Code Name: Pleroma

A Peek Behind the Veil of (Potential) Game Design


Software programmers sometimes give their projects “code names” so I thought, sure, why not. Thus “Code Name: Pleroma”. Sounds almost like some hard-boiled pulp action title. So what is this thing with the funny name?

Recently I posted to the thread about the game in progress being worked on here at The Forge tentatively titled “Enlightenment the RPG”. Reading those posts the inspiration bug bit and I conceived a *potential* concept of design for a game system, in outline at least. Not wanting to step upon the toes of those fine people working on that system I have decided to post my initial notations here in the hopes that others may benefit from them. Comments are welcome as are ideas for how what has been implemented here may be of benefit to the work being done on that project, or expanded upon and developed in its own right, of course the latter would likely be up to you.

Conversely if you feel the system design lacks merit then I would like to know that, too, and what you think doesn‘t work as outlined.

What follows here is based marginally upon the post(s) which I made to that forum. It could be said that the system has been constructed from the ground up based upon a melding of various philosophical, mystical, and religious ideas. But in reality I just borrowed freely (and perhaps heavy handedly) the terminology.

A note about these rules as they stand: My basic design philosophy is that a game’s *feel* it’s *setting* should evolve organically from its rules. I tried to reflect this in preparing these rule for posting. When done right rules should meld into the background and become part of game play. Not an easy goal to achieve. Too, this is often reached only after investing time learning a game system. Which is how I think a game should be approached. Any game-- be it chess, poker, basketball, or a role-playing game-- has to be learned during play and its subtleties revealed over time.

Alas this is a luxury role-playing games often can’t afford. The systems are too intricate and their backgrounds, if not interesting, become distractions. Which is perhaps why the best FRP games are the ones which are easy to learn, yet leave room to *evolve* over time as the players learn the strategies and foibles of the system. Therefore, when reading what is outlined herein, keep in mind that setting and system was intended to go hand in hand.


{{Design Comment/Note of Introduction}}

Only have what is below here so far. At present it’s just a “note to self” and thus needs to be rewritten. The system is for a world in which mystics, monks, cabalists, and fraternal organizations play a primary role. There is no background presented, only thumbnails of rule mechanics.

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Since we are dealing with a game that deals with mysticism and philosophy there should only be three (3) primary Stats, no more and no less. One thing to keep in mind, whatever they are to be called, is that they should represent Body, Mind, and Soul respectively. The numerical range for these Traits is from 0-7, the reasoning behind these numerical values is directly related to the premise and setting of the game world. (Of course Traits can just as easily be rolled on 2D10, D8, 3D4, etcetera and this 0-7 scale transferred to the Syzygies and used as a the basis for conflict resolution system, of sorts. But should it?)
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It should be noted that I amended the above Stats from: “Gnosis, Willpower, and Psyche” as presented in the original posting. The Traits outlined above are defined within the structure of this system as follows:


{{Character Traits}}

Nous (Mind) - This is a characters facility for reasoning and perception in relation to material reality; in game terms this is a measure of Intellect. Should this score become depleted the player character literally “losses touch” with reality.

Gnosis (Knowledge) - A measure of both worldly knowledge and spiritual discernment, by extension a mean measure of mystical learning; in game terms this functions more as Willpower and applied Understanding than it does a statistical measure of Intellect.

Psyche (Soul) - That supernal shadow which is the essence of mortal being, in game terms a abstract measure of the “vital principle”; when (Body is) depleted a player character (retaining Psyche) literally becomes a Shade (Ghost).

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At this point I still have “Nous” and “Gnosis” in my notes but am thinking of retaining only one. As stated the desired end result is to have 3 Traits representing Body, Mind, and Spirit. I changed the terminology to all Greek terms. Of course “Body, Mind, and Spirit” are perfectly fine attribute labels. Then again there is no reason why one couldn’t simply alter the premise and have four stats.
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{{Character Generation}}

Syzygies

Syzygies are “Pairs” of opposites. A few examples are left and right, purity and impurity, light and darkness. They represent more than the sum of those aspects in opposition to one another. Syzygies are what form the universe, or rather what is seen to manifest as the universe within the material realm.

In relation to the player characters Syzygies are experienced, in game terms, as obstacles upon the path to Enlightenment. Obstacles which are expressed as "aim for: Courage, must fight against: Fear" or “seek to do: positive, must fight against: negative”. Syzygies are accordingly a very active part of the game process, at least where actions of the player characters are concerned.

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Sometimes you just stumble on the right term at the right time. I was lucky here.

