[Barbaren] My manly guy

[Ron Edwards]

Hello,

This is essentially a question thread for Frank, but I also hope it turns into minor system showcase for the game as well, depending on the answers.

Here is the character I made up during my visit to Hamburg last December: Kragar!!! I'm basically transcribing this from my notes.

Virility = 3

He has many white-blond braids; he is part of a mountain clan which is settled and at war

Dangerous 10, Exciting 15

Strengths
Brooding!
Climbing

Weakness
A bit pretty

Next, I have two lists:

Thunderstrike, Counter, Hurl - these are combat options
Compassion, Routine (W), Electrify, Laugh at self - these are seduction options, I think

The way the rules work is that when I use these, I cross them out, and I'm continually buying new ones as I go along

lt goal: kill the crystal dragon
rivalry: Gront, desire: other side's queen, oath: break the great rock

dragonfang sword

Aggro 0, Horny 0 (these are starting values)

All right, here are my questions ...

1. What does Routine do again, and what is the W part?
2. What is the "lt" part of the goal? or is that a typo, meaning "1st," or what?
3. What are the rules for using and gaining the techniques for combat and seduction?

We played out at least two conflicts and I remember getting some pretty interesting seduction in which set up a lot of potential for later conflicts. One of the best things about the system is that every conflict resolution is effectively an easy means for scene-framing, and I think it would become quite fun with several people.

My only concern is that this effect (basically emergent conflict) might not mesh with the goals and other "positioning" features on the sheet, which could then end up being ignored. Frank, does that happen?

Best, Ron

[Frank Tarcikowski]

quote]1. What does Routine do again, and what is the W part?
2. What is the "lt" part of the goal? or is that a typo, meaning "1st," or what?
3. What are the rules for using and gaining the techniques for combat and seduction?or to increase your ressource pools (Dangerous and Attractive).

Where do these points come from? Now remember, you gain Aggro points by wooing, which can be spent in combat, and Horny points by fighting, which can be spent in a romantic encounter. By spending Aggro points, you turn them into combat XP with which to buy fighting tricks (or increase your Dangerous stat). By spending Horny points, you turn them into seduction XP with which to buy seduction tricks (or increase your Attractive stat).

We played out at least two conflicts and I remember getting some pretty interesting seduction in which set up a lot of potential for later conflicts. One of the best things about the system is that every conflict resolution is effectively an easy means for scene-framing, and I think it would become quite fun with several people.

My only concern is that this effect (basically emergent conflict) might not mesh with the goals and other "positioning" features on the sheet, which could then end up being ignored. Frank, does that happen?notor to increase your ressource pools (Dangerous and Attractive).

Where do these points come from? Now remember, you gain Aggro points by wooing, which can be spent in combat, and Horny points by fighting, which can be spent in a romantic encounter. By spending Aggro points, you turn them into combat XP with which to buy fighting tricks (or increase your Dangerous stat). By spending Horny points, you turn them into seduction XP with which to buy seduction tricks (or increase your Attractive stat).

We played out at least two conflicts and I remember getting some pretty interesting seduction in which set up a lot of potential for later conflicts. One of the best things about the system is that every conflict resolution is effectively an easy means for scene-framing, and I think it would become quite fun with several people.

My only concern is that this effect (basically emergent conflict) might not mesh with the goals and other "positioning" features on the sheet, which could then end up being ignored. Frank, does that happen?not

[Ron Edwards]

Hi Frank,

It all makes sense. I remember the Bonds now, and I liked their mechanics a lot. I think you should keep them as they are.

It's really the Goal that concerns me. Way back in our original playtest a couple of years ago, the players all forgot about the goals, and it seems to me that goals would make more sense if they were stated after the first session or two, rather than at the outset of play. I agree that they would primarily serve as a source of inspirations and conflicts for the GM to introduce as play proceeded.

Can you remember anything about what happened in our short game? I recall that Kragar seduced Gront's sister or someone similar, and I also think there was at least one fight.

Best, Ron

[Frank Tarcikowski]

Yeah, the goal didn't play much of a role in the playtests so far, come to think about it. Or rather, it played a role only where it was clearly reflected in the bonds. Maybe I don't even need it at all, at least not on the character sheet.

Concerning our mini-game, I think your words were: "So I need a fight to charge up for the fucking!" I don't recall the exact circumstances but I do recall you weren't being picky.

Frank

[Ron Edwards]

Not picky at all ... at least about whom my character would be fighting.

Anyway, I think it's time to moderate myself and to direct this topic back on track - specifically, Frank, there's no reason to stall out. The game is done and it's good. You might at least put a preliminary copy up at Lulu, for instance.

Best, Ron

[oliof]

Yes, do it.

[Eero Tuovinen]

Agreed, go for it. Let us know if you need anything. Especially after August, that is, so I don't kill myself with projects.

[Frank Tarcikowski]

Thank you, Eero, but I guess I just need to finish writing the damn book.

Frank

[oliof]

Just pass me the manuscript and I'll strike out the superfluous stuff.

[Dirk Ackermann]

I can only second you all:

God damn, do it Frank!

MfG
Dirk