Tuesday, February 5, 2013

[Q&A] Larry Moore (BareBones Fantasy)

[19:05] <+Larry_Moore> Greetings, I'm Larry Moore, designer of BareBones Fantasy along with Bill Logan. I've been involved in the Star Frontiersman as well, so you may recognize the name from there. :-) Bill and I run DwD Studios. Thank you for the invite.
[19:05] <~Dan> (Done? :) )
[19:06] <+Larry_Moore> Today I'll field questions about BBF. (done)
[19:06] <~Dan> (Oh, sorry. :) )
[19:06] <~Dan> Would anyone like to start us off?
[19:07] <+Silverlion> Are there any plans to do SF with BB mechanics?
[19:07] <+Silverlion> That is sci fi not Star Frontiers :D
[19:07] <+Larry_Moore> I was just going to ask that. :-)
[19:08] <+Larry_Moore> Yes, right now we are polishing up BareBones Covert Ops - a spy RPG
[19:08] <+Silverlion> Awesome. What products are planned for BBF? Adventures? Settings?
[19:08] <+Larry_Moore> Then, the work we've done with Frontier Space will be converted to BareBones Frontiers Space. (Right now FS uses the full d00 System)
[19:08] <+Silverlion> I like percentile :D
[19:09] <+Larry_Moore> Currently we have a few adventures out for BBF, a few micro's and one full adventure. I have several in the queue. :-) BBF has become very popular.
[19:09] <~Dan> Larry, can you give us a high-level overview of BBF?
[19:09] <+Larry_Moore> This month we'll publish Flesh & Blood - 20 new races for BBF set in the Keranak Kingdoms but could be used in any setting.
[19:10] <+Larry_Moore> Sure Dan
[19:10] <+Larry_Moore> If I may link this: (Link: http://dwdstudios.com/barebones)http://dwdstudios.com/barebones
[19:10] <~Dan> No, you may not link that.
[19:10] <~Dan> (Just kidding. :) )
[19:10] <+Silverlion> Any pllans for a magic book to expand on powers...:D
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[19:11] <+Larry_Moore> BBF is a lite d% based game, 00-99 and is skill based. You could say classes (archetypes) make up the skills.
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[19:11] <+Larry_Moore> It's lite but full of goodness for the GM and Players to get up and running fast.
[19:12] <+Larry_Moore> Silverlion - In addition to the publication I mentioned above, we have a semi-monthly magazine called Decahedron
[19:12] <+Larry_Moore> Each issue has at least one spell, one skill, and adventure, a full map, etc.
[19:13] <+Vapor> Awesome
[19:13] <+Larry_Moore> There is a beast supplement and magic supplement on the way.
[19:13] <+Larry_Moore> Magic - would be fun. Different types of magic, optional rules. Silverlion you've sold me!
[19:13] <~Dan> :D
[19:13] <+Larry_Moore> Go download Issue 1 and come back with questions! (Link: http://www.rpgnow.com/product/109054/Decahedron-Magazine-%231)http://www.rpgnow.com/product/109054/Decahedron-Magazine-%231
[19:13] <+Larry_Moore> lol
[19:14] <~Dan> Could you expand a bit on the classes as skills? That seems to be the game's stand-out mechanic.
[19:15] <+Larry_Moore> There are 8 skills (Cleric, Enchanter, Leader, Scholar, Scout, Spellcaster, Thief, and Warrior)
[19:15] <+Larry_Moore> Each skill has 4 sub-skills that are categorical in nature.
[19:16] <+Larry_Moore> For instance, the Cleric's Blessing
[19:16] <+Larry_Moore> Can turn water holy, sanctify marriage, allow a dead soul to rest in peace, etc.
[19:17] <+Larry_Moore> Here you'll find a player aid showing each skill and sub-skills (Link: http://dwdstudios.com/node/675?viewtype=downloads)http://dwdstudios.com/node/675?viewtype=downloads
[19:18] <+Larry_Moore> Another neat feature of the game are Descriptors - Descriptors are phrases or words that describe something prominent about your character. Some are negative and some are positive
[19:19] <+Larry_Moore> When the GM dishes out DP (our version of XP) you can earn DP for role playing your descriptors
[19:19] <+Larry_Moore> The game encourages role-playing
[19:20] <+Vapor> Were you inspired by Warrior, Rogue, Mage which also uses class as skills?
