Written by Dane Train on 15.01.2009 at 17:32

Written by Slayer666 on 15.01.2009 at 11:58

Did anyone play Vampire : The Masquerade-Bloodlines?

Is that a Computer Game? I know of the table top RPG's from White Wolf Vampire: The Requiem which used to be called "The Masquerade.

Yes, the one I mentioned is a Computer Game. There is also a Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption (they say this one is pretty crapy, though). There are plenty of Pen and Paper games that have that setting from White Wolf. Man, the game really kicks ass!

Written by Slayer666 on 15.01.2009 at 18:36

Yes, the one I mentioned is a Computer Game. There is also a Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption (they say this one is pretty crapy, though). There are plenty of Pen and Paper games that have that setting from White Wolf. Man, the game really kicks ass!

I really like the White Wolf Games. I've Played Vampire, Werewolf, Scion, Icon and Mage.

Written by Dane Train on 15.01.2009 at 18:48

Written by Slayer666 on 15.01.2009 at 18:36

Yes, the one I mentioned is a Computer Game. There is also a Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption (they say this one is pretty crapy, though). There are plenty of Pen and Paper games that have that setting from White Wolf. Man, the game really kicks ass!

I really like the White Wolf Games. I've Played Vampire, Werewolf, Scion, Icon and Mage.

Well, than, you sure as hell would want to get this one. I'm a gamer with a reaaaaly long career, and played God-knows how many games, but this one I enjoyed the most. While I am aware that I played games that are actually better, this one remains #1 on my list, and will for a long time.

Written by BitterCOld on 13.06.2006 at 02:58

I still play actual "pen and paper" D&D once a week with some friends that involves actual role playing to coincide with the 'hack and slash' aspect of the game - character development occurs more than just on your stats or what gear you carry.

Role Playing should be about immersing yourself in a character and, basically, acting. Behaving as how that individual would, making moral choices based more on their character than your own personal opinions, etc.

Sorry, I know its a fucking old quote, but its the first one I found not referring to video games. When it comes to the character immersion and such I found the World Of Darkness RPGs much better than D&D. D&D just seems so rigid and bland in comparison, based more off of rules and guidelines, whereas the WoD games are based off a far simpler system but with more character background and storyline coming into play.

Anyways, the store I work at sells quite a few RPG books, and you wouldn't believe the crap I've come across on the shelves, like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles RPG. Made me laugh.

If you are looking for really good rpgs your not going to find everywhere else, I'd highly recommend going to www.indiepressrevolution.com

Written by Doc G. on 22.01.2009 at 23:11


Sorry, I know its a fucking old quote, but its the first one I found not referring to video games. When it comes to the character immersion and such I found the World Of Darkness RPGs much better than D&D. D&D just seems so rigid and bland in comparison, based more off of rules and guidelines, whereas the WoD games are based off a far simpler system but with more character background and storyline coming into play.

Anyways, the store I work at sells quite a few RPG books, and you wouldn't believe the crap I've come across on the shelves, like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles RPG. Made me laugh.

If you are looking for really good rpgs your not going to find everywhere else, I'd highly recommend going to www.indiepressrevolution.com

i used to play TMNT 20 years ago. was a lot of fun. keep in mind hte original comic (and thus premise of the game) was considerably more dark than the TV Cartoon which then spawned the cheesy movies.

systems can help or hinder the immersion factor - i've played Shadowrun, Palladium (who do a fantasy environment game as well as TMNT), D&D/Wizards of the Coast, and GURPS - but it's ultimately up to the GM and who you game with.

the current GM i game with gives us a lot of latitude in regards to character creation - you come to him with a solid concept he'll work with you to make it work.

aside from that, the machanics are, for the most part, were fairly even (although Shadowrun was a pain in the ass) ... ultimately it's all up to the GM and the other players.

GM to set up the story, challenge the players, and hte players to 'bring their characters to life.'

Written by BitterCOld on 22.01.2009 at 23:34

GM to set up the story, challenge the players, and hte players to 'bring their characters to life.'

That is what I am all about when I GM. Story and character development have always been my focus. I just started running a Forgotten Realms campaign and each player before joining needs to have a fully developed character; I am talking at least a 4 page bio of the character. We game ever other week so that gives me plenty of time to develop each session.

