From: owner-runequest-rules@lists.ient.com (RuneQuest Rules Digest) To: runequest-rules-digest@lists.ient.com Subject: RuneQuest Rules Digest V4 #93 Reply-To: runequest-rules@lists.ient.com Sender: owner-runequest-rules@lists.ient.com Errors-To: owner-runequest-rules@lists.ient.com Precedence: bulk RuneQuest Rules Digest Friday, July 13 2001 Volume 04 : Number 093 RuneQuest is a trademark of Hasbro/Avalon Hill Games. All Rights Reserved. TABLE OF CONTENTS Re: [RQ-RULES] Shields n' other thoughts [RQ-RULES] Re: Stormbringer [RQ-RULES] Attacks of Opportunity ? Re: [RQ-RULES] Attack, Parry & tactics RE: [RQ-RULES] Attack, Parry & tactics Re: [RQ-RULES] Re: Stormbringer Re: [RQ-RULES] Re: Stormbringer Re: [RQ-RULES] More spells for criticism : Tenebrous (Weapon) Re: [RQ-RULES] Re: Stormbringer Re: [RQ-RULES] Re: Stormbringer Re: [RQ-RULES] Re: Stormbringer RULES OF THE ROAD 1. Do not include large sections of a message in your reply. Especially not to add "Yeah, I agree" or "No, I disagree." Or be excoriated. If someone writes something good and you want to say "good show" please do. But don't include the whole message you praise. 2. Use an appropriate Subject line. 3. Learn the art of paraphrasing: Don't just quote and comment on a point-by-point basis. 4. No anonymous posting, please. Don't say something unless you're ready to stand by it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 00:19:28 +1000 From: "Jim Lawrie" Subject: Re: [RQ-RULES] Shields n' other thoughts > Has anyone come up with a new shield rule? The varying APs seems a > little silly, a thick oxhide buckler can stop more than a thin kite shield > of lime wood IMHO. > > I think the necessary rules mechanism is in separating the mass of the > shield from the toughness of it's construction, so there may in fact be two > rules required, one for the ability to shunt the shield out of the way and > another to penetrate it. > > A random thought on some shields being easier to use than others, a > heavy shield is harder to recover if the shield user has been faked out of > position, this may go someway to equalising the starting percentages. > (Although, I must admit, using a little shield *is* really hard! My aching > legs . . . ) > > Some more ruminations on shields, has anyone further subdivided shields? > The big hoplon of the classical Greeks had a dish shaped edge so it could > rest on the shoulder, reducing fatigue loss, and the square scutum of the > imperial Romans was the shield-wall shield par excellence. I wonder if > there's any little rules tickles that could portray these facets? > > Jim Lawrie I know it's a bit strange to answer your own questions, but I've been thinking hard on this for a while. Shields come in three types, light, average and heavy and three sizes, buckler(small), targe/heater(medium), and kite/viking/hoplite(large). Small covers the shield arm plus one other location , medium covers the shield arm plus two contiguous locations and large covers the shield arm plus three contiguous locations. Light = 10AP Average = 14AP Heavy = 18AP So you get a matrix a bit like this : Small Medium Large Light 1.0 enc 2.0 enc 3.0enc Average 1.5 enc 3.0 enc 4.5 enc Heavy 4.0 enc 5.0 enc 7.0 enc Shields should give half their armour points to the parts that they cover, just as if they were slung. I've always thought that the 'special' for shields should be a 'bind', you jam the opposing players weapon for the rest of the round (or 1d6+4 sr's if you can handle more dice). Special shields like Viking Rounds that trap blades are beyond my thought processes at midnight! Would anyone like to playtest this for me? Cheers Jim Lawrie *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2001 17:38:36 -0400 From: Viktor Haag Subject: [RQ-RULES] Re: Stormbringer Alexandre Lanciani writes: > Il giorno 10-07-2001 11:52, Julian Lord, > julian.lord@wanadoo.fr ha scritto: > > > Has anyone looked at the new edition of Stormbringer? > > > > Know of any interesting changes to the rules ? > > AFAIK the rules are the same as Elric's. They just changed the > name because this one sounds better (or, rather, because > Elric! was a bit appalling). But I didn't look at it, so this > is just rumor. > > What I'm really looking forward to is the Hawkmoon supplement, > because I like Elric's rules (as they're both the newest and > IMO the best BRP's incarnation) and the Tragic Millennium > setting. AFAIK, DarcSyde has been given the license to produce the Hawkmoon book. I have their Corum book and it looks rather nice. However, as far as Elric/Stormbringer being BRPs best incarnation, I'm not sure I agree. I still think CoC is the best (was so with CoC5, imho). I'm also still fond of RingWorld. It would really cool if Chaosium produced another SF-oriented BRP-based