Dragon Age RPG. Is it any good?


Other RPGs


i recelntly noticed that Green Ronin is publishing a table top version of Biowares Dragon age origin. since i kind of like the dark fatasy spin they put on the game i was wondering if the RPG was any good.

Do anyonw know what rule system they use?

what is the deal with publishing the game as 3 box sets?

and last is the game any good in you opinion? what makes it good/bad?

Liberty's Edge

They came up with their own system, i believe. The three box sets are similar to that of the heroic, paragon and epic tiers of 4e. I haven't bought a copy of it myself, but it seems like it deserves a place in my collection.


I'm curious to see if anyone has given this a shot

Dark Archive

I've played a one-shot and have the box. What'd you like to know?


Pathfinder Maps, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Maps, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber
joela wrote:
I've played a one-shot and have the box. What'd you like to know?

Did you like it? Can you make any comparisons to any other game systems?

Liberty's Edge

I'm actually quite willing (and able, apparently), to play this on pbp. I have a character ready to go, and would prefer not to DM this one. (I'm DMing 2 other games.)

It's similar to d20, except that the base roll is 3d6, including a special die of a different color that's called the dragon die.

The main attributes are Communication (Charisma), Constitution, Cunning (Intelligence), Dexterity, Magic (no d20 counterpart), Perception (no d20 counterpart), Strength, and Willpower (Wisdom).

There are three classes: Rogue, Warrior, and Mage, and several backgrounds (including racial differences for a few of them). If you look at some of the fan-created stuff, there are even more backgrounds.

Backgrounds included in the box: Apostate (Human or Elf), Avvar (Human), Circle Mage (Human or Elf), City Elf, Dalish Elf, Fereldan Freeman (Human), Surface Dwarf.

The magic system is based on a mana point system which I thought at first would slow things down, but seems to be doing very well.

Character creation is much more random, which adds an appealing "dangerous" feeling to the campaign. When you set out to create a character, you're not certain what attributes, or skill focuses you'll get.

There is some criticism that average-roll characters have less survivability than characters that get super rolls. The majority of characters will have 8-10 points between attributes, but I've rolled a few that have 12 to 16.

Liberty's Edge

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber; Pathfinder Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber

The PDFs I have seemed simple enough, still waiting on the printed product though.

Dark Archive

Jam412 wrote:
joela wrote:
I've played a one-shot and have the box. What'd you like to know?
Did you like it? Can you make any comparisons to any other game systems?

I liked it. Kinda reminds me of True20/OD&D using 3d6 instead of d20 in terms of simplicity. However, unlike that system, DARPG uses hitpoints and damage rolls. The AGE dice system has a neat effect: when you roll matching dice (1,2,1; 6,3,6; etc.) the designated "dragon dice" (basically, it's one of the d6s) has certain, positive effects depending what was being rolled.

Liberty's Edge

The stunt system (using the dragon die) is one of the things that has been highly praised by players.

For example, let's say my Mage Filarron is suddenly attacked by 2 blight wolves. They are far enough away that he can cast a spell without targetting his friends in the process. He uses 3 MP to cast Mind Blast.

3d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1, 1) + 3 = 8 Casting Test to reach TN 12, which didn't pass.

So the blight wolves reach us on the next round and one of course goes for Filarron's juggular.

3d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3, 5) + 4 = 15 vs. Filarron's Defense of 12.

Not only did the blight wolf hit Filarron, but it rolled doubles in the process (two 3s). Whatever die is marked as the dragon die grants the blight wolf a number of stunt points to use as part of its attack. (In the pbp board, I would say that the last die rolled is the dragon die.)

The blight wolf has 5 stunt points to spend and favored stunts of knock prone and lightning attack. Knock prone costs 2 stunt points, and lightning attack costs 3 points, so the blight wolf can use both stunts against Filarron since it has 5 stunt points.

So now the blight wolf is on top of Filarron and makes an extra attack from the lightning attack stunt at +1 to hit since Filarron is prone. 3d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 5, 4) + 5 = 16 vs. Filarron's Defense of 12. This one doesn't generate any stunt points though.

The blight wolf causes 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 + (2) + 4 = 14 damage to Filarron, who now has 8 wounds remaining (out of 22).

Liberty's Edge

(Pardon the threadjack, I just can't leave Filarron like that.)

Althild rushes up with her battleaxe and swings at the blight wolf on top of the mage.

