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Tycho from Penny Arcade recently wrote a post I thought you should all read. The context is fairly straightforward: Gabriel is the DM, and Tycho has been trying to corrupt him.
Here it is:
One of the players in Gabriel’s ongoing campaign made the mistake of suggesting they did not feel sufficiently threatened, and they did so in earshot ofme, which his entire party will come to regret. They have a game tonight, their last game ever if I have anything to say about it. Disintegrations for everybody. Resurrections impossible, or at the very least undesirable, as these revivified unfortunates could do naught but wail for the remainder of their natural lives, cocooned in a perfect, impenetrable agony.
Walking that line is a tremendous challenge, in a context already fraught with malevolent bugaboos. If you want to tell a story of any kind, and many gamemasters (dungeon masters, storytellers, oracles, directors, etc.) do, a reasonably continuous cast is often core to that – particularly if you’ve worked to nest them in the arc of the narrative. But the comfort we’re talking about is the inevitable result – players come to feel like the marqueed stars of some long running serial, and they expect their trailers to be stocked with name-brand products. They start to demand vegan catering and increasing volumes of exotic, quasi-legal “sacraments.” You can’t really blame them; their characters exist in a universe that you create and sustain explicitly for their amusement. A sense of entitlement is the natural outcome.
In their world, death is something that happens to other people.
Typically, it happens because they, themselves, have killed that person – but let’s not get ahead. We’ll see what we can do to fix their little red wagon in tonight’s game. In this metaphor, “fix” actually means “to destroy in absolute terms.” The little red wagon represents the fragile cage of their mortal flesh,mortal being the operative concept.
(CW)TB out.
The other night, Bridget and I sat down for some Star Wars Miniatures gaming. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it’s basically a simplified war game based loosely on the D20 system. Basically, Chainmail has come around full circle, and now war games are based on RPGs, where once RPGs were based on war games.
What I thought was this: Why just keep it as a war game? Why not run it like an RPG with character motivations and an advancing plot-line? Furthermore, I have all the miniatures I need for A New Hope, so why not see what would happen if things changed in the storyline?
The setup before the attack.
I decided to begin with the attack of the Tantive IV by Darth Vader’s Star Destroyer. Using my Star Wars Galaxy Tiles, I set up a map.
I asked Bridget what side she wanted to play, assuming she’d ask for the Rebels, since she’s always chosen the side of good. Instead, she said one of the hottest phrases she’s ever uttered: “I want to be the Empire”. That brought a smile to my face.
The goal of the Rebellion was simple: Get R2D2 to Princess Leia before the Empire got to her, receive the information of the stolen data tapes, then flee to the escape pod. The Empire simply had to keep the tapes from getting off the ship. If Artoo and Threepio were unable to get to Leia, she could escape to the pod on her own.
I decided to use part of the script of the film, as well as incorporating some of my own dialogue to demonstrate how the game went. Here it goes.
It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire.
During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the Death Star, an armored space station with enough power to destroy an entire planet.
Pursued by the Empire’s sinister agents, Princess Leia races home aboard her starship, custodian of the stolen plans that can save her people and restore freedom to the galaxy…
INTERIOR: REBEL BLOCKADE RUNNER — MAIN PASSAGEWAY.
An explosion rocks the ship as two robots, Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) and See-Threepio (C-3PO) struggle to make their way through the shaking, bouncing passageway. Both robots are old and battered. Artoo is a short, claw-armed tripod. His face is a mass of computer lights surrounding a radar eye. Threepio, on the other hand, is a tall, slender robot of human proportions. He has a gleaming bronze-like metallic surface of an Art Deco design. Another blast shakes them as they struggle along their way.
Threepio and Artoo flee down a hallway.
THREEPIO: Did you hear that? They’ve shut down the main reactor. We’ll be destroyed for sure. This is madness!
Rebel troopers rush past the robots and take up positions in the main passageway. They aim their weapons toward the door.
THREEPIO: We’re doomed!
The little R2 unit makes a series of electronic sounds that only another robot could understand.
THREEPIO: There’ll be no escape for the Princess this time.
Artoo continues making beeping sounds. Tension mounts as loud metallic latches clank and the scream of heavy equipment are heard moving around the outside hull of the ship.
THREEPIO: What’s that?
The nervous Rebel troopers aim their weapons. Suddenly a tremendous blast opens up a hole in the main passageway and a score of fearsome armored spacesuited stormtroopers make their way into the smoke-filled corridor. In a few minutes the entire passageway is ablaze with laserfire. The deadly bolts ricochet in wild random patterns creating huge explosions. Stormtroopers scatter and duck behind storage lockers. Laserbolts hit several Rebel soldiers who scream and stagger through the smoke, holding shattered arms and faces. An explosion hits near the robots. They continue to hurry down the passageway
Darth Vader arrives aboard the Tantive IV.
