Quote from: DKChannelBoredom;676209My biggest concern is, that LotFP with its, from James' side, focus on a real world, 16th century, setting is placing itself between two chairs, as the halflings, elves and other "classic" fantasy tropes feels more and more sidelined, now that scenarios take place in Poland, Holland and England. I really like the fact that they do (huzza for the gun rules!), but maybe a rehash or -make of the races, like Pundit's done so very well and nicely in his Albion campaign, would be in its place? But that for another thread, probably.
I am currently of slowly writing up a 17th century sandbox set in Civil War England (spring 1643 specifically). Elves, Dwarves, Halflings, etc are not an issue It thought it would be but as it turned out that not been the problem for me.
Basically I treat Elves, Dwarves, and Halflings as faerie races with similar roles.
Elves are roughly the Sidhe
Dwarves are well... Dwarves basically craftspeople who work under hills, etc.
Halflings are the roughly the little people. More down to earth versions of Brownies, Leprechauns, etc.
Basically I treat like there is a dual society. The mundane and supernatural. Which turns out not be really hard because there was already various forms of social stratification going on as well the social separation caused by the religious and political turmoil i.e. Puritan vs High Anglicanism, etc.
So I got Magicians (think descendants of John Dee Occultism) running around battling faeries and the supernatural (the rest of the monstrous baddies) intertwined with Cavailiers vs Roundheads. Sometimes they intertwine and sometimes they down.
So now in the midst of this combined with being exposed to Buffy, Angel, Supernatural, Dresden for the last couple of years. It not the big deal that I thought it was.
What turns out to be the big deal is trying to come up with a semi-historical setting in the first place. Researching the local details and then distilling something gamable and fun out of that.
I don't care if the result is will pass muster with a Phd committee but I do feel that it to be a good product that it has to be grounded enough in what really happened so that a knowledgeable person goes "Oh yeah I can see that happening." Combined with not overwhelming the average gamer who just wants a fun and interesting place for adventuring.
I know I probably sound like I am a griping a bit, it has been a real learning experience so far.
I'm planning a 1e AD&D swashbuckling and sorcery campaign, set in early [strike]15th[/strike] 16th century Occitan France. The campaign will utilize npc classes from Dragon as character classes (http://black-vulmea.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-1e-ad-all-dragon-npc-classes.html), instead of the by-the-book classes.
As far as races go, I picked half-elves and gnomes as playable character races (http://black-vulmea.blogspot.com/2012/08/1e-ad-monsters-for-swashbuckling-sorcery.html). I'm using the kingdom of Caer Sidi from Q1 as the 'land of Sidhe,' not an actual fairy realm but rather an alternate prime material accessible through portals from our own mundane world; the pharisees are the source of half-elves, and gnomes came through the portals and found they could blend in to human society as 'dwarves.'
Personally I find the historical research to be one of the mos enjoyable aspects of running a game set in our own past.
Quote from: Black Vulmea;676689Personally I find the historical research to be one of the mos enjoyable aspects of running a game set in our own past.
Oh the process is very interesting but I am finding that beyond a certain level of detail it takes a while to find the right nuggets to use when assembling a particular locale. I know I could just make stuff up and in some way I am doing that. But I feel that to have a shot at making a really good book it has to incorporate a certain amount of what was really there.
For example I was looking for stuff to use in Somerset County in the west of England. Just about everything that initially came up was for southwestern end of the county and almost nothing for the northern end of the county. Finally I found a 19th century book in Google Books that some local wrote that had stories of Somerset County and found some stuff for the northern end. By then several hours have passed for three locales each about a paragraph long.
Thanx for picking up on this, Rob and it's some cool thoughts you got going with that Civil War Supplement. I especially like the Dee-take on magic - that's cool and very Lamentations.
I did something a bit different with the races in my recent LotFP campaign, that was set in 16th-17th century Italy. Here the dwarfs came from the far North, with a touch of viking, the elves from the South, with a heavy dose of Moor, and the halflings were a gypsy-type people sprawling here and there all over alternate Europe. It worked quite well I think, made the races both exotic and mundane at the same time.
When that is said, the three races i LotFP still feel, to me, like a thing left over from a past edition/version. As something that really doesn't go particular well with the growing real world setting of LotFP (which I like a lot) and ethos of no standard monsters, no generic magic, etc., that makes Lamentations stand out in the crowd of similar games. But maybe it's just me.
Finally, do you think you could persuade James to get some extra print copies of your setting book made, once it's done. I put money in the campaign it was part of, but overlook that I would get a English Civil War-setting with it, had I chipped in 10$ more. With the before mentioned tendency to make the real world the go to world of LotFP I think it would be a popular item.