However the concept is to have the Syzygies chosen by the player for their character in order to “flesh out” character Traits by applying +/- modifiers to (hopefully) generate starting scores ranging from 1-6. As envisioned the Traits would be variable, much like Health or Hit Points in any standard FRP game. Still debating whether or not a die mechanic is needed.
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{{Miscellaneous Notes on Possible Character Stats}}

At present my notes state, “There should only be twelve (12) Syzygies.” With each Syzygy requiring the PC to achieve “full Rank” mastery before they can be proclaimed as "Enlightened", or rather gain “one more rung” closer to their goal. (Sort of like how you try to move your piece up the board in Snakes & Ladders to reach Nirvana.)

My original posted notes also state that: Those wishing to delve into the darker side of things can institute an mechanic for the "Three Entered into Pardes but only One came out whole" effect on the Psyche. But I would leave that up to group vote/decision as to whether such a negative aspect of the game should even be addressed. Something to keep in mind if you want to work on a game using a setting such as this one.


{{The remainder of my notes}}

* There should be nine (9) Character Archetypes.

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Alternatively the number of Syzygies and Character Archetypes could be reversed. Then again they could also be arranged in Ogdoads, but is this advisable/practical to implement? I don’t think so. (And who knows what a Ogdoad is anyway?)
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Some sample Archetypes might be: Mystic, Cabalist, Monk, Occultist, Spiritualist, Medium, Prophet, &tc. Really depends on what sort of period background gets applied to these rules.

Also might mastery over certain Syzygies give a player “insights” into arcane knowledge? At present the rules are attempting to recreate the *feel* of a mystical environment. Thus there is no *magic system* presented. But is there enough room for one to be appended if wanted?


* There should be 13 Ranks/Levels of advancement.

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Should there? Nine or seven sounds more manageable.
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{{section on “Perfect vs. Imperfect Understanding” deleted to save space}}


{{Resources for those who may wish to save this post to file}}

Links (Off site)

Crystalinks Metaphysical and Science Page (an eclectic assortment of information)

Internet Sacred Text Archive (great one stop reference site)

John Kim's Free RPG's on the Web (excellent site for links to RPG related material)

Myths & Legends

Religious and Sacred Texts (great one stop reference site)


{{}}

Not much to look at in its present state, but there it is. Hope what I posted is of use to someone.


Kind Regards,

Kester Pelagius

Err, what are you supposed to do in the game? Enlighten people? Yourself? Start religious wars?

Greetings Pale Fire,

Let me just start off by saying I hope you, and everyone else reading these words, had a great Halloween! Where ever you may have been, however you may have celebrated the day.

Pale Fire wrote: Err, what are you supposed to do in the game? Enlighten people? Yourself? Start religious wars?

Ok, Chris. If it's not really a game but idea for a way to make a game, maybe this should go to in RPG Theory instead, chances are that you'll get a more appropriate discussion there. You could ask Ron or Clinton to more the posting for you if that's the case.

But...

3) Same as above. Whether modern or medieval, the rules are intended purely to create an *mystical environment* wherein Cabalists, Mediums, Prophets, etcetera can be played.

Greetings Chris,

You do realise we are going to confuse the heck out of everyone by using our first names? Ok, so long as you are aware, Chris, let's debug!

Pale Fire wrote: Ok, Chris. If it's not really a game but idea for a way to make a game, maybe this should go to in RPG Theory instead, chances are that you'll get a more appropriate discussion there. You could ask Ron or Clinton to more the posting for you if that's the case.

Pale Fire wrote:

3) Same as above. Whether modern or medieval, the rules are intended purely to create an *mystical environment* wherein Cabalists, Mediums, Prophets, etcetera can be played.

Even this does not really define what you intentions are. "What is a mystical environment" is a question that immediately springs to mind.

Pale Fire wrote: I'm not asking you to be mean but to try to help you get a better defininition perhaps. Cabalists, mediums and prophets could be played in KULT with a strong leaning towards Clive Barker type of horror. Or you could have quite a different experience with one of those "all christian RPGs" (snicker) where it's okay to run around killing non-cristians and infidels because they are of the devil (there actually are those kinds of games!). There are a lot more examples, and I think they all deserve their own treatment rather than a single worldsetting where they are "possible".

Pale Fire wrote: Maybe this illustrates how vague the idea sounds to the rest of us? For better or worse you need a premise or need to work out a premise. What can you do? What CAN'T be done? (it's important to have those things too) What's supposed to be fun playing such a game? And so on.

