First thoughts, First post, F3!

[Psiweapon]

 *waves*

Hello there, first post. This is the Power 19 (thanks troy!) of a game I've been developing (alone at first, then with some friends) for two and a half years now or so (on and off). Problem is, now that I know what a fantasy heartbreaker is, my project looks like a textbook example. That's not going to stop me, since I want to see it finished even if it's only for me and my friends, or for free. But since it isn't finished yet, perhaps there are things that can be done, in order that it's less heartbreaking but still contains the basic premises of the game.


1.) What is your game about?**<2.) What do the characters do?**<3.) What do the players (including the GM if there is one) do?**
The players incarnate a character each, the GM characterizes the environment, develops possible events, and incarnates every other characters. So classical in that way.

4.) How does your setting (or lack thereof) reinforce what your game is about?<
5.) How does the Character Creation of your game reinforce what your game is about?<
6.) What types of behaviors/styles of play does your game reward (and punish if necessary)?<7.) How are behaviors and styles of play rewarded or punished in your game?<8.) How are the responsibilities of narration and credibility divided in your game?<9.) What does your game do to command the players' attention, engagement, and participation? (i.e. What does the game do to make them care?)<10.) What are the resolution mechanics of your game like?
Opposed rolls using between 1d6 and 6d6 per roll. Anything you can do is either a skill, a spell or something anybody can do (regular rolls)


11.) How do the resolution mechanics reinforce what your game is about?<
12.) Do characters in your game advance? If so, how?<13.) How does the character advancement (or lack thereof) reinforce what your game is about?<

14.) What sort of product or effect do you want your game to produce in or for the players?<15.) What areas of your game receive extra attention and color? Why?<16.) Which part of your game are you most excited about or interested in? Why?<<18.) What are your publishing goals for your game?<
19.) Who is your target audience?

[whiteknife]

1. The item creator class is doable, and may end up being better than a warrior if the game is based on political maneuvering more than combat, which it seems to be. (The only example of such a class i can think of is the artificer from D&D 3.5, in the Ebberon campaign guide, being re-released in 4th edition soon, although I'm pretty sure that's not what you're looking for)
2. Well, if the game is what you want and is fun for you and your players, there's bound to be someone else who likes it too! No specific advice though, sorry.
3. Religions are easy. Just find a concept important enough to be worshiped, come up with a name and some interesting habits of the followers and viola! One religion, hold the holy water.
4. Hmm.... Yiu might want to check out Reign. I've never played it, but I hear it has to do with politicking somewhat. Also, there's an old third party d20 book "dynasties and demagogues" by Atlas games that dealt with politics in a fantasy setting (specifically D&D, but it might help out)
5. I'm not an expert in shitty games, but it shouldn't be that hard to find some- look in the dark corner or bargain bin of your local game shop, they'll be there next to all the d20 supplements
6. If you feel that players need guides as to what their characters would do, or are planning on using such info for something like a "political combat system" or something then you might want to consider this, if not I'd probably avoid it, as it'll probably stifle more rolep;laying than it would inspire.

[chronoplasm]

Regarding your third question...
I think the thing to remember though is that people generally try to explain the world around them in terms they can understand so that everything seems relevant to their lives. A tribe of cattle herders would probably believe that the universe was created by a cow god or something.

[Psiweapon]

Thanks for your input! I'm already looking into dynasties and demagogues. I don't really have teh monies now to buy RPG books just to use them as inspiration, so I'll have to... uh... get them somehow else.