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CinderellaManJJ updated the character Toru the Wayfarer
The Tower of Druaga: The AGE of URUK
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Highmoon commented on the campaign The Tower of Druaga: The AGE of URUK
The Tower of Druaga: The AGE of URUK
10 months ago
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Zooros: I wish I could tell you. I don’t really remember, and I’ve changed machines since doing that banner, so I lost all my fonts.
Hi! I’m following this campaign with much interest. Druaga + Dragon Age = Doh!
I’m running a Druaga FATE game next thursday, and I was wondering what Font did you use on that beautiful campaign banner?
Best wishes for the game! :D
Thanks a lot.
cool campaign setting =]
;)
Guys, I like how JJ has been doing dialogue, with the Quotes option of the editor (next to hyperlink). Please use that for your dialogue from now on. It also doesn’t mess with hyperlinking wiki pages inside dialogue blocks, I just found out.
Jarad, I take it you’re receiving the email updates from the forum posts ok?
The best place to send email to me is at jfennell769 AT gmail.com. Gracias.
Received and accepted. Thank you.
Jarad and JJ, I’ve emailed you a PDF of the Reference Sheets in DARPG Set 2 which have all the Stunts in one place. But I think I have an old email for Jarad, so let me know once you get them.
Darn it all, I was not seeing the updated comments listing when I logged into OP. I just started a forum topic about including Jarad’s character and here you guys have been at it all the while. Sorry for holding up the works. Let me know and dive back in.
Wow. That’s a fat old comma splice right there in the middle of that last message. You’ll have to excuse me. I’m tired.
Sorry for not responding earlier, the first week back has been busy.
I don’t check my twitter account any longer, but I can get back on. Let me dig up my old account and link to you guys.
Are you still active on Twitter? It’s where JJ and I ping each other all the time.
I am ready. I will be running around today and may not post until late tonight or early tomorrow, but I’m looking forward to jumping in.
JJ and Jarad, are we good to restart the game?
Jarad, go ahead and add your character to the Characters section here so we can all see it and be on the same page.
The room where JJ’s character, Toru, is now is a perfect place for an introduction.
Ack, that was my bad. I expressly recommend skipping the first episode entirely but it’s in my blog post review, which I didn’t link you to.
The stunts are interesting. They need tweaking but I like where you went with them. Might be good for a post at the Dragon Age Oracle!
So let me know when you’re ready to join in!
Wow. Those Stunts don’t work. Unfortunately, I can’t figure out how to edit my post.
A link to a list of Babylonian names that I thought might be useful:
http://www.peiraeuspubliclibrary.com/names/asia/babylonia.html
I’m still in the process of watching the episodes, but I thought up the two Stunts below and they seemed appropriate for anime in general and the Tower of Uruk in particular. Something along the lines of:
Inspiring Example
Requires: Leadership Focus or Fated Background
Your character makes an inspiring speech before striking a blow against the enemy. Spend X Stunt Points, where X is the number of other player characters in your party. For his or her next roll only, each player character affected by this Stunt gains a +1 to his or her Dragon Die.
Brutal Example
Requires: Leadership or Intimidation Focus
Your character brags about his or her superior ability and challenges his or her team to do better. Spend X Stunt Points, where X is the number of other player characters in the party. The character using this Stunt gains +X Piercing damage on his or her current attack, and the remaining player character in the party suffer a -1 to their Dragon Die result for their next roll only.
Regarding the Aegis of Uruk: to be honest, I really did not enjoy the first episode. I don’t normally watch anime, so I wasn’t “in” on many of the jokes, which seemed to be poking fun at other films of the same genre (e.g. the tentacle scene with the Roper). I’m glad I stuck around for the second episode. The episodes I have watched after the first have been excellent… So, if anyone else reading this is considering playing, but disliked the first episode- it does get better. Much better, actually.
Toru rocks.
Yep, got derailed by a Pancake Breakfast event coordination for Boy Scouts. Ate up all my free time for several weeks now. It’s over finally. Sorry for the delay.
JJ, are we doing this?
My bad for not getting done sooner. I’ll get cracking. Thx
JJ, we’ll start in 2 weeks (the week of St Pat’s) when I’m on Spring Break. Get Toru ready to roll!
I’m looking to get started on or very close to March 1st, so get your PC ready!
We’re kicking this into action soon.
After sleeping on it I decided to switch my choice of focus to Cunning (Military Lore) and taking Lore for my talent. I want to make the character “by the book” as much as possible, so while I like the idea of Toru having Chirurgy, he didn’t meet the prerequisites. No worries, I really like the way he’s shaping up. I’ll try to get him finished up this week so I can blog about him. Thanks.