3d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 1, 3) + 2 = 12 vs. the Blight Wolf's defense of 12, and hits (no stunts this time though), for 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 6) + 2 = 11 damage.

With the blight wolf focused on his dwarven companion, Filarron can stand up and heal himself with magic. He uses 2 MP to cast Heal.
on himself.

3d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 2, 5) + 3 = 15 vs. Casting TN 10.

He succeeds with a double (two 5s, and has 5 stunt points {the number on the last die} for casting stunts). Filarron uses the stunt to make his Heal spell an imposing spell. The next round, if a blight wolf wants to attack him, it must make a Willpower (Courage) Test, TN 13. He heals himself by 2d6 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7 wounds.

The blight wolf attacks Althild but misses.

3d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 1, 1) + 4 = 11 vs. Althild's Defense 12.


stardust wrote:

(Pardon the threadjack, I just can't leave Filarron like that.)

Althild rushes up with her battleaxe and swings at the blight wolf on top of the mage.

3d6+2 vs. the Blight Wolf's defense of 12, and hits (no stunts this time though), for 2d6+2 damage.

With the blight wolf focused on his dwarven companion, Filarron can stand up and heal himself with magic. He uses 2 MP to cast Heal.
on himself.

3d6+3 vs. Casting TN 10.

He succeeds with a double (two 5s, and has 5 stunt points {the number on the last die} for casting stunts). Filarron uses the stunt to make his Heal spell an imposing spell. The next round, if a blight wolf wants to attack him, it must make a Willpower (Courage) Test, TN 13. He heals himself by 2d6 wounds.

The blight wolf attacks Althild but misses.

3d6+4 vs. Althild's Defense 12.

That actually does make it sound cool. The stunt system does look neat, but I have heard alot of people argue that the stunts aren't particularly balanced and you will see the same stunts time and again. (I have no experience with it, just what I have read so I cannot dispute this).

I loved the game, and I love the dark fantasy feeling so I have thought of picking this one up.

Liberty's Edge

Well you have to remember the game is based on 3d6, instead of 1d20, so you will see a lot of certain numbers.

3 = 1 combination
4 = 3 combinations
5 = 5 combinations
6 = 9 combinations
7 = 15 combinations
8 = 21 combinations
9 = 25 combinations
10 = 27 combinations
11 = 27 combinations
12 = 25 combinations
13 = 21 combinations
14 = 15 combinations
15 = 9 combinations
16 = 6 combinations
17 = 3 combinations
18 = 1 combination

Unless I got my math wrong...

Total number of possibilities: 212. And of those: 104 are 9-12.

So roughly 50% of the time you will be rolling a 9, 10, 11, or 12.

Liberty's Edge

There are 6 combinations for 5, not 5.

1,1,3
1,2,2
1,3,1
2,1,2
2,2,1
3,1,1


stardust wrote:

There are 6 combinations for 5, not 5.

1,1,3
1,2,2
1,3,1
2,1,2
2,2,1
3,1,1

I don't see 1,1,2... ah never mind you put 2,2,1 and 1,2,2 so one of those is 1,1,2 i assume :P

Liberty's Edge

Stewart Perkins wrote:
stardust wrote:

There are 6 combinations for 5, not 5.

1,1,3
1,2,2
1,3,1
2,1,2
2,2,1
3,1,1

I don't see 1,1,2... ah never mind you put 2,2,1 and 1,2,2 so one of those is 1,1,2 i assume :P

1,1,2 is a result of 4 :P.

These are all the possible combinations to make up the result of 5 from three six-sided dice.

Liberty's Edge

Anyone mind if I continue the game... lol.

One of the other blight wolves dashes forward to attack Filarron, but must make a Willpower check to do so. 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 4, 3) + 1 = 13 vs. TN 13.

It overcomes its fear and leaps forward with a snarl. 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3, 4) + 4 = 12 vs. Defense 12 and hits the mage for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 damage.

Filarron takes no chances with magic spells this time and moves a short distance (4 spaces or 8 yards) away, taking out his wand, and firing an arcane lance at the beast. 3d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 5, 4) + 3 = 17 vs. Defense 12 and hits with a 4 point stunt! He spends 3 points to pierce the blight wolf's tough hide (which is normally an AR of 3 I forgot to take into account for Althild's attack.) reducing his AR to 1. Filarron's magic attack deals 1d6 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 - 1 = 5 damage to the blight wolf.

