Further thoughts on creating a new phase for my Swords hack. It's neat to see it inching from what it was towards what it will (hopefully) be.
https://keithstetson.wordpress.com/2015/01/31/hacking-a-new-phase-pt-2/
Saturday, January 31, 2015
FYI, I'm working through some computer issues.
FYI, I'm working through some computer issues. If they are resolved, I will be ready for the early edition of #sundayamswords tomorrow. IIRC, Epidiah Ravachol is doing the later session.
Who else had their sights set on Sunday morning?
Who else had their sights set on Sunday morning?
Sunday, January 25, 2015
My brain is still churning from this morning's awesome #SundayAMSwords game.
My brain is still churning from this morning's awesome #SundayAMSwords game. Here are some notes I jotted down about Swords works, I think:
Narrative Gravity
Many other RPGs use narrative constraint as a way to focus player creativity. If you give players a blank paper, they freeze. If you draw a box and tell them to stay inside the lines, they will go up with amazing energy.
Swords isn’t quite like that. The best parts of the game work with narrative gravity: the property of certain fictional bits to draw other fictional bits to them, and to evoke more fictional bits.
The Thunder is a good example. A scene without Thunder, or with a very weak Thunder will often fall flat. Narrative gravity is that potential for story development that a good Thunder has. But, some scenes will take on a life of their own and the Thunder is largely forgotten. That’s because something else is exerting narrative gravity in the scene. There’s something else that people want to talk about, and that’s fine. There is no specific piece of Swords that needs to have the most narrative gravity, as long as something in the scene has it. A lot of the rules are set up so that there will always be one or more sources of narrative gravity, without prescribing which source needs to prevail at any given time.
Narrative constraint in other games is like a crucible, focusing all the creative energy inward to generate heat. Narrative constraint in Swords is like the boundaries of a playing field. It just serves to prevent creative energy from exceeding the range of the narrative gravity.
Narrative Gravity
Many other RPGs use narrative constraint as a way to focus player creativity. If you give players a blank paper, they freeze. If you draw a box and tell them to stay inside the lines, they will go up with amazing energy.
Swords isn’t quite like that. The best parts of the game work with narrative gravity: the property of certain fictional bits to draw other fictional bits to them, and to evoke more fictional bits.
The Thunder is a good example. A scene without Thunder, or with a very weak Thunder will often fall flat. Narrative gravity is that potential for story development that a good Thunder has. But, some scenes will take on a life of their own and the Thunder is largely forgotten. That’s because something else is exerting narrative gravity in the scene. There’s something else that people want to talk about, and that’s fine. There is no specific piece of Swords that needs to have the most narrative gravity, as long as something in the scene has it. A lot of the rules are set up so that there will always be one or more sources of narrative gravity, without prescribing which source needs to prevail at any given time.
Narrative constraint in other games is like a crucible, focusing all the creative energy inward to generate heat. Narrative constraint in Swords is like the boundaries of a playing field. It just serves to prevent creative energy from exceeding the range of the narrative gravity.
“Sunken Riches Revives a Sunken City: A Tale of Fabulous Treasure”
“Sunken Riches Revives a Sunken City: A Tale of Fabulous Treasure”
or “A Dungeon Crawl Done Swords-Style”
A tale of #SundayAMSwords
Opening eidolon: http://www.mrwallpaper.com/wallpapers/fantasy-canyon-art-1920x1080.jpg
Taryb and shape-changing Tomasito in cat-form. Dario and Chucho, his faithful mutt. A small boat. Two halves of a map. A growing flock of birds, swooping lower. Tomasito’s sudden snapping jaws of death. Bird blood on the map: Revealing a river of veins leading to a hidden opening.
The mouth of the cave is the mouth of the statue. Dario playing the ancient melody. Taryb singing the wrong words. The giant statue coming to life to correct the ancient song. Climbing against the fetid breath.
Next eidolon: http://digital-art-gallery.com/oid/59/640x421_10997_The_treasure_chamber_2d_fantasy_skeletons_treasure_picture_image_digital_art.jpg
Chucho draws their gaze from the glittering jewels. From the corner of the eye, it is only seeming treasure which hides vile death. Only the skeletons are real! The remains of the last party, of whom only one escaped. He held the least treasure to be found, and it was a trinket which founded a kingdom (the kingdom of Lennay, specifically). The illusion-projecting light extinguished. A pit of orange glow and hot, sulfurous air.
A wide lake of lava, dotted by tiny islands of stone. Low ceiling. Serpents in lava, who harden if surfacing for too long. Both with obsidian beaks. One with thigh-bone in lip. Serpent-splashed fiery lava blocked by a well-worn cape. Bonelip laughing at his fellow. Stone jaws wide to strike. A snake turned to stone shatters island and creates the path.
Massive cavern. Rogues inside an orb of newly-cooled stone. A giant—exact match of entrance guardians—decorating his cavern with such orbs, like Christmas ornaments. Taryb prying apart a crack in the rock. A newly acquired treasure giving birth to the rogues. The giant laughing and showering with gold.
Chucho howling the ancient song. The giant joining in joyfully. His name: He Who Was Small But Ambitious and Was Sent from the Higher Place to the Lower Place and Was Sent to Seek Out That Which is Beautiful. Chucho turning translucent, his veins like those on the map, his four feet in four different worlds.
Taryb trying to join in the song, shattering orbs with her pitch. Treasures untold spilling forth. And the widowed lava serpent. Leaping upward. Luring the serpent far from its lava-home. A spiral staircase of hardened serpent. Piercing the roof of the cavern, the floor of the river. Swimming up to reach the boat. Chucho, last seen below, waiting for them in the boat!
Epilogue: Their treasure so valuable, they will be able to drain and revive the Sunken City of Tides: https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5002/5335876311_e234d88dc4_z.jpg (Which was last seen on #SundayAMSwords on Sept. 28: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+MichaelMiller1000/posts/VWV9GUWws5D)
Miguel Zapico played Dario and Chucho. Keith Stetson played Taryb and Tomasito. I was overplayer.
Our virtual tabletop: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1pPW-du3DZM6fOTduTSjmpgTh-lO9Gpwij97NXNjZagE/edit?usp=sharing
http://www.mrwallpaper.com/wallpapers/fantasy-canyon-art-1920x1080.jpg
or “A Dungeon Crawl Done Swords-Style”
A tale of #SundayAMSwords
Opening eidolon: http://www.mrwallpaper.com/wallpapers/fantasy-canyon-art-1920x1080.jpg
Taryb and shape-changing Tomasito in cat-form. Dario and Chucho, his faithful mutt. A small boat. Two halves of a map. A growing flock of birds, swooping lower. Tomasito’s sudden snapping jaws of death. Bird blood on the map: Revealing a river of veins leading to a hidden opening.