I’m gonna ponder that for the night and see what I think in the morning. Thanks for the clarification.
For the Lore talent to work, you would need to have a BLAH Lore Focus to base it off. Yes, you can make basic Cunning ability checks to know stuff, but a Lore represents something a bit more focused. Kind of the difference between you remembering that some symptoms could mean X ailment (basic Cunning) and a medically-trained person knowing that those symptoms ARE X ailment due to these other factors (Medical Lore, for example).
Mages having Lore as a starting Talent works cause in DA, Apostates and Circle Mages both get at least one Lore focus with background. I’ve amended Veteran to reflect this, though you do not have to change whatever choice you made. If you are satisfied with your current character choices, I’d much rather give you a Lore focus for free than force a remake.
Another question, since I can take Lore now, it says that I get an extra piece of info on a successful focus test. I don’t have any specific Lore foci, so does that mean if I make a successful Cunning test for info that would normally be covered by a focus I get the extra data? The focus just gives me a +2 on a Test, but doesn’t limit me from making a test if I don’t have it, right?
Ok, first declaration is up. Thx.
I created a new wiki page called Setting Declarations. Yes, think of that term in the same way you use it in FATE. Go write your declaration about the Army there. :-)
I am 100% behind us expanding the setting ourselves, so I like your declaration. Make it so.
Here’s the thing with the Cunning (Healing), I was thinking that there is a separation between army and Oracles. So the Army would need to staff their own healers, plus any mundane healing. I see the mages of the army doubling as medics. Just a thought and there really isn’t anything in the series that leads me to believe that. So I’m good with going with the Lore, which I now meet the prerequisite, as my starting talent.
I’ll also go back over the Backgrounds with more of an eye toward the foci and talents. I’m starting to “get” the system a little more from this little exercise.
I’m gonna go over the backgrounds again with the classes more in mind. If you notice something specific, let me know here as well. Given we’ve taken care of your particular background (I think), the rest would be more of an academic thing.
If there’s another Talent aside from Linguistics that you think would fit your character, just let me know.
So, how do you want to proceed? Kick things around here on the Backgrounds or do you already have something specific in mind?
Ok:
Note that Talents given by a class bypass requirements. So a level 1 mage could still take Chirurgy even if she doesn’t have Cunning (Healing). It’s when you try to advance that Talent or buy it anew that those reqs come into effect (though if it is a class-given advancement at X level, once again that would bypass reqs). At least that’s my understanding of the rules so far and what I’d rule in my game. I’ll look for clarification on this, though.
That said, Veterans now get a base +1 Cunning. That makes more sense for a “veteran” who’s been through stuff than just sheer strength, especially as it also includes mages in the classes.
Not worried about the Rogue issue you bring up. Tracking would be a regular talent a character would have to “buy” under normal circumstances.
As much as I like Linguistics, it isn’t something that comes up in the series as everyone speaks Japanese. ;-)
Seriously, everyone seems to understand each other just fine. Not saying we couldn’t bring it in, but that would be us going beyond the show by a good amount of degrees. If there’s nothing else you can take, take it and we’ll make it happen. If you can take something else, I’d say take something else instead.
With the presence of Oracles in this setting, Heal becomes part of that specialization. Not saying you can’t take that spell, but it might make a story impact if you choose to keep it. I approve of the visuals you chose. :-)
So what are your thoughts on languages? It didn’t seem to have any impact in the series (still have to finish the send series so I may be speaking prematurely). I’m fine with the main attribute of the Veteran staying Strength, it plays in well with that archetype. I was thinking that Cunning could replace one of the attributes on the Benefits Table; perhaps Dexterity? Maybe Cunning (Healing) would replace Perception (Searching) – this would mean that Toru could take Chirurgy as his Talent. I’m still trying to figure out the nuances of the Benefits table.
I’m cool with the way the character is going and I’m not worried about taking Linguistics, but only if it has some function in the setting. The Benefit rolls keyed in to the fact that Toru is looking for someone in the tower, so it is a really good fit.
I think he’ll take the balanced spells for the Mage (Arcane Bolt, Heal, Rock Armor). I think cosmetically I’m thinking that Toru’s staff is kinda like Fatina’s for Arcane Lance and Bolt: the staff could morph between “machine gun” and “bazooka” mode for the two attack spell. Also, instead of Toru’s skin getting rock hard, it would look like I summoned a suit of phantasmal armor like that worn by front-line soldier in the Uruk Army.
Thoughts? (see what happens when I’m snowed in)
Also based on the current configuration of Backgrounds no Rogue will start with Tracking.