The awesome, seven-foot-tall Dark Lord of the Sith makes his way into the blinding light of the main passageway. This is Darth Vader, right hand of the Emperor. His face is obscured by his flowing black robes and grotesque breath mask, which stands out next to the fascist white armored suits of the Imperial stormtroopers. Everyone instinctively backs away from the imposing warrior.
VADER: The Princess is here. I can feel her presence.
Vader stalks down the hallway, ignoring the laserfire from the rebels who stand in his way, occasionally lifting one up and hurling him against the wall with the brutish power of the dark side of the Force.
Threepio and Artoo round a corner to find a woman in white standing in the passageway. Artoo moves close to her as she inserts a disk into the front of his “face”. She leans over him as his holoprojector turns on.
LEIA: I haven’t much time to deliver this message. These plans are vital to the Republic. General Kenobi, you must help!
Leia looks up and sees a figure in black at the end of the hall. She withdraws in horror.
LEIA: Vader! Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only…
Leia is lifted off the ground, clutching her throat. Threepio stands in shock, unable to move. Vader moves closer.
VADER: You’ll not escape me this time, Princess…
The end of the battle.
Leia turns to Artoo, only able to utter a single word.
LEIA: Run…
Artoo presses on down the hall, moving towards the escape pod.
THREEPIO: Artoo, don’t leave me!
The doors close behind Artoo, all alone, as his escape pod jettisons from the ship. Leia blacks out as Vader stands over her.
***
So as you can see, it ended almost the same as the film, the only difference being Vader’s takedown of Princess Leia and Threepio’s being left behind aboard the ship. He’ll most likely be taken into custody as well as the Princess.
I’m looking forward to the next session to seee what happens to Artoo once he’s on the planet and what other changes will arise.
Throughout the week I have been busily posting my ideas/characters for a Savage World game based on the Twilight books by Stephanie Meyer.
Overall, I am pleased with how it turned out. Tonight I am hoping to run a one shot game using those characters for my husband.
Therefore, you all can look forward to my review of the game within the next few days. I am truly loving the versatility of this system. There are so many different options to be had.
I hope you all have enjoyed the posts and if you did or want more pre-generated characters for Twilight… let me know… I would be more than happy to do it. It was a great opportunity to create some of the most well known characters such as Charlie Swan, Bella Swan (as a human), Bella Swan (as a vampire) and of course Edward Cullen.
Good Friday Morning!
Today’s character will be Bella as a vampire. I am laying it out in a simple format that can be found in the Savage Worlds Core Rulebook.
Name: Bella Cullen
Veteran ~ Human
Attributes: Agilitiy d8; Smarts d10; Spirit d6; Strength d12; Vigor d10
Skills: Taunt d8; Persuasion d10; Driving d6; Knoweldge d8; Intimidation d8; Fighting d8; Stealth d8
Pace 24; Parry 6; Charisma 4; Toughness 9
Hinderances: Distinctive Appearance (minor); Loyal (minor);
Edges: Arcane Background – Superpowers: Undead; Superior Strength; Speed
Hightened Senses: Eagle Eye; Tracking
Leaping: Vertical 12ft; Horizontal 24 ft
Toughness; Super Attribute (+1 Spirit); Negation (Psychic Powers); Strong Willed
Attractive; Very Attractive
Cash: $500.00
Now here is a little background about Bella Cullen if you’ve never read the books or seen the movies:
- Appears to be 19 years old and will stay that age
- Married to Edward Cullen
- Have a half human/half vampire child together
- Does not, nor does his family, drink the blood of humans. Only animals.
- Has the ability to cancel out psychic effects and act as a shield for others
- Extremely Rich
- Extremely strong willed
- More than willing to fight for her family
- Forms a peace between the warewolves and vampires in Forks, Washington
- Extremely attractive
A few notes about this character. A few of the Edges I chose came from the Necessary Evil campaign setting book. I did not use the Vampire Edge in Necessary Evil as it would have applied some facets to the character that do not fit with the series. It worked out much better to use the Undead Edge and expand from there. It would also be beneficial to take Bella to the next level and give her Edges such as Rich/Filthy Rich as this is also a major points in the series.
Good Thursday Morning!
Today’s character will be Edward. I am laying it out in a simple format that can be found in the Savage Worlds Core Rulebook.
Name: Edward Cullen
Veteran ~ Human
Attributes: Agilitiy d8; Smarts d10; Spirit d8; Strength d12; Vigor d8
Skills: Climbing d8; Driving d8; Fightin d8; Survival d8; Stealth d8; Tracking d10; Notice d6
Pace 24; Parry 6; Charisma 4; Toughness 9
Hinderances: Distinctive Appearance (minor); Loyal (minor); Code of Honor (major)
Edges: Arcane Background – Superpowers: Undead; Superior Strength; Speed
Hightened Senses: Eagle Eye; Tracking
Leaping: Vertical 12ft; Horizontal 24 ft
Toughness; Mind Reading; Super Attribute (+1 Spirit); Jack of All Trades
Attractive; Very Attractive
Cash: $500.00
Now here is a little background about Edward Cullen if you’ve never read the books or seen the movies:
- Appears to be 19 years old though his age is closer to 109
- Lives with the Cullen Family. Including Dr. Carlisle Cullen
- The Cullen famil is actually a Vampire clan
- Does not, nor does his family, drink the blood of humans. Only animals.
