Wow. Time sure does get away. I have neglected any updates here.
Despite not posting material here, I have still been a little active. Family gaming time has not been as often as I would like. Summer movies have been on the agenda lately instead of gaming... anything to get out of our hot little house for a while (no A/C = cranky family, but we save a lot on bills). Still, I have been writing material here and there for the BFRPG game. I have put together updates for the Quasi-Class Supplement, adding Sages and Bards to the BFRPG game. I have moved the sub-classes (non-quasi classes) into another supplement called, "Additional Fighting Sub-Classes" (detailing a Gladiator/Duelist, Alt-Ranger, Knight, and Thug (thief subclass this time).
Also, I have been playing in a Play-by-Post game hosted on the BFRPG forums. It has been my first time to participate in gaming this way, and I have to say that it still is very fun... albeit it moves along so slowly. Each day I look forward to what the others have done/said.
Cheers!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
While I haven't posted about it, we have managed to play a few times through the last several months. Sometimes with guests, sometimes just with my kids, and tonight... I actually got my non-gaming wife to participate.
She started off in a very un-interested attitude, which actually started to get me really frustrated. My kids characters decided to make a trip through town (actually the Keep of the "Keep on the Borderlands", which did not help her get into play mode. After several frustrating minutes trying to get a little role-play interaction with my 6 year old son buying a set of platemail for his faun fighter, I rushed the group out to the caves of chaos... I knew I had to make some things happen for my 'first time playing' wife.
Anyhow, they head into the B Orc Cave and I have a little bit of fun creeping them out with the wall of skulls, especially when they only briefly notice that one of the heads is suddenly missing (the orc guard who has his head through the wall ducks out to notify guards). This is when my wife starts to actually take notice of the game... and the combat begins. I get the feeling that my wife actually had a good time at this point...
We had to wrap things up then, but I had fun and I don't think I will have nearly as much trouble getting my wife to play again next week on our 'game night Wednesday'.
Basic Fantasy Rules for simple game play... another introduced to gaming.
She started off in a very un-interested attitude, which actually started to get me really frustrated. My kids characters decided to make a trip through town (actually the Keep of the "Keep on the Borderlands", which did not help her get into play mode. After several frustrating minutes trying to get a little role-play interaction with my 6 year old son buying a set of platemail for his faun fighter, I rushed the group out to the caves of chaos... I knew I had to make some things happen for my 'first time playing' wife.
Anyhow, they head into the B Orc Cave and I have a little bit of fun creeping them out with the wall of skulls, especially when they only briefly notice that one of the heads is suddenly missing (the orc guard who has his head through the wall ducks out to notify guards). This is when my wife starts to actually take notice of the game... and the combat begins. I get the feeling that my wife actually had a good time at this point...
We had to wrap things up then, but I had fun and I don't think I will have nearly as much trouble getting my wife to play again next week on our 'game night Wednesday'.
Basic Fantasy Rules for simple game play... another introduced to gaming.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Fall Break Gaming
My children were out from school this week, and I also got to watch over my godchildren during this time to allow their parents to work without getting extra babysitting. So, we put together a little game.
Our little party consisted of my children's two characters (Faun Fighter named Russel played by 6year old boy, and Phaerim MU named Jessica played by 7year old girl). Adding to that were the new recruits, another Phaerim but this time as a Druid played by 8year old girl, and a Bisren Ranger played by a 10year old boy. All characters were still 1st level. I utilized supplements to help round out the party (in the skill sense) because the newcomers wanted essentially the same sorts of characters that were already in play. Using a Druid, explaining that they were sort of nature oriented spell casters worked great for a little girl to want to play. The older child was very excited about being big and tough as a Bisren (races taken from the supplement called "New Races" which by the way was written by me).
There was a little hesitancy to get the game going, and character creation was a tad slow. I kept having to say "almost ready". It helped later when I was explaining that the game involved all these aspects of play... making characters, organizing, and simply just sitting around the table to enjoy each other's company and talk about this sort of stuff. Basically explaining that this is a social game... not just about the rolling of the dice. Of course, the excitement level jumped when we did a little combat.
