I am in the process of reading Two Fisted Tales and I think it is a great game. But it seems people love Hollow Earth Expeditions or SOTC.
I posted a couple threads about TFT, which got a couple posts and then disappeared.
Where is the TFT love?
It's seems nifty enough. I haven't had the chance to read too deeply into the new edition one of the kind folks at PIG was nice enough to send me, and it seems like a fairly straightforward light-on-rules sort of game. I don't have a copy of the original freebie version from back when anymore, so I can't compare them there.
I will say though, that the art left a little something to be desired for me. I doubt that had much to do with it's relative success though, I mean, look at D&D4e . . .
I think it's one of my favorite games of the past year. It inspired, in a way HEX or SotC just didn't quite do for me. Yeah, that's vague, but inspiration is a huge part of why we run or don't run games. I hope it will get its due.
I believe Pundit is also a fan of it!
Quote from: J ArcaneIt's seems nifty enough. I haven't had the chance to read too deeply into the new edition one of the kind folks at PIG was nice enough to send me, and it seems like a fairly straightforward light-on-rules sort of game. I don't have a copy of the original freebie version from back when anymore, so I can't compare them there.
Yep, I have the first printing in print and then I was sent the 2nd printing in .pdf (thanks to the nice folks at PIG). The only difference is a few erratta pieces, which make up less then one page. If you have the errata and the first printing you are totally fine
Quote from: J ArcaneI will say though, that the art left a little something to be desired for me. I doubt that had much to do with it's relative success though, I mean, look at D&D4e . . .
I agree that the art was a bummer. I try to not let it distract me from the game, but I do agree it could have been better.
Quote from: Zachary The FirstI think it's one of my favorite games of the past year. It inspired, in a way HEX or SotC just didn't quite do for me. Yeah, that's vague, but inspiration is a huge part of why we run or don't run games. I hope it will get its due.
I havent read HEX but I read the SOTC SRD and I wasn't impressed. I agree, TFT inspires me, something I havent gotten from an RPG in a long time.
Quote from: Zachary The FirstI believe Pundit is also a fan of it!
Then it must be good! ;)
Quote from: Mike S.I agree that the art was a bummer. I try to not let it distract me from the game, but I do agree it could have been better.
You're kidding me, right? It's got some great pieces from Jeremy McHugh. :)
Different strokes for different folks? I mean, some people think 4e is the ultimate in art & production values; it leaves others flat. So let it be with TFT.
I really, really like the GM's section, which I think goes a long ways towards the inspiration bit. The templates are also easy to tweak n' go, which is always nice in a game.
I really think the game in total really deserves to be making larger waves than it has to this point (some attention, but not like I think it deserves). I know I've been reading RPG after RPG lately, and its one of the ones that grabbed me and said "PLAY ME!!!". I also immediately "got" the rules, which allowed me to focus on how I wanted to run.
It's also been a hit with my group. Our battle with the Nazis and Malagasy Pirates off Dinosaur Island last week ended with the party being crashed by the Sky Pirates of the Ape Empire, and yes, they did use their Hypnotic Radio Transmitter.
I would also totally play Venture Brothers with this system. I think I may be already.
Brett, I understand if you don't want to give specifics, but are sales doing pretty well?
Quote from: Zachary The FirstDifferent strokes for different folks? I mean, some people think 4e is the ultimate in art & production values; it leaves others flat. So let it be with TFT.
I totally agree. You don't have to like the art, but it's not like it's a bunch of scribblings :haw:
Quote...and yes, they did use their Hypnotic Radio Transmitter.
Awesome!
QuoteBrett, I understand if you don't want to give specifics, but are sales doing pretty well?
It's been doing relatively well. You need to take into consideration that almost everyone who bought the previous edition from us, got a free PDF upgrade to the Revised Edition. This obviously cut into sales, but I didn't want to bilk people out of more money for essentially the same game they already have, considering many of these gamers are struggling students or need to spend money on their families. As a result, we sold more softcovers than PDFs, which should normally be the other way around.
