How do y'all handle a Moral coming up in the Discovery Phase? It came up tonight, and felt awkward to the point...

How do y'all handle a Moral coming up in the Discovery Phase?  It came up tonight, and felt awkward to the point where we just skipped the writing of the Moral.

#LorePhase

#LorePhase  

By what contrivance might a rogue or four abscond with Dreams made Manifest, without the blessing of the Silent Gods?

>The Silent Gods need not always be silent.
>Sometimes dreams don't desire to be woken; sometimes dreams are nightmares without realizing it.
>A Dreamer is called such, for their sleeping hours are but host to Dreams. Wanted, or no

The swirling chaos of the Perilous Phase

The swirling chaos of the Perilous Phase

With the other phases I have a pretty good feeling for when the Overplayer should be talking and when the players should be talking. In the perilous phase, though, especially in the slipping and struggling I constantly feel as though I'm either talking over the players or being interrupted. Also respecting that line between placing the rogues in danger and not narrating their actions or being maimed often makes me feel as though I'm narrating weakly (which is probably on me, I think I can probably do a bit more to bloody and bruise the rogues). Any advice?

Perilous Phase

Perilous Phase

Glum - Your torchlight flickers off scales, and you hear only the hissing breath of the sleeping lizards in the cave. Amid them, sleeping just as soundly, a woman in black rags, her skin even in this dim torchlight unmistakeably blood-spattered. Yet she's not wounded. Her chest rises and falls in time with the that of the reptiles around her.

Jovial - The chanting in the cave forms a susurrus , emulating the hissing rasp of the reptiles coiled next to the altar. Strapped to it, a young man rolls his head around lazily, drugged or knocked senseless, too muddle to try to escape the woman with the scythe and ceremonial whip who stands over him, screaming prayers to cold blooded god. Her skin seems to glow red in the light of the braziers, and the chanting of the other robed men grows louder and more frenzied.

Two for one special!

Two for one special!

Originally shared by ALAS SUPERSONICAS

EduardVisan

Apropos to my earlier post.

Apropos to my earlier post.

Originally shared by ALAS SUPERSONICAS

Fabio bolla

I am currently visiting my parents and it's storming outside.

I am currently visiting my parents and it's storming outside. These two events always collude to drag me back into the memories of my sword and sorcery salad days. Back when I spent more time contemplating a single book cover or D&D illustration than I did ever reading or playing anything.

An age in which I would spend a thousand years in singular concentration on the task of conjuring a Crystar action figure into my possession.

Were I not already preoccupied with family activities, I would be at this very moment putting the call out for a Google Hangout game set in this world.
http://plaidstallions.blogspot.com/2008/12/somewhat-short-saga-of-crystar.html

Now, be scared !

Now, be scared !

I'm not sure if this is an eidolon or simulacra or what, but there are some incredible images and effects in this...

I'm not sure if this is an eidolon or simulacra or what, but there are some incredible images and effects in this video. Incredible in all senses of the word. Maybe enough to inspire a whole campaign!

(Found via the Dungeon World interpretation at http://dungeon-elementary.tumblr.com/post/85377028821/campaign-front-love-has-enemies-a-time-of )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTWpzq5Pr7I

This is some background-music I've made a long time ago, but I think it can fit here, if I just give it a gloomy...

This is some background-music I've made a long time ago, but I think it can fit here, if I just give it a gloomy story to tell....
you have sailed all your life across the sea of bones (on the bottom of wich thousands of huge bones that were once gigantic creatures lie like sunken vessels) and now you're cursed. You can walk on land for a very short time before the souls of all the people you butchered come to you and ask you to repay your debts. Oh, and they will come.



(sorry for my english, it could have sound better in my mother language!)
https://soundcloud.com/deadapollo/captain-vics-drunken-ghost

For those of you that might have missed it, Indie+ did a Games Advocates segment with me on Swords Without Master

For those of you that might have missed it, Indie+ did a Games Advocates segment with me on Swords Without Master

For those of you unfamiliar - there are lots of games out, so they ask someone who's a fan of the game to advocate for it (tell people a bit about it, talk about why people should play, talk about why people may not want to play).

Let me know what you think, or ask any questions you still might have!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MK9exutyms

So casual, like it ain't no thing.

So casual, like it ain't no thing.

http://sorcerersskull.tumblr.com/post/86306581491/art-by-wayne-barlowe
http://sorcerersskull.tumblr.com/post/86306581491/art-by-wayne-barlowe

"Grink, you are sure that this is the tower of the evil arch-mage/warlock/demonist Marchauber?"

Originally shared by Giuseppe Antonelli

"Grink, you are sure that this is the tower of the evil arch-mage/warlock/demonist Marchauber?"

"Of course Blauhm, I followed him until here a decade ago."

"But do not think all those nicknames indicate a type really dangerous?" said Blauhm, turning a puzzled look toward the companion-in-arms.

"And who cares! Usually more names they have more treasure they hide!" replied the giant half-orc with a grin as he walked through the bushes to get closer to the tower.

Xiaohui Hu HXH DREAMER

Originally shared by ALAS SUPERSONICAS

Xiaohui Hu HXH DREAMER

Yes.