The combat began as the two warrior types entered a spooky dungeon chamber filled with bones. The two heard noises as the skeletons, which were in pieces around the room began to shift and assemble themselves into the proper form. The two warriors dealt with them quickly. The spell casting girls came in later after the fight was basically over. The next chamber had additional skeletons to deal with, including one that was an amalgamation of several skeletons. Combat was a little more harrowing as Russel went down (I use a death's door -10hp = death mechanic - kids here after all). Anyhow, the kids used their resources well without much prompting, moving in to save characters who were wounded and being cognizant that each had particular strengths (and overall weakness for the MU of the group).
After passing through a teleporting archway (effectively committing the characters to the further exploration of the dungeon), the group comes upon a ghost-like being. Instead of assaulting the already battered group directly, the apparition instead summoned rats and bats (giant varieties) to attack. It took just a little prompting, but the druid of the group quickly realized that she had an ability to utilize here (Animal Affinity, like clerical turning). She was unsuccessful in her die roll, but it was clear that they were processing stuff about their characters and what each could do well. A sleep spell by the MU took out the bulk of the rats/bats and the group dispatched them. The ghostly apparition passed down into the floor to disappear (their first BBEG, big bad evil guy), which will set them up for a recurring appearance.
That wrapped up our time, and we had appointments to deal with, but I am pretty sure that little game sucked in a couple more players. The kids just chatted away about the game and their characters... and they did not want to go home, asking to come back Friday for more (which was not on the parent's agenda).
AND... after I got home later, right after dropping off our two guests, I find a box from Lulu containing my 2 coil-bound copies of BFRPG rules!! I wish I could have had them available for the kids to browse through, but I think it will help next time around. If I have another session of gaming and find the excitement level continues, then I think I know what Xmas gifts will be this time around.
Our little party consisted of my children's two characters (Faun Fighter named Russel played by 6year old boy, and Phaerim MU named Jessica played by 7year old girl). Adding to that were the new recruits, another Phaerim but this time as a Druid played by 8year old girl, and a Bisren Ranger played by a 10year old boy. All characters were still 1st level. I utilized supplements to help round out the party (in the skill sense) because the newcomers wanted essentially the same sorts of characters that were already in play. Using a Druid, explaining that they were sort of nature oriented spell casters worked great for a little girl to want to play. The older child was very excited about being big and tough as a Bisren (races taken from the supplement called "New Races" which by the way was written by me).
There was a little hesitancy to get the game going, and character creation was a tad slow. I kept having to say "almost ready". It helped later when I was explaining that the game involved all these aspects of play... making characters, organizing, and simply just sitting around the table to enjoy each other's company and talk about this sort of stuff. Basically explaining that this is a social game... not just about the rolling of the dice. Of course, the excitement level jumped when we did a little combat.
The combat began as the two warrior types entered a spooky dungeon chamber filled with bones. The two heard noises as the skeletons, which were in pieces around the room began to shift and assemble themselves into the proper form. The two warriors dealt with them quickly. The spell casting girls came in later after the fight was basically over. The next chamber had additional skeletons to deal with, including one that was an amalgamation of several skeletons. Combat was a little more harrowing as Russel went down (I use a death's door -10hp = death mechanic - kids here after all). Anyhow, the kids used their resources well without much prompting, moving in to save characters who were wounded and being cognizant that each had particular strengths (and overall weakness for the MU of the group).
After passing through a teleporting archway (effectively committing the characters to the further exploration of the dungeon), the group comes upon a ghost-like being. Instead of assaulting the already battered group directly, the apparition instead summoned rats and bats (giant varieties) to attack. It took just a little prompting, but the druid of the group quickly realized that she had an ability to utilize here (Animal Affinity, like clerical turning). She was unsuccessful in her die roll, but it was clear that they were processing stuff about their characters and what each could do well. A sleep spell by the MU took out the bulk of the rats/bats and the group dispatched them. The ghostly apparition passed down into the floor to disappear (their first BBEG, big bad evil guy), which will set them up for a recurring appearance.
That wrapped up our time, and we had appointments to deal with, but I am pretty sure that little game sucked in a couple more players. The kids just chatted away about the game and their characters... and they did not want to go home, asking to come back Friday for more (which was not on the parent's agenda).
