Quote from: S'mon on April 21, 2025, 02:04:58 PM

Quote from: Aglondir on April 20, 2025, 05:28:40 PMHow is Tales of the Valiant doing?

After the OGL debacle, Kolbold Press launched a KS for TotV. It was meant to be a non-OGL 5E, with some of their own changes:

QuoteThe big-picture goals for Tales of the Valiant are:
1) Make the rules easier to read, understand, and use.
2) Reduce GM burden with encounter-building tools, exploration encounter tools, social encounter tools, and more.
3) Rebalance some existing elements such as feats (now known as talents) and subclasses.
4) Provide opportunities for PCs to make meaningful choices throughout every level of play.
5) Make spellcasting cooler.
6) Keep combat interesting for martial characters.

10,057 backers pledged $1,151,914. Delivered on April 2024, so it's been about a year. Did Shadowdark and/or 5.5E steal the thunder?

I printed out Black Flag, the free OGL version - it's very nicely done, the monsters are far better done than 5e & the magic item prices are great ...for 5e. It's basically standard 5e, so there's no real reason to convert. Just use the bits you want in your 5e game.

My opinion of Shadowdark is pretty close to SHARK's - those who dismiss it probably haven't played it IMO. There is a ton of cool stuff that's not obvious on a quick read-through. And it's very cleverly placed to attract both grognards and people who want 5e-lite.

Greetings!

Damn right, S'mon! Good stuff, my friend!

This here is what was "in my Cornflakes" before I got started with my commentary with Rob Necronomicon. Rob just inspired me to think about the hysterical and seething hatred that some gamers have for Shadowdark, and Kelsey.


Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Whoa that is insane seething. 
I don't even know what I'm listening to.  This guy has 112 subscribers and an automated reader that screws up almost every emPHAsis conceivable.

The only game that can replace D&D is D&D. Not some pretender to the throne or some agenda laden trash marketed as D&D, or some fake "revival".

Quote from: Omega on April 21, 2025, 05:50:25 PMThe only game that can replace D&D is D&D. Not some pretender to the throne or some agenda laden trash marketed as D&D, or some fake "revival".

Well, Pathfinder did during the relatively disastrous 4e.  If 5 1/2e ends up splatting similarly, maybe something might take its place but I agree that it's at best a *very* long shot.

Quote from: Venka on April 21, 2025, 04:28:26 PM

QuoteTime to enjoy some fresh coffee, my friend! Stay strong, brother!

This is you before coffee?  Holy moly!

Greetings!

Hello, Venka! *Laughing* Yeah, I can be in rare form when I have not had my coffee!

I wouldn't consider you a "Hater", Venka. Shadowdark is merely not your preference, as you like other kinds of games, as you said. A member here, Jeff, is a huge fan of Traveler. Tenbones, another member, is a huge fan of yet a different game as well. I imagine there are some uber fans of Palladium/Rifts. Having different preferences for whatever mechanics, theme, subject, style, and so on, is not a problem at all. Certainly not from me. For example, I don't like Traveler. I have absolutely nothing negative or hostile or critical to say about Traveler, far beyond then also having anything negative to say about the creator of Traveler, or the gamers that love Traveler, like Jeff.

Why?

Because I just don't really like any game based on science-fiction. I have very little interest in any RPG that deals with a time-subject beyond the Medieval period. Thus, I have nothing to say about Traveler, Star Wars, Aliens, Mecha games, Cyberpunk, et al.

I'm very much an Ancient History/Dark Ages/Medievalist person. *Laughing*

I should have included it here, but I will simply reference the video thing I posted previously, of some Shadowdark hater that did a whole video showcasing his hatred and contempt for Shadowdark as a game, Kelsey Dione the creator, and anyone and everyone that is a fan of Shadowdark. So, yeah, there are haters on YouTube. I don't do anything with Twitter, or Reddit or whatever. There's hatred just on YouTube. These kinds of hateful, ill-mannered troglodytes also show up in the comment section on actual fans of Shadowdark, as well as on Livestream commentary scrolls and so on. There's never many of them, but always a few, and they tend towards always being very loud, rude, and insulting.

Another example; On "Geek Gamers"--the host did a video walk through and discussion on "SoloDark"--the solo RPG rules for Shadowdark. Lots of positive, and interesting commentary and comments in her comment section. Very cool, interesting, and informative video. But then, there were a few morons that felt some deep-seated need to jump into the comment section, criticize and disparage the host for talking about Shadowdark, and then went on to discuss why they thought Shadowdark was absolute garbage.