[19:20] <+Larry_Moore> I was not aware of the game until I met Michael Wolf after BBF was released. (Awesome person, stargazer :-) )
[19:21] <+Vapor> Michael is awesome. Cool :D
[19:21] <+Larry_Moore> Our inspiration came form a lot of sources, some obvious and some subliminally buried in my head!
[19:21] <~Dan> :)
[19:22] <~Dan> Could you describe the core mechanic?
[19:23] <+Larry_Moore> Each ability and each skill has a Score, typically between 20 and 80 for starting characters.
[19:23] <+Larry_Moore> When making an ability or skill check, roll equal to or under.
[19:24] <+Larry_Moore> If you roll doubles under your score something beneficial happens.
[19:24] <+Larry_Moore> If you roll doubles over your score, something baneful happens
[19:25] <+Larry_Moore> You score can reach above 100
[19:25] <+Larry_Moore> So, as you get better, your score raises, so does your chance of a critical success (doubles under your score)
[19:25] <+Larry_Moore> :-)
[19:25] <~Dan> And what is the benefit to exceeding 100?
[19:26] <+Larry_Moore> Great question and one of my favorite parts
[19:26] <+Larry_Moore> The game allows characters to take any number of actions they desire (you can sill only MOV one time however). Each action after the first is at -20.
[19:26] <+Larry_Moore> For instance: if you attack, you have no penalty. If you attack and defend, you have -20 to whichever comes second.
[19:27] <+Larry_Moore> Therefore, higher Scores allow you to do epic things
[19:27] <+Larry_Moore> :-)
[19:27] <+Larry_Moore> Multiple attacks
[19:27] * ~Dan nods
[19:27] <~Dan> Do you have set levels of difficulty as well?
[19:27] <+Larry_Moore> Swing from a rope, chop at a goblin, land, sprint to the throne chair before King Goblin runs.
[19:28] <+Larry_Moore> As a player, you control your "action management".
[19:28] <+Larry_Moore> Do I attack twice, or save for a defense?
[19:29] <+Larry_Moore> (done) lol
[19:29] <+Snoof> I notice the player aid contains references to 2D and 5D - are those d6s, d10s or something else?
[19:29] <+Larry_Moore> Good question, all dice are d10's
[19:30] <+Larry_Moore> 2D+1 = 2d10 +1
[19:30] <+Larry_Moore> D00 = % roll
[19:30] <~Dan> I gather that armor reduces damage a fixed amount?
[19:31] <+Larry_Moore> Correct, armor has a rating called DR or damage reduction
[19:31] <~Dan> And on a semi-related note, does a special success cause extra damage?
[19:32] <+Larry_Moore> That is up to the GM; double damage, disarm opponent, bypass DR, etc.
[19:33] * ~Dan nods
[19:33] <+Larry_Moore> One of the joys of the game is the "add ons" - I have a friend writing an article on crit success. Gives GM's some ideas
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[19:33] <~Dan> (Welcome to #rpgnet, JW!)
[19:33] <+Larry_Moore> Speaking of my friend, JW!
[19:33] <+JW> Hey everyone!
[19:34] <~Dan> Glad to have you, JW! So you're a fan contributor?
[19:34] <+Larry_Moore> JW we've talked about the core mechanic, classes as skills, publications, dice, etc.
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[19:35] <+JW> Thanks Dan... I am a contributor in training... sort of an apprentice. Larry has been great to work with.
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[19:36] <~Dan> Ah, cool.
[19:36] <+Larry_Moore> Thanks JW! (paypal you later) hahaha
[19:36] <+JW> lol
[19:36] <~Dan> Well, feel free to chime in wherever you like. :)
[19:36] <+Larry_Moore> JW has been fun to work with, one of the joys of getting published is the people you meet.