Well, as you all know (if you don't, go to the Pundit's forum and check out the stickied megathread for it) I'm running my Dark Albion setting, which is a historical setting placed in the War of the Roses. Because I'm an historian by training, I guess I didn't find it that difficult, but I certainly did a lot of reading up to cover the full setting.
I guess what I would suggest is to look at real historical situations and events, and think to yourself what kind of adventuring-type "twist" you can put into it.
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As you can tell from my avatar, this is one of my favorite historical periods as well. I am also using LotFP for my game as well. We should compare notes! :)
Quote from: RPGPundit;676871Well, as you all know (if you don't, go to the Pundit's forum and check out the stickied megathread for it) I'm running my Dark Albion setting, which is a historical setting placed in the War of the Roses. Because I'm an historian by training, I guess I didn't find it that difficult, but I certainly did a lot of reading up to cover the full setting.
I guess what I would suggest is to look at real historical situations and events, and think to yourself what kind of adventuring-type "twist" you can put into it.
RPGPundit
Isn't this the same period of history that inspired GRR Martin's Game of Thrones series? It definitely has potential, although it might be tricky to integrate high level D&D magic.
Quote from: Votan;677067Isn't this the same period of history that inspired GRR Martin's Game of Thrones series? It definitely has potential, although it might be tricky to integrate high level D&D magic.
Again I used to think this but after Buffy, Angel, Supernatural, etc. I don't see it as the issue anymore.
Here is part of the explanation I have written
QuoteThe Supernatural
This English Civil War is not quite the war we know from our history. In the myriad realms of possibilities, the war is fought in an England where magic is very much real. Largely the course of history has remained the same. With the help of the rituals performed by the state temples of Rome, Julius Caesar managed to conquer Gaul despite the spells of the druids. Everyone heard how a spell cast by one of Henry Tudor’s allied wizards downed the horse of Richard III and in the ensuing confusion won the battle of Bosworth Field. How Queen Elisabeth’s court magicians, led by John Dee, summon the storm that wrecked the Spanish Armada. In this world the Civil War is also a supernatural war fought between multiple factions each with their own vision of England.
Some sample entries I created so far.
0105 Arthur's Stone
This old barrow is the entranceway to the realm of Alberich, King of the Black Mountain Dwarves. Their underground warren has tunnels throughout the hills south of the entrance. It is said that that they were the clan that forged Caladbolg, the Sword in the Stone used to prove Arthur's kingship.
The stone that the sword was pulled out of now sits as the keystone to the entrance of the barrow. It still bears a slot where Caladbolg was. A short sword, long sword, or two handed sword will fit snuggly into the slot. If the person has a true heart and makes his saving throw vs Magic, his weapon will be transformed into a +1 magic sword of the same type. The enchantment will last as long as the warrior's heart remain true.
0405 Hereford 3,000 population
An important trading centre for Herefordshire, the town is currently in the hands of the forces of Parliament. The Earl of Stamford, Henry Grey, has made the town his headquarters to liberate the west from the clutches of King Charles. He has left the town garrison in the hands of the capable Sir Robert Harley.
Just outside of town is Ruckhall Woods a piece of primeval forest left untouched by the locals. In the woods there is a hidden village of 50 Halflings. It is near the site of the Battle of Hereford where the Welsh turned back the Anglo Saxons from conquering Wales. Instrumental to the Welsh’s victory were Bows of Macsen Wledig, 100 +1 (to hit and damage) magical bows. The Halflings are the guardians of the bows safeguarding them for when they are needed once again for the defense of the Welsh.
0804 Podwick Bridge
In September of 1642 the first major engagement of the Civil War was fought here between two forces of cavalry. A Royalist victory it became infamous among the populace as "Where England's Sorrows began". Over the winter a Black Annis Hag, named Batilda, and her Troll Guards took up residence. She is harvesting the magical sorrow focused on the bridge and immediate area into her cauldron.
Quote from: estar;676698Finally I found a 19th century book in Google Books that some local wrote that had stories of Somerset County and found some stuff for the northern end. By then several hours have passed for three locales each about a paragraph long.
Again, either you find that enjoyable, or you don't.
Personally, I'm not writing on a deadline. The time spent digging out those nuggets is part of my fun.
Can't remember where I read it, but I think Raggi once said that he had plans for an "Early Modern" setting book in the works.
Quote from: estar;677152Some sample entries I created so far.