Althild attacks her prey again, using her battleaxe. 3d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3, 3) + 2 = 11, but fails to hit.

Althild's wolf snaps back. 3d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5, 5) + 2 = 17, and hits Althild with 5 stunt points. It knocks her prone then makes a second attack. 3d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 6, 3) + 3 = 14. The wolf bites at her face and neck dealing 1d6 + 4 - 4 + 1d6 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 4 + (5) + 4 - 4 = 7 damage. (Althild is wearing heavy leather armor which provides AR of 4)

Filarron has 9/22 health and 14/19 mana.
Althild has 25/33 health.
Blight Wolf attacking Filarron has 19/25 health.
Blight Wolf attacking Althild has 17/25 health.


stardust wrote:

Well you have to remember the game is based on 3d6, instead of 1d20, so you will see a lot of certain numbers.

Spoiler:

3 = 1 combination
4 = 3 combinations
5 = 5 combinations
6 = 9 combinations
7 = 15 combinations
8 = 21 combinations
9 = 25 combinations
10 = 27 combinations
11 = 27 combinations
12 = 25 combinations
13 = 21 combinations
14 = 15 combinations
15 = 9 combinations
16 = 6 combinations
17 = 3 combinations
18 = 1 combination

Unless I got my math wrong...

Total number of possibilities: 212. And of those: 104 are 9-12.

So roughly 50% of the time you will be rolling a 9, 10, 11, or 12.

Bell Curve > 1d20 randomness!

Liberty's Edge

The blight wolf recovers from the magic blast and leaps on Filarron again, 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 6, 1) + 4 = 13, hitting for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 damage.

Filarron moves away from the blight wolf and steps behind Althild. (There's no attack of opportunity in Dragon Age, though you can prepare a major action to interrupt an opponent.) He spends 3 MP to cast Heroic Offense on his dwarven guide. 3d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 2, 1) + 3 = 12 vs. TN 11 and succeeds. Althild now has +1 Strength (+1 to attack and damage) for the rest of the encounter.

Althild attacks the blight wolf in front of her, 3d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 5, 5) + 3 = 16 and hits with 5 stunt points! She makes her attack a mightly blow (2 !p), and then swings again with a lightning strike (3 !p). 3d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1, 5) + 3 = 12.

She causes 3d6 + 3 - 3 + 2d6 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (1, 5, 5) + 3 - 3 + (5, 6) + 3 - 3 = 22 damage to the blight wolf, killing it. Althild moves to intercept the blight wolf attacking Filarron.

Filarron has 2/22 health and 11/19 mana.
Althild has 25/33 health.
Blight Wolf has 19/25 health.

Liberty's Edge

The blight wolf is fixed on the mage however, having already had a few tastes of blood. It moves around the dwarf and attacks Filarron again. 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 6, 5) + 4 = 16, hitting him for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 damage. Filarron falls unconscious and begins dying. He will die in 2 rounds if he does not receive healing. (2+Constitution attribute. Filarron's Constitution is 0)

Althild looks over worried, but focuses her attention on the blight wolf instead. She aims her attack carefully, preparing to end its life soon enough and tend to her friend and employer. (Aim is a minor action {d20 counterpart: move action} that gives Althild a +1 on her next attack). She attacks 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 6, 2) + 4 = 13 and hits it just barely, causing 2d6 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (6, 5) + 3 - 3 = 11 damage.

Filarron has 0/22 health and 11/19 mana.
Althild has 25/33 health.
Blight wolf has 8/25 health.

The Blight wolf turns and attacks Althild. 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2, 6) + 4 = 15 and hits her for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 damage.

Althild aims and attacks the blight wolf. 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 4, 3) + 4 = 16, hitting it for 2d6 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (5, 6) + 3 - 3 = 11 damage, which kills it.

Filarron will die in 1 round without healing.

Althild takes a second to rip a strip or two off the hem of her skirt and apply it to Filarron's wounds to stop the bleeding. 3d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1, 3) + 2 = 8 Cunning test, vs. TN 11.

Filarron will die next round without healing.

Althild tries again, determined to save her companion. 3d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1, 1) + 2 = 6.

Unfortunately she doesn't succeed and Filarron dies.

Liberty's Edge

So, again, very easy to pick up! Extremely so. You roll 3d6 dice, add a number, and if you roll doubles you get a special bonus. Easy.


stardust wrote:
So, again, very easy to pick up! Extremely so. You roll 3d6 dice, add a number, and if you roll doubles you get a special bonus. Easy.