game. But which background to use? Poll: what SF background do *you* think would make a swell BRP game, other than Niven's Known Space. Keep in mind that the background should fit in with Chaosium's stated policies for RPGs: i.e. downplay violence as a solution to all problems, rich "literary" background, not post-apocalyptic. I would jump up immediately and say "Gene Wolfe's Long/New Sun books!", but that's mostly my Wolfeian bias peeking through. Wouldn't sell, though - not nearly mainstream enough I think. (Hell, I'm not sure that CoC would sell either, if it were just produced today as opposed to when it was.) - -- Viktor Haag : Software & Information Design : Research In Motion +--+ "Well, 103 FM just went Spanish! That's my third preset wiped out by Nafta!" *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 11:10:13 -0400 From: Viktor Haag Subject: [RQ-RULES] Attacks of Opportunity ? RAMEAU Alain writes: > In his Vanganthi Fighting Style adpatation to RQ, Nick > mentions attacks of opportuny and refers to RQ rules. > > While Attacks of Opportunity are now a major concept in DnD3 > system combat, I don't remember this notion in RQ. > > Can someone refresh my memory ? RQIII, Book 1, p61: Opportunity Melee "A stationary character who sees an opponent running in his general direction may use a form of opportunity fire to strike at the foe as he passes. Since the foe is moving, the attacker loses 10 percentiles from his attack chance. The attacker can parry or dodge normally, as well as attack. Since a moving target negates any benefit or disadvantage of SIZ, the attackers strike rank will be his DEX strike rank plus his weapon strike rank modifier. The attacker can also aim his blow by waiting until the end of the melee round to strike using half his normal attack chance (then subtracting the 10 percentiles from above). - -- Viktor Haag : Software & Information Design : Research In Motion +--+ "Well! That's a boatload of manly responsibility flying from out of nowhere!" *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 11:14:00 -0400 From: Viktor Haag Subject: Re: [RQ-RULES] Attack, Parry & tactics Jim Bickmeyer writes: > from Simon Hibbs > >In my experience, these rules are often under-utilised by > >many groups. > > RQ3 Attack Modifies state; "+10% Attacking the targets > unshielded side or from behind." > > So what does that do to the person not using a shield at all? > I would and have said that the opponent gains a +10% > advantage. But then again, I am not advisory the Hollywood > versions of combat in FRP, so I have not been forcing that > ruling. Perhaps the mode of 'fighting with sheild' has the disadvantage that your 'non-shield' side gets slighted (i.e. is easier to attack), and that this disadvantage is not bourne by those who must learn to fight without a shield? Just a notion. - -- Viktor Haag : Software & Information Design : Research In Motion +--+ "We all have to be careful: this demon chick is... exciting and new." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 16:42:09 -0400 From: Robert Stancliff Subject: RE: [RQ-RULES] Attack, Parry & tactics > Perhaps the mode of 'fighting with shield' has the disadvantage > that your 'non-shield' side gets slighted (i.e. is easier to > attack), and that this disadvantage is not bourn by those who > must learn to fight without a shield? I tend to think that fighting without a shield really does leave you more vulnerable and attackers should get a small bonus to hit you, no matter which side they attack from... just my opinion. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 15:28:02 -0600 From: "Stephen Posey [TurboPower Software]" Subject: Re: [RQ-RULES] Re: Stormbringer Viktor Haag wrote: > > Alexandre Lanciani writes: > > Il giorno 10-07-2001 11:52, Julian Lord, > > julian.lord@wanadoo.fr ha scritto: > > > > > Has anyone looked at the new edition of Stormbringer? > > > > > > Know of any interesting changes to the rules ? > > > > AFAIK the rules are the same as Elric's. They just changed the > > name because this one sounds better (or, rather, because > > Elric! was a bit appalling). But I didn't look at it, so this > > is just rumor. > > > > What I'm really looking forward to is the Hawkmoon supplement, > > because I like Elric's rules (as they're both the newest and > > IMO the best BRP's incarnation) and the Tragic Millennium > > setting. > > AFAIK, DarcSyde has been given the license to produce the > Hawkmoon book. I have their Corum book and it looks rather nice. > > However, as far as Elric/Stormbringer being BRPs best > incarnation, I'm not sure I agree. I still think CoC is the > best (was so with CoC5, imho). > > I'm also still fond of RingWorld. It would really cool if > Chaosium produced another SF-oriented BRP-based game. > But