The mouth of the cave is the mouth of the statue. Dario playing the ancient melody. Taryb singing the wrong words. The giant statue coming to life to correct the ancient song. Climbing against the fetid breath.
Next eidolon: http://digital-art-gallery.com/oid/59/640x421_10997_The_treasure_chamber_2d_fantasy_skeletons_treasure_picture_image_digital_art.jpg
Chucho draws their gaze from the glittering jewels. From the corner of the eye, it is only seeming treasure which hides vile death. Only the skeletons are real! The remains of the last party, of whom only one escaped. He held the least treasure to be found, and it was a trinket which founded a kingdom (the kingdom of Lennay, specifically). The illusion-projecting light extinguished. A pit of orange glow and hot, sulfurous air.
A wide lake of lava, dotted by tiny islands of stone. Low ceiling. Serpents in lava, who harden if surfacing for too long. Both with obsidian beaks. One with thigh-bone in lip. Serpent-splashed fiery lava blocked by a well-worn cape. Bonelip laughing at his fellow. Stone jaws wide to strike. A snake turned to stone shatters island and creates the path.
Massive cavern. Rogues inside an orb of newly-cooled stone. A giant—exact match of entrance guardians—decorating his cavern with such orbs, like Christmas ornaments. Taryb prying apart a crack in the rock. A newly acquired treasure giving birth to the rogues. The giant laughing and showering with gold.
Chucho howling the ancient song. The giant joining in joyfully. His name: He Who Was Small But Ambitious and Was Sent from the Higher Place to the Lower Place and Was Sent to Seek Out That Which is Beautiful. Chucho turning translucent, his veins like those on the map, his four feet in four different worlds.
Taryb trying to join in the song, shattering orbs with her pitch. Treasures untold spilling forth. And the widowed lava serpent. Leaping upward. Luring the serpent far from its lava-home. A spiral staircase of hardened serpent. Piercing the roof of the cavern, the floor of the river. Swimming up to reach the boat. Chucho, last seen below, waiting for them in the boat!
Epilogue: Their treasure so valuable, they will be able to drain and revive the Sunken City of Tides: https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5002/5335876311_e234d88dc4_z.jpg (Which was last seen on #SundayAMSwords on Sept. 28: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+MichaelMiller1000/posts/VWV9GUWws5D)
Miguel Zapico played Dario and Chucho. Keith Stetson played Taryb and Tomasito. I was overplayer.
Our virtual tabletop: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1pPW-du3DZM6fOTduTSjmpgTh-lO9Gpwij97NXNjZagE/edit?usp=sharing
http://www.mrwallpaper.com/wallpapers/fantasy-canyon-art-1920x1080.jpg
Sunday Morning Swords: 25 January 2015
Sunday Morning Swords: 25 January 2015
#WizardlessEdition
Good morning! Eppy may be busy with matters trivial, but we can still play!
Here's our organizational thread. Comment below if you're interested in playing this morning and mention if you're comfortable being an Overplayer and whether or not you have play Swords before.
When we get an Overplayer and three or four Rogue Players, those players will run off and start their hangout. For now, let's focus on getting everyone into a group. We'll probably wait until 9:15 or 9:30 EST to start the last group. I will be a swing player, jumping in where needed to fill out the final groups so we can make sure we have 3-4 Rogue Players in each group.
Feel free to enjoy some breakfast or brunch while playing.
Also, feel free to use the hashtag #SundayAMSwords should you desire to chat about your game on the social medias.
P.S. Got some tips on how to do this and links to useful files here: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
#WizardlessEdition
Good morning! Eppy may be busy with matters trivial, but we can still play!
Here's our organizational thread. Comment below if you're interested in playing this morning and mention if you're comfortable being an Overplayer and whether or not you have play Swords before.
When we get an Overplayer and three or four Rogue Players, those players will run off and start their hangout. For now, let's focus on getting everyone into a group. We'll probably wait until 9:15 or 9:30 EST to start the last group. I will be a swing player, jumping in where needed to fill out the final groups so we can make sure we have 3-4 Rogue Players in each group.
Feel free to enjoy some breakfast or brunch while playing.
Also, feel free to use the hashtag #SundayAMSwords should you desire to chat about your game on the social medias.
P.S. Got some tips on how to do this and links to useful files here: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
Saturday, January 24, 2015
So, because I feel like it, real quick hack of SWM to do Vampire: the Masquerade (or something like it, based off my...
So, because I feel like it, real quick hack of SWM to do Vampire: the Masquerade (or something like it, based off my secondhand knowledge). This post only notes the divergences from typical SWM.
~~
Blood & Mirrors
You all play Vampires, immortal predators of the night with supernatural powers and some measure of metaphysical crisis. You answer to nobody but the Prince, and you have minions (both vampiric and mortal) at your beck and call. When you choose an eidolon or simulacra, photographs and other depictions of a city's night life are prime material, as well as gothic architecture and people. The entire game takes place in The City, which can either be named as a specific major city or else left ambiguous.
The Tones
The two tones of the game are Glum and Sanguine.
Glum: Brooding, reflective, morbid, dark, quiet, regretful
Sanguine: Cheerful, exuberant, violent, vicious, bloody, alive, feral, badass
All That Deserves a Name
You should focus on prized possessions, locations in The City, and connections that your Vampire has. You may add to your list of Named during an Intrigue or Mortal phase (see below).
Feats Heroic
Become Feats Vampiric. DUH.
The Three Phases
There are three phases in Blood & Mirrors: the Perilous phase, the Intrigue phase, and the Mortal phase.
The Perilous Phase
Exactly as it is in SWM, so I won't rehash it here.
The Intrigue Phase
This phase corresponds to the Discovery phase, but is focused on figuring out what your Vampire is entangled in, providing avenues for action.
When you, a Vampire, are handed the dice, roll them and narrate your Vampire coming across some information--maybe they're shaking down a contact, listening to one of their spies, or hypnotizing a mortal for information. Then, ask the Overplayer a loaded question about one of your Vampire's entanglements in politics--either one you've already uncovered, or one you're improvising off the cuff. Something like "Why do they owe me?"
(Tip: other players' Named connections, if you have their consent, make great entanglements!)
The Overplayer ends the phase once you have entangled the Vampires sufficiently to have an idea of what happens next, and it's usually a Perilous phase.
The Mortal Phase
This replaces the Rogues' phase, because it's a bit of an inversion. Like the Rogues' phase, players still make demands, but the nature of the demand is different. Demands must ask the Vampire to showcase their humanity in some way.
Suitable demands
"Show us how you play chess with the folks in the city park."
"Show us how you take [the mortal] Brennan on a date."