AND... after I got home later, right after dropping off our two guests, I find a box from Lulu containing my 2 coil-bound copies of BFRPG rules!! I wish I could have had them available for the kids to browse through, but I think it will help next time around. If I have another session of gaming and find the excitement level continues, then I think I know what Xmas gifts will be this time around.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
School Begins Again
School has begun once again, and once again we must figure out when some short sessions will be possible. M daughter is now in second grade, and she reads avidly. She really likes a series of books called Rainbow Magic by Daisy Meadows. This summer she has already read portions of "The Hobbit" and another book called something like "City of Ember" which was also a movie some time ago.
My son begun Kindergarten today, and because the school he attends has an accelerated curriculum, I fully expect him to be reading moderately well by year's end. I really believe this will make gaming this coming year much more enjoyable for all, because the rules will begin to be something they can learn on their own instead of having to be explained by me in each instance.
Anyhow, busy last few weeks otherwise as we squeezed in a visit to Las Vegas to meet with grandparents and aunts and uncles. The kids did so well on drive to and from vacation (15 hours each way), and we had a lot of fun. I even got a chance to see Penn & Teller at the Rio... my first Vegas Show.
My son begun Kindergarten today, and because the school he attends has an accelerated curriculum, I fully expect him to be reading moderately well by year's end. I really believe this will make gaming this coming year much more enjoyable for all, because the rules will begin to be something they can learn on their own instead of having to be explained by me in each instance.
Anyhow, busy last few weeks otherwise as we squeezed in a visit to Las Vegas to meet with grandparents and aunts and uncles. The kids did so well on drive to and from vacation (15 hours each way), and we had a lot of fun. I even got a chance to see Penn & Teller at the Rio... my first Vegas Show.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Afternoon Adventure
My children and I played a little while this afternoon. Our intrepid duo made their way to a known dungeon in the nearby woods. Climbing down into the darkness, they had to decide whether to rely on the Faun's natural darkvision (30ft) or light torch. In the end they did the torch. After entering the first chamber (which I described as very scary with dripping water, spider webs, crawling bugs, and such), the pair come across their first really scary monster... a ghoul.
Anyhow, it was difficult describing the concept of undead... but they understood Zombies, so I said they were a lot like that. I made scary hiss noises and displayed my hands like claws. There were bad rolls all around, so combat lasted several rounds. On their own accord, they thought to use oil, but the bad rolls kept them from getting the ghoul lit... I applaud their thinking nonetheless. During the fight, I had to remind my daughter of her flight ability to keep out of reach... I am guessing the idea of 3rd dimension might be a little difficult for a child of 7.
Anyhow, we had fun, laughed a lot, and felt the thrill of winning against something rather tough for 1st level characters.
Anyhow, it was difficult describing the concept of undead... but they understood Zombies, so I said they were a lot like that. I made scary hiss noises and displayed my hands like claws. There were bad rolls all around, so combat lasted several rounds. On their own accord, they thought to use oil, but the bad rolls kept them from getting the ghoul lit... I applaud their thinking nonetheless. During the fight, I had to remind my daughter of her flight ability to keep out of reach... I am guessing the idea of 3rd dimension might be a little difficult for a child of 7.
Anyhow, we had fun, laughed a lot, and felt the thrill of winning against something rather tough for 1st level characters.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Schools Out, part 2
Our little adventurers resume their investigation:
Traveling further down the path, they come across a dog fighting with a large black bird. They could have helped either side, subsequently acquiring the assistance of the creature that they helped... they helped the dog. My daughter named the dog, "Brownie".
After that battle (with my daughter's MU taking 2 points of damage), they came across a young gypsy girl at her campsite. The youth sold the adventurers a lesser healing potion (1d4+1 healed per dosage). They rested at the campsite (for a little healing) and headed out again.
They had to cross a wide stream. My daughter needed a little guidance to remember that she could do short flights (a Phaerim ability), but once she realized, she quickly flew across with rope that Russel the Fighter carried. Russel could then safely swim across with the dog.
After solving that problem, the two found the location named by their town elder. A sickly dryad was there. She exclaimed that something was hurting her roots, and directed them to a small door and passage leading underground below the dryad's tree. Heading underground, the pair find a small group of giant rats that were gnawing on the dryad's roots. This was happening in the chamber where a magic ring was hidden among thousands of other rings. The battle was difficult, Brownie the dog fell after a few hits; then Jessica the Phaerim fell unconscious too. Russel finally finished off the giant rats, but he was left with a problem... he had only one healing dosage, but 2 wounded to consider. I wondered what he would do (being a 5 year old)... and he decided that he should help his friend before considering the animal. So, Brownie the dog lived a short life. My kids were a little bit sad, but understood that it was only a game and that these sort of things would occur sometimes.
