Well, I honestly would prefer material not associated with any particular game mechanic. I want it to be more open for use and really just get all the setting details in there, the idea of a numeric stat system, even as basic as my example, would be to cater to those who feel like they need it. . . i personally don't, but looking for a happy middle ground for those wanting a system and those not.

As for what to stat, nothing really. I can't really think of anything that would need stats and not also be able to just have descriptive text. I mean if I say X is very intelligent, I would assume he is smarter then average and on the high end of intelligent. . . almost genius. Now these would be my own assumptions, but I think you could stat that fairly easily in atleast a ballpark range.

It was just an idea. I have some setting material I might want to do, but not exactly sure I want to limit it to a single game system.

Quote from: Rick HersheyAs for what to stat, nothing really. I can't really think of anything that would need stats and not also be able to just have descriptive text. I mean if I say X is very intelligent, I would assume he is smarter then average and on the high end of intelligent. . . almost genius.

Yeah, descriptive text works fine for me, but what I meant was you were talking about providing a number system from 1-10---what were you going to assign those numbers to (attributes, skills, etc.), which starts to look like an RPG system stat block, but with no rules.  Of course, I don;t know what exactly you have planned, but I would avoid that, myself.  Either use a system or don't, would be my (uninformed) suggestion.

Pete

Well, Rick, since IG and I aren't the match I thought we'd be, Steampunk Musha will likely get played with a different system 'round these parts.

Quote from: pspahnI would, if the source material interested me.  Skull Island is on my short list of books to buy because of these threads.

http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?referrerid=&t=235392&highlight=skull+island

http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?referrerid=&t=267983&highlight=skull+island

:emot-sigh:  And they scoff when I say this place is RPG.net in exile... http://www.therpgsite.com/node/463

Anyway, I'm with Caesar Slaad on this. The setting would have to be really fantastic before I'd consider it. What do I consider fantastic? See my previous post and read my review linked there. Also look at books like "After Man," "The New Dinosaurs," and Barlowe's "Expedition."

Quotewhat were you going to assign those numbers to (attributes, skills, etc.)

I would imagine mainly for attributes and skills. However, I really don't think they would make that much difference. I agree that text would be enough for me.

QuoteWell, Rick, since IG and I aren't the match I thought we'd be, Steampunk Musha will likely get played with a different system 'round these parts.

That's good to hear:D
I've actually been told by several people who bought the book that they will be converting it to their system of choice, which I can say that IG and the Impressa system allows for that pretty easily.We are actually working on some follow-up books (that detail the cities, provinces, npc's) which will  present all the setting material seperate from game info.

QuoteThe setting would have to be really fantastic before I'd consider it.

It would have to be fantastic for me to even consider putting time into it and actually try to market it. We'll see how I feel once I flesh it out a bit, but overall I think it might be interesting.

QuoteI read a lot that gamers have a tendency to get books with great settings and then adapt it to their favorite system.

There is something that strikes me here : when you read a book, you don't only have a setting, you've got plots (and stakes) !!! Setting without plots does not exist outside the rpg world !!!

Would a setting written for a plot be more attractive ? My pick is yes. At least more fun to read : you can reach out to more people (even non gamers). And quite franckly, this would be, IMO, a different, original product.

About the systems : that's what I'm doing as a personal project, setting/plot.
So the system question arose to me a while ago. At first, I thought of either using no system at all, or just a point system representing the "strength" of the characters (using a single value). But I think this is a bad idea. Adding a system takes a lot of time, which may be a strong drawback for your customers.

The way I see it, my trade (what I'm selling) is setting/plots (not written for a specific system). But, to be able to sell this, I need systems. Better for me to do the job once, for all my customers, than letting all of them do the job. Anyway, I'm giving away the stats for my product !!!

Also, I'm choosing mutli systems. For one thing, if you're writing for a specific system and say that (almost) any system can be used, I think you need to prove it !!

I chose to use three systems, with licence that fit my needs : d20, TSOY and fudge.

Just my two cents ... But I recommend you take this matter (of systems) very seriously.

Quote from: Dr Rotwang!Well, Rick, since IG and I aren't the match I thought we'd be, Steampunk Musha will likely get played with a different system 'round these parts.

I saw that on your blog.  That's too bad--I think its a fine system, but to each their own.  I'd be interested in seeing on your site your thoughts on the system, and why it wasn't the match you thought.

I don't convert settings to systems, I convert systems to settings. I've had semi-half-done conversions of UA's system to War40K and Planescape laying around for some time now. Plus FUDGE, but everyone does FUDGE at one point or another.