Found something that might need some fine tuning in the backgrounds. Of the three Talents that a Mage can pick, two of them with prereqs: one needs Cunning 2 the other Cunning (Healing). The Cunning +1 is offered in two out of five backgrounds, not bad, but unlikely since you have to roll it on the Benefits Table. Cunning (Healing) is not offered in any of them.
That’s one point. The other is that the only Talent left is Linguistics. What other languages are there that I can learn?
Sweet! Looking forward to reading about Magic and let me know if there is something I need to be thinking about for further defining the goal(s) for what you are thinking.
And a goal.
Sounds like you got a concept! :-)
Are you ready to unpack the Goals stuff or do you need time to ponder? I agree on the Arcane Lance approach, but some the protective/buff spells need exploring. Magic is the next chapter for me to read, so good timing. Specializations are Set 2, right?
Right now, I’m interested in a mage character, primarily because I’m curious to see how that works mechanically in the AGE system. I’m wanting to compare it to old school fire-and-forget spells and 4e powers. I’m going to re-read the Tower backgrounds and see which one calls to me.
As I typed this comment I had a vision of a Veteran Mage who is going back to climb the tower to look for his lost companions from a previous campaign to fortify positions. Thoughts?
Frankly, I can’t really think of what else needs out and out new design. I’m gonna go over the spells and magic system this weekend to figure out any particularities of how to separate them, if needed. Mages will have foci and I suspect all else will be cosmetic (i.e. whether it is Melt’s lightning golf rods, or Fatina’s fire machine gun, it’s all Arcane Lance). I know I want a new Specialization, but that can be done down the road.
I know I’m gonna do something with Goals, but nothing mechanic; rather have very specific Goal types I want each character to address.
I think, my friend, you need to start thinking of your character concept. :-)
I see you dropped “fortune” from the Ardent Adventurer. Thanks.
So what is the next topic to tackle, Magic? Setting? Gear seems fairly straight forward. There is not a lot in the way of magic items, unless you count stuff like Melt’s rods and such, but I remember you mentioning the idea of foci for mages.
Let me know. Thx.
Done. Very nicely executed! I really like the Backgrounds. They’re focused, but with LOTS of room for variation. Very, very nice. I like Fated Seeker as well.
There is one word that bothers me in the Ardent Adventurer description: fortune. Wouldn’t that be more of the realm of the Covetous Climber? That keeps the motivations clear with no overlap.
Your thoughts?
Can I get you to leave that comment on the post about the shield? ;-)
I added now the Resurgent Veteran. I will add a Treasure Hunter (gold, artifacts, whatever) and I like the idea you threw for Neeba. Just gotta think of a name to fit the pattern so far.
Ok, so some of the options might be brought together under single umbrella (the daredevil under Adventurer), but which ones leap out at you? I saw you added the Veteran. You had two more (I think) that makes five, do you like any of the one’s I mentioned as additions or just run with those 5?
BTW, I like what you posted to Dragon Age Oracle. Nice write-up of the Guardian concept, summed up very neat and tidy.
You got the idea, yes. I’d stick 5-7 options only but certainly that’s the right wavelength we’re on.
Aside: I think Coopa is an NPC retainerm probably a Talent. :-)
How about Pilgrim for Neeba. Yeah, the backgrounds you put up make more sense that way. Expanding beyond the videos, what about “along for ride” or “bored and looking for a challenge”? There’s the opportunity for a character to tie their destiny into that of someone else (Coopa).
Would Gold-Seeker work for a personal power-monger, i.e., someone looking for something to give them power when they return (Blue Crystal Staff)?
It would seem to me that these background also have built-in goals. OK, so now to ponder and think outside the box and see what other types could exist. I’m seeing some that might be variations of some of the existing, but I’ll list them here so we can kick them around.
The Glory Seeker/Daredevil – not looking for gold, power or destiny, but want to test their metal against the challenges of the Tower. Power is not their game, only deeds that will lead to legends.
Lost soul – someone given up on everything, no reason to go on, but looking to go out with a bang. Something keeps this person from taking their own life, but they are not above rushing into danger. Could cause dramatic problems for the party.
The Seeker – there is something hidden in the Tower and this person wants to find it. It is beyond gold, destiny or knowledge, it might be a secret to tip the balance of power, a cure to some disease, a book of wisdom, a lost weapon or the body of a slain relative.
The Inquisitive – There is much to be learned in the Tower and that knowledge must be cataloged and shared with others.
The Pilgrim/Chosen – this Climber is seeking their destiny in the Tower, whatever that may be.
The Aide – this person is a confidant or aide to another party member. They are along for the ride because they cannot be separated from the other character, whether that be for emotional, financial or protective reasons.
I’ll keep thinking on this too. Very cool, nice revelation.
