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open-hearth-rpg · 11 months ago

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Ludography: Great RPG Mechanics #RPGMechanics: Week Nine

Continuing on with this week of meta-elements, I want to talk about ttrpgs and history. In the 21st Century, Old School Renaissance games would focus on the "Appendix N." As Dungeon Crawl Classics tells it, “Appendix N is the list of books that inspired Gary Gygax to create D&D. This bibliography first appeared as an appendix in the AD&D Dungeon Master’s Guide—specifically, Appendix N—which is why the list is known by that name...The books in Appendix N are a who’s-who of classic fantasy, sci-fi, and sword-and-sorcery fiction.” See this Goodman Games page here.

That’s a useful read for non-game sources. These dtories show where Gygax got the inspiration which helped him reshape the material he and Arneson had developed. If you want to bore down to the absolute specifics, Jon Peterson’s Playing at the World, hunts down many of the specific fictional sources and how they impacted design choices and art.

Peterson’s work is a real ludography, pulling together the various game design streams existing at the time and showing how they provided a foundation for what would become role-playing games. He analyzes the importance of Kriegspiel, play-by-post Diplomacy, and more to the community which would eventually arise. Is it useful for playing D&D (and its descendants)? Probably not unless you’re fetishizing originalism in ttrpg play.

But when I’m looking through a game, I appreciate when the designer spends time talking about their game sources. A bibliography is great– telling me the movies, comics, and novels which inspired the game helps. It helps center me on what the designer feels is the tone and genre we’re going to be engaging in. I can read the rules through the lens of those tropes– and I can often find something new to read. Sometimes it will tell me that a game isn’t really for me– or that the expectation set by the blurb isn’t quite what the game actually aims for.

But a ludography, a list of games (ttrpg and otherwise), is also really interesting to me. By this point there’s a huge body of work out there– some of it completely vanished. I appreciate these kinds of lists for three reasons. First, seeing what kinds of games the designer feels have operated in similar spaces. A game which cites Monster of the Week and Buffy: The Roleplaying Game, but not Hunter the Reckoning tells me something about the expected play.

Second, it can offer an acknowledgment of other games. If your rpg is about vampiric lives, power-plays, and coteries, ignoring the legacy of Vampire & World of Darkness feels a little disingenuous and a 1990s/2000s. By that I mean the host of copycat games where designers would deny any inspiration or influence from earlier rpgs. It was weird but I remember it happening more times than I would have expected. I also like this citation better than bashing other games (something we see less of these days in blurb text).

Third, it can give me a sense of the mechanical evolution of your game. It shows what kinds of systems it might draw on or the designer might have seen. That’s particularly useful for games building on a core system like Powered by the Apocalypse or Forged in the Dark. That can offer some context for the system choices. The “Gratitude” page at the back of Apocalypse Keys does a dynamite job of this. Though I can’t find it right now, Marshall Miller for a long time was doing meta-work with this– asking PbtA designers about their sources and inspirations. The +1 Forward Podcast also made this a cornerstone of their work.

But there’s another kind of tangential ludography I want to talk about, more important to me than these earlier forms. The “what’s different?” entry in ttrpg books. If I’m reading a second, revised, accelerated, or whatever version of a game: tell me what has changed. Reference the earlier game and talk about the design choices you’ve made. If it is just about adding in lore or expanding the timeline, that’s fine. But tell me so I’m not hunting through for the mechanical differences. Clearly the designer and/or publisher had some reasons for needing a new edition. They should be proud of those– and make clear how substantial they are. And if it is just a 1.5 with some errata corrections, they should be willing to say that. Buyers shouldn't feel like they’ve been tricked. Honestly when I see a new edition or version, this is the first thing I look for.

The other version of “what’s different?” comes from games working with an established system or OGL. If you are writing a PbtA or FitD game, it's super helpful to me as a reader if you tell me how your version of the system varies from the “core” or at least the typical version. This doesn’t have to be exhaustive, but I think it is important. If your game doesn’t have stats, does away with stress, inverts the rolling, etc. If I’m coming in with some system expectations from having played these kinds of games before, what should I be looking out for? I put two pages talking about this early on in Hearts of Wulin. Again, it is something I look for when I’m checking out new games.

(h/t to Evan Torner who has talked about the importance of ludographies before).

#ttrpg #rpg #rpg mechanics

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curseofsebs · 6 years ago

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The Story of a Jaunt Through Innistrad #1

The ‘Jaunters’ came together at the Kessig border at the beginning of New Moon, Inquisitors Ernt Förstemann (Haunted One/ Inquisitor Fighter) and Hjördís (Archaeologist/ Inquisitor Rogue) arriving together from working in Gavony, while Absjorn Agnarr (Hermit Druid) and Eckhat Reinhardt (Sea Merchant Alchemist) arrived together, as the latter met the former in Kessig, having travelled from the Nephalian coast.

Together they arrived at the border town of Trostad and were soon tasked with defending the townsfolk from three large spiders that had left their homes in the Kessig woodlands to feed. A combination of crack shots, deft cuts, green-mana infused magic and a steady rain of alchemical bombs left the arachnids a smoking ruin of limbs and ichor.

