Showing posts with label RPG. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RPG. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Top 10 Video Game Villains; # 6 Sephiroth
True evil knows no bounds. Betrayed, misguided and filled with merciless rage, Sephiroth remains one of the most terrifying villains in all of gaming history. Some will assuredly disagree with his placement on the list, but the grading process contains more variables than popularity alone. Either way, none can dispute his awesome reign as one of the most twisted characters ever created. The fear is so palpable not because of its magnitude, but because it emanates from a human being so believable in his wrath that not even the bravest dare to stand before him. A true devil, indeed.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
4e D&D; Rituals
Rituals could have been a very enjoyable aspect of 4th edition D&D. In fact, I think they could have been one of the ‘best’, had they been implemented in a functional and valuable manner. Alas, their presence remains an unfortunate red headed stepchild, one whose presence in the room is simply tolerated. Where did WotC go wrong? Could their idea have even worked under different circumstances? Let’s discuss.
As far as I can ascertain, the two major problems associated with the ritual process are the price of components and the inherent availability of ritual casting. Each and every DM runs their game somewhat differently than the next. I tend to be a little on the cheap side with doling out rewards while others pile them on at every possible turn. The negatives arise when one realizes that ritual casting bridges entirely from the amount of coin available to the players. Need to cast the knock ritual? If your DM has run you through the game on a decidedly cheap reward system, you might well be out of luck. Can an issue like this be fixed by the DM simply altering his treasure mechanics? Assuredly. But what if he doesn’t want to/doesn’t feel like it would be realistic to? WotC’s decision to base such a wide array of utility abilities solely on the basis of currency seems a little odd to me.
The other difficulty revolves around a comparison between 3.5 and 4th edition. In 3.5, wizards were the kings and queens of utility spells very similar, and in many cases identical, to the 4th edition ritual compendium. It was, to be frank, their ‘thing’, and they were highly valued for it. In 4th edition, anyone with the proper skill training and a feat or two to invest can acquire the ability to cast rituals. Here you may hold up your hand in protest. “So what? The wizards and other casters get it for free and everyone else has to pay with a feat. That’s definitely a trade.” I would agree. In purest form, it is also an issue of the 4th edition balancing act, or ‘anything you can do I can do almost as well’. But that remains the problem. Wizards ‘need’ something to call their own, something arcane and magical that no one else can manifest… that is, in essence, the nature of being a wizard (or cleric/invoker etc.). Why, I wonder, couldn’t WotC have created certain rituals, slightly augmented in power or utility, which were available only to certain classes? Unfortunately, I know the answer already: balance.
I think that sums it up quite well. The reason that rituals are so poorly implemented lies with WotC’s most debated design technique, and in spite of everything, I’m mostly a fan of it. I enjoy having my players all able to contribute something useful during the play session. I only hope that the designers are able to institute a feasible method for making rituals truly epic. As it stands now, my players almost never use them, and it really is a shame.
As far as I can ascertain, the two major problems associated with the ritual process are the price of components and the inherent availability of ritual casting. Each and every DM runs their game somewhat differently than the next. I tend to be a little on the cheap side with doling out rewards while others pile them on at every possible turn. The negatives arise when one realizes that ritual casting bridges entirely from the amount of coin available to the players. Need to cast the knock ritual? If your DM has run you through the game on a decidedly cheap reward system, you might well be out of luck. Can an issue like this be fixed by the DM simply altering his treasure mechanics? Assuredly. But what if he doesn’t want to/doesn’t feel like it would be realistic to? WotC’s decision to base such a wide array of utility abilities solely on the basis of currency seems a little odd to me.
The other difficulty revolves around a comparison between 3.5 and 4th edition. In 3.5, wizards were the kings and queens of utility spells very similar, and in many cases identical, to the 4th edition ritual compendium. It was, to be frank, their ‘thing’, and they were highly valued for it. In 4th edition, anyone with the proper skill training and a feat or two to invest can acquire the ability to cast rituals. Here you may hold up your hand in protest. “So what? The wizards and other casters get it for free and everyone else has to pay with a feat. That’s definitely a trade.” I would agree. In purest form, it is also an issue of the 4th edition balancing act, or ‘anything you can do I can do almost as well’. But that remains the problem. Wizards ‘need’ something to call their own, something arcane and magical that no one else can manifest… that is, in essence, the nature of being a wizard (or cleric/invoker etc.). Why, I wonder, couldn’t WotC have created certain rituals, slightly augmented in power or utility, which were available only to certain classes? Unfortunately, I know the answer already: balance.