Hmm I wonder if it could be used in D&D 3.5

Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8

@stroVal wrote:
stardust wrote:
So, again, very easy to pick up! Extremely so. You roll 3d6 dice, add a number, and if you roll doubles you get a special bonus. Easy.
Hmm I wonder if it could be used in D&D 3.5

Except for the Dragon Die and the stunt concept, there's a bit in UA about using a 3d6 roll instead of d20.

I have the basic boxed set. Might try to teach the godkids, after I teach 'em battletech.

Silver Crusade

Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

I'm playing in a Dragon Age game myself, and it isn't bad. Pretty simplified, and it's a bit weird that the game isn't built to accommodate doing stunts on purpose. In Pathfinder ANYONE can trip or bullrush. In Dragon Age you need to use a stunt, so if you didn't roll those doubles you're fresh outta luck.

In any case, it's a good game for newer role players. Definitely a gateway for something like Pathfinder.


DM_aka_Dudemeister wrote:

I'm playing in a Dragon Age game myself, and it isn't bad. Pretty simplified, and it's a bit weird that the game isn't built to accommodate doing stunts on purpose. In Pathfinder ANYONE can trip or bullrush. In Dragon Age you need to use a stunt, so if you didn't roll those doubles you're fresh outta luck.

In any case, it's a good game for newer role players. Definitely a gateway for something like Pathfinder.

It's been a while since I looked at a Pathfinder Rulebook.(plus it was one of the earlier versions)

How does it work now? And can it be used in a homebrew 3.5 system without all the other pathfinder stuff?
We have a stunt system of our own so far..Though we are going to convert to Fantasy Craft anyway...


@stroVal wrote:
DM_aka_Dudemeister wrote:

I'm playing in a Dragon Age game myself, and it isn't bad. Pretty simplified, and it's a bit weird that the game isn't built to accommodate doing stunts on purpose. In Pathfinder ANYONE can trip or bullrush. In Dragon Age you need to use a stunt, so if you didn't roll those doubles you're fresh outta luck.

In any case, it's a good game for newer role players. Definitely a gateway for something like Pathfinder.

It's been a while since I looked at a Pathfinder Rulebook.(plus it was one of the earlier versions)

How does it work now? And can it be used in a homebrew 3.5 system without all the other pathfinder stuff?
We have a stunt system of our own so far..Though we are going to convert to Fantasy Craft anyway...

You are aware that Dragon Age is a stand alone system from Green Ronin, based off the video game, not a Pathfinder product?


scranford wrote:
@stroVal wrote:
DM_aka_Dudemeister wrote:

I'm playing in a Dragon Age game myself, and it isn't bad. Pretty simplified, and it's a bit weird that the game isn't built to accommodate doing stunts on purpose. In Pathfinder ANYONE can trip or bullrush. In Dragon Age you need to use a stunt, so if you didn't roll those doubles you're fresh outta luck.

In any case, it's a good game for newer role players. Definitely a gateway for something like Pathfinder.

It's been a while since I looked at a Pathfinder Rulebook.(plus it was one of the earlier versions)

How does it work now? And can it be used in a homebrew 3.5 system without all the other pathfinder stuff?
We have a stunt system of our own so far..Though we are going to convert to Fantasy Craft anyway...
You are aware that Dragon Age is a stand alone system from Green Ronin, based off the video game, not a Pathfinder product?

Isn't that clear from my previous posts?

I am asking about pathfinder the guy that suggested that the stunting system in it is better than the one in Dragon Age...


Sorry it wasn't clear to me. I wasn't trying to be snarky, it's just that Pathfinder doesn't have a stunting system. These things are just combat options with appropriate penalties and effects, many of which can be offset by acquiring feats. Pathfinder has simplified the many different procedures from 3.5, by adapting a Combat Maneuverer Bonus, and Combat Maneuverer Defense to make everything a common mechanic...which I find a major improvement over 3.5

which may be what confused me about your question.

Happy Gaming ;-).


Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens Subscriber
@stroVal wrote:
I am asking about pathfinder the guy that suggested that the stunting system in it is better than the one in Dragon Age...

Pathfinder doesn't actually have a stunting system. There are some pre-defined combat maneuvers that have a unified system to resolve (Trip, Bull Rush, Disarm, Grapple, etc). I would certainly base certain types of stunts (those that affect an opponent) off those mechanics. Other than that, and optional rules for action points, stunts really aren't talked about in Pathfinder.