"Show us how you go to the movies."
You might think that some of these demands seem beneath your Vampire. Perhaps your Vampire is not as above-the-rest as you think they are: don't turn down this challenge!
Mysteries & Morals
Morals are the same as in SWM. On the other hand, Mysteries don't happen because your Vampire was stymied by an unknown or supernatural reason. They happen because your Vampire was stymied by someone's humanity. Maybe it was your Vampire having a moment of human weakness, showing sympathy or humility. Maybe it was someone else showing that humanity. Maybe it was a human being their normal foolish mortal self. Whatever it was, it gets in the way of what you were doing.
Write a question about the Mystery that stymied you, and put it on the table as a thread.
Tricks
Use the standard SWM list. Substitute "Intrigue Phase" for "Discovery Phase". Remove Adroit Prowess and replace it with the following:
Quirk: Write down a strangely human trait your Vampire possesses. A sarcastic sense of humor. A passionate love of 1930s cinema. Before the Overplayer chooses a new phase, you may demand that it is a Mortal Phase and that the Overplayer opens it with a demand that highlights this trait.
~~
And I think that covers it!
~~
Blood & Mirrors
You all play Vampires, immortal predators of the night with supernatural powers and some measure of metaphysical crisis. You answer to nobody but the Prince, and you have minions (both vampiric and mortal) at your beck and call. When you choose an eidolon or simulacra, photographs and other depictions of a city's night life are prime material, as well as gothic architecture and people. The entire game takes place in The City, which can either be named as a specific major city or else left ambiguous.
The Tones
The two tones of the game are Glum and Sanguine.
Glum: Brooding, reflective, morbid, dark, quiet, regretful
Sanguine: Cheerful, exuberant, violent, vicious, bloody, alive, feral, badass
All That Deserves a Name
You should focus on prized possessions, locations in The City, and connections that your Vampire has. You may add to your list of Named during an Intrigue or Mortal phase (see below).
Feats Heroic
Become Feats Vampiric. DUH.
The Three Phases
There are three phases in Blood & Mirrors: the Perilous phase, the Intrigue phase, and the Mortal phase.
The Perilous Phase
Exactly as it is in SWM, so I won't rehash it here.
The Intrigue Phase
This phase corresponds to the Discovery phase, but is focused on figuring out what your Vampire is entangled in, providing avenues for action.
When you, a Vampire, are handed the dice, roll them and narrate your Vampire coming across some information--maybe they're shaking down a contact, listening to one of their spies, or hypnotizing a mortal for information. Then, ask the Overplayer a loaded question about one of your Vampire's entanglements in politics--either one you've already uncovered, or one you're improvising off the cuff. Something like "Why do they owe me?"
(Tip: other players' Named connections, if you have their consent, make great entanglements!)
The Overplayer ends the phase once you have entangled the Vampires sufficiently to have an idea of what happens next, and it's usually a Perilous phase.
The Mortal Phase
This replaces the Rogues' phase, because it's a bit of an inversion. Like the Rogues' phase, players still make demands, but the nature of the demand is different. Demands must ask the Vampire to showcase their humanity in some way.
Suitable demands
"Show us how you play chess with the folks in the city park."
"Show us how you take [the mortal] Brennan on a date."
"Show us how you go to the movies."
You might think that some of these demands seem beneath your Vampire. Perhaps your Vampire is not as above-the-rest as you think they are: don't turn down this challenge!
Mysteries & Morals
Morals are the same as in SWM. On the other hand, Mysteries don't happen because your Vampire was stymied by an unknown or supernatural reason. They happen because your Vampire was stymied by someone's humanity. Maybe it was your Vampire having a moment of human weakness, showing sympathy or humility. Maybe it was someone else showing that humanity. Maybe it was a human being their normal foolish mortal self. Whatever it was, it gets in the way of what you were doing.
Write a question about the Mystery that stymied you, and put it on the table as a thread.
Tricks
Use the standard SWM list. Substitute "Intrigue Phase" for "Discovery Phase". Remove Adroit Prowess and replace it with the following:
Quirk: Write down a strangely human trait your Vampire possesses. A sarcastic sense of humor. A passionate love of 1930s cinema. Before the Overplayer chooses a new phase, you may demand that it is a Mortal Phase and that the Overplayer opens it with a demand that highlights this trait.
~~
And I think that covers it!
New available work by the brilliant German #artist Michael Hutter. Hope you like it!
Originally shared by Macabre Gallery
New available work by the brilliant German #artist Michael Hutter. Hope you like it!
http://macabregallery.com/en/michael-hutter/
#MacabreGallery #MichaelHutter
ICARUS OF BRIGHT EYE
ICARUS OF BRIGHT EYE
All That Deserves a Name
The Mantle of Feathers, son of neverending ambition
The overcloud realms, that are going to be reached
Daedalus, father and rival
Feats Heroic
Jovial: spread my wings and fly, high, into the sky, forever free
Glum: meditating over the sadness of beign forced to the ground, I reveal my enemy the pure force of my dream
Trick of the Trade
Adroit Prowess: I can fly up to the sun, untouched, unburdened and uncaring
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag8oilt4KwQ
All That Deserves a Name
The Mantle of Feathers, son of neverending ambition
The overcloud realms, that are going to be reached
Daedalus, father and rival
Feats Heroic
Jovial: spread my wings and fly, high, into the sky, forever free
Glum: meditating over the sadness of beign forced to the ground, I reveal my enemy the pure force of my dream
Trick of the Trade
Adroit Prowess: I can fly up to the sun, untouched, unburdened and uncaring
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag8oilt4KwQ
I found this review and partial translation in Spanish.
I found this review and partial translation in Spanish. The author loves the game for the ability to weave sword and sorcery stories. Maybe one of the Sunday Morning Swords could happen in another language...
Friday, January 23, 2015
General sortie roster for #SundayAMSwords
General sortie roster for #SundayAMSwords
Get yer names and preferred time slots so people know what to expect, cutters!
Me, I'm going to have to pass this week; I'm presenting a playtest of a thing Monday and need the day to get things together.
Get yer names and preferred time slots so people know what to expect, cutters!
Me, I'm going to have to pass this week; I'm presenting a playtest of a thing Monday and need the day to get things together.
Greetings from Houston!
Greetings from Houston! My local gaming club, The Gauntlet, has a new podcast. We discuss Swords Without Master for a bit on Episode 5. As a general matter, if you are into indie/story games, you will probably enjoy our program, so give us a download. Thanks!
http://gauntletpodcast.libsyn.com
http://gauntletpodcast.libsyn.com
Going to have to play a rogue with a bow now.
Going to have to play a rogue with a bow now.