[19:36] <+JW> Ok, will do...
[19:36] <~Dan> I was just about to ask about the mechanics for miracles and magic.
[19:37] <+Larry_Moore> Serious, games are all about interaction: playing or making - it's a fun process.
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[19:38] <+Larry_Moore> Cleric - miracles and limted
[19:38] <+JW> Publishing is great but G+ has been a godsend for my personal writing aspirations. I met Larry casually due to his long work on the Star Frontiersman.  He slyly got me involved in BBF.
[19:38] <+Larry_Moore> Spellcaster - magic
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[19:38] <+Larry_Moore> Each is a skill and has a score
[19:39] <+Larry_Moore> The magic system is categorical in nature
[19:39] <+Larry_Moore> Remember, it's BareBones, lite
[19:39] <+Larry_Moore> Few spells with lots of versatility
[19:39] <+Larry_Moore> For instance, Charm - cause target to flee, become a friend, sleep, etc.
[19:39] <+Larry_Moore> The caster describes the spell effect.
[19:40] <+Larry_Moore> The GM decides how the effect will affect the environment :-)
[19:40] <+Larry_Moore> For instance, casting Offensive Strike as a fireball might light something on fire
[19:41] <+Larry_Moore> (done_
[19:41] <~Dan> Are there any limits on what a caster can choose to do with a given spell?
[19:42] <+Larry_Moore> It varies by spell, we kept it simple or lite. If we opposed a limit it require lots of text, so we left it up to the GM to arbitrate.
[19:42] * ~Dan nods
[19:43] <+Larry_Moore> This game takes an authoritative  GM.
[19:43] <~Dan> What happens if a caster chooses an area effect with a spell?
[19:43] <+Larry_Moore> The GM is control as we like to say. He controls the story, flow and balance like the old days
[19:44] <+Larry_Moore> That's not to say we didn't define things, we left interruption to GM's in areas where it made sense. (lite system, not book heavy)
[19:45] <+Larry_Moore> AOE spells - some spells can affect multiple targets (like charm) or an area (like entangle or offensive strike).
[19:45] <+Larry_Moore> The game uses an abstract measurement we call "spaces"
[19:45] <+Larry_Moore> Player 1: How close am I to the goblin
[19:46] <+Larry_Moore> GM: You are 11 spaces away.
[19:46] <+Larry_Moore> Player 1: OK, I want to sprint and attack.
[19:46] <+Larry_Moore> (done)
[19:46] <~Dan> Interesting.
[19:47] <+Larry_Moore> If using miniatures, a space could be measured in inches, meters, or the width of a quarter.
[19:47] <+Larry_Moore> I know some ppl like to use mini's (I do)
[19:47] <+Larry_Moore> ok (done)
[19:47] <~Dan> Do you offer any guidelines on how to build specialized characters like rangers, paladins, assassins, etc.?
[19:48] <+Larry_Moore> Great question!
[19:48] <~Dan> (That's why they pay me the big bucks.)
[19:49] <+Larry_Moore> Because of the versatile nature of classes as skills it becomes obvious how to build your character concept.
[19:49] <+Larry_Moore> Ranger - Warrior, Scout (in some cases Spellcasting at higher ranks)
[19:49] <+Larry_Moore> Assassin - Warrior, Thief :-)
[19:50] <~Dan> Paladin - Warrior, Leader, Cleric?
[19:50] <+Larry_Moore> The beauty is not everyone's assassin is built the same way.
[19:51] * ~Dan nods
[19:51] <+Larry_Moore> For instance, some ppl may see an assassin as more of a warrior than a thief, you can personalize how you like to run this type of character.
[19:51] <+Larry_Moore> Dan - Paladin, that's how I would build it.
[19:51] <~Dan> (brb)
[19:51] <+Larry_Moore> How much of each is up to the player.
[19:51] <+Larry_Moore> Not up to the game designers. :-0
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[19:53] <~Dan> (back)
[19:53] <+Larry_Moore> wb :-)
[19:53] <~Dan> Do you think the game as written can handle bards, monks, or specialized spellcasters?