Written by Dane Train on 23.01.2009 at 03:47

Written by BitterCOld on 22.01.2009 at 23:34

GM to set up the story, challenge the players, and hte players to 'bring their characters to life.'

That is what I am all about when I GM. Story and character development have always been my focus. I just started running a Forgotten Realms campaign and each player before joining needs to have a fully developed character; I am talking at least a 4 page bio of the character. We game ever other week so that gives me plenty of time to develop each session.

i joined a pre-existing campaign which has had some gamer attrition. we run multiple characters now.

my first - your basic tank/fighter/brick/whatever your slag term for warrior - and lead a mercenary squad. not too terribly much of a specific backstory was laid out... i was of significant enough level to qualify as a "Lord" so i had a mercenary stronghold in some territory which functioned as a dmz/buffer zone. the campaign world had prior to my arrival as a PC a prolonged war which pitted several nations against one another, so my character's vague background enabled us to move forward with the premise that i had played with and against all sides on whatever deals worked best... thus laying down potential friends, enemies and frenemies in each of the regions.

my second was constructed around abilities first- the player covering the rogue/thief role done and got his PhD and landed a job across country - so i created my concept, which the GM improved drastically upon. this character intentionally had no particularly established backstory. it was established where i was and that i was basically functioning as a spy... ferreting out info here, conducting missions there. the total ambiguity allows the GM the option of getting creative when needed. but seeing as the campaign was several years old before my arrival, they have more enemies than the X-Men, so it's not like we needed to add too much more intrigue.

the thingabout the GM is he's good enough that a primarily hack-n-slash gamer like me enjoys playing even though we might only get into some form of physical conflict once every three gaming sessions. the rest is all role play, politics, intrigue, development. it's more like being an ambassador than a soldier in terms of crisis and conflict management.

Written by BitterCOld on 23.01.2009 at 05:43

i joined a pre-existing campaign which has had some gamer attrition. we run multiple characters now.

my first - your basic tank/fighter/brick/whatever your slag term for warrior - and lead a mercenary squad. not too terribly much of a specific backstory was laid out... i was of significant enough level to qualify as a "Lord" so i had a mercenary stronghold in some territory which functioned as a dmz/buffer zone. the campaign world had prior to my arrival as a PC a prolonged war which pitted several nations against one another, so my character's vague background enabled us to move forward with the premise that i had played with and against all sides on whatever deals worked best... thus laying down potential friends, enemies and frenemies in each of the regions.

my second was constructed around abilities first- the player covering the rogue/thief role done and got his PhD and landed a job across country - so i created my concept, which the GM improved drastically upon. this character intentionally had no particularly established backstory. it was established where i was and that i was basically functioning as a spy... ferreting out info here, conducting missions there. the total ambiguity allows the GM the option of getting creative when needed. but seeing as the campaign was several years old before my arrival, they have more enemies than the X-Men, so it's not like we needed to add too much more intrigue.

the thingabout the GM is he's good enough that a primarily hack-n-slash gamer like me enjoys playing even though we might only get into some form of physical conflict once every three gaming sessions. the rest is all role play, politics, intrigue, development. it's more like being an ambassador than a soldier in terms of crisis and conflict management.

How is it playing two characters? I have never done that before. Oh yeah, we do have a Dungeons & Dragons thread.

Written by Dane Train on 23.01.2009 at 17:11


How is it playing two characters? I have never done that before. Oh yeah, we do have a Dungeons & Dragons thread.

we've seen the group whittled from five or six people playing pc's down to two, so running multiple characters is almost vital to retain group flexibility. it also enables the GM to keep each of us involved and active at times when the party separates. we've actually run as many as three each before.

running multiple pc's is not particularly hard so long as you've developed the character and personality of each. it's basically like being an actor switching between roles. it's not so much about a concrete background or anything - as above my two active characters go from a slightly nebulous to a completely nebulous backstory - and is more about developed motivations and personalities.

i will say i did have a third with a good back story, but i had some personal issues playing a shamanistic healer... it's very easy for me to slip into the mindsight of the short-tempered warrior. my friends have joked in the past that i have a "manic aggressive" personality. it's also easy to slip into the mindset of the rogue/spy type character who analyzes situations almost clinically and rationally - and reacts accordingly.

it was not easy for me to pay the religious healer (or even smiter when he had such abilities) simply because that mindset is foreign. made it much more difficult to slip into character. furthered by the fact he was basically this world's equivalent of Nubian. ultimately the abilities fit what the group needed but the role was too challenging for me to pull off.

said character has basically been removed from the campaign, sacrificing himself (along with three other significant recurring NPCs making similar sacrifices) to foil the plans of a significant enemy.