Quote from: Zachary The FirstI would also totally play Venture Brothers with this system. I think I may be already.
I'm basically doing this with my 2FT campaign.
RPGPundit
Quote from: Zachary The FirstI really think the game in total really deserves to be making larger waves than it has to this point
Maybe PIG should advertise it as a good GM's resource for Spirit of the Century . . .
Quote from: brettmbYou're kidding me, right? It's got some great pieces from Jeremy McHugh. :)
No I am not kidding. I thought much of the art was ass. Sorry, I just didnt think it was good.
Regardless, it doesnt kill my love for the game.
Quote from: pspahnMaybe PIG should advertise it as a good GM's resource for Spirit of the Century . . .
lol...hey, whatever works. Though I really think the games take two different approaches. I think TFT is more traditionally centered, though not rules heavy by any means (and easy to pick up). SotC is a little less traditional in some of its rules aspects. I'm not saying either is right or wrong, just that the two come from different places. And I really don't want to get too much into the whole comparison thing--TFT is a good enough game to stand on its own. The rules are as tight, concise, and easily usable as anything going now.
I'm really curious to start "tweaking power levels". I'm going to try something a bit grittier next outing--looking at the power level adjustments, I don't think there will be an issue.
Hmmm, this makes me wish I had not lost my copy in a computer crash... Brett always does solid stuff, though, I can say that much.
It makes me wish I'd got off my ass and got some cheap-cost player copies during the 666 sale. :)
I did a short write-up of my thoughts on my actual play here (http://rpgblog2.blogspot.com/2008/06/two-fisted-tales-actual-play.html), btw.
Quote from: Zachary The Firstlol...hey, whatever works. Though I really think the games take two different approaches.
Zach, every TFT thread I've seen seems to draw all the SotC lovers out of the woodwork, so basically, I was kidding. :)
Pete
Quote from: pspahnZach, every TFT thread I've seen seems to draw all the SotC lovers out of the woodwork, so basically, I was kidding. :)
Pete
And I shouldn't try to read the board past midnight. :p
Quote from: Zachary The FirstAnd I shouldn't try to read the board past midnight. :p
We have all been guilty of that at one point or another, me included. :D
Quote from: Mike S.We have all been guilty of that at one point or another, me included. :D
Isn't it awful? You lash out or write something totally non-sequitir the night before, and the next morning someone points it out or you notice you opinion/objection/nerd rage either completely missed the fact someone was kidding or just missed the point entirely. :deflated:
Quote from: Zachary The FirstIsn't it awful? You lash out or write something totally non-sequitir the night before, and the next morning someone points it out or you notice you opinion/objection/nerd rage either completely missed the fact someone was kidding or just missed the point entirely. :deflated:
Heh. To be fair, I was posting late too, so I might not have been as clear as I could have been. Like I've said before, sometimes my rapist's wit doesn't come across so funny in text. :)
Pete
Quote from: Zachary The FirstIsn't it awful? You lash out or write something totally non-sequitir the night before, and the next morning someone points it out or you notice you opinion/objection/nerd rage either completely missed the fact someone was kidding or just missed the point entirely. :deflated:
Yep it sucks. Sometimes it makes you look like a total ass. But then you post enough good stuff, in time the stupid stuff gets forgotten.
Quote from: pspahnLike I've said before, sometimes my rapist's wit doesn't come across so funny in text. :)
Damn. Realizing a little too late that my second attempt at humor in this thread bombed even worse than the first, I'll now try to add something constructive.
The Driving the Stories chapter of TFT is probably my favorite part of the book. It has a huge range of GM's advice for designing all kinds of pulp adventures including motivations, locations, creatures and many other things, along with plenty of random tables to go with it. Many of the tables are the "good" kind of tables that contain a brief write-up along with the entry. There are also a few pages and tables on MacGuffins which are really cool. I seldom roll on random tables, but I love to see them because they usually help spark ideas.
