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runescience

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  4. D&D vs. FantasyHERO vs. Palladium

    in Fantasy Hero

    Posted

    Re: ~ All Out War~d&d Vs Hero Vs Palladium

     

    In ascending order from most dispised to most blessed.

     

    dnd 3.5 is a curse. It's so mottled in its classes, and skill systems that it is really only worth playing by people who's parents are also their siblings.

     

    World of darkness games. a step above dnd 3.5, and thats not saying much.

     

    dnd regular sets produced thru out the early 80's. the one with the wax crayons and the blue geomorphs.

     

    dnd 3.0 was a step in the right direction.

     

    ad&d second edition with the options books... skill trash. ugh. insufferable.

     

    I would have played Paladium if I could afford the books back in the day. It was a really colorful version of ADND 2nd edition. They rivaled. Eachother. DND white box I never could get my hands on as I was late for the trip.

     

    Gurps. all versions.

     

    Dragonquest or something like that something put out by spi? I cant remember, theres is a picture of a guy holding a dragons head. It was enjoyable I played it at

     

    DND hard cover, the one with efrit city of brass on the back.

     

    Tunnels and troll was very good for home grown campaigning. Runequest.

     

    Hero 5th edition with fantasy hero 5th edition Sorry I dont like it as much as the older versions... too complicated.

     

    The fantasy trip. yes, dont laff. its very good, flexible and simple.

     

    And finally, the top 2. Hero 3rd and 4th edition with regen etc using FH from circa 1990... second edition FH?

  8. Trial of Redmark and his men.

    in Fantasy Hero

    Posted

    Re: Trial of Redmark and his men.

     

    Mark you make a lot of good points. I did not think of it something as relevent but I will try to explain it now.

     

    I try to run the game as a "high road" heroic fiction game. I wouldnt call it tolkien-esque heroic fiction, but I do consider it good vs. evil, and flashy at time, with out being to magic excessive. Also, the average folk isnt slogging down a medival london mud covered street. Nor are most of my NPC's toothless poor. I try to paint a decently comfortable world, where grey IS black, and most other things are filmed in technicolor.

     

    Mostly its suppose to be good heroic fiction. The players should have fairly decent morals. Unfortunately the players are acting psychotic. So, im getting a little tiffed off.

     

    Here I set up the perfect opportunity to get revenge on the blighters that are responsible for sacking their homes, and changing their lives for ever. But what I ended up with was the mage telekenetically twisting a bound up prisoner's privates, the Sylvan archer shooting a bound prisoner in the foot to make him talk... after being telek'd... another npc is backshot, the paladin spouting how hed just can't WAIT for the hangings.. uhhh... its like playing in a dnd world....

     

    I need to make it an in game lesson with out being too heavy handed. I've been accused of being heavy handed before :) I'm really just mis understood ...

     

    Well yes, the mercs got decimated. The main aggrevant was fried/fireballed. The farmer/wife were captured. The daughter was beaten. They did save the town from a good sacking... But I am really unsatisified by the way they did things.

     

    It really took all the goodness out of the heroes. The heroes really acted quit... evil. It didnt sit well. So I thought I would do the trial.

     

    I need to explain a bit about the history of the world. I never really thought about the legal aspect of things. I am basing law on a trial by peers. The lands are one united kingdom (for give the pun). This part of the continent is the only place that the gods still watch over. The rest of the world is moving on. This kingdom is all human, split into about 10 clans or tribes, or blood lines.

     

    Each tribe is another aspect of the ancient defending military. that would drive off enemies that intended on settling. There is a sacred trust that the gods passed on which states that Magic would continue to work in the lands as long as no other races moved into the domain. So the reason that there are no city states with in the lands and very little land ownership out side cities is that land is passed by blood, or sold.

     

    So most law is civil. I never pictured the lands as having lords over it, because the tribes live where they always have. Old mrs buckingham has lived in that house 80 years, build by her great great..... great 537 years ago.

     

    There is no king over the empire, its a council of 3 of each tribe/clan, a senior and 2 juniors. There are no recorded earth shaking disputes between tribes, as the tribes act together as one giant living military soul when they need to.

     

    archers, lancers, hvy cav, light cav, medium/light foot, guerilla, sea going... Its cool, its on my web site though not explained that way.

     

    I guess theres a sheriff and a mayor of most towns. I liked the whole ransoming thing because then my beloved world doesnt turn into a dnd game where every one kills haphazardly and loots bodies. It puts a little fortitude in and makes the game more flexible. Makes players more wary of their actions.