I think that sums it up quite well. The reason that rituals are so poorly implemented lies with WotC’s most debated design technique, and in spite of everything, I’m mostly a fan of it. I enjoy having my players all able to contribute something useful during the play session. I only hope that the designers are able to institute a feasible method for making rituals truly epic. As it stands now, my players almost never use them, and it really is a shame.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Erallian Campaign; Session 3
‘This place never ceases to amaze me.’ Zyrallus looked down the streets of the decrepit town of Martanya and saw, as he expected, absolutely nothing of merit. The citizens were clearly holing up in their hovels and the Royal Dwelling, assuredly garrisoning the only well fed inhabitants of Martanya, stood like a decorative palace in the distance. ‘Like a flower in the dankest swamp.’ His mind began to wonder concerning the town’s economy, about whether or not the tiniest charity from that beacon of wealth would turn the tide of this slowly dying blemish on the Erallian mainland. ‘Leave that for the thinkers, boy… Stick to the sword and treasure. That’s always been your place.’
“Okay, we’re here now. As far as I’m concerned this is as far as we travel together, but let’s hurry to the precious mayor and inform him of our little rendezvous before I make a rather glorious exit.” Arlina bowed in mock respect, nodded toward the veritable palace, and began walking again. Azreck nudged Zyrallus, looked down at the Dothrama, and smiled widely.
“She’s a rather pleasant sort, eh?” Zyrallus smiled back before proceeding. For a moment, and he knew it would only last that single instant, there was peace in his mind and heart. A gentle wind made its way through the crumbling buildings of a disheveled town, and he quite literally felt his heart rise at the feeling of it. It was, as he has predicted, almost instantly eradicated.
“Let me in! You have no busin-,”
“I have all the business I need, cur! You there! Do you know this rebellious swine?” Zyrallus saw that the royal guards were arguing with Arlina, and would have sided with them did he not need entrance. Unfortunately…
“Yes, good sir. She is a travelling companion. We are here on urgent business from Morrowshire to speak with mayor Aubreigh. If you please?” The guard looked the rogue up, then down, and then reluctantly let him pass. Lunara shot Zyrallus an approving glance, and the four walked up the marble steps before entering the meeting chamber.
It was magnificent. Stonework and masonry like none had seen, chandeliers in triplet hanging their crystal charms form the gold embossed rafters… this was the true height of royalty. At least ten plate armored guards stood in perfect unison along the crimson carpet leading to a surprisingly unpleasant man. ‘All of this for a mayor? The damn king might not have treatment like this!’ Lordacious Aubreigh sipped slowly from his wine chalice. He noticed them, but did not acknowledge.
“Good sir. We bring news of an unfortunate occurrence from the surrounding woods.” Azreck’s voice shattered the air like stained glass, and the figurative shards seemed to cut the mayor deeply. Lordacious stared at the giant without fear. He simply nodded. “Kobolds, sir. We defeated their leader after they captured us… somehow.” And then, the mayor’s stoicism wavered.
“You were kidnapped by kobolds you say? And their leader is dead? These cages, were they assembled in a small clearing?” Zyrallus nodded assent. “They are a band, you see. These kobolds once worked for a true bane to our land. A bane I thought long gone. Perhaps you can be of use, after all.”
Arlina looked entirely upset at the notion of some other quest with her three counterparts, but Lunara instantly brightened at the idea.
“Anything, lord Aubreigh. State your wish.” The winged woman bowed before him. Clearly, he enjoyed the attention.
“My daughter, you see… she was taken from me nearly a year past. By kobolds, as you say. I sent a search party to find her, and I was informed that they came upon a clearing with empty cages. They found this.” He brought a worn and blood stained royal crest from under his robes. “It was hers. I fear that she is dead, and no sign of the kobolds was found. I know that ‘he’ employed them.”
“Stop with the vague references! Who are you babbling about?” The bard, clearly, had little respect for royalty, and with it little fear for punishment.
“His name is Azanna Nightfall. I do not speak it unless I must, you insolent fool… But I know these kobolds were in his employ, and I know that he desired my daughter for reasons both political and… well, I dare not think upon it. Please. To the east there is a ruined house, and inside of it an ancient portal. There are many in the area, all leading to the Venerathan Tower. I know that’s where she was taken.”
Zyrallus held up his hand. “If you know all of this, why don’t you send a few of your best men? Clearly these guards are a tougher match than the lot of us, no?”
“Assuredly, young rogue. But you have something which I do not, something that is vital to the use of these portals. Venerathan Tower, in its prime, was a mental institution of sorts, and there was but one race chosen as worthy enough to administrate such a vital citadel.” Lunara nodded, clearly understanding. “Yes, my dear. The Fallen were entrusted with opening these divine portals, and only a Fallen possesses the knowledge to reinstate their utility. Please… I will likely never meet another Fallen, let alone one so seemingly willing to offer aid.”