A major standout of this chapter is the Storytelling section. It's about 10 pages that contain dozens of pulp plot hooks and ideas detailing how to design and manage common tropes such as mysteries, puzzles, deathtraps, etc. The great thing is that it provides a solid foundation for all of the different types of pulp adventures. What I mean is that for me, pulp means Indian Jones, but for others, pulp means the original Flash Gordon. Both considered pulp, but both have a distinctly different feel. Reading the storytelling section you can really see how TFT can be used for either type of game (and many others).
Anyway, hope that helps.
Pete
The GM's Section is indeed nothing short of excellent. I think that as much as anything got me psyched to run a game.
Quote from: Zachary The First ;215592The GM's Section is indeed nothing short of excellent. I think that as much as anything got me psyched to run a game.
I totally agree. I am still coming up with ideas on the types of games I can run with it.
You will notice I am using a different avatar, that is actually a picture out of the TFT Book.
Dude - you stole that picture :)
It doesn't look that good in grayscale. Would you like me to give it a bit of color like the ones on the back of the book cover?
Quote from: brettmb;216692Dude - you stole that picture :)
It doesn't look that good in grayscale. Would you like me to give it a bit of color like the ones on the back of the book cover?
Sure, that would be cool. I perfer avatars in color.
Thanks
Done. Not full color, but it is tinted with color.
Alas, my pulp heart belongs to SotC. I cannot love another.
Quote from: pspahn ;213781Zach, every TFT thread I've seen seems to draw all the SotC lovers out of the woodwork
Hey, I resemble that remark!
Well, I seem to have got my role-playing group back on track on Sunday and 2FT is definitely on my to-do list. If it plays as well as it reads, then all is golden.
Quote from: brettmb;216721Done. Not full color, but it is tinted with color.
Cool. How would I get the avatar from you?
Quote from: Mike S. ;216785Cool. How would I get the avatar from you?
You should be able to just drag the image from your browser to your desktop.
Quote from: brettmb;216808You should be able to just drag the image from your browser to your desktop.
Where am I dragging it from? I do not see the picture
Quote from: Mike S. ;216815Where am I dragging it from? I do not see the picture
Is your avatar not changed?
Quote from: brettmb;216820Is your avatar not changed?
I did a refresh and it does appear that it has changed and it has some color, thank you it looks better
Quote from: Mike S. ;216841I did a refresh and it does appear that it has changed and it has some color, thank you it looks better
It looks better this way to me - like an old photograph ;)
Quote from: JohnnyWannabe ;216756Well, I seem to have got my role-playing group back on track on Sunday and 2FT is definitely on my to-do list. If it plays as well as it reads, then all is golden.
Fantastic, Rich! Have you sold them on Wild Blue yet? :D
-clash
Quote from: flyingmice ;216891Fantastic, Rich! Have you sold them on Wild Blue yet? :D
-clash
Yes. It's one of the games on a very short list.:D
Right now, I am running a short Boomtown Planet session because I picked up two new players and they both like the Pulpy 30s.
When I mentioned that I'd lost my copy between computers, Brett was kind enough to comp me one. I'd like to GM it next. At the moment I'm stuck GMing a particular campaign because the players love it. But once that's done with we can see what we do next.
I like the De-Evolution Machine. :)
Quote from: JohnnyWannabe ;216911Yes. It's one of the games on a very short list.:D
Right now, I am running a short Boomtown Planet session because I picked up two new players and they both like the Pulpy 30s.
Dang it! They'll probably love it so much it'll be a year before they're done! :O
:D
-clash
Love the TFT avatar, Mike. :hatsoff:
I need to pimp out an aircar for my next adventure. I need something horribly unnecessary on it.