- Extremely Rich
- Loves to drive fast and expensive cars
- The boyfriend of Bella Swan
- Has the ability to read the minds of all those around him EXCEPT for Bella
- Extremely attractive
A few notes about this character. A few of the Edges I chose came from the Necessary Evil campaign setting book. I did not use the Vampire Edge in Necessary Evil as it would have applied some facets to the character that do not fit with the series. It worked out much better to use the Undead Edge and expand from there. It would also be beneficial to take Edward to the next level and give him Edges such as Rich/Filthy Rich as this is also a major points in the series.
Good Wednesday Morning!
Today’s character will be Bella. I am laying it out in a simple format that can be found in the Savage Worlds Core Rulebook.
Name: Bella Swan
Novice ~ Human
Attributes: Agilitiy d4; Smarts d8; Spirit d8; Strength d4; Vigor d6
Skills: Notice d10; Persuasion d8; Driving d6; Knowledge d6; Investigation d8
Pace 6; Parry 2; Charisma 0; Toughness 5
Hinderances: Quirk: Clumsy
Edges: Luck
Cash: $500.00
Now here is a little background about Bella Swan if you’ve never read the books or seen the movies:
- Daughter of Police Chief Charlie Swan
- Has lived with her mother since her parent’s divorce; until her Sophomore year of high school
- Works at the local outdoor/recreation store
- Until living in Forks has resided in Arizona
- Does not have a cell phone
- Is a caretaker; especially to her father whom she always cooks for
- Is found to be highly attractive by the boys at her school
- Becomes the girlfriend of Edward Cullen
- Drives an old red pick up truck
Good Tuesday Morning!
Today’s character will be Charlie. I am laying it out in a simple format that can be found in the Savage Worlds Core Rulebook.
Name: Charlie Swan
Novice ~ Human
Attributes: Agilitiy d6; Smarts d6; Spirit d4; Strength d8; Vigor d6
Skills: Driving d6; Fighting d6; Investigation d8; Shooting d8; Tracking d6; Streetwise d4
Pace 6; Parry 2; Charisma 0; Toughness 5
Hinderances: Cautions (minor); Doubting Thomas (minor)
Edges: Command; Connections (Indian Tribe Leaders)
Cash: $500.00
Now here is a little background about Charlie Swan if you’ve never read the books or seen the movies:
- Father of Bella Swan
- Chief of Police in Forks, Washington
- Best friend of Billy the Indian Chief of the local tribe
- Has always lived in Forks
- Always carries his firearm with him but hangs it on a hook at home
- Is protective of his daughter whom has lived away from him for most of his life
- Not very sure how to deal with teenagers
- Skeptical of Bella’s boyfriend, Edward Cullen
- Does not know how to cook
- Loves to watch sports games on TV
The Twilight phenomenon has swept across the world. It started with the books by Stephanie Meyer and was quickly followed by the whirlwind film.
Personally, I love the Twilight series. Initially I was hesitant to read the books but once I did I was absolutely hooked. And though my husband didn’t read them he was so kind and willing to take me to see the movie last November. Surprisingly, he really enjoyed it.
Not only did my husband enjoy it but even some of the other gamers we play with, all men, read the series and found it highly entertaining.
This got me thinking. Why not try to, from the knowledge I had in the books, do my best to create those characters as possible PC’s?
It was tougher than I expected and I tried making them using several different game systems such as d20 Modern and Vampire the Requiem. Although they are great systems, my characters just weren’t turning out the way that I wanted them to.
Then my newfound love of Savage World crept up. Once introduced to it I simply couldn’t say enough good about it. Character creation is clean and concise and like most other good systems it’s pretty open to a myriad of campaign possibilities.
Therefore, throughout the next week I will be releasing a character from the book that should be ready to be dropped into a campaign or one shot setting. There will be Human-Bella, Vampire-Bella, Charlie (Bella’s father) and Edward Cullen.
As for campaign ideas I leave that up to you. The rules for Savage Worlds are relatively easy and if you have seen the movie or read the books I don’t imagine it would be too difficult to come up with a plot idea.
Enjoy! And let me know if anyone decides to run a Savage Twilight game. I would love to hear what you think. I am looking forward to running one myself!
Announcing the RPG Circus Podcast! The Bone Scroll, RPG Blog II, and I have teamed up and started a podcast at rpgcircus.com. The actual podcast should go up at 5 EST, and I hope you’ll go check it out!
Each episode, each of us will bring a different topic to the table, giving you three different things to think about each time.
Hey everybody! Go down to your FLGS today and participate in Free RPG Day! I’m heading out in a few minutes, and if they have free wifi there, I’ll tweet about it!
