RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
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I've recently purchased a game called Swashbucklers of the Seven Skies. I've been wanting to do an AIRSHIP campaign for a while and I decided to check out this setting & it's system, Prose Descriptive Qualities (PDQ). I'm really liking what I'm seeing so far. I've got a decent start up idea, but I'm still trying to decide on the BIG BANG plot event for the overall game.
START UP: The Maitriarch of your House has made a Call of House, summoning all of those who can make a legitimate Blood claim. When all of the Blood have gathered, she relates an ominous Dream she has had of a dark event fast approaching. She claims that only those of our House Blood stand a chance in keeping this event from coming to pass.
Then she tells all before her that as of this moment she is going to dedicate as much of the House resources as can be afforded towards this goal and she expects each of Blood to work towards keeping this premonition from coming true. She even goes so far as to pronounce all vendettas onhold. When she ends this Call of House, she dismisses most of the Bloods, but requests certain family members to remain for private discussions and possibly for assignments, including the PCs.
BIG BANG [uncertain]: So far... the idea is that a new Cloud-Island has risen from the Blue, think a more bog-like Dark Water (Pirates of Dark Water) that covers the entirety of what is below the Seven Skires. Upon it is a more advanced Kingdom. They have managed to escape upwards from beneath the Blue and are seeking to conquer/ exploit the cloud-islands of the Seven Skies. Their airships use engines, propellers, and rotors. They have platoons of jetpacked warriors. They use unmanned attack drones. I definately want to give this Force more of a steampunk feel. I'm on the verge of making them non-humans. Possibly Dwarves, but a new Race is entirely possible.
Comments are sought. I'd like a good discussion of what I've got planned so far. I'd like to keep the Swashbuckler feel of both the system and the setting and I'm concerned my BIG BANG will take away from that. I'm also worried I won't be able to keep the Intrigue going as I'm not really used to GMing that aspect of the game.
Is this a steampunk setting?
This board ain’t big enough for the two of us (PDQ fans).
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
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Is this a steampunk setting?
No. Swashbucklers of the Seven Skies isn't designed as a steampunk setting. It's a Swashbuckling setting. Think Princess Bride + Count of Monte Cristo + Pirates of the Caribbean. Stir. Then Shake and Bake. Though maybe da Vinci level steampunk is already mixed into the setting.
My BIG BANG will add more of a Victorian level steampunk influence to the game. I'm uncertain how that will effect the feel of the setting or the game. I suspect that will depend upon the players and my abilities as GM.
This board ain’t big enough for the two of us (PDQ fans).
Fan? I'm uncertain if I'm a fan. I haven't played a game using PDQ yet. But PDQ has the same type of feel of 'fast play' as other systems I am a FAN! of. I may become one, but between work & sleep, I'm still reading through the setting of Swashbucklers of the Seven Skies. I haven't even built a Character yet. Although I do have an idea for a cool NPC I want to create.
Interesting....veddy veddy interesting...
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
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Well, I've altered/ adjusted the Big Bang. Now I'm going to have the Mysterious Blue (think an ocean of blue-tinted tar) become gigantic whirlpool. This swirling maelstrom will slowly begin to drag the Cloud Islands into it.
What do you think of the impending doom I've come up with?
I'm also worried I won't be able to keep the Intrigue going as I'm not really used to GMing that aspect of the game.
I missed this earlier as I was so excited to just see someone giving PDQ some love. There was an article on Roleplaying Tips about how to do some intrigue. I am at work right now, so I can not link. From what I remember, come up with 3+ influential NPCs. Then draw a line from each of these NPCs to each of the other NPCs. Then get out a d100 and roll for each line. The number is the current relative relationship each NPC has with the other. Use that to decide what recent events may have taken place to put the relationship in its current state.
You also need to flesh out the motivations of your influential NPCs as well as their power base and what obstacles prevent them from simply attaining their goals. This can help you flesh out encounters when your PCs meet these NPCs. Keep in mine your NPCs will try to size up the PCs in a "what can they do for me?" way.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
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Taking a classic (The Black Cauldron) and using it unapologetically. I've decided to go with this Big Bang! event.
Vaiden the Blackheart, a Koldun who has mastered the 10 Gifts, has rediscovered a fourth Hidden Gift, once known in Gifted circles as the Forbidden Gift. Using all of the Gifts, Vaiden has begun crafting a cauldron that will enable him to animate the dead. Once finished, he will animate an army of undead warriors with which to conquer all of the Sky Islands.
I have no idea what the Forbidden Gift is yet. I'm looking suggetions. I'm thinking maybe Cerebus (Death). But it should use something with an evil stigma to it. Like Shadows or Death. Also, the creature relation has to be there.
Suggesttions? Comments?