That kind of behavior makes me want to chew on nails. *Laughing*

I also very much appreciate Alexander Macris. Macris is very talented, bright, and skilled. ACKS is a great game.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quote from: SHARK on April 21, 2025, 05:11:22 PM

Quote from: S'mon on April 21, 2025, 02:04:58 PM

Quote from: Aglondir on April 20, 2025, 05:28:40 PMHow is Tales of the Valiant doing?

After the OGL debacle, Kolbold Press launched a KS for TotV. It was meant to be a non-OGL 5E, with some of their own changes:

QuoteThe big-picture goals for Tales of the Valiant are:
1) Make the rules easier to read, understand, and use.
2) Reduce GM burden with encounter-building tools, exploration encounter tools, social encounter tools, and more.
3) Rebalance some existing elements such as feats (now known as talents) and subclasses.
4) Provide opportunities for PCs to make meaningful choices throughout every level of play.
5) Make spellcasting cooler.
6) Keep combat interesting for martial characters.

10,057 backers pledged $1,151,914. Delivered on April 2024, so it's been about a year. Did Shadowdark and/or 5.5E steal the thunder?

I printed out Black Flag, the free OGL version - it's very nicely done, the monsters are far better done than 5e & the magic item prices are great ...for 5e. It's basically standard 5e, so there's no real reason to convert. Just use the bits you want in your 5e game.

My opinion of Shadowdark is pretty close to SHARK's - those who dismiss it probably haven't played it IMO. There is a ton of cool stuff that's not obvious on a quick read-through. And it's very cleverly placed to attract both grognards and people who want 5e-lite.

Greetings!

Damn right, S'mon! Good stuff, my friend!

This here is what was "in my Cornflakes" before I got started with my commentary with Rob Necronomicon. Rob just inspired me to think about the hysterical and seething hatred that some gamers have for Shadowdark, and Kelsey.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

The Youtuber named himself "Tabletop Truth". Lol. Putting "Truth" in your name while spouting Reddit trash levels of retarded commentary is so fucking pretentious.

Quote from: SHARK on April 21, 2025, 06:12:16 PM

Quote from: Venka on April 21, 2025, 04:28:26 PM

QuoteTime to enjoy some fresh coffee, my friend! Stay strong, brother!

This is you before coffee?  Holy moly!

Greetings!

Hello, Venka! *Laughing* Yeah, I can be in rare form when I have not had my coffee!

I wouldn't consider you a "Hater", Venka. Shadowdark is merely not your preference, as you like other kinds of games, as you said. A member here, Jeff, is a huge fan of Traveler. Tenbones, another member, is a huge fan of yet a different game as well. I imagine there are some uber fans of Palladium/Rifts. Having different preferences for whatever mechanics, theme, subject, style, and so on, is not a problem at all. Certainly not from me. For example, I don't like Traveler. I have absolutely nothing negative or hostile or critical to say about Traveler, far beyond then also having anything negative to say about the creator of Traveler, or the gamers that love Traveler, like Jeff.

Why?

Because I just don't really like any game based on science-fiction. I have very little interest in any RPG that deals with a time-subject beyond the Medieval period. Thus, I have nothing to say about Traveler, Star Wars, Aliens, Mecha games, Cyberpunk, et al.

I'm very much an Ancient History/Dark Ages/Medievalist person. *Laughing*

I should have included it here, but I will simply reference the video thing I posted previously, of some Shadowdark hater that did a whole video showcasing his hatred and contempt for Shadowdark as a game, Kelsey Dione the creator, and anyone and everyone that is a fan of Shadowdark. So, yeah, there are haters on YouTube. I don't do anything with Twitter, or Reddit or whatever. There's hatred just on YouTube. These kinds of hateful, ill-mannered troglodytes also show up in the comment section on actual fans of Shadowdark, as well as on Livestream commentary scrolls and so on. There's never many of them, but always a few, and they tend towards always being very loud, rude, and insulting.

Another example; On "Geek Gamers"--the host did a video walk through and discussion on "SoloDark"--the solo RPG rules for Shadowdark. Lots of positive, and interesting commentary and comments in her comment section. Very cool, interesting, and informative video. But then, there were a few morons that felt some deep-seated need to jump into the comment section, criticize and disparage the host for talking about Shadowdark, and then went on to discuss why they thought Shadowdark was absolute garbage.