which background to use? Ringworld was very nicely done, as far as I'm concerned the Lisa Free pictures of the Kzin and the Puppeteers are how they look forever. > Poll: what SF background do *you* think would make a swell BRP > game, other than Niven's Known Space. Keep in mind that the > background should fit in with Chaosium's stated policies for > RPGs: i.e. downplay violence as a solution to all problems, rich > "literary" background, not post-apocalyptic. Tough criteria. Too bad licenses for Star Wars and Star Trek are already taken ;-). How about Heinlein's future history? > I would jump up immediately and say "Gene Wolfe's Long/New Sun > books!", but that's mostly my Wolfeian bias peeking > through. Wouldn't sell, though - not nearly mainstream enough I > think. (Hell, I'm not sure that CoC would sell either, if it were > just produced today as opposed to when it was.) There's already a GURPS "New Sun" if you didn't know. Steve Jackson's also got several of the other likely possibilities for a Chaosium SF game: Traveller, Humanx, Krishna, Uplift, Lensman. BTW, have you ever looked at Other Suns? Stephen Posey slposey@concentric.net *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 23:35:23 +0200 From: Peter Keel Subject: Re: [RQ-RULES] Re: Stormbringer * on the Tue, Jul 10, 2001 at 05:38:36PM -0400, Viktor Haag was blubbering: > > I'm also still fond of RingWorld. It would really cool if > Chaosium produced another SF-oriented BRP-based game. > But which background to use? > > Poll: what SF background do *you* think would make a swell BRP > game, other than Niven's Known Space. Keep in mind that the > background should fit in with Chaosium's stated policies for > RPGs: i.e. downplay violence as a solution to all problems, rich > "literary" background, not post-apocalyptic. Well, it's Traveller obviously. But that seems to be in the Hands of GURPS. (Not that I'm terribly disappointed by that, BUT they made one terrible mistake: non-metric measurements. Traveller always used metric, even in the american version (that "even" of course implies that a lot of american people are [1]Hinterweltler ;-)). Peter [1] Here we would say Hinterwäldler, but I changed that to refer to some science-fiction short story. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 23:36:16 +0100 From: "Adam Benedict Canning" Subject: Re: [RQ-RULES] More spells for criticism : Tenebrous (Weapon) > Date: Mon, 09 Jul 2001 10:35:34 -0400 > From: "Leon B Kirshtein" > I am not aware of any Humakti subcults what do > so. He does have the > thruth rune after all. To which I can only counter with some vqague memories of carmantia humakti. On the other hand Humakti swords are supposed toglow which would rather stop one from making them indistinct. What I really meant was Trickster in either urmal or Raven manefestations. Raven as a Pentian War spirit is also possible. > > Yes, no, I do not know. Annilla and Jakelel > (?spelling) would be perfect. > Subere is more associated with > spirits/demons/magic as opposed to mundane/weapons. The spirits of shadows and darkness. And making a weapon shadowy and indistinct might fit. Alternitively recieve it from Xentha as an allied cult if Subere is hardline magic only in your mind. > I do not remeber who Xemella is. Mistake there I think I meant Xentha. [Given she is the Invisible of Yelm, perhaps Tenebrous Spear would fit..] Adam *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 20:39:38 EDT From: MurfNMurf@aol.com Subject: Re: [RQ-RULES] Re: Stormbringer - --part1_23.e45a0c6.287f9d4a_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Viktor wonderd at what BRPish Sci Fi setting we'd all like to see: Well, speaking for myself (obviously), I wouldn't mind seeing either the Falkenberg/ Codominium stuff, or Drake's Slammer's used; though both are fairly violent, with the Slammer stuff being essentially Sven Hassel in space. In a more beatnik vein, I think C.J. Cherryh's Chanur/Kif stuff'd be nice to see. IICR, they weren't very violent, and certainly nowhere near as gore-splattered as the previouis examples. Lots of character developement and interaction as well. Or, for that matter, I've always enjoyed Blake's 7 (or, its doppleganger, Farscape), and thought it'd make an intersting setting as well. Or hell, just go with Heinlein's (NOT the movie version, pleeez!) Starship Troopers! Yah! -Ken- Not holding my breath :) - --part1_23.e45a0c6.287f9d4a_boundary Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit  Viktor wonderd at what BRPish Sci Fi setting we'd all like  to see:
  Well, speaking for myself (obviously), I wouldn't mind seeing either the
Falkenberg/ Codominium stuff, or Drake's Slammer's used; though both are
fairly violent, with the Slammer stuff being essentially Sven Hassel in space.