Yes, Jil is the Adventurer and Melt and Kaaya are the Nobles. Ahmey is a Veteran, Fatina is a Gold-Seeker and Neeba is… a name that I haven’t quite pinned down, the type who climbs the Tower for a secret/destiny.
Like I said, what backgrounds really represent in this setting only dawned on me last night as I was revising the original one I’d done, Meskia Citizen. It’s not about where they’re from, but about WHY they are there at the Tower.
So based on what you posted so far, the first is Jil and the second is Melt. Am I right? I’m excited to see the other three you mentioned. Maybe then I’ll be able to “get it”, cuz I’m getting a different vibe from what I read in the Player’s Guide.
Ok, I like where you started with the backgrounds. I think I was drilling in too much.
Nah, dude. Thank you for jumping into this flight of fancy, especially given the fact I got annoying with a pre-requisite. :-)
We’ll talk soon about converting stuff. Go through the PDF in the meantime.
Understood. Yes, Rob’s approach was Wiki based so there was no cost for that, however the automated update to players was nice. Now, keeping cost in mind, there should be a Twitter blast option whenever you update a page, so you may be able to do the wiki approach/Twitter update for no cost. This does limit you to one map (not a big deal if you can host the pics in something else and link to them from the wiki) and you would only have one string of comments to hold conversations.
Magic: what I thought, glad we’re on the same page.
DA Set 1: I have had a request in to my FLGS for a while now and he seems to be having difficulty getting it in. I’m refraining from Tweeting Chris Pramas and asking what the best approach for my store would be for fear of stepping on toes. I’m really torn between wanting it NOW and wanting to give my local store business. Once I get the set I would love to look at re-skinning. I will give some thought to the setting and see if there isn’t some way to help without needing the set. From what I know the three classes should be fine, it is in the backgrounds that the skinning comes in, correct?
I’ve marked the post as Read Later so I have it at the top of my iPad list. I’ll make time to comment on it as well.
If I haven’t said it yet, thanks for the opportunity to game with you in some capacity.
I like the forum functions of Obsidian Portal but it’s paid, so I’ll wait till we’re ready to roll before seeing how my bank account looks and buying Ascendant level for however long I can. I’ll check Rob’s campaign to see how he did it.
Magic: Nah, I saw that as cosmetic. Every mage needs an implement of some kind, yes, but beyond that, it was just a focus for their own power.
I’d be happy to have help. Is there anything in particular that calls your attention? Do you have the DA Set 1? We could start reskinning items from the boxed set to fit this world.
I wrote a post for the DA Oracle on why I like this world for a game. I’ll send you a preview. It’s a companion to the review I posted yesterday to my blog (linked on the front page of this campaign).
A loooooong time ago I played Vampire by forum post on Prodigy. More recently I played in Accidental_Rob’s play-by-wiki campaign using Mutants & Masterminds here on Obsidian Portal. Do you have any points re: PBF that I should know about or any resource you want to point me to? I guess I’m assuming that whey you say play-by-forum you mean the forum to be the wiki pages here; let me know if I missed something.
Also I wanted to comment on the series: I find it interesting that magic has a psuedo-technological trappings. That seems to be appearance only, but I wanted to check and see if you thought that might have any impact on the mechanics or play?
Finally, how can I help. I dig that this is your idea and that you have some specific things in mind, but realizing your workload, is there anything I can assist with. I’m still finishing up the second series (spent most of the weekend working on basement and in a Zen retreat), but if it is helpful to kick around ideas or start plotting out page structure for the wiki, let me know.
I lied, that wasn’t my last point, this is: I believe there is a way to send notices to all members of a campaign or is that in ascendant only campaigns. I suck at checking into forums without a ping to my email.
JJ, do you have any experience playing by forums?
Dude, no worries or pressure on time frame; I’m just excited, that’s all. I’ll ping you through these comments now and again if I think of any questions.
None yet. I’m still doing planning on my end, and with school just having started it’ll be a bit slow. The implicit/explicit requirement of having to see the series (at least Aegis of URUK) will also serve as a threshold, though I’ll be sending out some invites to people I think would be a good fit. To be honest, though, I’d be set to go with 2 players.
Color me excited. I’ve requested my local FLGS get in a copy of the boxed set. For some reason he is having difficulty. I’ll keep on him till I get it.
I like the setting and the idea of a upward-vertical dungeon. I see what you mean about character relationships being key. Any other takers at this point?
Nothing out of this world, to be honest, but I think it’s an interesting little setting for a nice rompy adventure with some good roleplaying possibilities along the way.
I’m very happy you’re jumping on-board.
Dude, I’m itching to find out what you have planned here.