     

    Now, nothing better than assaulting a military enemybase. Thats perfectly legal. :)

     

    The truth of the matter is... the mercs really were bad. They did come to snog this town, but they did it because they were hoping to kill mesophians. The big guy redmark, hired the men under false pretenses. Redmark is pretty darned evil. He master minded this assault as well as several others that did not go well. Redmark is actually working for the antagonist.

     

    Im hoping the players do more digging.

     

    So with your suggestion, I will have the mercs warned, and ordered never to return. Redmark I will have to think on what to do with. The honors thing i have to think about because they acted so poorly during the combat. The healer and the highlander/sword dancer were more gentlemanly than the paladin, mage and archer. go figure. Actually, Redmark and his officers acted with more properly than the pc's

     

    I'll re-read this list of postings and really give it some more thought.

  9. Trial of Redmark and his men.

    in Fantasy Hero

    Posted

    Re: Trial of Redmark and his men.

     

    [DM] .... have any of you out there in Hero land have any experience on how this trial should be run? No towns folk were killed. Mercs took 66% casualties. One farmers family was roughed up. ... I set it up, but since the players are demanding justice... i just dont know what to do.

  10. Trial of Redmark and his men.

    in Fantasy Hero

    Posted

    Re: Trial of Redmark and his men.

     

    The questioning begins with Lothar of Greendel (PC).

     

    1. If you (the captain) were only defending yourself from a farmer, why would the girl (daughter? I cannot find my notes) be fleeing in terror? When we caught up with her, she kept asking us not to kill her. Where would she get that idea?

     

    2. If you were only trying to gather information, how could a farmer be such a threat to an armed and armored warrior and his armed retunie, that you are forced to kill him? Could you not subdue him and take him prisoner, like you did with the others?

     

     

    Redmark maintains a solemn polite and sincere demeanor when being questioned.

     

    Redmark Replies: All good and reasonable questions.

     

    1) Admittedly she was being chased by my men. She struggled, bravely. and regretibly she had to be subdued for lack of a better word before surrendering. We sought to recapture her so the attack would not be spoiled. We had no plans of doing away with her. Perhaps she was upset at an uncertain future. No harm would have come to her.

     

    2) We faced the farmer en Masse. We did indeed subdue him. He panicked and drew his weapon. The farmer and his wife, where not killed and will likely continue to live healthy lives.

     

    Lothar continues with his second round:

     

    3. What did Elias hire you to do to any "supposed mesophian" you found?

     

    4. In what capacity was Elias when he hired you? Was he an agent of some organization? Was he a representitive of the Atir Council? What authority did he wield to hire you to end this "threat"?

     

     

    Captain Redmark replies with out hesitation, with a voice full of remorse.

     

    3) We were ordered to bring any found and PROVEN mesophian to justice. Part of the action required us to obtain his proof. Unfortunately you by your own mystic means sent his soul spiraling to the other side before we could meet to see his proof.

     

    4) Allius hired me representing himself. He did not represent any authority. Though I suspect he was not alone in this matter, as much of planning goes into this sort of thing not to mention the well as a handsome some of silver.

  12. Trial of Redmark and his men.

    in Fantasy Hero

    Posted

    There is a court case coming up. Some mercenaries came to sack a town. I need ideas on how to handle this case that the players have brought.

     

    Early Background: The players are survivors of an attack of by mercenaries that destroyed their small town. The players were lead astray tracking down early warnings of danger they discovered. When the return their town is sacked. The only one left is the captain of the guard, and leader of the militia they belonged to... The heroes are sons and daugthers of nobles that have moved north to keep an eye on the north border. They had no clue that their parents were nobles till they returned, and were informed by the captain of the guard. They now must make the journey to the capital city to relay the unfortunate events.

     

    More recent Background: on a side trip, the heroes spot a battered woman is running through the forest. She is stopped by the heroes. They find out that her town is going to be attacked by the same group that had attacked there town. She is wearing only and armored shirt and leather slippers. This is the same armor, that was found on the mercs who destroyed their home town. They have an opportunity to stop this attack, and make amens for what they couldn't do for their own town.

     

    At the end of the battle the heroes and some locals reduce the mercs to a mere 10. The Leader, aka Redmark, is left to defend himself verbally in a trial.

     

    A note: A Mesophian is a northerner, think roman warriors. Conquerers. The Mesophians were occupiers of the heroes lands and during a 1000 year rule. The invaders were finally pushed out about 100 years ago. Some are discovered now and then and put to the sword.