0105 Arthur's Stone
This old barrow is the entranceway to the realm of Alberich, King of the Black Mountain Dwarves. Their underground warren has tunnels throughout the hills south of the entrance. It is said that that they were the clan that forged Caladbolg, the Sword in the Stone used to prove Arthur's kingship.
The stone that the sword was pulled out of now sits as the keystone to the entrance of the barrow. It still bears a slot where Caladbolg was. A short sword, long sword, or two handed sword will fit snuggly into the slot. If the person has a true heart and makes his saving throw vs Magic, his weapon will be transformed into a +1 magic sword of the same type. The enchantment will last as long as the warrior's heart remain true.
0405 Hereford 3,000 population
An important trading centre for Herefordshire, the town is currently in the hands of the forces of Parliament. The Earl of Stamford, Henry Grey, has made the town his headquarters to liberate the west from the clutches of King Charles. He has left the town garrison in the hands of the capable Sir Robert Harley.
Just outside of town is Ruckhall Woods a piece of primeval forest left untouched by the locals. In the woods there is a hidden village of 50 Halflings. It is near the site of the Battle of Hereford where the Welsh turned back the Anglo Saxons from conquering Wales. Instrumental to the Welsh's victory were Bows of Macsen Wledig, 100 +1 (to hit and damage) magical bows. The Halflings are the guardians of the bows safeguarding them for when they are needed once again for the defense of the Welsh.
0804 Podwick Bridge
In September of 1642 the first major engagement of the Civil War was fought here between two forces of cavalry. A Royalist victory it became infamous among the populace as "Where England's Sorrows began". Over the winter a Black Annis Hag, named Batilda, and her Troll Guards took up residence. She is harvesting the magical sorrow focused on the bridge and immediate area into her cauldron.
Thanks, these are some cool and flavorful examples. I like the linkage of events into supernatural consequences. It is likely not all that different than people who were superstitious might well have thought at the time.
Quote from: Votan;677067Isn't this the same period of history that inspired GRR Martin's Game of Thrones series?
Yes it is.
RPGPundit
Quote from: Libertad;677261Can't remember where I read it, but I think Raggi once said that he had plans for an "Early Modern" setting book in the works.
Maybe, but he had no interest in Albion.
Quote from: RPGPundit;677387Maybe, but he had no interest in Albion.
Yeah, it's a shame. I thought it would be a good fit to LotFP, and the faux outrage and controversy sorrounding you as a writer/designer would suit James just fine, I'd imagine. But alas, I'm just glad that you did extensive writing on Albion here on the forum. Thanx and cudos.
And also props to Estar - that bit looks really good. Is it going to be hex-mapped out?
Quote from: DKChannelBoredom;677388Yeah, it's a shame. I thought it would be a good fit to LotFP, and the faux outrage and controversy sorrounding you as a writer/designer would suit James just fine, I'd imagine. But alas, I'm just glad that you did extensive writing on Albion here on the forum. Thanx and cudos.
And also props to Estar - that bit looks really good. Is it going to be hex-mapped out?
It seems that it wasn't "weird" enough for him.
Quote from: RPGPundit;677768It seems that it wasn't "weird" enough for him.
Stick a few emphatic alien giant penises in it, and submit again.
Quote from: DKChannelBoredom;677388And also props to Estar - that bit looks really good. Is it going to be hex-mapped out?
Yes and it will cover from Bristol in the west to the outskirts of London on the east. From Salisbury (including the Salisbury plain with Stonehenge) in the south to just north of Worcester in the north. With Oxford, the Civil War capital of King Charles in the center of the map. It is not a general setting supplement but a hexcrawl set in a specific time in the west of England.
I set it in spring of 1643 just before the crucial campaigns that decides the First English Civil War, namely the action revolving around the Siege of Gloucester. I go into detail about that plus a brief overview of the beginnings of the war.
The Supernatural situation is the result of King Charles breaking the Pact. One of the things that made Queen Elisabeth's reign a golden age was John Dee led England (and Britain's) mages to victory and forging the Pact. Thirteen cairns of gold and treasure were buried throughout the island and in return there was peace with the Faerie and other supernatural creatures and the mundane world.
In his quest for money King Charles dug up the cairns and broke the pact. This lead to a four cornered war between Mages, Faeries, Puritan Witchhunters, and the Supernatural (Vampires, werewolves, monsters, etc). War fought alongside the one between Cavaliers and Roundheads.
Quote from: RPGPundit;677387Maybe, but he had no interest in Albion.
That's odd because he actually sets modules in that time period; you would think a setting would be a plus.
Quote from: RPGPundit;677768It seems that it wasn't "weird" enough for him.
Put some Cannibal Corpse lyrics in and he'd probably change his mind. :D
Quote from: RPGPundit;677768It seems that it wasn't "weird" enough for him.
