Doug's Devices & Desires - Latest Comments

Re: RPG: Retro Clone Comparison Post

Douglas — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 18:37:39 -0000

Thanks Chris. Will update the section and point to this comment.

Re: RPG: Retro Clone Comparison Post

Chris Gonnerman — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:21:25 -0000

As the author of the Basic Fantasy RPG, let me say that it absolutely IS a clone, though not an entirely faithful one. Basic Fantasy RPG was the first fully free retro-clone (or "simulacrum") game. As such, when releasing it I was in uncharted waters... there were those who told me that WoTC would stomp me flat for my temerity in creating such a game. It turned out that such was not the case, fortunately. The descriptions you quote from were written in part to deflect unwanted attention from my project. Though BFRPG does use ascending AC, it is very possible (easy, in fact) to use materials created for the 1981 edition of the original fantasy RPG with Basic Fantasy. Spells map to spells, class and race to race-classes, and so on, providing backward compatibility. Of course, BFRPG is a combination of all new material with proper OGC... the mechanics, but not the "artistic presentation" of the classic game.

Just thought I'd try to set the record straight.

Re: RPG Book Binding For Fun and No Profit Whatsoever

Bill Heron — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 10:10:06 -0000

Great minds think alike! I've been considering doing something like this for my WFRP game, for a sort of campaign "journal".

Re: Sleeper RPG: Playtest @ Birmingham Games Expo 2012 (Updated)

Anna — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 08:28:45 -0000

I sent the files to hopefully the right address.

Re: Sleeper RPG: Playtest @ Birmingham Games Expo 2012 (Updated)

Anna — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:51:32 -0000

I'll have a go at a write up of the session, but I'm afraid it won't give you any additional information about what happened after your session as the one I was in was the first one.

So it started off with all the characters gathered together at the Sleeper safe house. We were called in by a superior; an American military veteran. He informed us that there was a cold war era artefact which had been purchased by a corporation recently. That they couldn't be allowed to keep it and that they were not the only ones who had wanted it. Our enemies were expected to be launching a similar mission. So we headed to the helipad to try and get to the building first.

The location we went to was in the centre of a major city, so we had to be careful. The helicopter headed slowly towards the building to allow for a closer look on the roof. Gravediggers well honed eyesight easily managed to pick out a pair of armed figures on the rooftop. This meant that we were denied an easy landing. The helicopter hovered over a nearby portion of the structure to allow the team to rappel onto the roof. Luckily this was done without attracting any undue attention from the mercenaries, but then how can they be expected to spot a Sleeper team.

It was clear that this was not going to be an easy ride. The team would have to fight their way in, and fight they did. The mercenaries, and some reinforcements, were rapidly dispatched. The room below was filled with computer equipment, which held the potential of information about the artefact; however, there were sounds of a firefight occurring below, thus this was not the time for investigation.

After sneaking down to the floor where gunfire could be heard Orange Dart kicked open the door and threw a grenade at some nearby enemies. This set the scene for the remaining combat. With the soundproofing of the building walls any attempt at stealth was left behind as this turned into a grenade heavy battle.

Within minutes the Sleeper agents had managed to capture an enemy agent, killed a large number of mercenaries, obtained the artefact and destroyed a vending machine. Hefting the artefact revealed the name of the manufacturer and that the contents were liquid. The mission was complete and Aries ordered a pick-up.

Hopefully that gives you some idea of the set up leading to your session. The industrialist which you were headed to meet was the grandson of the manufacturer of the artefact found during the session that I attended.

I shall try and remember to send over the scans this weekend. Sorry for the delay, I have been rather busy.

Re: Sleeper RPG: Playtest @ Birmingham Games Expo 2012 (Updated)

Douglas — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:05:42 -0000

Yep I am happy to put them up. My email address is dugamcintosh[at]g00glemale[dot]com. Once you have cunningly decoded the secret address you could email me the pictures or send me dropbox links or whatever. Is there any chance you could do a brief write up of the session as I would love to know what happened next.

Re: Sleeper RPG: Playtest @ Birmingham Games Expo 2012 (Updated)

Anna — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 05:35:49 -0000

Given the above comment from Adam, I have a few other scans which you would be able to add. Orange Dart, Billhook and AFBreaker. I also have Gravedigger as a better quality scan if you would like. Basically all of the characters that took part in the session which I was in.

Assuming you're interested in putting them up, how would it be best to transfer them to you?

Re: Sleeper RPG: Playtest @ Birmingham Games Expo 2012 (Updated)

Adam Hill — Wed, 30 May 2012 18:50:37 -0000

Hi peeps, Adam from Death Spiral here. It's not up to me to give the official ok, but I can't see there's a major issue. I'll be speaking with the others next week to confirm, so worst case scenario we'll get back with a polite request. Ultimately we're really happy and flattered that you both enjoyed the game enough to take the time to write about it! Obviously Sleeper is in early stages, so the main thing is people realise this isn't the final full quality product. We've got a solid basis for a game, but much of the polish you'd expect from a release comes later in the development lifecycle. Not that we have any specific plans at this time, but maybe you would be interested in some sort of beta testing? No promises, but I can bring it up.

Re: Sleeper RPG: Playtest @ Birmingham Games Expo 2012 (Updated)

Douglas — Wed, 30 May 2012 12:34:11 -0000

Hi Anna. I sent an email to Death Spiral about uploading my scans and they have not said no so I will upload them later this evening. Scans are via my phone camera so may not be the best quality but should be sufficient to see what is going on. Hope these help.

Re: Sleeper RPG: Playtest @ Birmingham Games Expo 2012 (Updated)

Anna — Wed, 30 May 2012 12:05:11 -0000

I was also a first timer to the expo and chose to attend a session of Sleeper, even playing Gravedigger (he is all manner of teleporty fun). Ben was the GM for that game also, and he definitely runs a good session. The rules work well. I like how they avoided going with the d20 system, which I have a real distaste for.

Of particular interest to me is your mention of uploading scans. I'm currently hoping that the Death Spiral team will decide to make the 6 characters from the event available online, along with the plot for the 3 sessions, perhaps written as a story. That would give those of us who took part and would like to get our regular gaming group hooked the tools to run a few tasters.

Re: Thing A Day: Tractor

Douglas — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:51:36 -0000

No. Worse. The eyes have been removed. Look again.

Re: Thing A Day: Tractor

Shanana Beattie — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:34:44 -0000

That tractor has eyes!!

aaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Re: Return To RPGs I: Back To Mystara

Douglas — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:53:21 -0000

I know I have not mentioned Mystara. I was expecting to get a bit more written :)