Jessica the phaerim (fairy) cast her detect magic spell (that was her choice from very early on) and quickly found the correct ring among all the others. They headed back to their village where they were rewarded for their bravery. Jessica received a magic hair brush of color, that can change the color of hair brushed with command words (German words for various colors - so she will have to do some research). Russel got a magic water bottle that refills each time the stopper is replaced... minor stuff, but fun.
Very good first adventure... exploring the rules, how things like combat work, what dice to use for various things, and where to look on character sheets for bits of information. What we need to work on is remembering our abilities... and I must work on where to locate different rules within the BFRPG book itself. We go slow, often making my daughter read the rules as we come across stuff to look up.
Cheers... I am looking forward to another thrilling adventure.
Traveling further down the path, they come across a dog fighting with a large black bird. They could have helped either side, subsequently acquiring the assistance of the creature that they helped... they helped the dog. My daughter named the dog, "Brownie".
After that battle (with my daughter's MU taking 2 points of damage), they came across a young gypsy girl at her campsite. The youth sold the adventurers a lesser healing potion (1d4+1 healed per dosage). They rested at the campsite (for a little healing) and headed out again.
They had to cross a wide stream. My daughter needed a little guidance to remember that she could do short flights (a Phaerim ability), but once she realized, she quickly flew across with rope that Russel the Fighter carried. Russel could then safely swim across with the dog.
After solving that problem, the two found the location named by their town elder. A sickly dryad was there. She exclaimed that something was hurting her roots, and directed them to a small door and passage leading underground below the dryad's tree. Heading underground, the pair find a small group of giant rats that were gnawing on the dryad's roots. This was happening in the chamber where a magic ring was hidden among thousands of other rings. The battle was difficult, Brownie the dog fell after a few hits; then Jessica the Phaerim fell unconscious too. Russel finally finished off the giant rats, but he was left with a problem... he had only one healing dosage, but 2 wounded to consider. I wondered what he would do (being a 5 year old)... and he decided that he should help his friend before considering the animal. So, Brownie the dog lived a short life. My kids were a little bit sad, but understood that it was only a game and that these sort of things would occur sometimes.
Jessica the phaerim (fairy) cast her detect magic spell (that was her choice from very early on) and quickly found the correct ring among all the others. They headed back to their village where they were rewarded for their bravery. Jessica received a magic hair brush of color, that can change the color of hair brushed with command words (German words for various colors - so she will have to do some research). Russel got a magic water bottle that refills each time the stopper is replaced... minor stuff, but fun.
Very good first adventure... exploring the rules, how things like combat work, what dice to use for various things, and where to look on character sheets for bits of information. What we need to work on is remembering our abilities... and I must work on where to locate different rules within the BFRPG book itself. We go slow, often making my daughter read the rules as we come across stuff to look up.
Cheers... I am looking forward to another thrilling adventure.
News - Dark Dungeons
http://darkdungeonsblog.wordpress.com/
Head over to the Dark Dungeons website to download your copy of the Rules Compendium (BECMI) clone game, Dark Dungeons. There are also links to Lulu where print copies can be acquired.
The edition is a detailed re-working of the Dungeon & Dragons rules as presented in the various box sets from the eighties (Basic, Expert, Companion, Masters, Immortals). Best part, its free. Even the print edition is presented without any profit or commission for the author. Cheers on that.
I will still utilize my favorite Basic Fantasy Role Playing Game rules, but given the similarities, I will probably use much material from this tome as well. Nice stuff!!!
Head over to the Dark Dungeons website to download your copy of the Rules Compendium (BECMI) clone game, Dark Dungeons. There are also links to Lulu where print copies can be acquired.
The edition is a detailed re-working of the Dungeon & Dragons rules as presented in the various box sets from the eighties (Basic, Expert, Companion, Masters, Immortals). Best part, its free. Even the print edition is presented without any profit or commission for the author. Cheers on that.
I will still utilize my favorite Basic Fantasy Role Playing Game rules, but given the similarities, I will probably use much material from this tome as well. Nice stuff!!!
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