Originally shared by Geoffrey Fortier
This video is a bit of an outlier unless your LARP uses real bows (and hopefully) boffer arrows. Not sure how accurate their conclusions and references are but if the video is legit, I'm mighty impressed.
If someone showed up at one of our events with these sorts of skills, I might just have to hand them the "win" badge. ;-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEG-ly9tQGk
Originally shared by Geoffrey Fortier
This video is a bit of an outlier unless your LARP uses real bows (and hopefully) boffer arrows. Not sure how accurate their conclusions and references are but if the video is legit, I'm mighty impressed.
If someone showed up at one of our events with these sorts of skills, I might just have to hand them the "win" badge. ;-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEG-ly9tQGk
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Drinking green tea. Thought it best to wear a helmet.
Drinking green tea. Thought it best to wear a helmet.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Hello everyone
Hello everyone,
I am a French fan of Swords Without Master and I would like to share it with my compatriots. A lot of them don't speak English at all and a few of the rest understand English enough to get the understanding of this game.
So I decided to attempt a translation.
I have been joined by some people from this community (https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/106893144748158044276) but maybe someone else had the same idea and we could join forces to achieve this task.
As advised by Epidiah Ravachol I am posting here our quest.
I am a French fan of Swords Without Master and I would like to share it with my compatriots. A lot of them don't speak English at all and a few of the rest understand English enough to get the understanding of this game.
So I decided to attempt a translation.
I have been joined by some people from this community (https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/106893144748158044276) but maybe someone else had the same idea and we could join forces to achieve this task.
As advised by Epidiah Ravachol I am posting here our quest.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Sunday Morning Swords 18 January
Sunday Morning Swords 18 January
#SleepingInEdition
Good morning!
Here's our organizational thread. Comment here if you'd like to play this morning. Also mention whether you might want to be an Overplayer, and whether you've played Swords before.
When we get an Overplayer and three or four Rogue Players, those players will run off and start their hangout. We'll probably wait until 9:15 or 9:30 PST to start the last group.
Feel free to enjoy some breakfast or brunch while playing.
Also, feel free to use the hashtag #SundayAMSwords should you desire to chat about your game on the social medias.
P.S. Got some tips on how to do this and links to useful files here: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
“The tale of the Traveling Wizardium and Too Many Eels”
“The tale of the Traveling Wizardium and Too Many Eels”
A tale of #SundayAMSwords
Opening eidolon: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113990765511580864989/posts/HKMojZ5ZNDh?pid=6105482651649246818&oid=114806195090021544777
The traveling wizard’s tower, closed for the night. A single light in an upper window. Dario boosting Gammon’s impossible leap to the roof. The rogues down the chimney. A serpent, scaled in crimson and gold, writhing and throwing heat in the hearth. Sometimes the inobvious way in is hard for a reason! Dario soothing the beast with his ocarina.
Flashback: Taryb in the marketplace. It is outdoors, but covered by so many ad-hoc roofs that they blot out the sun and the moon. She is trying to sell a mysterious bag of untold treasure. The horned wizard buys it from her.
In the wizard’s tower, patrolled by lynxes that stalk the walls and ceilings. The upper greenhouse, resplendent with greenery. Taryb finds an oceanic pool. Within is her bowling ball-sized pearl, inscribed with events which cannot be sung of. A hand dipped into the water. A finger-length eel with angelfish fins. A bite, and it writhes under Taryb’s skin. A narrow focus may lead to a grand disaster.
Months later our rogues clinging to a decaying steel building frame. The girders covered with flowering vines. Gator-apes in bronze age armor howling and throwing spears chasing them up. A hurled spear hitting a flower. An explosion of color and seed-shrapnel. The building’s creak. A sheet of green vines peeling off with a rogue hanging out like a fruit.
Gammon wedging scongs into steel. They vanish within. What overpowering non-magnetic force lurks within the overgrown building?
The rogues and vines peeling toward their doom. Dario catches vines on a nearby building. Writhing dark eels unseen beneath the vines. How did the eels replaced the vines in the derelict building? Numberless little eels nipping at the rougeflesh, herding them to the maw of the massive eel within. The glint of starlight on massive needle-teeth.
Taryb is thrust past the teeth. An eel with angelfish fins bursting forth from her body. It merciless attacks destroying the mother-eel from within.
The rogues covered in eel-gore. The numberless dark eels cannot sense them. Gammon finding the moves to part the sea of eels—doing the happy dance surrounded by a sea of eels that follows his commands.
Outside, the horned wizard and his tower. “The pearl can never return to you, Taryb.” “I have something to return to you, horned one.” Wrist clasped to wrist. The too, too long angelfish-finned eel writhing out of her wrist into his. The horned wizard receiving all the numberless dark eels into his modest carpetbag.
Dario, certain the gator-apes want only the other building, ignoring their attentions. Their armor glinting in the starlight as they carry him off.
Taryb, weakened and uncoordinated, leaning on Gammon. “This was just another long game of the wizard-whales, wasn’t it, my friend?” “What isn’t?” Lifting Dario’s dropped ocarina. “We don’t dance to their tune.” A single high-pitched note. The greenhouse windows growing bright. Flames consuming the top floor of the wizard tower, the crimson and gold serpent writhing within.
Days later A discarded snake skin. A charred ruin of the oceanic pool. A soot-stained pearl, unseen amidst the rubble.
A year later Dario’s ballad of the gator-apes, sung from the lips of everyone.
Miguel Zapico portrayed Dario. Keith Stetson portrayed Taryb. Epidiah Ravachol was the overplayer. I portrayed Gammon. Our virtual tabletop: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1EbxzgelpbI65b82DbRj_Z21wNUyOH3auG9sAFc379pU/edit?usp=sharing
A tale of #SundayAMSwords
Opening eidolon: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113990765511580864989/posts/HKMojZ5ZNDh?pid=6105482651649246818&oid=114806195090021544777
The traveling wizard’s tower, closed for the night. A single light in an upper window. Dario boosting Gammon’s impossible leap to the roof. The rogues down the chimney. A serpent, scaled in crimson and gold, writhing and throwing heat in the hearth. Sometimes the inobvious way in is hard for a reason! Dario soothing the beast with his ocarina.
Flashback: Taryb in the marketplace. It is outdoors, but covered by so many ad-hoc roofs that they blot out the sun and the moon. She is trying to sell a mysterious bag of untold treasure. The horned wizard buys it from her.
In the wizard’s tower, patrolled by lynxes that stalk the walls and ceilings. The upper greenhouse, resplendent with greenery. Taryb finds an oceanic pool. Within is her bowling ball-sized pearl, inscribed with events which cannot be sung of. A hand dipped into the water. A finger-length eel with angelfish fins. A bite, and it writhes under Taryb’s skin. A narrow focus may lead to a grand disaster.