[19:53] <~Dan> (And thanks!)
[19:53] <~Dan> (Also, howdy, Wondy!)
[19:55] <+Larry_Moore> As written, some GM's would use it as-is, however others want to build a new skill.
[19:55] <+Larry_Moore> Bard - scholar / scout / warrior
[19:55] <+Larry_Moore> Monks - not in the game but will be in Decahedron
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[19:57] <+Larry_Moore> Spellcasters - can be created by setting. For instance some GM's want the player to write what his Offensive Strike does at level 1 (fire), when he takes level 2 he picks a new effect (lighting) - for example
[19:58] <~Dan> Hmm. So... would you use Spellcaster for a druid type?
[19:58] <+Fenring> Larry_Moore: You said the game encourage role-playing
[19:58] <+Fenring> Larry_Moore: You said the game encourage role-playing, can you tell more about it*
[19:58] <+Larry_Moore> Unlike vancian magic system where any spell you find becomes usable, in BBF have to pick what spells they know. No caster will know all the spells in the game, your choices determine the type of caster you are and lead you down one path of specialization or another.
[19:59] <~Dan> (I've got a follow-up question, but I'll let you field Fenring's question first.
[19:59] <+Larry_Moore> Druid - Scout, Spellcaster combolation and pick spells related to druidic activity. For instance, entangle - your effect would be vines. Charm - use on animals.
[20:00] <+Fenring> Dan: Thanks :D
[20:00] <+Larry_Moore> Fenring - we use Descriptors and the way we hand out DP - mentioned above. You don't get DP for killing things and taking their stuff. You get it for advancing the story, RP your character and developing your role in the story.
[20:01] <+Larry_Moore> Does that answer your question?
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[20:01] <+Larry_Moore> Of course, BBF could be played hack and slash - if that's your style. However the GM would need new guidelines for DP.
[20:02] <+Larry_Moore> (done)
[20:02] <+Fenring> Larry_Moore: yes! (I missed the DP thind)
[20:02] <~Dan> Actually, Fenring? This might be the sort of game you're looking for.
[20:03] <~Dan> Larry: Fenring is looking to be a first-time GM and expressed some concern about rules heaviness.
[20:03] <+Larry_Moore> Fenring - DP checklist to assist GM's (Link: http://dwdstudios.com/node/647?viewtype=downloads)http://dwdstudios.com/node/647?viewtype=downloads
[20:04] <~Dan> Larry: Would it be safe to say that BBF is newbie-friendly?
[20:04] <+Larry_Moore> Fenring - let's talk offline - I run weekly games on G+ and love introducing new folks. See if it's the game for you and your players.
[20:04] <+Larry_Moore> BBF - If you have an experienced GM, on page count is taken up with "how to role play", "how to get along with players", etc.
[20:04] <+Larry_Moore> s/on/no
[20:05] <~Dan> Ah, I see.
[20:05] <+Larry_Moore> An experienced Player could assist new GM's as well.
[20:05] <+Fenring> Dan: I'm not sure, it's kind of a conundrum on one hand I like realistic/simulation (say GURPS) and on the other, I like when it's flowing with a deep/complicated story :/
[20:05] <~Dan> Oh, back to my follow-up question: Is there a limit on spellcasting?
[20:05] <+Larry_Moore> The game is really easy for new players, even kids.
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[20:06] <~Dan> Fenring: Well, if you're like me, you might find a simple base mechanic to be just the thing.
[20:06] <+Larry_Moore> You can tell a deep/complicated story with BBF - the rules don't get in the way of the story.
[20:06] <~Dan> Welcome to #rpgnet, TonyR!
[20:06] <+TonyR> Thanks!
[20:06] <+Larry_Moore> This isn't a realistic simulation - the GM would rely on his experience with real-life and other games.
[20:06] <~Dan> TonyR: Here for the Q&A?
[20:06] <+TonyR> Yes!
