It seems that you're using an outdated browser. Some things may not work as they should (or don't work at all).
We suggest you upgrade newer and better browser like: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer or Opera

×
Community
General discussion (archive)Those things that bug you a bit in RPGs(170 posts)(170 posts)
(170 posts)
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
This is my favourite topic
Posted December 22, 2013
avatar
Azilut: But what I meant more generally is that I wouldn't mind seeing a few games that reflect the kind of low-power hedge-wizardry that you actually see in folklore, rather than the flashy "I glow blue and summon a meteor from space" magic that's prevalent today. Not that there's anything wrong with summoning meteors, I'd just like some variety is all. :)
I recall encountering at some point some thoughts on how to run a Conan themed setting, with magic being rare and powerful, and almost always corrupting and evil. I don't recall where I had seen it, and best thing Google returns is the recent rules by Mongoose Publishing, though not sure how well it will work. I will have to go digging to find my Conan archive again, since I think the ruleset was from the 80s or 90s at the latest. Not sure how Age of Conan implements magic, but assuming you get a solid group, it could be an interesting P&P session.
Posted December 22, 2013
avatar
monkeydelarge: Why? Weeks of preparation, so your enemies go without milk and cheese for some time?
avatar
Azilut: If you're an impoverished peasant living in ancient times with no social safety net, and your family's survival is dependent on the output of your dairy cows, then sick animals are a big dieal. Even if you can survive it, you might still end up having to sell a few of your children into indentured slavery.

But what I meant more generally is that I wouldn't mind seeing a few games that reflect the kind of low-power hedge-wizardry that you actually see in folklore, rather than the flashy "I glow blue and summon a meteor from space" magic that's prevalent today. Not that there's anything wrong with summoning meteors, I'd just like some variety is all. :)
Hehehe, your mind is capable of much evil but also keep in mind, not everyone was a peasant. :) But yeah, your magic would definitely cause much suffering to a peasant. I understand you though. That it would be nice to have games out there that include magic, that is more realistic than Harry Potter or Final Fantasy stuff. ;) Magic, involving gathering herbs, animals to sacrifice, lighting candles and waiting. No fireball but the victim of your magic will wish a fireball hit him.
Post edited December 22, 2013 by monkeydelarge
Posted December 22, 2013
avatar
JMich: I recall encountering at some point some thoughts on how to run a Conan themed setting, with magic being rare and powerful, and almost always corrupting and evil. I don't recall where I had seen it, and best thing Google returns is the recent rules by Mongoose Publishing, though not sure how well it will work. I will have to go digging to find my Conan archive again, since I think the ruleset was from the 80s or 90s at the latest. Not sure how Age of Conan implements magic, but assuming you get a solid group, it could be an interesting P&P session.
Yeah, I really like low-fantasy settings like Conan where magic isn't a part of everyday life, and is treated as some seriously scary sh*t when it turns up. (At least, that's how classic Conan treated it - no idea what the setting has morphed into these days.) Another good series for that is Bernard Cornwell's "Arthur" trilogy, where it's never even clear whether the druids are actually doing anything supernatural at all, or are just making effective use of people's superstitions.
Posted December 22, 2013
avatar
JMich: I recall encountering at some point some thoughts on how to run a Conan themed setting, with magic being rare and powerful, and almost always corrupting and evil. I don't recall where I had seen it, and best thing Google returns is the recent rules by Mongoose Publishing, though not sure how well it will work. I will have to go digging to find my Conan archive again, since I think the ruleset was from the 80s or 90s at the latest. Not sure how Age of Conan implements magic, but assuming you get a solid group, it could be an interesting P&P session.
avatar
Azilut: Yeah, I really like low-fantasy settings like Conan where magic isn't a part of everyday life, and is treated as some seriously scary sh*t when it turns up. (At least, that's how classic Conan treated it - no idea what the setting has morphed into these days.) Another good series for that is Bernard Cornwell's "Arthur" trilogy, where it's never even clear whether the druids are actually doing anything supernatural at all, or are just making effective use of people's superstitions.
I like what you like too from Conan. Magic should be rare. Something that only a few mortals know. And then when people encounter it, they are very afraid. It bothers me that in many RPGs, 1 out of 3 people know magic. HI! MY NAME IS BOB THE MAGE! HI! MY NAME IS JOHN THE MAGE! Every 10 minutes, you run into a mage...
Post edited December 22, 2013 by monkeydelarge
Posted December 22, 2013
Here are two things that bug me:

1. Quests where you have to guide some witless NPC to another location, whilst avoiding enemies.

You: "Okay, let's move out. Stick close to me, move quietly, and keep an eye out for enemies."
NPC: "Oooh! I'm gonna run out of your field of vision, stand where that monstrosity is, and scream for help while it whittles away my life."
You: <facepalm>

2. Those greedy shopkeepers that insist on selling you items at inflated prices when everyone knows you're trying to save the world.

Merchant: "So I understand that you and your world-weary traveling companions are on a quest to slay the Dark Being Whose Name is Too Long to Pronounce, thus freeing our world from the oppressive forces of evil."
You: "Yep. We're gonna need all the help we can get..."
Merchant: "Great! That health potion is gonna cost you 1,000 gold pieces."
You: "What?! It cost just 200 in the previous town!!"
Merchant: "Right, but you can't go back there now, can you?"
You: "But we're saving the WORLD!!"
Merchant: "Yes you are. So. 1,000 gold pieces."
You: <facepalm>
Post edited December 22, 2013 by willyum
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
This is my favourite topic
Community
General discussion (archive)Those things that bug you a bit in RPGs(170 posts)(170 posts)
(170 posts)