Months later our rogues clinging to a decaying steel building frame. The girders covered with flowering vines. Gator-apes in bronze age armor howling and throwing spears chasing them up. A hurled spear hitting a flower. An explosion of color and seed-shrapnel. The building’s creak. A sheet of green vines peeling off with a rogue hanging out like a fruit.
Gammon wedging scongs into steel. They vanish within. What overpowering non-magnetic force lurks within the overgrown building?
The rogues and vines peeling toward their doom. Dario catches vines on a nearby building. Writhing dark eels unseen beneath the vines. How did the eels replaced the vines in the derelict building? Numberless little eels nipping at the rougeflesh, herding them to the maw of the massive eel within. The glint of starlight on massive needle-teeth.
Taryb is thrust past the teeth. An eel with angelfish fins bursting forth from her body. It merciless attacks destroying the mother-eel from within.
The rogues covered in eel-gore. The numberless dark eels cannot sense them. Gammon finding the moves to part the sea of eels—doing the happy dance surrounded by a sea of eels that follows his commands.
Outside, the horned wizard and his tower. “The pearl can never return to you, Taryb.” “I have something to return to you, horned one.” Wrist clasped to wrist. The too, too long angelfish-finned eel writhing out of her wrist into his. The horned wizard receiving all the numberless dark eels into his modest carpetbag.
Dario, certain the gator-apes want only the other building, ignoring their attentions. Their armor glinting in the starlight as they carry him off.
Taryb, weakened and uncoordinated, leaning on Gammon. “This was just another long game of the wizard-whales, wasn’t it, my friend?” “What isn’t?” Lifting Dario’s dropped ocarina. “We don’t dance to their tune.” A single high-pitched note. The greenhouse windows growing bright. Flames consuming the top floor of the wizard tower, the crimson and gold serpent writhing within.
Days later A discarded snake skin. A charred ruin of the oceanic pool. A soot-stained pearl, unseen amidst the rubble.
A year later Dario’s ballad of the gator-apes, sung from the lips of everyone.
Miguel Zapico portrayed Dario. Keith Stetson portrayed Taryb. Epidiah Ravachol was the overplayer. I portrayed Gammon. Our virtual tabletop: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1EbxzgelpbI65b82DbRj_Z21wNUyOH3auG9sAFc379pU/edit?usp=sharing
Sunday Morning Swords: 18 January 2015
#ASundayOfSwords
Good morning!
Here's our organizational thread. Comment below if you're interested in playing this morning and mention if you're comfortable being an Overplayer and whether or not you have play Swords before.
When we get an Overplayer and three or four Rogue Players, those players will run off and start their hangout. For now, let's focus on getting everyone into a group. We'll probably wait until 9:15 or 9:30 EST to start the last group. I will be a swing player, jumping in where needed to fill out the final groups so we can make sure we have 3-4 Rogue Players in each group.
It sounds as if this early morning game might be a bit thin on players, but fret not, I hear rumors that a later game may be starting up in a few hours.
Feel free to enjoy some breakfast or brunch while playing. I know I'll be having some coffee and cinnamon toast sans crunch, myself.
Also, feel free to use the hashtag #SundayAMSwords should you desire to chat about your game on the social medias.
P.S. Got some tips on how to do this and links to useful files here: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Check out The Mobile Wizard Tower by Sean Andrew Murray! http://goo.gl/WodIiC
Originally shared by Concept Art World
Check out The Mobile Wizard Tower by Sean Andrew Murray! http://goo.gl/WodIiC
Sean Andrew Murray is a freelance concept artist and illustrator, and the creator of the World of Gateway. Sean has worked on the single-player action RPG video game, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Sunday Morning Swords
Sunday Morning Swords
#PolarVortexEdition 11 January 2015
Good morning!
Here's our organizational thread. Comment here if you'd like to play this morning. Also mention whether you might want to be an Overplayer, and whether you've played Swords before.
When we get an Overplayer and three or four Rogue Players, those players will run off and start their hangout. For now, let's focus on getting everyone into a group. We'll probably wait until 9:15 or 9:30 PST to start the last group.
Feel free to enjoy some breakfast or brunch while playing.
Also, feel free to use the hashtag #SundayAMSwords should you desire to chat about your game on the social medias.
P.S. Eppy's got some tips on how to do this and links to useful files here: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
#PolarVortexEdition 11 January 2015
Good morning!
Here's our organizational thread. Comment here if you'd like to play this morning. Also mention whether you might want to be an Overplayer, and whether you've played Swords before.
When we get an Overplayer and three or four Rogue Players, those players will run off and start their hangout. For now, let's focus on getting everyone into a group. We'll probably wait until 9:15 or 9:30 PST to start the last group.
Feel free to enjoy some breakfast or brunch while playing.
Also, feel free to use the hashtag #SundayAMSwords should you desire to chat about your game on the social medias.
P.S. Eppy's got some tips on how to do this and links to useful files here: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
Saturday, January 10, 2015
I'll be on the road during the early shift of #SundayAMSwords, but I may be home in time for the West Coast game...
I'll be on the road during the early shift of #SundayAMSwords, but I may be home in time for the West Coast game should that happen.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
As the spark which ignited Baern has faded from my sight, a new Rogue for the fast-approaching #SundayAMSwords .
As the spark which ignited Baern has faded from my sight, a new Rogue for the fast-approaching #SundayAMSwords .
Gideon, the Once-Familiar
All That Deserves a Name
My Collar, granted me by my late human Paris. It is a thing heavy more with metal than memory, and I would be rid of it in an instant were it not for the ease with which it keeps my coat free of bothersome vermin. The talisman, alas, was crafted with vulgar human sorcery in mind, and is a poor focus indeed.
Moonreach, a place where the secret roads meet. Those of us who walk through shadow and storm may find rest and comfort there, though I cannot fathom why some choose to tarry for longer than a hot meal and a vivid dream, if that. I suppose there's no accounting for taste.
The Autumn Council, which fancies itself the governing body of those who desire no governance. This is what happens when the once-wise take too many lessons from humans.
The Feats Heroic
Glum: Closing my eyes, I work my claws in and out of the ground, feeling the pulse of the world and asking it for answers.
Jovial: Leaping from shadow to shadow, raking my claws across my foes as I pass by, quicker than eyes can follow.
Rogue Trick
Compact: Write down a new agreement for the Ritual of the Companion. "...we learn a dangerous secret." You may use this agreement for one invocation of the Ritual of the Companion.
http://www.deviantart.com/art/A-Familiar-Cat-487317376
Gideon, the Once-Familiar
All That Deserves a Name
My Collar, granted me by my late human Paris. It is a thing heavy more with metal than memory, and I would be rid of it in an instant were it not for the ease with which it keeps my coat free of bothersome vermin. The talisman, alas, was crafted with vulgar human sorcery in mind, and is a poor focus indeed.