[20:06] <+Larry_Moore> It's ment for free-flowing cinematic action.
[20:06] <+Larry_Moore> Hi TonyR :-)
[20:07] <+TonyR> I just picked up BB Fantasy and I am really digging it.
[20:07] <+Vapor> I made a character for an online game, but haven't yet got to play it.
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[20:08] <+Larry_Moore> Good to hear, have you perused the DwD forums? Lot's going on - great idea and expansions
[20:08] <+TonyR> I have been playing RPGs for 30+ years and I lean towards the 'light' systems these days...
[20:08] <+Larry_Moore> Then, you are just like us. We've come full circle. :-)
[20:09] <+AeonPhoenix> Gonna livestream some Photoshop drawing in an hour if anyone is interested
[20:09] <+Fenring> Larry_Moore: Great, I will seriously check it out and get back to you.
[20:09] <+Larry_Moore> We have kids, jobs, hobbies and when we sit down to play, by golly we want to play! lol
[20:09] <~Dan> Larry: Did you see my follow-up question re: magic?
[20:09] <+TonyR> I did have a question about Dodge/Parry/Block. I know they are all physical resistance checks, correct?
[20:09] <+Larry_Moore> Dan - I did not, would you mind re-posting?
[20:10] <~Dan> Not at all. I was just wondering what (if any) limits there are on spellcasting and miracles (casts per day, magic points, etc.).
[20:10] <+Fenring> (So it's 3AM here, I should probably go to bed :C, 'night everyone)
[20:10] <+Larry_Moore> Each spell has a usage
[20:10] <~Dan> Sleep well, Fenring!
[20:10] <+Larry_Moore> Some are 1/day per spellcaster level, while others are 1/turn.
[20:10] <+Larry_Moore> Night Fenring :-)
[20:10] <+Fenring> Dan, Larry_Moore: You too ;)
[20:10] <+Larry_Moore> :-)
[20:11] <+Larry_Moore> There isn't a pool of magic points so spell slots
[20:11] <+Larry_Moore> However, when you get to spellcasting level 6, some spells can be made permanent by spending 10 points of Strength
[20:12] <+Larry_Moore> For instance, the Transport spell - you can levitate and low levels, fly at mid-levels, blink at higher-levels and at level 6 you can create a gateway linking two places together. :-)
[20:12] <+Larry_Moore> All under the use of one spell.
[20:12] <+Larry_Moore> (done)
[20:12] <~Dan> What about miracles?
[20:13] <+Larry_Moore> The Clerics miracles are pulled from the same list as the spellcaster, however he is limited on what spells he can take.
[20:13] <~Dan> Ah, so I see....
[20:13] <~Dan> Hmm. How would you design a Cleric of a specific deity?
[20:13] <+Larry_Moore> Someone posted a game option to allow different types of clerics, simply by swapping out spells
[20:13] <~Dan> Jinx. :)
[20:14] <~Dan> How do you handle skills that aren't covered under the listed skills?
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[20:14] <+Larry_Moore> When you take a level in Cleric, you pick a spell, choose a weapon to Smite with and determine how you will role play your character. BBF has a broad-brushed setting and list a number of gods to choose from. No specific power is given to a follower.
[20:14] <+Larry_Moore> Other settings may offer such things.
[20:14] <+TonyR> Larry, is there some reason that Dodging is not specifically mentioned in the section on Combat? It seems like an awfully important option. It is mentioned in the example of play but thats about it.
[20:15] <+Larry_Moore> Dan is there a skill that is not covered? There is debate on the DwD site the game does not need any new skills, you can make anything.
[20:15] <+Larry_Moore> Did you have a specific skill in mind?
[20:15] <~Dan> Hmm. Let me look...
[20:15] <+JW> Larry, just pointing out TonyR's question..
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[20:15] <~Dan> Yup. Athletics type stuff? Jumping, for example?
[20:16] <+Larry_Moore> TonyR it's listed under the Resistance Check section and is just one way to avoid getting hit. It's also listed in the glossary and index (because it's common)
[20:16] <+TonyR> Oh ok. I just skipped right over it in my first read until I read the example of play.
