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[Kickstarter] Béthorm: The Plane of Tékumel RPG

Started by The Butcher, March 23, 2014, 04:32:33 PM

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The Butcher

March 23, 2014, 04:32:33 PM
Apparently there's a Kickstarter for a new Tékumel RPG out there (link). It's called Béthorm: The Plane of Tékumel; the project is led by Jeff Dee, of Villains & Vigilantes fame, and uses his proprietary Pocket Universe engine, which I've never heard about but seems to get mixed reviews over at its DriveThruRPG page.

As usual, I'm finding the rewards a tad on the overpriced side. And the whole "it exists as a bunch of notes and just needs a little refining" raises a big red flag to me. I'm a Dwimmermount backer, remember?

Does anyone know anything else about this?

Phillip

#1
March 23, 2014, 04:47:52 PM
It's the first I've heard of this, or of Pocket Universe. If it follows the trend from V&V to TWERPS, we're talking about a very "light" rules set. The last Tekumel game, using a system derived from GOO's Tri Stat, seemed to me to be too much on the "heavy" side. I think that combined with current presentation standards to leave less room for cool Tekumel stuff, so a lot ended up getting left out.
 
The original EPT paired up mechanics pretty similar to OD&D, and I think it's been a bit much since then to confront people simultaneously with getting a grip on the world and getting a grip on an unfamiliar, substantial game system.
And we are here as on a darkling plain  ~ Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight, ~ Where ignorant armies clash by night.

urbwar

#2
March 23, 2014, 05:13:40 PM
I can't say much about this game or the system, but Jeff Dee has done a few successful kickstarters so far. Mostly new takes on art he did in various D&D books, etc, but he also ran one for the rpg Cavemaster. So far, his kickstarters have produced with little to no complaints that I know of.

Omega

#3
March 23, 2014, 05:58:22 PM
My main thought is... What is the point?
The older Tekumel is still in print.
Why Tekumel and not something original?

Also very low on info or art examples it seems.

The Butcher

#4
March 23, 2014, 06:13:56 PM
I still swear by Dave Morris' Tirikélu (legal free download here) for crunch, plus Swords & Glory v. 1 for fluff. Though I may yet try RQ6; the cult/faction system strikes me as nearly perfect for representing secret societies and the myriad institutions of Tékumelani society whose membership is often a measure of character advancement.

But a new Tékumel book with pretty art and good layout? I'd be all over it. Bonus points if the system does a better job than Tirikélu, of supporting my preferred methodology of "barbarian newcomer" starting PCs.

JeremyR

#5
March 24, 2014, 06:09:59 AM
Someone on Dragonsfoot posted a photo of a megadungeon he'd apparently run at con games



That is really what I'd like to see, along with whatever rules system he actually used, not Jeff Dee's take on the rules.

(I like Jeff Dee, V&V was one of those games I played as a kid, but this seems pointless)

Greentongue

#6
March 24, 2014, 07:13:25 AM Last Edit: March 24, 2014, 07:16:15 AM by Greentongue
Nice map on the wall.

I think making the Tekumel setting more approachable is effort well spend. Not sure Béthorm does that but would be interested in details that showed it did.
=

The Butcher

#7
March 24, 2014, 09:32:16 AM
Quote from: Greentongue;738439Nice map on the wall.

I think making the Tekumel setting more approachable is effort well spend. Not sure Béthorm does that but would be interested in details that showed it did.
=

I really think the original Empire of the Petal Throne RPG nailed it, by making starting characters foreigners whose lack of familiarity with the society of the Five Empires mirrors the players' own. And of course, starting as clanless scum offers a great opportunity to raid the Underworld for riches and buy your way into clan adoption and military, religious and/or political office at "name level". I'm more than OK with supporting native Tsolyáni characters but this is the sort of game I'm more interested in.

The Adventures In Tékumel series also seems to have done a decent job of introducing the setting bit by bit.

Phillip

#8
March 24, 2014, 01:14:23 PM
Quote from: The Butcher;738355I still swear by Dave Morris' Tirikélu (legal free download here) for crunch, plus Swords & Glory v. 1 for fluff.
That's a winning combo for me as well, although Tirikelu is pretty well focused on native Tsolyani.

QuoteBut a new Tékumel book with pretty art and good layout? I'd be all over it. Bonus points if the system does a better job than Tirikélu, of supporting my preferred methodology of "barbarian newcomer" starting PCs.
The subjects for striking visuals are certainly part of the world's draw! As much as I like Jeff Dee's work elsewhere, though, his style is not what I think of for a Tekumel product.
And we are here as on a darkling plain  ~ Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight, ~ Where ignorant armies clash by night.

Omega

#9
March 24, 2014, 04:28:25 PM
Quote from: Phillip;738491That's a winning combo for me as well, although Tirikelu is pretty well focused on native Tsolyani.


The subjects for striking visuals are certainly part of the world's draw! As much as I like Jeff Dee's work elsewhere, though, his style is not what I think of for a Tekumel product.

This was the impression I got too from the art. Looks good. But doesnt "feel" like Tekumel somehow? But I wandered over to his DA gallery and the art he had up looked more in line. Its mostly the humans clothes styles that seems a little off.

Phillip

#10
March 24, 2014, 04:55:31 PM
Now I've seen the monster illos, I must say those look fine. Maybe Dee will do just as well with the humans and architecture. My misgivings are based on work from the 1970s-80s, and his work today need not be tied to the contexts and fashions of that time.
And we are here as on a darkling plain  ~ Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight, ~ Where ignorant armies clash by night.

gonster

#11
March 24, 2014, 05:11:06 PM
Pocket Universe is like a stripped down GURPS using 2D10.  Came in a little baggie like the old Metagaming Microgames.
Lou Goncey

Stainless

#12
March 24, 2014, 05:52:24 PM
Avatar to left by Ryan Browning, 2011 (I own the original).

JamesV

#13
March 24, 2014, 07:00:43 PM
It seems to be fully funded now, though even if the game is completed and pledges fulfilled, I can't help but think it will just be another addition to the pile of noble efforts to bring a neat, but dense, setting to gamers.
Running: Dogs of WAR - Beer & Pretzels & Bullets
Planning to Run: Godbound or Stars Without Number
Playing: Star Wars D20 Rev.

A lack of moderation doesn\'t mean saying every asshole thing that pops into your head.

Greentongue

#14
March 24, 2014, 09:43:19 PM
Quote from: JamesV;738605It seems to be fully funded now, though even if the game is completed and pledges fulfilled, I can't help but think it will just be another addition to the pile of noble efforts to bring a neat, but dense, setting to gamers.

I've found that many people say they want something different but, that usually just means sprinkles on their vanilla ice-cream. They are not about to try pistachio.
So, in my opinion, effort should be spent to get back to the roots of EPT. Knock the crust off of it and try to capture the original feel.
=
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