs to stop and this is a fair way to do it. As a spellcaster if you can't make this saving throw then don't play a spellcaster.

I have to admit that I was creeped out by the carpet of fleas and that was almost a turn off. However I like this a lot and would use the heck out of it in the roll of Mastermind. I do love setting the players up for some big bad nasty creature only to see the shock on their faces when they discover that...'They're not always cute when they're small.'

I have to admit that I actually like this creature. I am usually not a fan of constructs, however the very nature of it, beneficial and otherwise to it's creator and any being that can make friends with it is awesome. The one thing I usually do not like about creatures like this is the way you have to hunt and dig for a weakness. Not so with this creature. Good job.

It's now showing on Hulu: LINK

Have you seen it? Thoughts? Any good?

I happen to like the show. It sucks that it got cancelled but I like the cast and the writing.

Question; are we using RL ingrediants or items that are in the setting for ingrediants? Oh and what are the rules?

I would be real interested
Is it a PbP?

I have played Rifts since it's creation and I have to say that the rules are not broken.

The rules are NOT DnD or D20 or even point based they are a different set of rules and as such are not broken. The combat is real simple as is the skill checks. The characters are real balanced in reality especially since most character creation sessions are done with all players there in one room.

The above being said of course one must be ready to change their mindset when it comes to playing a game of rifts. The Character creation session can be daunting to say the least but I have found that some of the people I have introduced to the game have had an easier time if they had no previous DnD or D20 experience.

It also requires an openess to a variety of optional rules that are available...I.E Insanities and the like.

For a first timer I would recommend staying with the core book and also talk to all of the players about what kind of game every ne wants to play since that will direct the types of characters allowed in the game.

All this being said however I have found all systems to be broken but workable. It is just a matter of what you are willing to work with.

I'm running Ubuntu 9.04 on all three of my computers.

Can't beat the price.

As I said, I was trying out Win7 and the RC hated the video hardware in my Satellite A105-2150. And I got tired of the diver install failing. So I went back to Ubuntu on it when 9.04 was released.

I love Ubuntu myself although I am no expert I really like how user friendly it is.

The one arguement I have heard against Linux is how non-user friendly it has been and even though I do not agree 100% with this I see Ubuntu as one large step in silencing that arguemnet. Again though I am no Linux expert :D

You are absolutely correct.

I typo'ed. I meant 1GB Ram, and Processor speed. I'll edit the original to prevent confusion.

No biggie man; btw what OS do you use?

captramses wrote:

tdewitt274 wrote:

Any good references for figuring out Linux? Not in a GUI way, but more command line? I've installed it a few times and have reverted back to Windows each time. Last issue was the considerable task of setting up a LAMP w/ Wiki and PHPMyAdmin.

I know it's just me. I probably have to lock myself in a room and take out my HDDs for my Windows boxes.

Suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks!

The Question may be slightly above me but are you attempting to use the Command Line varient within Linux??

Not using a different flavor (DSL or Knoppix are the ones that lack a GUI if I remember correctly), more like learning the Command Line commands and what they can do. Also, installing and configuring programs.

I know there's "man" but it can be a touch dry.

There are people here much more qualified then I when it comes to this thing so if I am wrong they will say so :D However there is also an 'info' command if I remember correctly...also there are forums out there which have helped me immensely including the one mentioned earlier for Ubuntu. Good Luck

captramses wrote:

Ok so those who say Windows is too resource heavy check out Windows 7; yes you can still get it as an RC from microsoft.

I am running it on my Mac in Parallels and it is so sweet! I can't wait for the full release.

Now don't get me wrong I love Windows Vista and have not had a single issue with it but 7 appears on first blush to be so non-resource heavy that we may be able to resurrect older laptops. We shall see and I shall hope.

I am a Windows"hater," and I can even attest to this.

However I have had a bear of a time getting the RC to work on my older laptop, when the Beta ran just fine.

I have to wait and see how the final turns out.

Just to let you know, Win7 claims 1MB Ram and CPU as minimum requirements.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=2643

http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/Windows-7/download.aspx

These are what I found and they both pretty much say 1 gig of ram

captramses wrote:

Ok so those who say Windows is too resource heavy check out Windows 7; yes you can still get it as an RC from microsoft.

I am running it on my Mac in Parallels and it is so sweet! I can't wait for the full release.

Now don't get me wrong I love Windows Vista and have not had a single issue with it but 7 appears on first blush to be so non-resource heavy that we may be able to resurrect older laptops. We shall see and I shall hope.

I am a Windows"hater," and I can even attest to this.

However I have had a bear of a time getting the RC to work on my older laptop, when the Beta ran just fine.

I have to wait and see how the final turns out.

Just to let you know, Win7 claims 1MB Ram and CPU as minimum requirements.

Well that's too bad man. I would stil love to do a side by side comparison to see which os runs better on a lesser machine. I would be willing to bet it would be windows 7 but hey, who knows. All I know is in my tests 7 rc has run better.

Any good references for figuring out Linux? Not in a GUI way, but more command line? I've installed it a few times and have reverted back to Windows each time. Last issue was the considerable task of setting up a LAMP w/ Wiki and PHPMyAdmin.

I know it's just me. I probably have to lock myself in a room and take out my HDDs for my Windows boxes.

Suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks!

The Question may be slightly above me but are you attempting to use the Command Line varient within Linux??

Ok. Back on topic. IMHO it is not a matter of which is better; it is a matter of what people are accustomed to. Those who are diehard Mac users should stay there as should those who are used to Windows or Linux. I use all three and I like them all. Sure what I am currently running is a Mac but I also have Parallels installed with three windows OSes and three Linux OSes (non of which would be possible without the intel chip mind you) and I have no complaints so far.

There; you now have my two cents :D Use what you like. :D

Ok so those who say Windows is too resource heavy check out Windows 7; yes you can still get it as an RC from microsoft.

I am running it on my Mac in Parallels and it is so sweet! I can't wait for the full release.

Now don't get me wrong I love Windows Vista and have not had a single issue with it but 7 appears on first blush to be so non-resource heavy that we may be able to resurrect older laptops. We shall see and I shall hope.