[20:16] <+JW> dodging is a matter of taste... some players may like to describe their characters armor turning the blow with no harm... resistance is kind of a catchall
[20:16] <+Larry_Moore> Dan - that is handled by ability development. If you want to get better at dodging, jumping, etc. increase your characters DEX.
[20:17] <+Larry_Moore> TonyR - no problem. Lots to read in this little book :-)
[20:17] <~Dan> Gotcha.
[20:17] <~Dan> You mentioned the setting... Can you say a bit more about that?
[20:17] <+TonyR> Are you accepting submissions for adventures/modules? :)
[20:27] <+Larry_Moore> JW Excellent point. This is another reason why the game lends itself to role-playing and story telling rather than giving you maneuvers telling you how you avoided the blow
[20:28] <+Larry_Moore> TonyR All the time! We love to get material from the community.
[20:30] <+Larry_Moore> Dan - Broad brush-stroked setting with a map and a collection of high level explanations. Descriptions of the people, places, religions, and customs should invoke your imagination and lead you down a path of great storytelling for the adventures you’ll create.
[20:30] <+Larry_Moore> It's just enough to get you started, but not enough to tell you full details that restrict creativity.
[20:30] <+Larry_Moore> (done)
[20:31] <+Larry_Moore> (not done) lol
[20:31] <~Dan> On a related note, can you say a bit about the bestiary?
[20:31] <+Larry_Moore> In addition to the setting in the core BBF book...
[20:32] <+Larry_Moore> There is a Keranak Kingdoms setting book that goes into more detail and includes 4 adventure seeds. We have images of the gods as well (you can see some on the DwD site)
[20:33] <+Larry_Moore> There are 46+ creatures including a lite creature creation system.
[20:33] <+Larry_Moore> They are common to most fantasy games, each creature has a sentence and stat block.
[20:33] <+Larry_Moore> Again the details and left up to the GM's experience.
[20:34] <+Larry_Moore> Check out Decahedron #1 to see a sample creature - it has a lot more write up than in the book.
[20:34] <~Dan> (brb)
[20:34] <+Larry_Moore> Dan does that answer your question?
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[20:35] <+TonyR> Is there anything special about 'necrotic' damage?
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[20:37] <~Dan> (back)
[20:37] <+jtbullet> I have returned from antiquity
[20:37] <~Dan> It does, thanks.
[20:37] <+Larry_Moore> It's undefined in the game and relies on the GM. Think of it as flavor text.
[20:38] <~Dan> wb, jtbullet! Q&A with Larry Moore of BareBones Fantasy in progress!
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[20:38] <+Larry_Moore> TonyR in my games, it's the opposite of "radiant" damage.
[20:38] <+danbuter> your game sounds pretty cool. However, i've heard in a number of reviews that mages are basically the "i win" button.
[20:38] <+Larry_Moore> There are no good or evil PC's - the alignment system is a "moral code"
[20:39] <~Dan> Larry: Speaking of monsters, as we discussed a few days ago, your vampires are rather specific. Are any of the other monsters more specific than generic, and will the monster book expand upon such creatures?
[20:39] <+TonyR> Hmmm...interesting. I might accumulated necrotic damage cause lasting effects on the character based on a table and the amount of damage accumulated...
[20:40] <~Dan> Howdy, danbuter!
[20:40] <+danbuter> any plans on a "revised" or errata set that maybe fiddles with mage power?
[20:40] <+danbuter> hi
[20:40] <~Dan> (Question pause while Larry catches up, please.)
[20:41] <+Larry_Moore> danbuter - there have been some discussions about that, it hearkens back to D&D days where low-level caster are not as powerful as warriors companions (who control the battlefield), if the caster survives he becomes a force to be reckoned with.
[20:42] <+Larry_Moore> Caster are easily balanced by story and carefully built encounters designed to challenge them.