You should have called it "Fuck Satan for Albion".
Quote from: estar;676698Oh the process is very interesting but I am finding that beyond a certain level of detail it takes a while to find the right nuggets to use when assembling a particular locale. I know I could just make stuff up and in some way I am doing that. But I feel that to have a shot at making a really good book it has to incorporate a certain amount of what was really there.
For example I was looking for stuff to use in Somerset County in the west of England. Just about everything that initially came up was for southwestern end of the county and almost nothing for the northern end of the county. Finally I found a 19th century book in Google Books that some local wrote that had stories of Somerset County and found some stuff for the northern end. By then several hours have passed for three locales each about a paragraph long.
I think the project sounds great. I hope this won't come across as pedantic and I know accuracy isn't the be-all and end-all, but to make things sound properly English and not American don't used "Somerset County". Just say "Somerset" or if needs be "the county of Somerset". English people never say "Somerset County", "Devon County", "Middlesex County", etc.
Quote from: noisms;678087I think the project sounds great. I hope this won't come across as pedantic and I know accuracy isn't the be-all and end-all, but to make things sound properly English and not American don't used "Somerset County". Just say "Somerset" or if needs be "the county of Somerset". English people never say "Somerset County", "Devon County", "Middlesex County", etc.
Thanks for the tip.
Quote from: noisms;678085You should have called it "Fuck Satan for Albion".
If anything it'd be "Sodomise Satan in Albion".
Quote from: jadrax;677812Quote from: RPGPundit;677768It seems that it wasn't "weird" enough for him.
Stick a few emphatic alien giant penises in it, and submit again.
Better idea:
LotFP is OGL.
Do your own, setting-specific version of LotFP ("Princes(s) of Albion").
Raggi has written one of the best intro RPGs available, from the solo adventure to the essentially rules-free GM primer. It is worthy of a version that is more suitable for general audiences.
It seems that Raggi doesn't care about that market, and I am just waiting for someone to use the excellent LotFP groundwork for an
accessible intro RPG, preferrably without old school art and layout aesthetics.
(As much as I personally like the look of DCC and LL and old TSR modules I don't think it can compete with the visuals of WoW or Jackson's LotR.)
But a LotFP game, looking like an Assassin's Creed artbook (http://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Creed-Limited-Official-Guides/dp/076155873X)? Or the Inside HBO's Game of Thrones artbook (http://www.amazon.com/Inside-HBOs-Thrones-Bryan-Cogman/dp/1452110107/)?
Or even The Art of How to train your Dragon (http://www.amazon.com/Art-How-Train-Your-Dragon/dp/1557048630/) or The Art of Brave (http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Brave-Jenny-Lerew/dp/1452101426/)...
Quote from: jadrax;677812Stick a few emphatic alien giant penises in it, and submit again.
No thanks, I don't really care to. But I'll reiterate here that if anyone wants to take what I wrote (and potentially some other material from the campaign I've never put on the net yet) and make a book out of it (either a free-pdf or potentially a commercial book) I'd be quite willing to listen to proposals.
RPGPundit
Quote from: Votan;678014That's odd because he actually sets modules in that time period; you would think a setting would be a plus.
I think his modules are all set around the wars-of-religion period, which is quite a bit later than the War of the Roses.
Quote from: RPGPundit;678746I think his modules are all set around the wars-of-religion period, which is quite a bit later than the War of the Roses.
Fair enough. Off to remedial history school with me.
Quote from: Votan;679215Fair enough. Off to remedial history school with me.
You'll find it the most awesome school ever! Especially for when it comes to inspiration for your RPG campaigns.
Quote from: RPGPundit;679684You'll find it the most awesome school ever! Especially for when it comes to inspiration for your RPG campaigns.
I was proud to be reading Playing at the World, which really does read like a history book. But English history is actually a pretty interesting topic and should be next in the intellectual reading queue.
English history alone has, in its different timespans, the materials for the making of a dozen or more different fantasy campaigns.
RPGPundit
Quote from: RPGPundit;680512English history alone has, in its different timespans, the materials for the making of a dozen or more different fantasy campaigns.
RPGPundit
Heck, even things that are questionable as history (Robin Hood and King Arthur) work as settings. GURPS Camelot and Pendragon, for example, are both fine system based on a single English legend (with some weak historical links).
Quote from: Votan;680633Heck, even things that are questionable as history (Robin Hood and King Arthur) work as settings. GURPS Camelot and Pendragon, for example, are both fine system based on a single English legend (with some weak historical links).
Yes, for sure.
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