     

     

     

    Defenders: Redmark and his 10 surviving mercenaries.

    Accusers: Town of Parthersville, the heroes (lothar, jordi, kaiden, akrev, alganth, koras), seasoned npcs (Corbet, Camlo, Telma)

     

    Captain Redmark will be speaking in defense of himself and his men.

     

    Redmark says: "We were lawfully hired by Allius to put down the mesophian threat in Parthersville. We brought men up, did some looking around and approached a farmer where we questioned a farmer and family. The owner attacked rather than chatting. We defended and took a prisoner the family. I sent scouts to the surrounding village. There I lost 3 men, murdered with out provacation. one was tortured, bound, shot in the foot with Koras arrow, and tortured by this Lothar fellow. I defy the accuser to counter me on this issue. The farm was then beset on by Corbet, Camlo, Telma, the accusers, and 3 others. After the parlay phase, I sent out a man to signal combat, and Koras again in a cowardly and unorthodox move, back shot the messenger. I urge you all listening to understand the actions taken. Yes, we understand now the town was not besieged by Mesophians. I offer to rebuild both bridges. None of your townsmen were killed. It is I that suffer great personal loss and dignity, having undertaken this venture. Many mens live were lost here. Let us not continue the mistake by hanging my men..."

  13. Post your characters 1001 fantasy characters

    in Fantasy Hero

    Posted

    Re: Post your characters 1001 fantasy characters

     

    Rakhir the Red

     

    Player:

     

    Val Char Cost

    15 STR 5

    14 DEX 12

    15 CON 10

    10 BODY 0

    13 INT 3

    12 EGO 4

    10 PRE 0

    10 COM 0

     

    6/12 PD 3

    4/10 ED 1

    3 SPD 6

    6 REC 0

    30 END 0

    26 STUN 0

     

    9" RUN 0

    2" SWIM 0

    3" LEAP 0

    Characteristics Cost: 44

     

    Cost Power

    5 Luck 1d6

    3 Spell: Bark Skin Armor (3 PD/3 ED) (9 Active Points); Requires A Magic Roll (-1/2), IAF (-1/2), Costs Endurance (-1/2), Incantations (-1/4), Gestures (-1/4)

    3 Spell: Running: feet of hermes +3" (9" total) (6 Active Points); Requires A Magic Roll (-1/2), IAF (-1/2)

    Powers Cost: 11

     

     

    Cost Skill

    2 Penalty Skill Levels: +1 vs. Range Modifier with a single attack

    1 WF: Staffs

    2 AK: Home region, or patrolled/protected region 11-

    2 KS: Flora And Fauna 11-

    2 Weaponsmith (Muscle-Powered Ranged) 12-

    3 +1 with any Strike

    3 KS: Arcane And Occult Lore 12-

    3 Climbing 12-

    3 Concealment 12-

    3 Deduction 12-

    3 Riding 12-

    3 Stealth 12-

    3 Survival (6 points' worth) 12-

    2 +3 with Concealment (6 Active Points); Only In Woodland Environments (-1), Self Only (-1/2)

    4 +2 OCV with Bows

    4 WF: Common Melee Weapons, Common Missile Weapons

    3 +3 with Stealth (6 Active Points); Only In Woodland Environments (-1)

    5 KS: Monstrous Beasts 14-

    5 Tracking 13-

    Skills Cost: 56

     

     

    Cost Talent

    7 Deadly Blow: +1d6 (versus Humanoids)

    3 Bump Of Direction

    4 Rapid Archery

    Talents Cost: 14

     

    Cost Equipment (Equipment costs do not actually figure in Total Cost. They are included here for reference only.)

    $35 Sword, Broad: Killing Attack - Hand-To-Hand 1d6+1, Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2) (30 Active Points); OAF (-1), STR Minimum 1-5 (-1/4), Real Weapon (-1/4)

    $50 Heavy Animal Hides: Armor (3 PD/3 ED) (9 Active Points); Independent (-2), OIF Durable (-1/2), Real Armor (-1/4)

    $20 Bow, Medium: RKA 1d6+1, 10 Recoverable Charges (+1/4) (25 Active Points); OAF (-1), STR Minimum 1-5 (STR Min. Cannot Add/Subtract Damage; -3/4), Required Hands Two-Handed (-1/2), Concentration (1/2 DCV; -1/4), Real Weapon (-1/4), Beam (-1/4) [Notes: Body 2 Def 3_Range 125"]