Pale Fire wrote: [Ooo, now I got all excited about doing a Clive Barker inspired game at the time of the late crusades. Mediums, cabalists, mystics, christians, devil worshippers, muslems, djinns. Arabian Nights meets the Crusades crossbred with Clive Barker, all while trying to seem "historical"]

About the name thing. You realize we also have Bankuei as "Chris" as well as Peregrine (another "Chris") and finally Chris Edwards. That would be 5 active posters that I'm aware of right now (including us two)

Well, as I understand it, Theory is for pure ideas without actual mechanics, or rather *discussion* of game concepts. As presented this is mostly mechanics. But mechanics which, when watered, grow into setting and premise.

but you should have a clear coherent idea of what your game is about and where you want to go with it. If you cannot answer the question, "What is my game about?" do not start a thread.

I would expand but to do so would require delving into matters of Mysticism, Philosophy, and Religion. Touchy subjects for many of us here I am sure.

It is, in short, an attempt to develop an "mystical feel", meaning using associations inimical to Mysticsm, Philosophy et al to develop the underlying system. Call it a "simulation" of an environment if you like. Might help, might hinder.

Pale Fire wrote: [Ooo, now I got all excited about doing a Clive Barker inspired game at the time of the late crusades. Mediums, cabalists, mystics, christians, devil worshippers, muslems, djinns. Arabian Nights meets the Crusades crossbred with Clive Barker, all while trying to seem "historical"]

Go to it! It always helps to try tackling something new every once in a while. Cleanses the palate and clears the mind of all that extraneous dross which fogs our view.

Pale Fire wrote: About the name thing. You realize we also have Bankuei as "Chris" as well as Peregrine (another "Chris") and finally Chris Edwards. That would be 5 active posters that I'm aware of right now (including us two)

Pale Fire wrote:

I would expand but to do so would require delving into matters of Mysticism, Philosophy, and Religion. Touchy subjects for many of us here I am sure.

I still don't see where you wanna go with this. Help! :)

Pale Fire wrote: Ok, what about this then: Give me an adventure and a few lines from play (no need to introduce mechanics) which gives the geist of how it would be special.

Sounds interesting, I would buy it. peace

Greetings GMplayer,

Welcome aboard.

GMplayer wrote: Sounds interesting, I would buy it. peace

Greetings All,

For those reading these words across the vast expanse of the cold cybervoid, viewed through quantum mirrors linking the vast gulf of the Spheres, or perhaps even singing in the shower while scrolling past posts on your retina implants in some future world where this Forum is part of the archaic Internet archives...

Welcome to the relative here and now.

In the meantime what do those of you who have read the Pleroma entry above think of the underlying premise?

How, if at all, would you like to see a concept like "Devils and Demons" woven into the basic mechanic structure outlined herein?

Was there anything which seemed unclear, vague, or just plain confusing you'd like to ask me about?


Kind Regards,

Kester Pelagius

Kester

Hey, thought I chime in with some feedback for you:) Well, after reading over the thread, I would say that you primarily have at this time, a system that is more or less System as Color. I mean there is no major mechanical significance for having these particular numbers and associations and such. I do like the feel, with mysticism/occult stuff an occasional interest of mine (great place to steal terms for funky ideas.:) ).

Currently, the ideas you have presented primarily seem a way to inject color into a mechanics base. That is, the mechanics themselves don't seem to drive towards anything yet. Perhaps if you expanded on how the Syzgzies are used I would understand better. On the one hand, I am reminded of In Nomine's D666, primarily color injected into a mechanic.

So, I guess I like what have you so far, but I am not seeing the implications or beauty of it. Perhaps showing how they would be used relative to a character or a game situation. What makes the Szygiges cool to use, IYO?

HTH

Greetings RobMuadib,

It's funny, coming to check up on a thread, only to discover your post you thought you made, you hadn't, but instead left it sitting on the HD.

Well, maybe not all that funny...

RobMuadib wrote: Hey, thought I chime in with some feedback for you:) Well, after reading over the thread, I would say that you primarily have at this time, a system that is more or less System as Color. I mean there is no major mechanical significance for having these particular numbers and associations and such. I do like the feel, with mysticism/occult stuff an occasional interest of mine (great place to steal terms for funky ideas.:) ).

RobMuadib wrote: Currently, the ideas you have presented primarily seem a way to inject color into a mechanics base. That is, the mechanics themselves don't seem to drive towards anything yet. Perhaps if you expanded on how the Syzgzies are used I would understand better. On the one hand, I am reminded of In Nomine's D666, primarily color injected into a mechanic.

So, I guess I like what have you so far, but I am not seeing the implications or beauty of it. Perhaps showing how they would be used relative to a character or a game situation. What makes the Szygiges cool to use, IYO?