Working from the gadget schticks:
Aircar ZX-7
A General Aeronautics prototype, one that has been loaned to the Excaliburt Society for their dearly, dearly important work. Looks a little bit like an illustration of a space rocket on a 50s sci-fi novel--if it were a convertible with a big windshield. You'd better believe there are some serious rockets (tri-mounted) roaring behind this baby.
Composition: Glass-Steel--Incredibly durable, yet the inner working of the aircar may be observed. Lights, gears, and flashes are visible from the outside.
Equipment: Emergency anti-gravity harness (2, just in case), leather seats, electric cigarette lighter, wireless transmitter/receiver, high-power binocular compartment, signal flares, deployable pontoons for water landing/operation.
Weaponry: Twin-mounted machine guns using Mercy Bullets (the Excalibur Society is nothing if not humane), and forward-mounted Disintegrator Ray (General Aeronautics, however, is not).
Hey, just adding to the TFT love here. I ordered the book before I went on vacation and came back to find it in my mailbox. I read most of it over the last two days and I am really itching to play it. Personally, I love the art. There is plenty of it and I think it really captures the feel. Both the public domain stuff (which is a no-brainer for a pulp game) and the commissioned stuff inspire me. The characters are awesome!
I ran an SotC con scenario. Now I'd love to run the same thing in TFT to compare the two, see how they work out.
I have one question, which I'm not so sure about. How do you handle skills? To be more specific, most rulings are based on Abilities. If a character is a badass in something, than they will have a Specialty or Mastery. But how do you decide if someone is capable of doing something. Say a hero encounters a motorcycle, but they don't have a specialty in driving. We just assume they can drive one at their appropriate ability level? Is it a case of GM ruling, whether their character would have that skill or not?
Excellent! World domination grows closer :)
Go by the ability unless it's something that they couldn't possibly understand, and then either use an ability check to see if they can do it or disallow it in fear of some horrible fumble. For example, driving is pretty easy, so assume that all characters can do it, not that they would all be good at it. Use an ability roll (+specialty/mastery bonus, of course) when they want to perform stunts. Now for something like field surgery, if they don't have a specialty/mastery, it's not likely to happen. On the other hand, this is pulp, so perhaps the character's uncle is a surgeon and showed him a few pointers. In this case, either let him attempt it or first try an ability check - set a difficulty for the action, and if his ability rating (brains in this case) matches the difficulty, then let him make the actual roll; otherwise, it's too far beyond his grasp to even try. Make sense?
My assumption would be, given that its Pulp we're talking about, everyone can TRY to do anything; only some people can do certain things much better than others. But the default assumption in Pulp is that the characters are extremely multi-talented.
Thanks. That's more or less what I thought. I think I'm a bit skill-focused when it comes to gaming systems, so I was having a bit of trouble conceiving of how it could work without them.
Quote from: walkerp;236456Thanks. That's more or less what I thought. I think I'm a bit skill-focused when it comes to gaming systems, so I was having a bit of trouble conceiving of how it could work without them.
Same here -- I was skill-focused also. After 2FT, I'm more focused on ability though. That's why the new genreDiversion 2 rules (updated version of the rules in Coyote Trail, HardNova 2, etc.) focuses more on abilities with skills providing bonuses, similarly to 2FT.
Care to break that down a bit? I've played a few games without skills, but they were really rules light (Wushu and Over the Edge, for example), so it's a different beast altogether. For longer term play, I always tend to lean towards skills. What did you find with TFT that converted you? Do you think it would work outside of the pulp genre?
It's not so much that there are no skills, it's that the abilities are more important as a base value, with skills typically providing a smaller bonus to the ability value (for example, how a character may have an ability of 15 in 2FT with a +4 specialty bonus). I think it allows for more freedom of play without untrained actions being a major issue.
Quote from: walkerp;236424I ran an SotC con scenario. Now I'd love to run the same thing in TFT to compare the two, see how they work out.
I think this'd be an interesting comparison. If you do so, please post a thread on it (and give me a heads up if I miss it! :) )