  In a more beatnik vein, I think C.J. Cherryh's Chanur/Kif stuff'd be nice
to see. IICR, they weren't very violent, and certainly nowhere near as
gore-splattered as the previouis examples. Lots of character developement and
interaction as well. Or, for that matter, I've always enjoyed Blake's 7 (or,
its doppleganger, Farscape), and thought it'd make an intersting setting as
well. Or hell, just go with Heinlein's (NOT the movie version, pleeez!)
Starship Troopers! Yah!

 -Ken-
  Not holding my breath :)
- --part1_23.e45a0c6.287f9d4a_boundary-- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 09:55:15 +0200 From: Peter Keel Subject: Re: [RQ-RULES] Re: Stormbringer * on the Thu, Jul 12, 2001 at 08:39:38PM -0400, MurfNMurf@aol.com wrote: > In a more beatnik vein, I think C.J. Cherryh's Chanur/Kif stuff'd be nice > to see. That'll be actually very nice. The corpus isn't too big though. (For that part: Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover-series would provide _tons_ of material). > Or hell, just go with Heinlein's (NOT the movie version, pleeez!) > Starship Troopers! Yah! Well, that would turn out to be very "Mecha". Suits which enable you to jump over buildings, tactical nuclear warheads for use by the infantry... Peter - -- "Any good Unix security engineer can clean up any Unix box. But I'm not sure there are people even within Microsoft who know how to clean up an NT box." -- Michael Zbouray *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 10:44:17 +0200 From: Peter Keel Subject: Re: [RQ-RULES] Re: Stormbringer * on the Thu, Jul 12, 2001 at 03:28:02PM -0600, Stephen Posey [TurboPower Software] was blubbering: > > Poll: what SF background do *you* think would make a swell BRP > > game, other than Niven's Known Space. Keep in mind that the > > background should fit in with Chaosium's stated policies for > > RPGs: i.e. downplay violence as a solution to all problems, rich > > "literary" background, not post-apocalyptic. > > Tough criteria. Too bad licenses for Star Wars and Star Trek are > already taken ;-). How about Heinlein's future history? Heinlein's probably a good idea. Everything that ever appeared as a TV-series probably not... Babylon 5, Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon... (On a second thought: Anyone know Raumpatrouille Orion? A german TV-series of 9 movies in the sixties. That would be terrific. Because its terribly funny, they had no budget for nothing, so they used kitchen-sinks for controls and so on, plus they had stage-actors which were _really_ good. Better than most movie-actors. Anyway. You'll probably only find material in german on this). Well Perry Rhodan is probably a bad idea too, the spaceships would have diameters of 800meters and more.. > There's already a GURPS "New Sun" if you didn't know. Steve Jackson's > also got several of the other likely possibilities for a Chaosium SF > game: Traveller, Humanx, Krishna, Uplift, Lensman. Not that I would ever play Lensmen (brrr). Some more serious ideas: - - Alfred Bester would give some truly _alien_ backgrounds. Worlds where everyone has psionic powers (which is not unproblematic, ever thought of the concept of privacy if the whole population of a planet teleports around at will?). - - Clifford Simak. That would definitly fit into the policy. Simak is focusing on people, philosophy, and not technology and violence. Very nice. - - Urusla K. LeGuin. Also philosophical. I'm thinking of "The Dispossessed". These would provide interesting settings, but I actually prefer hard clean space opera in the style of Traveller. Traveller took actually a lot of background from Asimov's foundation trilogy. So I'd say Asimov or Heinlein would probably make the best background for something like this. Peter - -- "Any good Unix security engineer can clean up any Unix box. But I'm not sure there are people even within Microsoft who know how to clean up an NT box." -- Michael Zbouray *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of RuneQuest Rules Digest V4 #93 ************************************ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe runequest-rules' as the body of the message. RuneQuest is a Trademark of Hasbro/Avalon Hill Games. With the exception of previously copyrighted material, unless specified otherwise all text in this digest is copyright by the author or authors, with rights granted to copy for personal use, to excerpt in reviews and replies, and to archive unchanged for electronic retrieval.