Yes.

Originally shared by ALAS SUPERSONICAS

Yigit Koroglu

I know the character design and period aren't quite right.

I know the character design and period aren't quite right...  but look at the background animation, with blood filling the bas-relief, and come on, Vampiric Stone Masks that give the wearer magic powers and immortality?

Totally worth a couple of eidolons, right?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPB6MHlyBa4

Way back when Eppy was first talking about the game I used this as a simulacrum for a dark sorcerer who was haunted...

Way back when Eppy was first talking about the game I used this as a simulacrum for a  dark sorcerer who was haunted by the ghost of his dead lover, urging him to do good acts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dYOkEjFY_g

Since Eppy kicked it off, I'll raise you one.

Since Eppy kicked it off, I'll raise you one.
Don't you say you're not thinking about a seafaring SWM adventure after listening to this one...

Implied suggestion: turn UP your volume.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTlhUfBLKlM

This feels like a weekend for musical eidolons.

This feels like a weekend for musical eidolons. I'm going to kick it off with a little remembrance of Ronnie James Dio.

Sail across the Sea of Light!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF6Jsydtwmw

Patrick Woodroffe passed away over the weekend and I'm just now discovering what sort of influence this person has...

Patrick Woodroffe passed away over the weekend and I'm just now discovering what sort of influence this person has had on me over the years.

I read a lot as a teen, but I think I probably spent more time browsing than reading over all these years. In particular, browsing the sci-fi and fantasy shelves at libraries and used bookstores. And all that time spent imagining what was within these covers was probably just as important as all the time spent reading the books.

Originally shared by Alex “Dungeon Daddy” Mayo

More Patrick Woodroffe - because Nathan Correll is right. His Moorcock stuff is badass.

Fellow Rogues, Blades, and Swords who Brook no Master!

Fellow Rogues, Blades, and Swords who Brook no Master!

Harken to me and listen, let me spin a tale of fabled Mirratek, where under the light of the twin moons on the last day of the Carnival one persons dreams will become reality...

For those of you who are fans of Swords Without Master!
(www.WorldsWithoutMaster.com Vol 1 Issue 3)! Or for those who want to give Swords a spin at a table, but need some pre-gen Rogues on-hand (perhaps on the last day on a con when you are weary, and your throat is hoarse). Or just for those curious on how an adventure written for Heroic Rogues might look!

I present Fantastic Tales #1: The Carnival of Dreams!

Comes with introductory Overplayer story, mix-and-match advanced rules, Marks (bestiary), and four sample rogues! Written by myself and the mighty Jeff Johnston  and illustrated by yours truly!

Read it, use it, enjoy it, and remix/write-your-own (CC-BY)!

I only ask that you write of the tale told at your table, and speak widely of your adventures for all to enjoy.

May your dreams be sweet.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4nYXSvbVX-AV3A1MjBvUUZhUEk/edit?usp=sharing

I posted elsewhere on G+ that I'm digging Noisli as a background soundscape generator for when I work.

I posted elsewhere on G+ that I'm digging Noisli as a background soundscape generator for when I work.

But it got me thinking about setting up tone-scapes for when I'm playing. Probably too much of a hassle to really do, but definitely a fun distraction during the work day.

Glum--Thunderstorm & Bonfire on full and Summer Night on half volume.
Jovial--Leaves on full, Forest & Water Stream on quarter volume.
http://www.noisli.com/

So how does SWoM work for less than 3 rogues? Is there anything worth keeping in mind?

#SwordsWithoutMaster on Google Hangouts

#SwordsWithoutMaster  on Google Hangouts

The Indie+ Exhibition game of Swords went down last night, despite some technical difficulty. We had fun, but it was not quite where I'd like things to be to make it my go to demo video.

So here's the plan. I'm going to continue running random Swords hangouts at random times until we hit upon a session that . . .

✔ Runs fairly smoothly, with few rule hiccups or corrections;
✔ Finishes in an hour or less;
✔ And is as entertaining to watch as it is to play.

This is all very possible, but we may have to take several cracks at it before we hit the perfect one.

Oh dear, that means we have to play a lot of Swords. So watch this space for upcoming opportunities! New players are absolutely welcome.

Also, let's talk best practices for playing Swords online. During the exhibition game I was introduced to the the DiceStream Google Hangout App. It seemed to work fairly well, and it even has a text feature that'll let the Overplayer post the Overtone to the screen, which I like.

Eidolon?

Eidolon?

Originally shared by ALAS SUPERSONICAS

KEREM BEYIT

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24775309@N05/10950184496/in/photostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24775309@N05/10950184496/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24775309@N05/10950184496/in/photostream

I pinned several in the Eidolon and Simulacra board, but really, check out the whole gallery.

I pinned several in the Eidolon and Simulacra board, but really, check out the whole gallery. 

It could probably be used as a pool of Eidolons for a thematic game :)
http://molee.deviantart.com/gallery/31692112

This is going down tomorrow!

This is going down tomorrow!