Lunara’s answer was already known. Azreck nodded, and Zyrallus followed his lead. Arlina shook her head in complete disgust. “You know, Arlina, I’ve never heard of a bard as morally retched as you. Aren’t you supposed to represent charisma?” She stared daggers into the rogue’s eyes.
“You lose everything, and I mean ‘everything’ you hold dear… then we’ll talk about personality.” She held the stare a moment longer before turning to Lordacious. “Rewards, I assume?”
Azreck chuckled. “The bard acts like the rogue should… what a wonderful world.” Aubreigh smiled in spite of the mood.
“Of course, dear. Many, indeed. Simply bring back anything to signify that she was taken there… proof of her life… or death. Now go, please. The trek is long, and arduous at best.” With that, three of them bowed and four of them departed. Outside, Arlina immediately opened a rebuttal. The three other growled their disapproval, but they were greeted by nothing but a raised voice.
“I have no qualms with doing this, but I say we leave tomorrow. No sense passing up an opportunity to get some sleep.”
It was decided, and so it would be.
“Okay, we’re here now. As far as I’m concerned this is as far as we travel together, but let’s hurry to the precious mayor and inform him of our little rendezvous before I make a rather glorious exit.” Arlina bowed in mock respect, nodded toward the veritable palace, and began walking again. Azreck nudged Zyrallus, looked down at the Dothrama, and smiled widely.
“She’s a rather pleasant sort, eh?” Zyrallus smiled back before proceeding. For a moment, and he knew it would only last that single instant, there was peace in his mind and heart. A gentle wind made its way through the crumbling buildings of a disheveled town, and he quite literally felt his heart rise at the feeling of it. It was, as he has predicted, almost instantly eradicated.
“Let me in! You have no busin-,”
“I have all the business I need, cur! You there! Do you know this rebellious swine?” Zyrallus saw that the royal guards were arguing with Arlina, and would have sided with them did he not need entrance. Unfortunately…
“Yes, good sir. She is a travelling companion. We are here on urgent business from Morrowshire to speak with mayor Aubreigh. If you please?” The guard looked the rogue up, then down, and then reluctantly let him pass. Lunara shot Zyrallus an approving glance, and the four walked up the marble steps before entering the meeting chamber.
It was magnificent. Stonework and masonry like none had seen, chandeliers in triplet hanging their crystal charms form the gold embossed rafters… this was the true height of royalty. At least ten plate armored guards stood in perfect unison along the crimson carpet leading to a surprisingly unpleasant man. ‘All of this for a mayor? The damn king might not have treatment like this!’ Lordacious Aubreigh sipped slowly from his wine chalice. He noticed them, but did not acknowledge.
“Good sir. We bring news of an unfortunate occurrence from the surrounding woods.” Azreck’s voice shattered the air like stained glass, and the figurative shards seemed to cut the mayor deeply. Lordacious stared at the giant without fear. He simply nodded. “Kobolds, sir. We defeated their leader after they captured us… somehow.” And then, the mayor’s stoicism wavered.
“You were kidnapped by kobolds you say? And their leader is dead? These cages, were they assembled in a small clearing?” Zyrallus nodded assent. “They are a band, you see. These kobolds once worked for a true bane to our land. A bane I thought long gone. Perhaps you can be of use, after all.”
Arlina looked entirely upset at the notion of some other quest with her three counterparts, but Lunara instantly brightened at the idea.
“Anything, lord Aubreigh. State your wish.” The winged woman bowed before him. Clearly, he enjoyed the attention.
“My daughter, you see… she was taken from me nearly a year past. By kobolds, as you say. I sent a search party to find her, and I was informed that they came upon a clearing with empty cages. They found this.” He brought a worn and blood stained royal crest from under his robes. “It was hers. I fear that she is dead, and no sign of the kobolds was found. I know that ‘he’ employed them.”
“Stop with the vague references! Who are you babbling about?” The bard, clearly, had little respect for royalty, and with it little fear for punishment.
“His name is Azanna Nightfall. I do not speak it unless I must, you insolent fool… But I know these kobolds were in his employ, and I know that he desired my daughter for reasons both political and… well, I dare not think upon it. Please. To the east there is a ruined house, and inside of it an ancient portal. There are many in the area, all leading to the Venerathan Tower. I know that’s where she was taken.”
Zyrallus held up his hand. “If you know all of this, why don’t you send a few of your best men? Clearly these guards are a tougher match than the lot of us, no?”