The owners of The Silent Graf Inn, Štefan and Yana Kohout, overjoyed that the spiders never made it to them and their mischievous adolescent sons, Pavlo and Olek, gave the party free drinks, lodgings and a skin of quality Wayward Wolf ale to take with them.

During the revelry, amid backslappings and pipe smoke, the Kahout boys, who had previously been pestering Eckhat to see his other wares, cornered the Alchemist, furtively asking for a love potion. Bing a man of somewhat questionable morality, having a history of dealings in the Erdwal with the criminal classes of Nephalia, he agreed and quickly knocked up a pale pink looking liquid with a faint aroma of rosewater. Adding a dirty cork to a glass tube, he handed the concoction to the older boy, pocketing the few moons for his troubles. Ignorant of the target of their affections he told them to get the potion as close to their paramour’s face for the greatest effect, chuckling maliciously to himself that, while the contents of the vial might be somewhat effective, it could also create an irritation or even a nasty burn. Oh well that’s the joys of experimentation after all.

The boys rushed inside eagerly, Pavlo pulling a roughly-made catapult from his britches. It was only when Eckhart entered to see the young lad aiming the sling, loaded with the glass vial, one eye shut and tongue bitten in concentration, squarely at Hjördís’ head that he knew he was in trouble. He snatched wildly at the test tube that tumbled and smashed on the hardwood floor, a reek of sour rose petals pervading the bar.

Coming back from the bar with another foaming round, Hjördís spotted this bizarre scene through the mist of Absjorn’s pipe smoke and gave chase to the two boys, sending them running in fear from the spry Inquisitor. Reactions honed over the years, alerted Ernst to his fellow Inquisitor’s run, and in moments the old pistol he had been cleaning so diligently was locked and in his hand. He had no idea what she was after, but he was ready to have her back, wincing slightly as his aging frame made slight protest, but still sprang into action.

Outside, Hjördís drew her twin rapiers bellowing menacingly at the two boys as the disappeared into the distance, which soon fell to laughing as she saw Ernst scanning the horizon for danger down his gunsights.

Inside Asbjorn continued to bask in a job well done, drinking and smoking contently, while Eckhart was chagrin and still doing his best to clean up the mess, as the Inquisitor’s reinterred, Hjördís flashing a warning look at the Alchemist.

Leaving the excitement of Trosdat behind them, the Jaunters set off deeper into Gavony towards Estwald.

The sun is high in the sky as you make good time across the rocky scrubland of the moorlands. A great flapping of wings above draws your attention, with a mixed rush of fear of large bird of prey or even the wondrous sight of a griffin...but the sight is as breath-taking in its beauty and surprise: three angels fly in formation, the sunlight seeming to absorb and radiate from them, their hair and garments trail in the breeze like spun gold and silver.

This miraculous and wondrous sight fills you with a celestial radiance. Your eyes widen in awe and you feel a broad smile tugging at the corners of your mouth. You feel refreshed in spite of the hours of brisk travel you have put in and you feel a spryness to your step.

Feeling inspired and blessed by the wondrous sight above that was surely the reason they managed to cross the Moorlands without incident, a miracle in and of itself, they arrived in Wittal Parish. The redolent smell of pine wafting on the later afternoon breeze, as the immense trees grew thicker and taller before them, and the floor became a carpet of immense needles.

As they admired the great canopy of trees, Asbjorn feeling in his element with the raw green mana radiating from the forest, a great squealing rang out from the path ahead. The party quickly fell into formation with the Inquisitors taking point on either side of the path. Three large shapes appeared ahead of them, preceded by a fetid stink that only grew worse as they approached. These shapes resolved into huge boars, screeching and fighting each other over the corpse of a large wolf.

The battle, if such a one-sided encounter could ever be call so, was over in less than a minute, as the Jaunters worked as one to put down the beasts. The three boars fell in a filthy heap, as the Inquisitors moved in unison, as they had for many years on the road. Responding to the echoing retort of Ernst’s pistol, two more boars tore from the woods at Asbjorn and Eckhart, who quickly dispatched them, another shot ringing out, while blades, vials and spells flew. The pack lay dead, without even given the chance to bring their wicked, filthy tusks to bare.

Hjördís, having some ecumenical differences to the standard Avacynian doctrine, performed the rites to give their spirits the Blessed Sleep, after she, Asbjorn and Ernst heaved the heavy, rotten carcasses off the path, while Eckhart did his best to look busy. She also claimed a few of the disgusting, splintered tusks, before the smell became too much for her.

The road ahead was clear, giving Asbjorn and Eckhart time to peruse the hedgerows for ingredients, while Hjördís watched on with interest and discussed the finer points of pipeweed with the Druid.

After a time, they came across a scene of destruction, a shredded tent, upturned cart still just about attached to a dead horse with deep gashes torn into its hide and neck, and bloody, scuffed trails. Before they could investigate, Hjördís blundered into a hunting trap that bit wickedly into her leg, and even deeper when Ernst failed to lock it in place and it sprang back savagely.