That kind of behavior makes me want to chew on nails. *Laughing*

I also very much appreciate Alexander Macris. Macris is very talented, bright, and skilled. ACKS is a great game.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

It's worth noting that you have these over the top histrionic reactions to any criticism of the game or its fans, even if they don't say it in a mean way, so I don't really believe your descriptions of what other people are saying.

Quote from: Venka on April 21, 2025, 05:43:53 PMWhoa that is insane seething. 
I don't even know what I'm listening to.  This guy has 112 subscribers and an automated reader that screws up almost every emPHAsis conceivable.

Unlistenable. Seems like he's one of those who tries to drum up views by attacking something popular. Which is still meatriding.

Unsure why he had to mention that Kelsey is (supposedly) a lesbian, and therefore "beyond reproach". I've never heard a peep about her sexuality from her or anyone (nor do I care), and I've heard lots of criticism of Shadowdark besides.

Dude sounds like a jealous hack trying to drum up views by mentioning the currently popular game. He somehow ends up being more unlistenable than Tenkar.

Quote from: Spobo on April 21, 2025, 06:23:35 PM

Quote from: SHARK on April 21, 2025, 06:12:16 PM

Quote from: Venka on April 21, 2025, 04:28:26 PM

QuoteTime to enjoy some fresh coffee, my friend! Stay strong, brother!

This is you before coffee?  Holy moly!

Greetings!

Hello, Venka! *Laughing* Yeah, I can be in rare form when I have not had my coffee!

I wouldn't consider you a "Hater", Venka. Shadowdark is merely not your preference, as you like other kinds of games, as you said. A member here, Jeff, is a huge fan of Traveler. Tenbones, another member, is a huge fan of yet a different game as well. I imagine there are some uber fans of Palladium/Rifts. Having different preferences for whatever mechanics, theme, subject, style, and so on, is not a problem at all. Certainly not from me. For example, I don't like Traveler. I have absolutely nothing negative or hostile or critical to say about Traveler, far beyond then also having anything negative to say about the creator of Traveler, or the gamers that love Traveler, like Jeff.

Why?

Because I just don't really like any game based on science-fiction. I have very little interest in any RPG that deals with a time-subject beyond the Medieval period. Thus, I have nothing to say about Traveler, Star Wars, Aliens, Mecha games, Cyberpunk, et al.

I'm very much an Ancient History/Dark Ages/Medievalist person. *Laughing*

I should have included it here, but I will simply reference the video thing I posted previously, of some Shadowdark hater that did a whole video showcasing his hatred and contempt for Shadowdark as a game, Kelsey Dione the creator, and anyone and everyone that is a fan of Shadowdark. So, yeah, there are haters on YouTube. I don't do anything with Twitter, or Reddit or whatever. There's hatred just on YouTube. These kinds of hateful, ill-mannered troglodytes also show up in the comment section on actual fans of Shadowdark, as well as on Livestream commentary scrolls and so on. There's never many of them, but always a few, and they tend towards always being very loud, rude, and insulting.

Another example; On "Geek Gamers"--the host did a video walk through and discussion on "SoloDark"--the solo RPG rules for Shadowdark. Lots of positive, and interesting commentary and comments in her comment section. Very cool, interesting, and informative video. But then, there were a few morons that felt some deep-seated need to jump into the comment section, criticize and disparage the host for talking about Shadowdark, and then went on to discuss why they thought Shadowdark was absolute garbage.

That kind of behavior makes me want to chew on nails. *Laughing*

I also very much appreciate Alexander Macris. Macris is very talented, bright, and skilled. ACKS is a great game.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

It's worth noting that you have these over the top histrionic reactions to any criticism of the game or its fans, even if they don't say it in a mean way, so I don't really believe your descriptions of what other people are saying.

Greetings!

Well, Spobo, I don't think that your characterization of me is true, or accurate at all. In any event, I get tired of the stupid, baseless criticisms and arrogant attacks against Shadowdark, and generally, the gamers that enjoy Shadowdark. So, yeaah. I will blast them back ruthlessly. They deserve it in full.

As for "You don't believe" my descriptions of what others have said about Shadwdark? Ok, man. Whatever. Believe whatever you want. I posted a video previously of *precisely* the kind of arrogant, snotty, hate-filled and jealous ranting attacks made against Shadowdark. PROOF. There you go.