Written by BitterCOld on 22.01.2009 at 23:34

Written by Doc G. on 22.01.2009 at 23:11


Sorry, I know its a fucking old quote, but its the first one I found not referring to video games. When it comes to the character immersion and such I found the World Of Darkness RPGs much better than D&D. D&D just seems so rigid and bland in comparison, based more off of rules and guidelines, whereas the WoD games are based off a far simpler system but with more character background and storyline coming into play.

systems can help or hinder the immersion factor - i've played Shadowrun, Palladium (who do a fantasy environment game as well as TMNT), D&D/Wizards of the Coast, and GURPS - but it's ultimately up to the GM and who you game with.

I second that, most of all because two of the best-ever cmpaigns I've played were with D&D (3rd).
I mastered the first one, I wrote the first stuff when I was really in deep depression, and the campaign was emotionnaly really intense, both for me and my players who enjoyed it very, very much.
The scond one is a campaign that started in 2000, that we continue playing (the average is 4-6 times a year), and still pester our DM as soon as he comes home.

So, the D&D system might be bland and/or boring (and I sometimes agree), but the immersion really depends on the mood around the table. The GM is mainly responsble for this, sure, but the players much follow too.

Written by Dane Train on 23.01.2009 at 03:47

That is what I am all about when I GM. Story and character development have always been my focus. I just started running a Forgotten Realms campaign and each player before joining needs to have a fully developed character; I am talking at least a 4 page bio of the character. We game ever other week so that gives me plenty of time to develop each session.

Which edition of the Realms?

Written by BitterCOld on 23.01.2009 at 05:43

the thingabout the GM is he's good enough that a primarily hack-n-slash gamer like me enjoys playing even though we might only get into some form of physical conflict once every three gaming sessions. the rest is all role play, politics, intrigue, development. it's more like being an ambassador than a soldier in terms of crisis and conflict management.

This reminds me a bit of what a Game Of Thrones or Black Company campaign could look like. Is it so?

Written by Darkside Momo on 23.01.2009 at 19:23

Which edition of the Realms?

4th edition. I have the Campaign guide and Players guide for FR. Both are amazing books. I currently have every 4E book except for the new Open Grave book.

Written by Dane Train on 23.01.2009 at 19:34

Written by Darkside Momo on 23.01.2009 at 19:23

Which edition of the Realms?

4th edition. I have the Campaign guide and Players guide for FR. Both are amazing books. I currently have every 4E book except for the new Open Grave book.

Ouch.
Ah, ah, ah, being an old fan of the Realms (since 1995, second edition), I was horribly disappointed at what they did with one of my favourite worlds.
However, if one considers it as a totally different game world, it might be interesting.

Written by Darkside Momo on 23.01.2009 at 19:36

Ouch.
Ah, ah, ah, being an old fan of the Realms (since 1995, second edition), I was horribly disappointed at what they did with one of my favourite worlds.
However, if one considers it as a totally different game world, it might be interesting.

This is actually my first time getting into Realms, so I am not sure how it stacks up to the old material.

Written by Dane Train on 23.01.2009 at 19:45

Written by Darkside Momo on 23.01.2009 at 19:36

Ouch.
Ah, ah, ah, being an old fan of the Realms (since 1995, second edition), I was horribly disappointed at what they did with one of my favourite worlds.
However, if one considers it as a totally different game world, it might be interesting.