[20:42] <+Larry_Moore> No matter how touch Aragorn was, he couldn't take out a Balrog
[20:43] <+JW> One of the fun (IMHO) ways I have dealt with spellcasters is that critical failures "wipe" the spell from their minds for a time.  But that is just at my table... part of the flexibity of the system. I feel confident I can make that rule on the spot and not break some facet of the game.
[20:44] <+Larry_Moore> danbuter - there is some discussion on the DwD site how GM's are using house-rules in their games to manage game balance for their particular players. We encourge this !
[20:44] <+Larry_Moore> danbuter does that help?
[20:45] <+danbuter> yep
[20:45] <+Larry_Moore> Dan - yes, the creatures in the core book are specific, the upcoming supplement expands these creatures and adds a lot more.
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[20:46] <+Larry_Moore> Creature are really easy to expand.
[20:46] <~Dan> Howdy, Squide!
[20:46] <+Larry_Moore> Use the core book as a template, we made several different dragons on the web site (the core book has one dragon)
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[20:47] <~Dan> Quick note: Even though the official Q&A will wrap up in about 10 minutes, you're welcome to hang out and field questions as long as you like, Larry.
[20:47] <&Le_Squide> Heya!
[20:47] <+Larry_Moore> Thank you Dan
[20:47] <+Larry_Moore> Are there any other question on the table that I didn't' answer?
[20:47] <~Dan> Speaking of which, is there anything we haven't covered yet that you'd like to mention, Larry?
[20:47] <+danbuter> how closely does Barebones copy Star Frontiers? It seems there is no 50/50 divide for stats, for example
[20:47] <~Dan> I don't think so, re: unanswered questions.
[20:49] <+danbuter> <-- considering buying the game, but not sure yet
[20:49] <+Larry_Moore> The creation of the game was inspired by star frontiers, top secret, D&D 4e, MERP, GURPS and many more. The closest thing to SF would be the % system (d100) and the skill range of 1-6 (that's it)
[20:49] <+jtbullet> Star frontiers...my first box set
[20:49] <+Larry_Moore> jtbullet amen!
[20:49] <+Larry_Moore> :-)
[20:50] <+danbuter> I started wtih B/X and Star Frontiers and I still have them. Both are still great games.
[20:50] <+Larry_Moore> danbuter - we'll have a supplement next year that expands beyond level 6, the intention is for skills to be raised to level 10.
[20:50] <+Larry_Moore> It's reserved for those that walk the path of divinity.
[20:51] <+danbuter> demi-gods?
[20:51] <+jtbullet> It's got a good heritage then, your game. Top secret? sprechenhaltestelle
[20:51] <~Dan> Is there an option for specializing within skills, like making an archer rather than a generic warrior?
[20:52] <+jtbullet> Archer would be a penalty then, in all non archering things!
[20:52] <+Larry_Moore> In fact, our vision for the Keranak Kingdoms is that there are very few that have attained level 6 skills - these are the movers and shakers of the land, hopefully your character will be ONE of them (someday).
[20:52] <+Larry_Moore> danbuter - we have neat (top secret) system we've been kicking around for a while. Don't have all the details but I think you'll find unique
[20:53] <+Vapor> What kind of races with BB FS have?
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[20:54] <+danbuter> i suspect larry is a s....l.................o.................................w typer. haha!
[20:54] <+Larry_Moore> Vapor - the setting will be included in the core book and will be broad-brushed stroked. There will be 4 races including humans.
[20:54] <+Larry_Moore> danbuter - lol - trying to put thoughts down and sound intelligent. :-P
[20:54] <+Larry_Moore> heh
[20:54] <~Dan> :D
[20:55] <~Dan> Did you see my question about specializing, Larry?
[20:55] <+Larry_Moore> Sci-Fi isn't like Fantasy, we can't get away with elves or dwarves in space
[20:55] <+Larry_Moore> in space....
[20:55] <+danbuter> eldar and squats.
[20:55] <+JW> and ORKS
[20:55] <+Larry_Moore> Dan There is no rule that defines specialization, it's the choices you make.