“Assuredly, young rogue. But you have something which I do not, something that is vital to the use of these portals. Venerathan Tower, in its prime, was a mental institution of sorts, and there was but one race chosen as worthy enough to administrate such a vital citadel.” Lunara nodded, clearly understanding. “Yes, my dear. The Fallen were entrusted with opening these divine portals, and only a Fallen possesses the knowledge to reinstate their utility. Please… I will likely never meet another Fallen, let alone one so seemingly willing to offer aid.”
Lunara’s answer was already known. Azreck nodded, and Zyrallus followed his lead. Arlina shook her head in complete disgust. “You know, Arlina, I’ve never heard of a bard as morally retched as you. Aren’t you supposed to represent charisma?” She stared daggers into the rogue’s eyes.
“You lose everything, and I mean ‘everything’ you hold dear… then we’ll talk about personality.” She held the stare a moment longer before turning to Lordacious. “Rewards, I assume?”
Azreck chuckled. “The bard acts like the rogue should… what a wonderful world.” Aubreigh smiled in spite of the mood.
“Of course, dear. Many, indeed. Simply bring back anything to signify that she was taken there… proof of her life… or death. Now go, please. The trek is long, and arduous at best.” With that, three of them bowed and four of them departed. Outside, Arlina immediately opened a rebuttal. The three other growled their disapproval, but they were greeted by nothing but a raised voice.
“I have no qualms with doing this, but I say we leave tomorrow. No sense passing up an opportunity to get some sleep.”
It was decided, and so it would be.
Top 10 Video Game Villains; # 9 Lavos
Ah, Lavos. Aliens in gaming have become rather cliché, and ones that simply exist to manifest the destruction of entire planets for their personal betterment don’t necessarily help with the matter, but there’s just something about Lavos that remains unique. I think it comes down to his motives (stealing and employing earthly DNA to manufacture an array of equally horrifying offspring) and his general disregard for life… and the fact that he’s probably seventy million years old. Overall, just an amazingly terrifying RPG villain.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
General RPG; Dice
I… Love… Dice. The randomness, the shapes, and even the colors. Something about them is just so cool, so naturally dorky yet equally inviting, that I fell in love with them the second I found out they existed. When I was a kid I’d take three random dice from the set and make my own game from them, crafting the rules and the theme depending upon the dice I’d chosen. I guess it doesn’t hurt that they play such a vital role in one of my favorite game types of all time; that of the pencil and paper RPG. And I guess that’s the real point of this post. This blog, as intended, is about RPGs. In my book, you can’t have a true RPG blog without dice, and I figured since I just got a few new ones I’d put some of my favorites on the interwebs. Hope you enjoy, and thanks for reading!
Player's Handbook 2; A D&D Review
Supplemental materials for pen and paper games have always functioned the same way as patches do for pay to play electronic RPGs; they add content and attempt to fix previous ‘bugs’ in the rules or gameplay. Unlike some, I was entirely thrilled upon reading through and playing with the three core rulebook set of 4th Edition Dungeons and Dragons. I knew that more would come in the form of extra races, classes and builds, and I was rather excited to start deciphering the direction that WotC (Wizards of the Coast) would take their new incarnation of the popular gaming franchise. It goes without saying, then, that as soon as the PHB2 (Player’s Handbook 2) hit shelves, I was one of the first to get my hands on it.
Now, I understand I’m a tad late. The second handbook has been out, if my calculations serve me, almost eight months. Still, I feel the need to write a small review concerning my feelings towards the supplemental rulebook, if only because I intend to review items later which will undoubtedly build off it.
Let us set the mood, yes? To say that I was excited about finding out the new class capabilities would be a gross understatement. Barbarians and druids? Here. Divinely driven avengers? Here. I enjoyed the core classes, but I always felt that even in their basic differences they represented a bigger picture that was homogenous. Upon reading through the second Player’s Handbook, I found myself sitting between pleasure and disappointment.
On one hand, I think WotC got a lot of stuff right. They kept the basic class delineations, (Striker, Controller etc.) and morphed them into a kind of multirole system. For example, an Avenger is a striker at heart, but depending upon your build choice he can lean very heavily towards a secondary controller. It is true that they attempted to utilize this in the first handbook, but I would argue that it wasn’t implemented as thoroughly or satisfactorily as the PHB2. Another definite plus was simply the addition of new classes and races. People had clamored that gnomes, aasimar, barbarians and bards were absent from the PHB, and WotC saw the marketing benefits to including them in the PHB2. On a final note of positive reflection, I enjoy the addition of errata to the back of most core supplemental books from Wotc. It’s always nice to have the current set of rules.