This is actually my first time getting into Realms, so I am not sure how it stacks up to the old material.

saying REALLY badly is an understatement in my eyes.
Well, from 1st to 3rd editions, the storyline evolved regularly (but not always logically), ech author expanding on what has been done before. There have been a few upheavels in 'play time', like the Avatar Crisis (1358 DR), the return of the City of Shade, and others... But it was always at least remotely logical in th world.
Now, fourth edition brings in a parralel plane that we never, ever heard about (and the cosmology of the Realms was pretty well detailed, even considering the changes between 2nd and 3rd eds), and it mixes with Toril seemingly just because they couldn't wreak more havoc otherwise. A number of good plots are therefore abandonned (some bad ones too), just to make 'something different'.

Well, I hope I've been clear, because I sure am in an angry-old-schooler-ranting mode.

Sure, as always, the universe if what you meke of it, but the fan that I was just couldn't stomach this senseless apocalypse...

Written by Darkside Momo on 23.01.2009 at 19:54

saying REALLY badly is an understatement in my eyes.
Well, from 1st to 3rd editions, the storyline evolved regularly (but not always logically), ech author expanding on what has been done before. There have been a few upheavels in 'play time', like the Avatar Crisis (1358 DR), the return of the City of Shade, and others... But it was always at least remotely logical in th world.
Now, fourth edition brings in a parralel plane that we never, ever heard about (and the cosmology of the Realms was pretty well detailed, even considering the changes between 2nd and 3rd eds), and it mixes with Toril seemingly just because they couldn't wreak more havoc otherwise. A number of good plots are therefore abandonned (some bad ones too), just to make 'something different'.

Well, I hope I've been clear, because I sure am in an angry-old-schooler-ranting mode.

Sure, as always, the universe if what you meke of it, but the fan that I was just couldn't stomach this senseless apocalypse...

Thanks for the info. I will be totally honest, I need help with this game. Since no one playing has any knowledge of the world, it could work well, or fall apart. If you have any advise for story ideas, places to see, things to do, etc. that you would be willing to pass on I would be so grateful.

Written by Dane Train on 23.01.2009 at 19:56

Thanks for the info. I will be totally honest, I need help with this game. Since no one playing has any knowledge of the world, it could work well, or fall apart. If you have any advise for story ideas, places to see, things to do, etc. that you would be willing to pass on I would be so grateful.

There are (or were) so many in the Realms that you might want to be more specific with your request... What are you searching for? I mean, Do you want dungeons idea (for what : monsters, old empires...), what type of places (wild, cities, inns...), and so on! What do you prefer to master? Hack'n slash or conspiracies? And so on...

Written by Darkside Momo on 23.01.2009 at 19:59

There are (or were) so many in the Realms that you might want to be more specific with your request... What are you searching for? I mean, Do you want dungeons idea (for what : monsters, old empires...), what type of places (wild, cities, inns...), and so on! What do you prefer to master? Hack'n slash or conspiracies? And so on...

I am really interested in doing something with the Drow since the Underdark is opened.

Written by Dane Train on 23.01.2009 at 20:12

I am really interested in doing something with the Drow since the Underdark is opened.

OK.

We'll, I'm writing ideas as I read the DD4 camping setting :

- Sschindylryn had (and still has, I suppose) a portal in a few day's walk of Menzoberranzan. They probably still use it to trade/spy/make alliances. One city might want to invade the other, especially Menzoberranyr drows (drows do hold grudges). A war between the two cities might spill on the surface, with raids to gather magical resources to gain the upper hand for example.

- Maerimydra just after its fall was described in City Of The Spider Queen, a big monster bash campaign. Drows could raid there to recover stuff they lost one hundred years ago, or to recover/kill a slave (an heir to a family, read political tool). An ancient powerful elven artifact was also hidden there, but it would be too long to write the whole story

- the Phaerimm were really potent magic-users. They didn't needed spellbooks themselves, but kept those they looted. And certainly the shades didn't find every item cache in the phaerimm tunnels. Drow would certainly like to plunder this, but the shades might still be on the look for stuff they missed. Add PCs in the mix, and BOOM.

- Ah, Undrek'Thoz. I mastered a small campaign there, it was nice (3 days of continuous gaming). The old, ten-segments city, is described in the 3rd edition supplement Underdark. A must-read, I think, if you want to master in the underdark at least a bit. The potential conflit between Undrek'Thoz and the Boneyard is doomed to be an interesting one, full of treasons and stuff. I mean, there's a lich in this drow city, and alliances will certainly switch back and forth.