I think what the original guy was saying is that certain things you can do all the time in Pathfinder can only be done as stunts in Dragon Age.

EDIT: Ninja'd! That's what happens when I start a response and then get distracted in other tabs.


stardust wrote:


Character creation is much more random, which adds an appealing "dangerous" feeling to the campaign. When you set out to create a character, you're not certain what attributes, or skill focuses you'll get.

And that ensures that I'll never get into that game. I decide what my character is like not the dice.

The Exchange

I've only played a little of it, but the Dragon Age RPG was a lot of fun. We made characters and did a short 1-off on a day when one too many players had to miss our weekly Kingmaker game. Everybody enjoyed it for what it is: a lighter rules set with an old school attitude but more simple and elegant mechanics.

Also, I can't help but point this out:

KaeYoss wrote:
And that ensures that I'll never get into that game. I decide what my character is like not the dice.

Ironic that somebody using a homophone for the word "chaos" would be opposed to random character generation, no?

If it makes any difference, the big decisions (race and background) are made by the player, and you are given a limited degree of customization at level 1 because it lets you swap any 2 ability scores.

If you don't start with stats that are ideal for your character, you can pretty easily get them up to what you want, because you improve 1 stat every level (alternating between primary and secondary stats determined by class at each level).


scranford wrote:

Sorry it wasn't clear to me. I wasn't trying to be snarky, it's just that Pathfinder doesn't have a stunting system. These things are just combat options with appropriate penalties and effects, many of which can be offset by acquiring feats. Pathfinder has simplified the many different procedures from 3.5, by adapting a Combat Maneuverer Bonus, and Combat Maneuverer Defense to make everything a common mechanic...which I find a major improvement over 3.5

which may be what confused me about your question.

Happy Gaming ;-).

Hey no problem.It's all clear now ;)

[actually I tried posting this yesterday but it crashed]
Then the Pathfinder system hasn't changed much from what I read initially.

A few years back we made a system for roleplaying in epic ancient Greek and Celtic mythology.It was % based.
Battle was resolved in rounds but parrying happened simultaneously.
You would make an attack then the opponent would roll for his parry skill*
If you succeeded then the Minstrel(game master) would roll for a die representing the specific armour the character was wearing(armour absorption).
If the amount of damage was equal/less than the number rolled for armour then the blow wouldn't penetrate.
I think we also chained a few parrying and acrobatic skills for certain stunts.

*=parrying was either actual movement(like avoiding a thrown spear with your reflexes) or blocking with a shield/weapon or some form of divine/mystical defence


w0nkothesane wrote:


Ironic that somebody using a homophone for the word "chaos" would be opposed to random character generation, no?

Unless he actually realizes that, then yes that's called dramatic irony...

PS: I am not arguing/being sarcastic with any previous poster; just stating my observation.


Matthew Morris wrote:
@stroVal wrote:
stardust wrote:
So, again, very easy to pick up! Extremely so. You roll 3d6 dice, add a number, and if you roll doubles you get a special bonus. Easy.
Hmm I wonder if it could be used in D&D 3.5

Except for the Dragon Die and the stunt concept, there's a bit in UA about using a 3d6 roll instead of d20.

I have the basic boxed set. Might try to teach the godkids, after I teach 'em battletech.

Cool godfather...you know I originaly read godkins and assumed its some nickname for your group ;p


w0nkothesane wrote:


Ironic that somebody using a homophone for the word "chaos" would be opposed to random character generation, no?

Contrariness is built-in! :P

Plus, this mere randomness is giving proper Chaos a bad name.

And anyway, free will is one of the major tenets of chaos, so I'm all for deciding of my own free will what my character is like - right down to every little detail.

I'm okay with limitations (no starting with all 18s because of balance, and so on), but the dice will in no way determine my character's nature.

That means no big stuff, no little stuff, no trivial stuff.


KaeYoss wrote:
w0nkothesane wrote:


Ironic that somebody using a homophone for the word "chaos" would be opposed to random character generation, no?

Contrariness is built-in! :P

Plus, this mere randomness is giving proper Chaos a bad name.

And anyway, free will is one of the major tenets of chaos, so I'm all for deciding of my own free will what my character is like - right down to every little detail.

I'm okay with limitations (no starting with all 18s because of balance, and so on), but the dice will in no way determine my character's nature.