Absjorn tended to her wounds, while Ernst and Eckhart investigated the scene. The Nephalian discovering a ruined bedroll, half-full battered flask of strong smelling pine needle alcohol, and shreds of a bloodstained letter: ...careful my love, stay close to the towns and do not wander...angels watch over... Love, Helga, in the ravaged tent, while the older of the Kessigers found spilled logs of sweet smelling pine, a torn backpack with its contents spilled among the weeds and wood and an old hand axe in need of sharpening.

For the map of this encounter I used Road Encounter by the incredible Elven Tower

After collecting all three of the hunting traps dotted about the camp, the party followed bloody drag marks into the trees to discover a small silver Avacynian charm among shredded leather straps and a severed arm still clutching a honed and bloody axe. The bloody trail lead further into the woods, before the foliage swallowed it, so tracking was useless. Again, Hjördís performed the funeral rites for an unconventional departed.

Together they finally made it to the wooden palisades of the village of Estwald as the setting sun turned the sky the colour of fresh blood.

(So this is where I messed up and had a very cringey sexist moment at the gates that I addressed here. We replayed the scene below on our I character discussion channel on the campaign Discord)

Estwald Gate late even, New Moon

The party approach the wooden palisades that surround the village of Estwald, a silver spire can be seen reaching into the darkening sky, seeming to glitter in the moonlight, towering above the surrounding pine forest and those treetops seen, entwining roofs and chimneys.

Carl Evening. You looking for lodgings? Try the Hirsute Hare...

Wolfhard: Sorry Inquisitors, he's green as grass and wouldn't know a toad from the Gitrog -- This is Inquisitors Förstemann an Hjördís (Tips hat), they've been through this way many times in the past. They’re from the wilds of Kessig, but it never claimed them, eh? If it did, the finest Thraben Cathar training would have seen to that, ha ha. (Wistful) Something we could only dream of...

Always good to see representatives of the church in these difficult times (looks very awkward and catches himself, Younger Guard looks quizzically at him), blessing of Avacyn. I just mean with the sad passing of Ser Thomas. Not many Cathars get to retire... (more composed) so he's lucky to have spent his twilight years as our marshal and head of our watch. Now I pray he rests in Avacyn's embrace in the Blessed Sleep.

Anyways, you and your companions are always welcome in Estwald, sunlit days and pleasant nights. (makes to usher you in)

Hjördís: (place my hand on his shoulder as I walk up to him) Thank you for the warm welcome Wolfhard, as always. I had not heard of Ser Thomas's passing. My condolences to the family and town. Was it a peaceful end? Did he find the blessed sleep?

Ernst: I initially tip my hat back at the old guard but upon hearing of Ser Thomas passing i remove it. "I'm sorry to hear of Ser Thomas passing, he was a good man"

Wolfhard: That he was. Your kind words are greatly appreciated. He will be missed by all. Go easy on Elder Beckett, old Tomstel is putting on a brave face, but Thomas' passing has been hard on the man. Moonsage Daragor has performed the rites, so I am sure he has been seen to the blessed sleep, Avacyn rest his soul. Well, as my old mother used to say, let moss grow over gargoyles. (makes the sign of Avacyn)

Ernst: As you wish, we will go easy.

Wolfhard: Appreciated (Tips hat) Good eve.

Ernst: (tips hat) evening.

Hjördís: (also tips hat) Farewell. (To the group but more so Ernst) we go should pay our respects whilst we are here.

Ernst: I nod in response, "we should also offer any help we can to Elder Beckett"

Hjördís: Agreed.

(For the map of Estwald I used Walled Town by the incredible Elven Tower)

The Jaunters head straight for the tavern, The Hirsute Hare, passing a small market consisting of a jeweler, cooper, butcher, vegetable and dairy stalls that is winding down for the day.

Inside the Hirsute Hare, they meet the owner, Sagh, a burly Kessiger, and around their lodgings, before heading back out to peruse the wares being packed away, while Eckhart decides to start drinking in earnest. Thinking he is a master of all substances, the Alchemist fails to heed the warnings about how strong the distilled pine alcohol is, feeling remarkably well after the first round of shots, although with the second his body betrays him, wrenching his rations from him forcibly, before all goes dark.

The others return to find a not too impressed Sagh wielding mop and bucket, indicating she carried their companion to his room and that he might not feel so great upon the morrow. Making their apologies, the rest take to bed.

***

In the morning the Jaunters hear a great racket downstairs. A young woman has run into the tavern wailing, ‘my daughter!’, amid great wracking sobs, ‘They’ve taken my daughter!’.

(So that’s where session #1 finished)

Art: Spider Token by Daniel Llunggren, Plains by Eytan Zana, Angels in the Sky, Forst by James Paick, Festerhide Boar by Nils Hamm, game Trail by Adam Paquette)

Check out Elven Tower on Patreon for an incredible array of maps for every situation.

Good hunting and happy gaming! :)

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