- About the other of Blue Fire, I find it quite aberrant to consider that the sharn might have been corrupted and part of it now. WTF ? Their real nature is described in the novel Blackstaff ---end of old-school mode ---

- Llurth Dreir was, if my memory's right, the biggest of all drow city, but completely aloof and depraved, full of Ghaunadaur-worshipping drow. These drow where heretics in Lolth's eyes, and her clergy could send a crusade to cleanse the ruins of an old rival god once and for all.

- Dambrath was controlled by an aristocracy of half-drows that swore allegiance to the drows of T'lindhet, but ruled as they wished as long as the drow got preferential trade agreements.

- Menzoberranzan was by no means the biggest drow city, but surely the most well-known, being the home city of Drizzt Do'Urden. The evolution in these 100 years is logical, typically in the mood. Quenthel is a hulking brute of a priestess, while Triel was more politically astute, but nowhere near her mother. Gromph Baenre's sanctum secretly hidden in Narbondel (don't send your PCs here unless you want them to die).

- Ched Nasad, as said, was razed during Lolth's Silence. The JAezred Chaulssin are certainly no friends of Lolth's priestess. One of them could have a divine mission to eradicate them all (again, Lolth IS mad), but Loth's drow in Ched Nasad would need help from another city (who said Menzo?) More political treachery, backstabbing and stuff.

Well, I have barely scratched the surface, but I don't have time to continue right now Was that enough/interesting ?

Written by Darkside Momo on 23.01.2009 at 20:29

Written by Dane Train on 23.01.2009 at 20:12

I am really interested in doing something with the Drow since the Underdark is opened.

OK.

We'll, I'm writing ideas as I read the DD4 camping setting :

- Sschindylryn had (and still has, I suppose) a portal in a few day's walk of Menzoberranzan. They probably still use it to trade/spy/make alliances. One city might want to invade the other, especially Menzoberranyr drows (drows do hold grudges). A war between the two cities might spill on the surface, with raids to gather magical resources to gain the upper hand for example.

- Maerimydra just after its fall was described in City Of The Spider Queen, a big monster bash campaign. Drows could raid there to recover stuff they lost one hundred years ago, or to recover/kill a slave (an heir to a family, read political tool). An ancient powerful elven artifact was also hidden there, but it would be too long to write the whole story

- the Phaerimm were really potent magic-users. They didn't needed spellbooks themselves, but kept those they looted. And certainly the shades didn't find every item cache in the phaerimm tunnels. Drow would certainly like to plunder this, but the shades might still be on the look for stuff they missed. Add PCs in the mix, and BOOM.

- Ah, Undrek'Thoz. I mastered a small campaign there, it was nice (3 days of continuous gaming). The old, ten-segments city, is described in the 3rd edition supplement Underdark. A must-read, I think, if you want to master in the underdark at least a bit. The potential conflit between Undrek'Thoz and the Boneyard is doomed to be an interesting one, full of treasons and stuff. I mean, there's a lich in this drow city, and alliances will certainly switch back and forth.

- About the other of Blue Fire, I find it quite aberrant to consider that the sharn might have been corrupted and part of it now. WTF ? Their real nature is described in the novel Blackstaff ---end of old-school mode ---

- Llurth Dreir was, if my memory's right, the biggest of all drow city, but completely aloof and depraved, full of Ghaunadaur-worshipping drow. These drow where heretics in Lolth's eyes, and her clergy could send a crusade to cleanse the ruins of an old rival god once and for all.

- Dambrath was controlled by an aristocracy of half-drows that swore allegiance to the drows of T'lindhet, but ruled as they wished as long as the drow got preferential trade agreements.

- Menzoberranzan was by no means the biggest drow city, but surely the most well-known, being the home city of Drizzt Do'Urden. The evolution in these 100 years is logical, typically in the mood. Quenthel is a hulking brute of a priestess, while Triel was more politically astute, but nowhere near her mother. Gromph Baenre's sanctum secretly hidden in Narbondel (don't send your PCs here unless you want them to die).

- Ched Nasad, as said, was razed during Lolth's Silence. The JAezred Chaulssin are certainly no friends of Lolth's priestess. One of them could have a divine mission to eradicate them all (again, Lolth IS mad), but Loth's drow in Ched Nasad would need help from another city (who said Menzo?) More political treachery, backstabbing and stuff.