That means no big stuff, no little stuff, no trivial stuff.

Well in Pathfinder/Dnd/d20 etc dice do decide character abilities

(unless you are using a point buy system)
Other systems like Blue planet have no random elements whatsoever(not recommended for munchkin players though)

Scarab Sages

KaeYoss wrote:
w0nkothesane wrote:


Ironic that somebody using a homophone for the word "chaos" would be opposed to random character generation, no?

Contrariness is built-in! :P

Plus, this mere randomness is giving proper Chaos a bad name.

And anyway, free will is one of the major tenets of chaos, so I'm all for deciding of my own free will what my character is like - right down to every little detail.

I'm okay with limitations (no starting with all 18s because of balance, and so on), but the dice will in no way determine my character's nature.

That means no big stuff, no little stuff, no trivial stuff.

It's not so bad, it is more like a random starting boon. Also, you can easily rule to chose one of those boon instead of rolling for them, it won't "unbalance" the system. I imagine it will be nearly unnoticable once you get into the higher levels (that will come wit box 2 and 3).


@stroVal wrote:


Well in Pathfinder/Dnd/d20 etc dice do decide character abilities
(unless you are using a point buy system)

Guess what I'm using!

@stroVal wrote:


Other systems like Blue planet have no random elements whatsoever(not recommended for munchkin players though)

World of Darkness doesn't have any random elements, either (the new one definitely doesn't, and I don't think the old one did, either). Cortex (Firefly) does not have random elements. Legend of the Five Rings (3rd edition if things changed significantly for 4th) doesn't really have random elements (though you can roll on the heritage table if you want. You don't have to, though).

That's what I can remember right now.


KaeYoss wrote:
@stroVal wrote:


Well in Pathfinder/Dnd/d20 etc dice do decide character abilities
(unless you are using a point buy system)

Guess what I'm using!

@stroVal wrote:


Other systems like Blue planet have no random elements whatsoever(not recommended for munchkin players though)

World of Darkness doesn't have any random elements, either (the new one definitely doesn't, and I don't think the old one did, either). Cortex (Firefly) does not have random elements. Legend of the Five Rings (3rd edition if things changed significantly for 4th) doesn't really have random elements (though you can roll on the heritage table if you want. You don't have to, though).

That's what I can remember right now.

Yes while I am no World of Darkness expert(we have one in our group) I must say that's another great system...Very cinematic/anime

Liberty's Edge

Just playtesting something here... Nothing to see folks, move along.

The barbarian Kremvar enters the room and notices a lone goblin standing by the fireplace. He charges and attacks.

3d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1, 6) + 4 + 1 = 13 for 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 4, 1) + 4 = 14 damage with his two-handed sword, managing to strike the goblin and kill it in one blow. He hit with a 6 point stunt.


stardust wrote:

Just playtesting something here... Nothing to see folks, move along.

The barbarian Kremvar enters the room and notices a lone goblin standing by the fireplace. He charges and attacks.

3d6+4+1 for 3d6+4 damage with his two-handed sword, managing to strike the goblin and kill it in one blow. He hit with a 6 point stunt.

I'm sure you mean Genlock. Using the cursed Orlesian names for the wretched Darkspawn? Preposterous! We Ferelden Freemen have been fighting this Blight for years, and if the Orlesians want us to use their made-up names, they'd best come fight at our sides!

Ahem.. anyway...

Kremvar, being large and burly, only did 14 points of damage to the 22 Health Genlock, which would normally leave it with 8 points, save for the fact that it has an Armor Rating of 5, which reduces the incoming damage to 9 - Kremvar bellows wildly as the sword of his Father's Father's Father's Father bites down into the Darkspawn's meaty shoulder!

The Darkspawn hisses and mutters something in its gutteral language.

Kremvar, suddenly very happy for those 6 Stunt Points, which he uses thusly:

2 points: Knock Prone

Kremvar's blow was so fierce and so mighty that the Genlock is staggered, and carried to the ground as the ancient Avvarian blade is driven home into its shoulder. Any further attacks against the Genlock receive a +1 bonus on the attack roll.

3 points: Lightning Attack

Kremvar seizes the moment to perform a second attack against the Genlock! Unfortunately, because this is a Stunt, any additional doubles rolled on the attack test won't count, but because of having previously knocked the Genlock prone, he receives a +1 to his attack, regardless.

Kremvar chooses not to spend his final Stunt Point.