Moonreach, a place where the secret roads meet. Those of us who walk through shadow and storm may find rest and comfort there, though I cannot fathom why some choose to tarry for longer than a hot meal and a vivid dream, if that. I suppose there's no accounting for taste.
The Autumn Council, which fancies itself the governing body of those who desire no governance. This is what happens when the once-wise take too many lessons from humans.
The Feats Heroic
Glum: Closing my eyes, I work my claws in and out of the ground, feeling the pulse of the world and asking it for answers.
Jovial: Leaping from shadow to shadow, raking my claws across my foes as I pass by, quicker than eyes can follow.
Rogue Trick
Compact: Write down a new agreement for the Ritual of the Companion. "...we learn a dangerous secret." You may use this agreement for one invocation of the Ritual of the Companion.
http://www.deviantart.com/art/A-Familiar-Cat-487317376
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
I added a new page to my unified list of tricks, The Neophyte's Tricks of the Trade.
I added a new page to my unified list of tricks, The Neophyte's Tricks of the Trade. It's a one-page list of the simplest tricks I plan to use while teaching the game in 2-hour Games on Demand slots.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4nYXSvbVX-AaS1qbHRzMzJvT28/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4nYXSvbVX-AaS1qbHRzMzJvT28/view?usp=sharing
Idle thinking, because I have other things I need to be doing with my time.
Idle thinking, because I have other things I need to be doing with my time.
Saw and loved Interstellar. Then I realized that, in some ways, it maps really well into Swords terms. The characters are going to strange places, discovering weird and wondrous things, and facing great perils. I'm not sure that it's the best fit, but there's enough here that I think it could be worked with.
Tones: this is pretty straightforward: Cosmic and Human
Cosmic: massive, strange, awe-inspiring, vast, unfamiliar, inhuman
Human: vulnerable, passionate, desperate, emotive, painful, introspective
Phases: Keith Stetson made a great observation about the importance of changing up the Phases for a Swords hack, and tinkering with other mechanics. I think he's spot-on.
The Discovery Phase can stay completely as-is. The tone dictates how you arrive at this insight: whether it's from looking outwards or looking inwards.
There should be some sort of phase that discusses the passage of time, and I think it can replace the Rogues' Phase. It works like so...first, you roll the dice and get your Tone. Then someone makes a demand by telling you something that you see: a massive black hole, a memento, a message from someone on Earth. (It works the same as in Rogues phase: the person giving the demand is the one who passed you the dice.) You then have to answer one question: "What does this mean to you?" You answer this by briefly describing the prompt, and then giving a concise answer at the end.
I'm stumped when it comes to a third phase, though. There clearly needs to be a phase covering what happens when they land on a planet, because there's already the two other phases to cover A: gathering information and choosing a path and B: the voyage between planets. (Oooh, good name for that second phase: the Voyage Phase.)
But the Perilous Phase doesn't quite fit, because it assumes that the two Tones are how you strive against a threat. In the other two phases for this hack, they're Tones that describe what you encounter. OH! Maybe that's it. I don't know what to replace the Thunder/Storm with, but in the Expedition Phase, each roll introduces a new element to the planet or elaborates on an existing one, and that's determined by the Tone you roll. I just need a good replacement for the constant pressure and goal that the Thunder/Storm provide.
Otherwise, the Expedition Phase is a more moment-to-moment version of the Discovery Phase, which works for me. Maybe you roll Human as a Tone and discover that one of the crewmembers is going off of their rocker. Maybe you roll Cosmic as a Tone and see a giant freaking wave approaching everyone. I guess it'd be good to answer the question of "what are they doing when on a planet?" Which I guess is "assessing the planet". In which case, it's about evaluating the planet and figuring out if it's viable for life.
Hmm....
Saw and loved Interstellar. Then I realized that, in some ways, it maps really well into Swords terms. The characters are going to strange places, discovering weird and wondrous things, and facing great perils. I'm not sure that it's the best fit, but there's enough here that I think it could be worked with.
Tones: this is pretty straightforward: Cosmic and Human
Cosmic: massive, strange, awe-inspiring, vast, unfamiliar, inhuman
Human: vulnerable, passionate, desperate, emotive, painful, introspective
Phases: Keith Stetson made a great observation about the importance of changing up the Phases for a Swords hack, and tinkering with other mechanics. I think he's spot-on.
The Discovery Phase can stay completely as-is. The tone dictates how you arrive at this insight: whether it's from looking outwards or looking inwards.
There should be some sort of phase that discusses the passage of time, and I think it can replace the Rogues' Phase. It works like so...first, you roll the dice and get your Tone. Then someone makes a demand by telling you something that you see: a massive black hole, a memento, a message from someone on Earth. (It works the same as in Rogues phase: the person giving the demand is the one who passed you the dice.) You then have to answer one question: "What does this mean to you?" You answer this by briefly describing the prompt, and then giving a concise answer at the end.
I'm stumped when it comes to a third phase, though. There clearly needs to be a phase covering what happens when they land on a planet, because there's already the two other phases to cover A: gathering information and choosing a path and B: the voyage between planets. (Oooh, good name for that second phase: the Voyage Phase.)
But the Perilous Phase doesn't quite fit, because it assumes that the two Tones are how you strive against a threat. In the other two phases for this hack, they're Tones that describe what you encounter. OH! Maybe that's it. I don't know what to replace the Thunder/Storm with, but in the Expedition Phase, each roll introduces a new element to the planet or elaborates on an existing one, and that's determined by the Tone you roll. I just need a good replacement for the constant pressure and goal that the Thunder/Storm provide.
Otherwise, the Expedition Phase is a more moment-to-moment version of the Discovery Phase, which works for me. Maybe you roll Human as a Tone and discover that one of the crewmembers is going off of their rocker. Maybe you roll Cosmic as a Tone and see a giant freaking wave approaching everyone. I guess it'd be good to answer the question of "what are they doing when on a planet?" Which I guess is "assessing the planet". In which case, it's about evaluating the planet and figuring out if it's viable for life.
Hmm....
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Don't look now, but we just hit 300 members!
Don't look now, but we just hit 300 members!
I said not to look!
I said not to look!
Sunday, January 4, 2015
A rally and an announcement:
A rally and an announcement:
Henceforth at 9 AM Pacific time (noon Eastern), I'll make a post here for Sunday Morning Swords. Reply to that post if you're around, and I'll invite you to the hangout! That way you don't have to get up quite so early. At least few people said they are interested for next week, so I expect we'll get a game on then.