Originally shared by Indie+

Watch the Exhibition Game This Saturday

https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/104356358088070229382/events/cttgmk3loko5imqq2ln2adebens

#GameNight #RPG

http://70sscifiart.tumblr.com/post/85129799266/crlblck-rodney-matthews

http://70sscifiart.tumblr.com/post/85129799266/crlblck-rodney-matthews

OMG guys
http://70sscifiart.tumblr.com/post/85129799266/crlblck-rodney-matthews

#SWoM #eidolon ruanjia's website is www.ruanjia.com . They've got other cool stuff too.

#SWoM  #eidolon ruanjia's website is www.ruanjia.com . They've got other cool stuff too.

Originally shared by ALAS SUPERSONICAS

ruanjia

I wanted to make sure Epidiah Ravachol saw this, and he said to post it so everyone knows about this guy because...

I wanted to make sure Epidiah Ravachol saw this, and he said to post it so everyone knows about this guy because everyone really kinda wants to be this guy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yJ4DG6gu3A

I'm sure many of you are already aware of By Crom!

I'm sure many of you are already aware of By Crom! Especially if you follow me specifically. But on the off chance you aren't, you need to check this out!

Originally shared by Shel Kahn

With this comic, By Crom! finishes.

For now, at least. Thank you all for your cromulent support for two and a half years with Conan!
http://www.wealdcomics.com/?comic=by-crom-82

This is the most important thing you'll ever learn today: moose can be used for cavalry and they have a temperament...

This is the most important thing you'll ever learn today: moose can be used for cavalry and they have a temperament for war.

Rumplemintz has taught us that as long as you're riding a polar bear, you're badass enough to face arctic temperatures without arctic gear.

The Quetzalcoatlus probably had a wingspan of a little over 10 metes, which doesn't make it a viable airborne mount, but it does make me think of it as one.

What do you ride into battle?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHxIQyXEvAk

This one has been hitching for some time now.

This one has been hitching for some time now. I had to make this character even though the chances of playing it are close to nil. 

Eidolon
Bloodlust, the French game of sword and sorcery in which we play god weapons and their bearers in a world filled with sex, drugs and violence. 

All that deserves a name
Saresh – Ancient god incarnated in a silver and obsidian cestus. 

Safron – Former sex slave, now my bearer and the only mortal who can hear me. Together we set her free, killing her masters as she was thirsty of revenge. Now, I lend her my power and she’s the hand to accomplish my purpose.  

Zash Algwarth – My evil twin brother. Incarnated in a dagger, he uses his successive bearers to lead the cult dedicated to the Dawn of Shadows. I swore to cast him in the depth of the ocean, where he’ll remain for ever alone. 

The Crimson Silk – They are three and they want me in. Three weapons, strong and discrete, hungry of knowledge and power among humans. They want me to work with them towards a higher purpose. I said no… for now. 

Feats Heroic
Jovial – A bright light explodes from my silver parts, and my obsidian parts make a load cracking noise, thus blinding and stunning every body around me and giving me enough time to disappear or strike. 

Glum – I diffuse a strong poison swiftly killing my bearer, which allows me to create a mental bond with the person around I chose to be my new bearer (can only be used in discovery and rogue phases and naming someone).  

Tricks of the Trade
Canny cognition – I know all weapon gods incarnated on this realm. I know of their alliances, their beliefs and purposes. I know how to read the tracks they leave behind.

MATIAS

Originally shared by ALAS SUPERSONICAS

MATIAS

The Last Hold of the Serpent

The Last Hold of the Serpent 

A Tale of Beauty and Dark Magicks.

Overtrick--Inevitable Foe: The Faithful Guard, the animated remains of zealots who mummified themselves with a diet consisting solely of the molted skin of snakes.

Originally shared by ALAS SUPERSONICAS

Mims1105
dave mims

Watching the latest Practice run (from Apr 30, 2014), I found it interesting that the last part of the story took...

Watching the latest Practice run (from Apr 30, 2014), I found it interesting that the last part of the story took place within a Rogues' Phase.

Am I right in thinking that the part about understanding their foe (its origin, purpose, weaknesses, etc.) could have also happened within a Discovery Phase, and the actual battle could have happened within a Perilous Phase?

In that case, how differently do you think it would have played out?
I imagine the battle would probably have lasted longer...

Artist: http://sbraithwaite.deviantart.com/

Artist:  http://sbraithwaite.deviantart.com/

via: http://sorcerersskull.tumblr.com/post/84517772534/art-by-shane-braithwaite

Definitely a rogue.

Definitely a rogue.

Originally shared by Pulp Covers

Captive of the Centaurianess http://bit.ly/PRdE78

Can whole stories be Eidolons?

Can whole stories be Eidolons?

Originally shared by R.T. Wilder

New flash fiction: http://rtwilder.wordpress.com/2014/05/01/the-curators-house/
http://rtwilder.wordpress.com/2014/05/01/the-curators-house

Sometimes a sword's just a sword.

Sometimes a sword's just a sword.
http://art-of-swords.tumblr.com/

Great eidolon here.

Great eidolon here.

Originally shared by ALAS SUPERSONICAS

BAYARD WU