Kremvar brings his mighty sword up and down in a rapid arc of death! He rolls (3d6 + 4 + 1 +1), getting a spread of 2, 3, and 3 on his dice, for a total of 8. Adding this to the remainder (4 + 1 + 1 = 6) he gets a total attack test of 14, besting the Genlock's defense of 13 handily. He rolls 3d6 + 4 for his damage, getting a whopping 20 points of damage (5 + 5 + 6 = 16 + 4 = 20), reduced to 15 due to the Genlock's Armor Rating.

The Genlock, which had only (22 - 9 = 13) 13 points left from the previous blow, is reduced to -2 Health, and expires messily.

Kremvar finds himself wishing he had a Mabari War Hound to help clean the gore off of his armor and face, but makes do with a handy rag sitting near the fireplace.

Liberty's Edge

lol, no I actually meant goblin, believe it or not.

I promised someone I would make an AGE version of the game Heroquest, and I just wanted to see if the numbers were about right. I think they are.


stardust wrote:

lol, no I actually meant goblin, believe it or not.

I promised someone I would make an AGE version of the game Heroquest, and I just wanted to see if the numbers were about right. I think they are.

A likely story.

More likely, further Orlesian trickery!

I'm WATCHING you...

Liberty's Edge

Wow, I know there are a couple different products that have gone by the name Heroquest, but are you talking about the old Milton Bradley board game?

I absolutely loved that game when I was younger, just found a complete copy on ebay last year.

Combine that with the fact that I've been re-reading through the Dragon Age books to get ready for running a game of it and I find your proposal quite interesting.

Liberty's Edge

Yep, the Milton Bradley board game... I borrowed some stuff from Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay as well. The Chaos Warlock for example, can cast random spells based on a d6 roll. And both the Chaos Warrior and the Chaos Warlock have a special stunt called Gift of Chaos.

Anyway, it will probably be on the Green Ronin Dragon Age forum at some point.

You can find my stuff on there under the screen name Firallon. I've made quite a few things for Dragon Age game including a random magic item creation system, a random magic item history generator, a random character concept generator, and introduced what I think is a feasible critical injury system (adapted from the video game, naturally). I've also re-introduced most of the stuff from Blue Rose (you'd be surprised how easy that was.)


Still sounds like further Orlesian chicanery, to me.

Liberty's Edge

I understand your wariness, Jemstone. I've known some Orlesian chicas and they were all trouble.

The Exchange RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16

Just a note here:

I've played Dragon Age and think it's a fine system. The game mechanics drive, but don't get in the way of, the story, if that makes any sense.

Anyways, the note: Over at Open Design, Wolfgang Baur's patron-driven company, there's currently a solicitation for patrons to participate in the design and development of the MIDGARD campaign world, which includes the city-state of Zobeck, the Ironcrown Mountains, the Margreve Forest, etc. The lead designers are Wolfgang, Jeff Grubb, and Brandon Hodge.

One of the questions patrons are asked is what gaming system they'd like the world mechanics to use.

To hear tell, the Dragon Age game system is currently polling in second place, right after Pathfinder. So, if you like the game engine but want to use a different setting besides Ferelden, there's the possibility of another option out there.


Anyone been running an ongoing campaign with this system? I picked it up and quite like it as truth be to told I tire of 3.5/PF's elaborate rules system. I'm looking for something that is easy to pick up, get started with players that may be fairly new to RPGs. I had some success with Savage Worlds for pulp era stuff but DA looks promising for striaght up fantasy gaming. I like the simplicity of the rules but am wondering what the mileage on this might be like? Anyone care to share their experiences?


Just ordered up a cheap used copy. Hopefully, I'll be able to try it out sometime.


I haven't played it yet, but I picked up the first two boxed sets and found some free downloads including a nice monster book. I'm not sure that there is enough there to run for years and years, but I think it would be fun game to run for a year or so.

Wyrd_Wik wrote:
Anyone been running an ongoing campaign with this system? I picked it up and quite like it as truth be to told I tire of 3.5/PF's elaborate rules system. I'm looking for something that is easy to pick up, get started with players that may be fairly new to RPGs. I had some success with Savage Worlds for pulp era stuff but DA looks promising for striaght up fantasy gaming. I like the simplicity of the rules but am wondering what the mileage on this might be like? Anyone care to share their experiences?

Community / Forums / Gamer Life / Gaming / Other RPGs / Dragon Age RPG. Is it any good? All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.