If at least two people want to play today, I could still play.. Comment below before 9:30 PST! Otherwise, see you next week.
Also here's a peacock girl.
2015 Jan 4 (Gammon)
2015 Jan 4 (Gammon)
“Sacrificed to the Vul-Twin”
A tale of _#SundayAMSwords_
A raucous celebration of the New Year. Frogfolk throat-singing the songs to the first moon of the new year. Taryb, in gilded cage, bearing a sea green sash with salt-encrusted lock. Frogfolk winching the gilded cage up a massive pole towards the moon. At top of pole, a massive vulture with two snake heads: THE VUL-TWIN!
Gammon, drunk, singing the true song of the moon that he learned on the moon. The Scythian climbing the pole to rescue Taryb. The two snake-heads menacing Taryb from either side. She is (nearly) eaten from both ends, like a long piece of spaghetti. Taryb’s flute, bringing slumber to all who hear. The sleeping, massive snake-heads twisting and wrecking the cage.
A caravan of ancient homes, sleek in form, lugged on crude wooden wheels. The caravan leader Abra, a stout woman with curly red and silver hair. Abra plying Taryb with vermillion liquor. The Vul-Twin’s shadow across the moon. The stars are wrong, and the moon moves in the wrong direction! The workings of heavenly bodies are amiss.
The Scythian, awaking in comfort, crawling to the front of the caravan. Abra bears the signs of serving the Frogfolk.
Gammon, examining the treasure room. Disdainfully breaking a carved wizard-whale. Gems of successively larger sizes, the last filled with life. Within the gem, two tiny snake-heads and a pair of wings stirring. Gammon lifting the jewel-egg. Look with your eyes, not with your hands!
Frogfolk clinging to the outside of the caravan. Lashing at Gammon with sticky tongue. Gammon eaten from one end, like a long piece of moon-person. The frogman biting off more than he can chew.
Flashback: Beneath the sea, a meeting of frogfolk and wizard-whale. What morsel would the gods of sea and slumber offer to the frogfolk? Taryb, of course.
In the caravan, Abra bears a salt-encrusted key, a relic of the gods of the briny deep. Only it will open the lock ‘pon Taryb’s sash. Taryb chokes Abra with the sash.
The Vul-twin lands, menacing Taryb and Abra with venom-dripping fangs. The Scythian lifting Abra as an offering. Taryb refusing to let her go, even as she is swallowed. Why wouldn’t Taryb let go to save herself from the Vultwin?
Massive frogman with wicked trident chained to wrist. A hurl towards Gammon’s heart. Deflection, and Gammon running up the chain. Enraged, the frogman’s fury brings its own trident back on itself. The jewel-egg falling and shattering. Beware that your victory is not so extravagant that it robs you of your prize.
The Vul-twin strking at The Scythian. Guardian moon shattering in defense. The other head, swallowing Abra, Taryb, The Scythian all. Taryb diving down the throat after the key. The Scythian’s sword, beheading the beast from the inside. Taryb, The Scythian, and the head fall to the ground. Corrosive venom dissolving the skin, leaving them in a cage of snake-bone, like the gilded cage.
Players were Epidiah Ravachol as Overplayer, Aaron Feild as The Scythian, and Keith Stetson as Taryb and me as Gammon.
Link to virtual tabletop: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1kTdqrtZhkuXLiFiY_pkoCcuRvY1iCvw8Wb4z7lqEUCs/edit?usp=sharing
“Sacrificed to the Vul-Twin”
A tale of _#SundayAMSwords_
A raucous celebration of the New Year. Frogfolk throat-singing the songs to the first moon of the new year. Taryb, in gilded cage, bearing a sea green sash with salt-encrusted lock. Frogfolk winching the gilded cage up a massive pole towards the moon. At top of pole, a massive vulture with two snake heads: THE VUL-TWIN!
Gammon, drunk, singing the true song of the moon that he learned on the moon. The Scythian climbing the pole to rescue Taryb. The two snake-heads menacing Taryb from either side. She is (nearly) eaten from both ends, like a long piece of spaghetti. Taryb’s flute, bringing slumber to all who hear. The sleeping, massive snake-heads twisting and wrecking the cage.
A caravan of ancient homes, sleek in form, lugged on crude wooden wheels. The caravan leader Abra, a stout woman with curly red and silver hair. Abra plying Taryb with vermillion liquor. The Vul-Twin’s shadow across the moon. The stars are wrong, and the moon moves in the wrong direction! The workings of heavenly bodies are amiss.
The Scythian, awaking in comfort, crawling to the front of the caravan. Abra bears the signs of serving the Frogfolk.
Gammon, examining the treasure room. Disdainfully breaking a carved wizard-whale. Gems of successively larger sizes, the last filled with life. Within the gem, two tiny snake-heads and a pair of wings stirring. Gammon lifting the jewel-egg. Look with your eyes, not with your hands!
Frogfolk clinging to the outside of the caravan. Lashing at Gammon with sticky tongue. Gammon eaten from one end, like a long piece of moon-person. The frogman biting off more than he can chew.
Flashback: Beneath the sea, a meeting of frogfolk and wizard-whale. What morsel would the gods of sea and slumber offer to the frogfolk? Taryb, of course.
In the caravan, Abra bears a salt-encrusted key, a relic of the gods of the briny deep. Only it will open the lock ‘pon Taryb’s sash. Taryb chokes Abra with the sash.
The Vul-twin lands, menacing Taryb and Abra with venom-dripping fangs. The Scythian lifting Abra as an offering. Taryb refusing to let her go, even as she is swallowed. Why wouldn’t Taryb let go to save herself from the Vultwin?
Massive frogman with wicked trident chained to wrist. A hurl towards Gammon’s heart. Deflection, and Gammon running up the chain. Enraged, the frogman’s fury brings its own trident back on itself. The jewel-egg falling and shattering. Beware that your victory is not so extravagant that it robs you of your prize.
The Vul-twin strking at The Scythian. Guardian moon shattering in defense. The other head, swallowing Abra, Taryb, The Scythian all. Taryb diving down the throat after the key. The Scythian’s sword, beheading the beast from the inside. Taryb, The Scythian, and the head fall to the ground. Corrosive venom dissolving the skin, leaving them in a cage of snake-bone, like the gilded cage.
Players were Epidiah Ravachol as Overplayer, Aaron Feild as The Scythian, and Keith Stetson as Taryb and me as Gammon.
Link to virtual tabletop: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1kTdqrtZhkuXLiFiY_pkoCcuRvY1iCvw8Wb4z7lqEUCs/edit?usp=sharing
Sunday Morning Swords: 4 January 2015
Sunday Morning Swords: 4 January 2015
#RingingInTheNewYearEdition
Good morning!