[20:55] <+Vapor> Heh. I just was wondering because SF was one of the few games that I felt had aliens that worked well (it and Traveller)
[20:56] <+Larry_Moore> For an archer I would have a high DEX and a decent Warrior skill.
[20:56] <+danbuter> dralasites and yazirians are still my favorite aliens
[20:56] <~Dan> So there's no way to be better at any subskill?
[20:56] <+danbuter> maybe justhouse rule them to be +1  (or +5%) with bows?
[20:56] <+Larry_Moore> Vapor - we are trying to capture that - something feels alien but can be role-played.
[20:56] <+Vapor> I like Vrusk and Dralazites.
[20:56] <+Vapor> Indeed.
[20:57] <+danbuter> sesheyan from alternity also rocked
[20:57] <+JW> there are those that are working to expand skill options for their tables. It is a balancing act however. How much can you add before BBF stops being a lite system.
[20:57] <+Larry_Moore> Dan - the sub-skills (or aspects or whatever) are tied to the main skill.
[20:57] * ~Dan nods
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[20:57] <+Larry_Moore> The rules are the vehicle for your imagination and creativity they are NOT what define your character.
[20:58] <+danbuter> will barebones hold up in a long campaign?
[20:58] <+jtbullet> Even the Sathar were original in my mind
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[20:58] <+Larry_Moore> Imagination should be given a rocket pack and wings, not told it can't fly.
[20:58] <+Silverlion> Yeah. I want to update the SF aliens to my own "modern" design.
[20:58] <+Larry_Moore> danbuter Absolutely. It's key is the story and it has for us. :-)
[20:59] <+danbuter> a combo of sf and alternity aliens would be great. I think most of them are ogl
[20:59] <+Larry_Moore> danbuter characters advance quickly in the beginning, but then slow down dramatically.
[20:59] <+danbuter> that's what i was hoping for
[20:59] <+danbuter> get a few advances early to whet the appetitie
[20:59] <+Larry_Moore> Siverlion cool - you can't go wrong with the Star Frontiers setting.
[21:00] <+danbuter> but not so many advances that you are a superhero after 2 months
[21:01] <+Larry_Moore> Some GM's are concerned about the progression of characters, they start quick but that's intended, we believe starting level PC's should be rewarded in the fist couple of gaming sessions. If you run a long campaign your character development slows down to make the higher levels of achievement more rewarding.
[21:01] <+Larry_Moore> Ha, I sound like a salesmen - Come buy my Skill Set!
[21:01] <+Larry_Moore> hhaa
[21:01] <~Dan> :)
[21:01] <+Larry_Moore> danbuter exactly!
[21:02] <+Larry_Moore> Rapid reward hooks the player into the characters story.
[21:02] <+jtbullet> Is this game going to be licensed?
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[21:03] <+Larry_Moore> jtbullet - it's Creative Commons for the fans, do you have a specific license question?
[21:03] <+Larry_Moore> We've already had some hacks of BBF into other genres :-)
[21:04] <~Dan> Oh, before I forget, I'd like to thank Larry for coming by this evening!
[21:04] <+jtbullet> Larry_Moore: just wondering if you were allowing people to market their own scenarios etc.
[21:04] <+Silverlion> Cool. CC for non-commercial use?
[21:04] <+jtbullet> Yeah thanks Larry!
[21:05] <+Larry_Moore> Silverlion correct, non-commercial - have a blast! We even have backgrounds from the core book you can use (they have a fan generated logo)
[21:09] <+Larry_Moore> jtbullet if you want to license something you create, just talk to us. (Link: http://dwdstudios.com/contact)http://dwdstudios.com/contact
[21:09] <+Larry_Moore> We won't bite. lol
[21:10] <+jtbullet> Thanks Larry!
[21:10] <+Larry_Moore> No problem!
[21:12] <~Dan> You mentioned adding new skills?
[21:12] <+Larry_Moore> Dan - I think in the upcoming issue of Decahedron we'll have a new skill: Adept (martial artist) submitted by a fan.
[21:13] <+Silverlion> I might be interested in using it but for commercial stuff, so I'd have to talk to you.

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