Well, I have barely scratched the surface, but I don't have time to continue right now Was that enough/interesting ?

Thank you so much! Wow, that is what I needed. This will give me plenty to start with. Tomorrow night we begin our first game and I am actually just running the opening scenario from the book for it, just to give the players a taste of the world. I tend to be the sort of GM who lets the players run the game, while I just toss out options for them. My ultimate goal as a GM is to be able to sit back and let the players do their thing with as littler interference form me as possible. Again, thank you for the information.

Written by Dane Train on 24.01.2009 at 18:43

Thank you so much! Wow, that is what I needed. This will give me plenty to start with. Tomorrow night we begin our first game and I am actually just running the opening scenario from the book for it, just to give the players a taste of the world. I tend to be the sort of GM who lets the players run the game, while I just toss out options for them. My ultimate goal as a GM is to be able to sit back and let the players do their thing with as littler interference form me as possible. Again, thank you for the information.

You're welcome.
I kinda think the same way for DMing, or at least it depends on the campaign. But i'm more like 'the PCs make the story'.
Well, if you have more questions about the Realms, feel free to PM me!

Written by Dane Train on 13.01.2009 at 18:45

Has anyone here played Mass Effect?

i just finished it for the first time...now i am doubting whether to start again or not

I hope nobody minds me posting this in a thread this old, but maybe it will reignite discussion.

Mostly, I just wanted people to know about the sale GOG.com is doing this week. They are selling 9 D&D games as a bundle for only $30, including Baldur's Gate 1 & 2, Icewind Dale 1 & 2, Neverwinter Nights: Diamond Edition, and Planescape: Torment! You can kind of pick and choose which ones you want, but the discount is the best if you take all nine. Also, if you've already bought some of these from GOG.com already, they count that toward your discount, which is kind of cool.

I'm pretty tempted to pick up all of them, as I really haven't played any of them.

Written by bj_waters on 16.09.2012 at 07:03

I hope nobody minds me posting this in a thread this old, but maybe it will reignite discussion.

Mostly, I just wanted people to know about the sale GOG.com is doing this week. They are selling 9 D&D games as a bundle for only $30, including Baldur's Gate 1 & 2, Icewind Dale 1 & 2, Neverwinter Nights: Diamond Edition, and Planescape: Torment! You can kind of pick and choose which ones you want, but the discount is the best if you take all nine. Also, if you've already bought some of these from GOG.com already, they count that toward your discount, which is kind of cool.

I'm pretty tempted to pick up all of them, as I really haven't played any of them.

They're all pretty good, though Baldurs Gate 2 and Planescape Torment are clear winners. Those two are more about the exploration, the world and the content, whereas Icewind Dale is more about combat.

Holy damn that's a good deal. The IWDs are the only ones I haven't played, not too interested either. You should totally get the bundle and come play NWN online on Amia. You'll have a few hundred people making the story content every day. Torment is probably the most immersive game and the coolest setting I've played, I love Planescape as a campaign setting. There used to be a NWN server called Gatecrashers, based on planewalking around the Outer Planes. Dunno if Sigil was accessible, probably not outside of DM events.

I've played almost all of the Final Fantasies, and cleared the following: IV, VI, VII, Tactics, VIII, IX (my favorite game EVER ), X, X-2 (hated it from beginning to end), and XII; I've also played (and cleared) Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, Xenogears (one of the best JRPGs I've ever played), Vagrant Story, Valkyrie Profile (PS1), Breath Of Fire IV, Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2, and Radiata Stories.

I also have in my collection: Final Fantasy Origins, Breath Of Fire III, Legend Of Dragoon, Grandia 1, Parasite Eve 1 and 2, Wild Arms 2, Star Ocean: The Second Story, Alundra 1, SaGa Frontier 2, Lunar 2: Eternal Blue and Silver Star Story, Legend Of Mana, Dragon Warrior VII, Dragon Quest VIII, Eternal Poison, Suikoden 2, Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria, and Threads Of Fate.

As you can see, I'm a real JRPG addict.
I don't like ocidental RPGs that much (most of them are very cliche), but I enjoy Diablo 2 a lot!