Here's our organizational thread. Comment below if you're interested in playing this morning and mention if you're comfortable being an Overplayer and whether or not you have play Swords before.
When we get an Overplayer and three or four Rogue Players, those players will run off and start their hangout. For now, let's focus on getting everyone into a group. We'll probably wait until 9:15 or 9:30 EST to start the last group. I will be a swing player, jumping in where needed to fill out the final groups so we can make sure we have 3-4 Rogue Players in each group.
Feel free to enjoy some breakfast or brunch while playing. I know I'll be having some coffee and leftovers, myself.
Also, feel free to use the hashtag #SundayAMSwords should you desire to chat about your game on the social medias.
P.S. Got some tips on how to do this and links to useful files here: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
#RingingInTheNewYearEdition
Good morning!
Here's our organizational thread. Comment below if you're interested in playing this morning and mention if you're comfortable being an Overplayer and whether or not you have play Swords before.
When we get an Overplayer and three or four Rogue Players, those players will run off and start their hangout. For now, let's focus on getting everyone into a group. We'll probably wait until 9:15 or 9:30 EST to start the last group. I will be a swing player, jumping in where needed to fill out the final groups so we can make sure we have 3-4 Rogue Players in each group.
Feel free to enjoy some breakfast or brunch while playing. I know I'll be having some coffee and leftovers, myself.
Also, feel free to use the hashtag #SundayAMSwords should you desire to chat about your game on the social medias.
P.S. Got some tips on how to do this and links to useful files here: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/blog/2014/7/14/sunday-morning-swords
Saturday, January 3, 2015
There's been some redesigning going on at WorldsWithoutMaster.com which included giving each of the games that have...
There's been some redesigning going on at WorldsWithoutMaster.com which included giving each of the games that have graced the ezine's ethereal pages their own splash page.
Check them out:
A Scoundrel in the Deep: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/a-scoundrel-in-the-deep/
Enter the Avenger: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/enter-the-avenger/
Sorceress Bloody Sorceress: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/sorceress-bloody-sorceress/
Swords Without Master: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/swords-without-master/
_Wolfspell:_ http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/wolfspell/
http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/swords-without-master/
Check them out:
A Scoundrel in the Deep: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/a-scoundrel-in-the-deep/
Enter the Avenger: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/enter-the-avenger/
Sorceress Bloody Sorceress: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/sorceress-bloody-sorceress/
Swords Without Master: http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/swords-without-master/
_Wolfspell:_ http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/wolfspell/
http://www.worldswithoutmaster.com/swords-without-master/
Oh yeah.
Oh yeah.
Originally shared by Josh Mannon
Artist: http://www.artstation.com/artist/renfray
Ht trey causey
Friday, January 2, 2015
So I've run Swords twice now, and after the last one, one piece of advice that my friend and longtime...
So I've run Swords twice now, and after the last one, one piece of advice that my friend and longtime multiple-system GM Jon gave was to put together a kit with everything needed to play, as having feelies helps get you in the right headspace.
I have a list of things to include, and would like suggestions for other things I might have missed, as well as any thoughts on form factor to carry the thing around in.
» Rogue Sheets
» Full print copy of the rules
» Phase quick reference sheet
» Glum die
» Jovial die
» Overtone card, two-sided
» Moral cards (Marked as such)
» Mystery cards (Marked as such)
» Motif cards, bullet points marked
» Title cards, oversized
» Floating Rogue Trick card, oversized
» "A tale of..." cards (One of each genre)
» Blank index cards
» Writing implements
» An art book or two
» X-Card
I have a list of things to include, and would like suggestions for other things I might have missed, as well as any thoughts on form factor to carry the thing around in.
» Rogue Sheets
» Full print copy of the rules
» Phase quick reference sheet
» Glum die
» Jovial die
» Overtone card, two-sided
» Moral cards (Marked as such)
» Mystery cards (Marked as such)
» Motif cards, bullet points marked
» Title cards, oversized
» Floating Rogue Trick card, oversized
» "A tale of..." cards (One of each genre)
» Blank index cards
» Writing implements
» An art book or two
» X-Card
Thursday, January 1, 2015
I recently ran Swords Without Master for my home group (first time running; I'd played once before at a con).
I recently ran Swords Without Master for my home group (first time running; I'd played once before at a con). It went pretty well overall, though I had a few too many players (which is a pretty good problem to have) and allowed the game to get a little too bogged down in building the mythology of the world. But mostly it was incredibly fun.
I let the players choose their eidolons from the art cards from Everway, which seemed to suitably inspire the players. It may have worked too well, in my case, as I kept looking through the cards and imagining new rogues I wanted to play. Now it's unlikely that any of my players will want to GM (OP?) Swords any time soon. Not until I run it a few more times, at least. And I don't currently have the technical capability to get in on some of those exciting Hangouts games. Which brings me to my question: Has anyone ever tried running Swords without an Overplayer?
It seems like it wouldn't require too much hacking to work. Slightly tweak how to end the phases when passing dice, require the player it is passed to at the end of a phase bring the Thunder and choose the next phase. In the perilous phase, rogues without the dice show their rogue slipping and struggling but also have the responsibility to increase pressure on the rogue with the dice in some way. Maybe some rules about how other players have to describe your named foes or the dangers to your other named stuff. A little tweaking of the Discovery Phase (whoever you ask your loaded question of gets to describe something they know or discover and ask a loaded question of someone else next?). And so on, like that.
So my questions: has anyone tried this? If so, how did it go? Whether you have or not, do you see any potential pitfalls or problems? Any other ways you would tweak the rules, subtly or broadly?
I let the players choose their eidolons from the art cards from Everway, which seemed to suitably inspire the players. It may have worked too well, in my case, as I kept looking through the cards and imagining new rogues I wanted to play. Now it's unlikely that any of my players will want to GM (OP?) Swords any time soon. Not until I run it a few more times, at least. And I don't currently have the technical capability to get in on some of those exciting Hangouts games. Which brings me to my question: Has anyone ever tried running Swords without an Overplayer?
It seems like it wouldn't require too much hacking to work. Slightly tweak how to end the phases when passing dice, require the player it is passed to at the end of a phase bring the Thunder and choose the next phase. In the perilous phase, rogues without the dice show their rogue slipping and struggling but also have the responsibility to increase pressure on the rogue with the dice in some way. Maybe some rules about how other players have to describe your named foes or the dangers to your other named stuff. A little tweaking of the Discovery Phase (whoever you ask your loaded question of gets to describe something they know or discover and ask a loaded question of someone else next?). And so on, like that.
So my questions: has anyone tried this? If so, how did it go? Whether you have or not, do you see any potential pitfalls or problems? Any other ways you would tweak the rules, subtly or broadly?