I think publishers of weird setting should give copious examples of how standard meat and potatoes* adventuring can be handled in the setting. Once folks get around the idea that things they do in a baseline fantasy setting can be accomplished in these weird settings, they would have less of a problem.

I think the problem is this though - maintaining a settings difference (weirdness) withouth sacrificings it's indivudual flavour for something more generic.

*meat and potatoes - generic adventuring/quests - dungeon crawls, rescue missions, find and retrive scenarios etc.

Regards,
David R

Quote from: Elliot WilenAgain, I don't buy "vanilla fantasy" for the setting, I buy it for the system. I dunno about anyone else. It just seems to me that many of the "vanilla fantasy" settings I've seen have been attempts to integrate the surface tropes of Tolkien or D&D fantasy and then tweak them in some way. For a packaged setting I'd rather have an approach that doesn't take anything for granted...starting with the enumeration and description of the "standard fantasy races".

Dude – that's Burning Wheel right down to the ground.

Quote from: droogDude – that's Burning Wheel right down to the ground.

There's a setting in there? Those pages seem to be missing from my edition, I just have some lifepaths. Which tell me as much about medieval western society than they tell me about orcs and elves.

Quote from: David RI think they problem is this though - maintaining a settings difference (weirdness) withouth sacrificings it's indivudual flavour for something more generic.

*meat and potatoes - generic adventuring/quests - dungeon crawls, rescue missions, find and retrive scenarios etc.

Regards,
David R

I did this in Hearts & Souls (my supers game) many "how to build X" in the plort sparks chapter, and plan to do the same with my closer to vanilla than not FRPG.

In fact here is a list (taken and modified from a forum post elsewhere mind you)


The heroes may be asked to hunt down and slaying evil, dangerous monsters.
They may be avenging kin who have been slain or wronged. Fulfilling inherited blood-feuds.
They may owe allegiance to a great lord (or lady) and do his or her  bidding.
Some High Valor heroes may have raided enemy lands, or raid enemy lands while facing greater trials of faith and will.
They may hire out as mercenaries.
They may join or beget expeditions of exploration and trade,  or seek to conquer new lands.
They may be arranging plans to marry one's sons & daughters well. (Either following heritage demands of dowry, oaths, or following their individualistic drive to do right by their children.)
Demonstrating there verbal prowess through oration at official functions through storytelling, through singing and through games (riddles, word play, boasting)
Hunting great mythic or legendary beasts (Silver Stags, Golden Manticores, Great Trolls).
Pilgrimages to places renowned for the passing or acts of various Saints
Carrying treasure to one's lord or distributing it to one's followers.


Goals of High Valor heroes

Spreading one's fame and bringing glory to one's name, ones lord, or country.
Achieve respect and patronage of famed, noblemen, learned sages, or ranking priests.
Improving one's status.
Gaining followers and clients as ones status dictates.
Gain allies by making friends with good valorous men and women
Showing up ones rivals.
Showing ones faith, valor or will through actions.
Fashioning a safe homestead, complete with a great hall free of the dark things which haunt Aeia.
Bring glory to one's lineage, tribe, clan, or band.
Make a showing against fell evils.
Die well.


These of course are just a list so far. But I plan on evolving that as playtesting continues to give a lot more ideas on what they mean and how to do them in the setting.

Quote from: SosthenesThere's a setting in there? Those pages seem to be missing from my edition, I just have some lifepaths. Which tell me as much about medieval western society than they tell me about orcs and elves.

No, I think that's his point, and I agree with it for the most part. BW has no explicit setting, and the implied setting that's contained in the lifepaths is very generic.

Quote from: SilverlionI did this in Hearts & Souls (my supers game) many "how to build X" in the plort sparks chapter, and plan to do the same with my closer to vanilla than not FRPG.

-GOOD STUFF -

Exactly what I'm talking about. It cuts down on the whole "How do I run/relate to this" problem

Regards,
David R

Playing vanilla fantasy is ok, esp. as a breather*, though I need some sort of spark to keep it interesting for me. Stuff like an interesting campaign premise, great NPC & description flavor, or a setting that has some depth & thought to it.

Running it for light hearted fun is ok but I need to add spice to it for anything more or run something else.

* currently I balance running Tekumel with playing an ethically challenged merchant in a great C&C game chock full of combat and the usual D&D races & monsters

Quote from: Elliot WilenNo, I think that's his point, and I agree with it for the most part. BW has no explicit setting, and the implied setting that's contained in the lifepaths is very generic.

That's right – the vanilla flavour is why I was dubious about BW for a long time. In the end the clever implementation won me over.

Quote from: droogThat's right – the vanilla flavour is why I was dubious about BW for a long time. In the end the clever implementation won me over.

I think that BW's approach to stock fantasy is what really helps me dig the game more. I mean no other system I've read gives creating an orc character more atmosphere than Hate and the Brutal Life rules. It's like French Vanilla fantasy.

Still love the vanilla over all others.  So easy to do, both at start and over time, that I can keep it up for years at a stretch.

Quote from: David RI think publishers of weird setting should give copious examples of how standard meat and potatoes* adventuring can be handled in the setting. Once folks get around the idea that things they do in a baseline fantasy setting can be accomplished in these weird settings, they would have less of a problem.

I totally agree.  My single biggest question when looking at intricate new settings is "what do PCs do in this world?"  Too often that question is not explicitly answered.