You don't believe me? WTF man?. Go pound sand then.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

unless this 'dnd replacer' provides many solutions to configure the scale of both martials and casters, on a sliding scale from 'peak humans/people with magic tricks' to 'Goku(or Superman)/Doctor Strange(or Dark Schneider)', it's not a 'dnd replacer'

Quote from: Spobo on April 21, 2025, 06:23:35 PM

Quote from: SHARK on April 21, 2025, 06:12:16 PM

Quote from: Venka on April 21, 2025, 04:28:26 PM

QuoteTime to enjoy some fresh coffee, my friend! Stay strong, brother!

This is you before coffee?  Holy moly!

Greetings!

Hello, Venka! *Laughing* Yeah, I can be in rare form when I have not had my coffee!

I wouldn't consider you a "Hater", Venka. Shadowdark is merely not your preference, as you like other kinds of games, as you said. A member here, Jeff, is a huge fan of Traveler. Tenbones, another member, is a huge fan of yet a different game as well. I imagine there are some uber fans of Palladium/Rifts. Having different preferences for whatever mechanics, theme, subject, style, and so on, is not a problem at all. Certainly not from me. For example, I don't like Traveler. I have absolutely nothing negative or hostile or critical to say about Traveler, far beyond then also having anything negative to say about the creator of Traveler, or the gamers that love Traveler, like Jeff.

Why?

Because I just don't really like any game based on science-fiction. I have very little interest in any RPG that deals with a time-subject beyond the Medieval period. Thus, I have nothing to say about Traveler, Star Wars, Aliens, Mecha games, Cyberpunk, et al.

I'm very much an Ancient History/Dark Ages/Medievalist person. *Laughing*

I should have included it here, but I will simply reference the video thing I posted previously, of some Shadowdark hater that did a whole video showcasing his hatred and contempt for Shadowdark as a game, Kelsey Dione the creator, and anyone and everyone that is a fan of Shadowdark. So, yeah, there are haters on YouTube. I don't do anything with Twitter, or Reddit or whatever. There's hatred just on YouTube. These kinds of hateful, ill-mannered troglodytes also show up in the comment section on actual fans of Shadowdark, as well as on Livestream commentary scrolls and so on. There's never many of them, but always a few, and they tend towards always being very loud, rude, and insulting.

Another example; On "Geek Gamers"--the host did a video walk through and discussion on "SoloDark"--the solo RPG rules for Shadowdark. Lots of positive, and interesting commentary and comments in her comment section. Very cool, interesting, and informative video. But then, there were a few morons that felt some deep-seated need to jump into the comment section, criticize and disparage the host for talking about Shadowdark, and then went on to discuss why they thought Shadowdark was absolute garbage.

That kind of behavior makes me want to chew on nails. *Laughing*

I also very much appreciate Alexander Macris. Macris is very talented, bright, and skilled. ACKS is a great game.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

It's worth noting that you have these over the top histrionic reactions to any criticism of the game or its fans, even if they don't say it in a mean way, so I don't really believe your descriptions of what other people are saying.

It's worth noting that Shark has over the top reactions to everything. "Full blast, all the time" is kinda his schtick. His reaction to the Shadowdark haters is neither atypical nor suspect.

Quote from: SHARK on April 21, 2025, 06:12:16 PM

Quote from: Venka on April 21, 2025, 04:28:26 PM

QuoteTime to enjoy some fresh coffee, my friend! Stay strong, brother!

This is you before coffee?  Holy moly!

Greetings!

Hello, Venka! *Laughing* Yeah, I can be in rare form when I have not had my coffee!

I wouldn't consider you a "Hater", Venka. Shadowdark is merely not your preference, as you like other kinds of games, as you said. A member here, Jeff, is a huge fan of Traveller. Tenbones, another member, is a huge fan of yet a different game as well. I imagine there are some uber fans of Palladium/Rifts. Having different preferences for whatever mechanics, theme, subject, style, and so on, is not a problem at all. Certainly not from me. For example, I don't like Traveller. I have absolutely nothing negative or hostile or critical to say about Traveller, far beyond then also having anything negative to say about the creator of Traveller, or the gamers that love Traveller, like Jeff.

Why?

Because I just don't really like any game based on science-fiction. I have very little interest in any RPG that deals with a time-subject beyond the Medieval period. Thus, I have nothing to say about Traveller, Star Wars, Aliens, Mecha games, Cyberpunk, et al.

I'm very much an Ancient History/Dark Ages/Medievalist person. *Laughing*

-snip-

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

You invoke my name and yet you cannot spell my favorite game correctly? And to think that my branch ubers your branch all over Hell.... 