    $15 Small Wooden Shield: (Total: 10 Active Cost, 2 Real Cost) EB 1d6 (5 Active Points); Independent (-2), OAF Durable (-1), Real Weapon (-1/4), STR Minimum 1-5 (-1/4) (Real Cost: 1) plus +1 with DCV (5 Active Points); Independent (-2), OAF Durable (-1) (Real Cost: 1)

    Total Character Cost: 125

     

    Pts. Disadvantage

    10 Social Limitation: Subject to Orders (Frequently, Minor)

    10 Psychological Limitation:Vengeful: (Uncommon, Strong)

    15 Psychological Limitation: Protective of Home Terrain (Uncommon, Total)

    Disadvantage Points: 35

    Base Points: 100

    Experience Required: 0

    Total Experience Available: 0

    Experience Unspent: 0

  15. Medieval Doctor Package

    in Fantasy Hero

    Posted

    Re: Medieval Doctor Package

     

    im inclined to agree with KS:hrike! on just about everything or any one else that makes sense.

     

    How ever, if you have a skill heavy group then

     

    Healing (aka Paramedic)

    PS: Chirugeon

    PS: Metal craftsmenship work.

    KS: Herbalism / includes the medicinals, poisons, intoxicants

    Research

  16. Stun/knock outs, overwhelming the combats

    in Fantasy Hero

    Posted

    Hi gang. If this question has been posted before than please bear with me.

     

    point levels of chars are 66 - 84 for heroes, and 25 to 50 for enemies.

     

    my players are currently ranging from 1-3 armor, their weapons range from 1 1/2 d6k to 2d6+1k.

     

    Enemy armor is also 1-3 & swords/weapons range from 1d6k to 2d6k.

     

    I use standards 1d6-1 for stun.

     

    Im noticing that most strikes are resolved as no damage getting armor, or knockouts. rarely anywhere in between and rarely any deaths except when players coup de grace the unconscious .

     

    What do you guys do for resolving combats?

    Hit locations? ignore stun completely? used x3 for stun instead of rolling? more options?

     

    I am running for hero newbies.

     

    thanks in advance?

  23. Players wish to emulate dnd's sense motive.

    in Fantasy Hero

    Posted

    Re: Players wish to emulate dnd's sense motive.

     

    Hi Rywood.

     

    Pontification warning:

     

    I see where you are coming from, I just don't hero as a toolkit. In it its purest form, just the core book alone you have a super hero game. You also sort of have a fantasy game, and bits and pieces of a scifi game. The power examples in the columns give illustration of that.

     

    Grouse warning:

    I love hero games. But every time I turn around they add more skills to the list. Thats not good.

     

    My whole point is to try to make the game more simple instead of fishing around for ways to spend more points. I agree with you by the way, in trying to find out the intent sense motive.

     

    Intent is everything. But, in a case where the average nitwit can tell a big fish, like: "zero down", "checks in the mail", "it wont hurt the first time", "sure you'll get your raise", "i was sure i read it in the rules".

     

    I wouldn't go and buy analyze motive. :eek: The only time I'd ever build it was for a power above any normal circumstance. I guess I'm point cheap, and making the players spend more than they have to is not fair to the players.

     

    Oh and by the way, I also thing that leaning to heavily on Int, ego roll, also hurts the skill system, because you are effectively going around skills rolls that the players failed to take. It cheats the players that spent points on the skills. So if some one wants to figure out if you are a dirty @#$%@# liar, they roll a conversation roll 6- (if it isnt an everyman skill in your game) and they come up empty handed. That doesnt look good either, it might frustrate the players. detecting lies seems to be a combo of conversation, intelligence, wisdom (as ego), persuation to a small degree.

     

     

    I'm going with a few of the suggestions mentioned by other players. See, now wasn't that simple? I think I'll go smash my head into a brick :)

  25. Players wish to emulate dnd's sense motive.

    in Fantasy Hero

    Posted

    Re: Players wish to emulate dnd's sense motive.

     

    oh no! i missed that link sorry, KS:hrike! your conversion document is GREAT. I will pass it on to my players.

     

    Hugh Neilson: I was thinking about your point on broader skills in DND. I didn't know how to put that into words. You did a find job. Personally I think Hero games needs to pare down its skill list not bloat it out any more. In my opinion BLOATING is the reason that champions chars got bumped up to 350, from 250. We need a more streamlined edition... how bout... umm... republishing the big blue book? LOL.

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