On the other hand, a few negative aspects crept their way into the final product. First, and I still think this can be listed as either a positive or negative, remains the sense of sameness between the classes. In my mind, WotC took a wonderful step forward in remedying this possible problem. The PHB2 offers players varied classes with definite differences between them. For example, a druid and invoker are both prime controller characters, but where the invoker plays like a lightning fueled commander, the druid tends to lean more towards situational leadership as she switches between beast and human form. I’m not saying that it’s a perfect system quite yet, but it’s always nice to see WotC administer some definite steps in the right direction. The only other negative is lack of a truly ‘fixed’ multiclass system. Frankly, the originally presented one was completely terrible. I’ve yet to DM a campaign with players who ever make use of it, and why would they? It basically amounts to wasting a feat that could be spent elsewhere for greater reward. I’ve heard that the PHB3 will have a new ‘hybrid’ system of multiclassing, but for now I’m not even holding my breath.
I guess in the end, if you are enjoying 4th edition and its style, go ahead and pick up the PHB2. It’s chock-full of interesting and useful additions to your D&D library, and the errata section in the back basically reconfigures the entire stealth system. The book won’t make you like 4th edition if you already hate it, but it might make you love it if you already like it. For me and others enjoying the 4e style, this one’s a definite buy.
Now, I understand I’m a tad late. The second handbook has been out, if my calculations serve me, almost eight months. Still, I feel the need to write a small review concerning my feelings towards the supplemental rulebook, if only because I intend to review items later which will undoubtedly build off it.
Let us set the mood, yes? To say that I was excited about finding out the new class capabilities would be a gross understatement. Barbarians and druids? Here. Divinely driven avengers? Here. I enjoyed the core classes, but I always felt that even in their basic differences they represented a bigger picture that was homogenous. Upon reading through the second Player’s Handbook, I found myself sitting between pleasure and disappointment.
On one hand, I think WotC got a lot of stuff right. They kept the basic class delineations, (Striker, Controller etc.) and morphed them into a kind of multirole system. For example, an Avenger is a striker at heart, but depending upon your build choice he can lean very heavily towards a secondary controller. It is true that they attempted to utilize this in the first handbook, but I would argue that it wasn’t implemented as thoroughly or satisfactorily as the PHB2. Another definite plus was simply the addition of new classes and races. People had clamored that gnomes, aasimar, barbarians and bards were absent from the PHB, and WotC saw the marketing benefits to including them in the PHB2. On a final note of positive reflection, I enjoy the addition of errata to the back of most core supplemental books from Wotc. It’s always nice to have the current set of rules.
On the other hand, a few negative aspects crept their way into the final product. First, and I still think this can be listed as either a positive or negative, remains the sense of sameness between the classes. In my mind, WotC took a wonderful step forward in remedying this possible problem. The PHB2 offers players varied classes with definite differences between them. For example, a druid and invoker are both prime controller characters, but where the invoker plays like a lightning fueled commander, the druid tends to lean more towards situational leadership as she switches between beast and human form. I’m not saying that it’s a perfect system quite yet, but it’s always nice to see WotC administer some definite steps in the right direction. The only other negative is lack of a truly ‘fixed’ multiclass system. Frankly, the originally presented one was completely terrible. I’ve yet to DM a campaign with players who ever make use of it, and why would they? It basically amounts to wasting a feat that could be spent elsewhere for greater reward. I’ve heard that the PHB3 will have a new ‘hybrid’ system of multiclassing, but for now I’m not even holding my breath.
I guess in the end, if you are enjoying 4th edition and its style, go ahead and pick up the PHB2. It’s chock-full of interesting and useful additions to your D&D library, and the errata section in the back basically reconfigures the entire stealth system. The book won’t make you like 4th edition if you already hate it, but it might make you love it if you already like it. For me and others enjoying the 4e style, this one’s a definite buy.
Top 10 Video Game Villains; # 10 SHODAN
What can I say? Mechanized demon computers bent on destruction hold a very special place in my heart. Shodan, of System Shock 1 and 2, is no exception. Anyone who has played the second installment will remember the moment where she reveals her true form to the player… and will subsequently have the nightmares return. The protagonist is forced to fight against her devious motives, all the while suffering constant belittlement from a wavering, glitch ridden voice with a god complex... Good luck with that.
(Image used from Looking Glass Technologies and Irrational Games under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 License. More information here.)
Upcoming Series; Top 10 Video Game Villains
Though this blog definitely has a more D&D driven attitude, I intend to have constant lists such as this on frequent update. I intend to release the placement, one at a time, over the course of a month. Hope you enjoy!
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