One aspect of Traveller that you might wish to consider though is the Trade & Commerce rules. While wars and fighting were historically important during the medieval period, it was merchants and the spread of trade which drove expansion and exploration of empires in medieval times.

Quote from: jeff37923 on April 21, 2025, 08:52:23 PMOne aspect of Traveller that you might wish to consider though is the Trade & Commerce rules. While wars and fighting were historically important during the medieval period, it was merchants and the spread of trade which drove expansion and exploration of empires in medieval times.

That's great for those that might want that, but in my experience, trying to get most players interested in the economic game of the setting is a great way to drive the table towards enthusiastic disinterst in playing.

Quote from: jeff37923 on April 21, 2025, 08:52:23 PM

Quote from: SHARK on April 21, 2025, 06:12:16 PM

Quote from: Venka on April 21, 2025, 04:28:26 PM

QuoteTime to enjoy some fresh coffee, my friend! Stay strong, brother!

This is you before coffee?  Holy moly!

Greetings!

Hello, Venka! *Laughing* Yeah, I can be in rare form when I have not had my coffee!

I wouldn't consider you a "Hater", Venka. Shadowdark is merely not your preference, as you like other kinds of games, as you said. A member here, Jeff, is a huge fan of Traveller. Tenbones, another member, is a huge fan of yet a different game as well. I imagine there are some uber fans of Palladium/Rifts. Having different preferences for whatever mechanics, theme, subject, style, and so on, is not a problem at all. Certainly not from me. For example, I don't like Traveller. I have absolutely nothing negative or hostile or critical to say about Traveller, far beyond then also having anything negative to say about the creator of Traveller, or the gamers that love Traveller, like Jeff.

Why?

Because I just don't really like any game based on science-fiction. I have very little interest in any RPG that deals with a time-subject beyond the Medieval period. Thus, I have nothing to say about Traveller, Star Wars, Aliens, Mecha games, Cyberpunk, et al.

I'm very much an Ancient History/Dark Ages/Medievalist person. *Laughing*

-snip-

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

You invoke my name and yet you cannot spell my favorite game correctly? And to think that my branch ubers your branch all over Hell.... 

One aspect of Traveller that you might wish to consider though is the Trade & Commerce rules. While wars and fighting were historically important during the medieval period, it was merchants and the spread of trade which drove expansion and exploration of empires in medieval times.

Greetings!

*Laughing* Ahh, yes, Jeff! TRAVELLER! I've heard now a few times people have praised Traveller's Trade & Commerce rules. You are right, Jeff. I probably should grab a copy and check that out.

Even when my Players are not directly involved with Trade & Commerce, such matters frequently are interwoven into the mix of plots, adventures, and character motivations and goals. The Players, for example, might discover that Lord Simon of Glaymonte has forced the local Halfling population to live in squalor amidst harsh and brutal Halfling Ghettos, in order to improve the land for grazing herds of Zebra-Aurochs. The local market has a strong demand for Zebra-Aurochs, but more importantly, distant foreign markets have in recent years gained a huge increase in demand for Zebra-Auroch meat, hides, and furs. Lord Simon and his family-owned corporation, Glaymonte Ranching, stands to gain immense profits from positioning themselves as a premier supplier of Zebra-Auroch meat. *Laughing* Economics, trade, and the juice of commerce are often at play in everything in the campaign world, whether the Players are fully conscious of such elements or not.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quote from: Venka on April 21, 2025, 05:43:53 PMWhoa that is insane seething. 
I don't even know what I'm listening to.  This guy has 112 subscribers and an automated reader that screws up almost every emPHAsis conceivable.

Greetings!

Yes, Venka, very true. Absolute insane levels of seething hatred. It is mind boggling to me. Kelsey is nice, charming, gracious, and funny in every podcast I have seen her in. She is always professional, and always passionate about *gaming* and the OSR. The game Shadowdark reflects her solid commitment and professionalism in regards to the OSR and gaming in general--you would think that kind of passion, enthusiasm, commitment, and professionalism, would generate great enthusiasm and respect from gamers within the OSR, and yet, weirdly, there is this vocal minority of absolute jackasses that have nothing but hatred, contempt, and scorn towards Kelsey and Shadowdark. And, as seen in the video, also other fans and gamers that enjoy and support Shadowdark.

That kind of hatred, arrogance, lying, mischaracterization, hypocrisy, and general intellectual dishonesty makes me want to chew nails. I tolerate listening to these morons only for so long, before they need to be chomped on in response. They, their ideas and attitudes, need a strong response in counter.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK