[Thousand Spears] The Argonauts fight Godzilla on top of a pile of nameless corpses.

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

Our stories tell of men that moved mountains, lifted the clay of the earth itself, god kings that shaped empires with a gesture, adventurers driven to the lowest depths by the greatest greed. Some are just folk tales, legends, myths. But some of these men and women of Allatas are real and aspire to become legends in their own right. Those that posses this great power to shape their stories are known as Inheritors, and the origin of their talents is debated in great halls and backstreets.

Warriors stoically shrug off javelins impaled in their chests, men with granite fists reduce city walls to rubble and messengers sprint a day's march in minutes. Jungles crawling with biding claws and poisoned fangs, burning deserts that go uncrossed and blizzard ridden ice peaks do little to stop them recovering artifacts spoken of only in cracked parchments stacked high in marble temples.

Marching behind these Inheritors are the ordinary men who make all the difference. Bands of brave sailors distract the monstrous Thalanoda on the rocky shore as their leader escapes with the legendary artifact it was protecting. A wall of shields protects their leader each man would die for and even the mightiest Inheritors can’t hope to stand up to the huge armies gathered during wartime.

Thousand Spears: The Inheritors of Allatas

Yes it's another game by me using a homebrewed, untested system. But this time with pace! I have a week off work next week and I want to get a short scenario finished in that time.

Impossible? Maybe. But with a reputation of abandoning games behind me it seems like a sensible precaution.

So onto the game.

Thousand Spears is...
Jason and the Argonauts and the X-Men voyaging around an ancient world varying from Hyborian savagery to classical wonder. Talented Inheritors carry out great deeds only through the sacrifice of their ordinary followers.

Who are you?
You are an Inheritor travelling the land of Allatas, leaving behind your legacy, whatever it may be. Inheritors are a step above normal people, possessing great talents allowing them to achieve things unthinkable by most.

What do I do?
Only fools act alone. The world is full of exceptional individuals but everyone benefits from followers. Indeed, the road to glory is usually left awash with the blood of these loyal men and women.

So we're in ancient Greece or what?
Actually, no. We're in Allatas.

Five things you need to know about Allatas
* Allatas is a Classical world with some unfamiliar twists. Spear, shield and javelin rule the battlefield but in a world without horses large hounds are used to pull chariots and more dangerous creatures are trained as war beasts or feared as monsters.
* Amongst the ordinary people of the world are the Inheritors, individuals born with a great power. These talents could be subtle or obvious, ranging from superb athletic ability or ability to create powerful artifacts to stone skin or a roar that can shatter iron.
* The expansive, multicultural empire of Epitane and the rigidly traditional Kingdom of Vakra are the largest powers in Allatas, separated by a mountain range. This alone keeps them at a forced peace.
* Currency exists but is used only when bartering and promises of returned favours fail. It’s easy to find a place to get a meal and bed in Allatas, but you’ll need to repay your host somehow.
* The endless seas to the East and West lure in brave explorers while the impassable northern desert and southern arctic wastes both hold their own mysteries.

So the key selling points of this game are classical heroic adventure while throwing willing followers to their deaths at the hands of giant monsters. Think of it as an RPG "zoomed-out" to take in a larger scale where you and the other characters lead a small army, rather than a party.

Game will be PbP and I'll give specific details shortly. For now you can see the full, untested game doc HERE. Don't bother making characters yet, just let me know who's interested and remember this game is untested and being frequently added to and edited, so no voicing of balance concerns yet, please.

Still need convincing?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyvbZwPiWtQ

Kay · February 2011

Me, obviously! And I sorta already made some characters.

Ringo · February 2011

I like breaking games!

Can I break your game?

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

Ringo wrote: »

Can I break your game?

By all means go ahead, but I want this to be a playtest that actually results in play.

Should clarify that I'll be aiming for three players at the most to keep things brisk.

Ringo · February 2011

No, I like playing too! As long as you can do the rolling for me. I post from my phone and using online dicerollers is a thankless hassle

simonwolf · February 2011

You know I have always been a supporter of making your games as ridiculous as possible, Sooga

Let's do this.

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

I can roll the dice for you, not a problem.

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

Okay, before people make their Inheritors this snippet of prophesy will be worth noting.

Renkjad Vark wrote:

Before the first birthing of spring in the final year of the thirtieth reign of the Eternal King it shall come.

The mountains themselves will part for a foul new enemy to descend upon Vakra. The moon will dare not show and our terrible foe will make itself known in a tide of brilliant red. Only the greatest Vakran army ever assembled can hold back the evil from crushing our great land.

Trust not in the great. Trust in the many. Trust in a wall of blood and Vakran steel.

Less than a month ago the thirtieth Eternal King of Vakra died. While mystics search the land for his reincarnated form more scholars are concerned about the approaching Spring and the doom it is expected to bring. Although few are aware of this particular scripture an army is secretly being gathered in preparation.

A small expedition will be sent to recover Roralva's Lost Spirehorn. This huge horn previously used to call worshippers to the temple has hundreds of scriptures dedicated to its claimed powers. Most importantly it is destined to sound the charge of the greatest Vakran army in history, so is a necessary acquisition in these times.

Your character may be Vakran, a foreigner with a vested interest in protecting Vakra or a mercenary working for the right price. Whoever they are they have a reason for wanting to reclaim Roralva's Spirehorn.

Character creation rules are found in the "Creating your Inheritor" section and I'm happy to help anyone that needs it. If you like the sound of a particular region noted at the end of the doc for your character's homeland I'll give you a quick guide to naming convention upon request.
Post your characters in this thread when they're ready and give me a quick explanation of who you are and why you want to be part of this expedition. Please try and post your character in the format found in the game doc.

Kay · February 2011

Teldan naming conventions, please! Or are they more likely to recruit mercenaries from other realms, given the background?

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

Teldan is a market city that grew on the border of Amarith, one of the more culturally distinct parts of Epitane, and Vakra. As such, a native of Teldan is likely to follow one of their naming conventions.
Amarithian names are characterised by having no S sound but prominent use of Z, Sh, Ch, Th and J, giving them a very recognisable accent. Typical names are Ezmen, Pachel, Shelmaz or Jelshen. Their surnames are typically two short surnames inherited from both parents, Chel Nith, Pa Jerl etc.
Vakran names are characterised by hard sounds like K, T and D, often clustered in together in combinations non-natives find difficult to pronounce. Old Vakran names can also be very long. Typical names are Darkenata, Teverta, Invabar or Kazrotena. Surnames are similar in sound.
If neither of these grab you Epitan names would also be common in Teldan and they vary wildly, but tend to be more elegant, flowing and soft-sounding than the two other languages mentioned. Typical Epitan names would be Lerevin, Harli, Bas, Seladorn or Coraden. Surnames are similar in sound.

Ringo · February 2011

Hmph. For some reason I can read everything in the googledoc up until I get to the history of Epitane, and then it kicks me back to the start.

Could you quote those histories in spoilers? I have a concept idea, but I need a background to flesh it out

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

If someone else could post that fluff it would help a great deal, as I'm on my phone.

simonwolf · February 2011

A History of Allatas
History of Allatas

The History of Allatas can be broken down into three main time periods that would be suitable for a campaign. The year numbers (Epitan Calendar) provide a rough guide to the time passing between events.

EC1-100 - The Birthing Age
Called the "Age of Sand" in Epitan history. This is the Age that saw the creation of the main powers in Allatas. Lantane expands northwards to assimilate the primitive tribes in Dirpan and fights a long war against the defiant Mavoans, eventually forming Epitane. Shortly after this Epitane leads a joint invasion of Amarith with Corpan's Armies. The Bursen launch frequent raids on the southern towns that will eventually form Umenar. Vakra begins to absorb the last independent states and Teldan is founded. Deep in the Jungle the first settlements of Wyde Lun are built as the Masters leave the Wyde.

EC100-160 The Warring Age
Called the "Age of Ice" in Epitan history. The growing Epitan Empire presses southwards, Amarith joining willingly in return for aid in crushing Corpan, which is soon absorbed into Epitane too. This sudden turn against Corpan is locally known as the Great Betrayal. Bursend also joins Epitane willingly in order to launch a full assault on the frozen settlements to the South, leading to the Umen War and the eventual victory of a unified Umenar. The War of Two Kings threatens to devastate Vakra as factions pledge allegiance to differing reincarnations of the Eternal King, eventually ending with the death of both and joint search for the rebirth. Wyde Lun quickly grows and makes first contact with explorers from Epitane and Vakra.

EC160-200 The Unknown Age
Epitane sits on its Empire with nowhere left to conquer but faces small shards of rebellion in Mavoa and Corpan. Vakra keeps a firm grip on order after its Civil War and Wyde Lun begins very limited trade with the outside world. Umenar continue to fortify themselves against the threat of invasion and their harsh environment. In a world where much of the map is filled in eyes begin to look to the mythical Eastlands and Westlands that lie beyond the seas, as well as the paradise some claim exists beyond the desert.

Epitane - An Empire of Contrasts

The Empire of Epitane is the broadest spanning in Allatas, with regards to both the variety of tribes and regions that have been absorbed into it and the difference in standard of living between its rich and poor.
The first Emperor of Epitane controlled an area a fraction of the size of the modern Empire. It is told that this Inheritor was the greatest general ever to live.
The family of the Emperor has a history of powerful Inheritance and so it is unheard of for a ruler in Epitane to not be an Inheritor. Perhaps because of their great power, combined with sibling rivalry, civil war is not uncommon in Epitane.
The Empire has a strong and varied military thanks to the variety of people that make up the Empire. Individual regions tend to have specialist units that are famed across Epitane and a combined Epitan army makes good use of the strengths of each region whilst covering its weaknesses.
Epitane's geography varies greatly, the northernmost regions blending into the Desert and the South leading into the frozen climate of Umenar. The East is home to beautiful coastal regions and fertile plains whereas the West is drier land that leads into the mountains seperating Epitane from Vakra.
Epitane contains a combination of various races as well as the average citizen of Epitane who contains a mixed stock of these people. A mixed ethnic background is commonly seen as a desirable trait in Epitane, in part due to the many royal marriages that helped forge strong ties between the regions of Epitane in the early days of the Empire.

Vakra - Kingdom of Traditions and Scriptures

Dekanj Umaten Od Presjuca Enzercay Vakra, shortened by most to Vakra, is the Empire of the Eternal King and one of the main powers in Allatas.
The Eternal King represents all of the Gods and his reborn form is chosen by these Gods every time a King dies.
In comparison to its Eastern neighbour, Epitane, Vakra has a much more advanced mining and metalworking industry as well as fantastic access to various ores. Their soldiers, which make greater use of cutting swords, axes and metal shields as well as chain and scale armour.
In Vakran society there is a God for everyone. With a sprawling pantheon every profession has an appropriate God to identify with as a role model. Scriptures can be referenced for nearly every day-to-day issue and priests are regularly called upon for advice in their area of expertise.

Umenar - The Frozen Protectorate

Life in Umenar is dominated by the concept of Protection. Cities, Regions and the Nation itself are all ruled by the individual who is best suited to protect the local inhabitants. This is determined by a non-lethal combat, or similar challenge.
Almost without exception Umeneans are shorter than average and have dark hair, usually curly or at least wavy. In contrast, their Inheritors are incredibly varied with regards to their appearance as well as talents.
The Umeneans of today are descended from the savage Grallmen, a wild, tough race of animal-like humans that have managed to survive the sub-arctic environment of Umenar.
There is no real organised Army in Umenar. Protectors will deal with any invading force along with the general populace, who will have basic training using bows and their tools as weapons.

Wyde Lun - A Nation of Slaves

Nestled in the depths of a deadly jungle, Wyde Lun is a republic based around the idea that citizens will begin life as a slave and earn every right and freedom for themselves.
The region that now makes up Wyde Lun was inhabited by a group a small group of extremely Powerful Inheritors that towered over normal men like great statues, these gathered slaves from the nearby tribes to work on creating their ideal civilisation.
Because of their tradition of breeding strong, healthy individuals the average Wyde soldier is in excellent physical shape. Discipline is strong but Wyde Lun is an inexperienced nation in the ways of War.
Life as a worker in Wyde Lun is relatively good, if strange to those who view it from outside.

The Minor Powers
Teldan - The Market that became a State

Teldan began as little more than a site for an annual market between traders primarily from Vakra and Amarith. After Amarith's induction into the Epitan Empire it became more popular with traders from the further regions of Epitane and as meetings became more frequent the site grew into more of a city in its own right.
Halls are the bases of the organisations that have the most influence in Teldan. The majority of people in Teldan bear some affiliation with one of the four largest halls.
Teldan has little need for an army but it does employ a small standing garrison of city guardsmen. Alongside these it is common for richer merchants and organisations to have private guards to watch over their interests. The well-built city walls are enough to deter anything short of a full siege. The huge amount of influence the city holds across Allatas is perhaps an even more powerful form of defence.

Ysorn and Grallmen - The Wild Cultures

These two races of people don't fit into any of the civilised nations. First are the desert-roaming Ysorn. They wander too far north into the scorching desert for others to follow and seem to hold little interest in interacting with their Epitan or Wyde neighbours.
They constantly move from one water source to another and train huge desert lizards as their beasts of burden and protectors.
Grallmen are indeed human, but barely. They seem to posses little more than animal intelligence and roam the icey wastes of Umenar hunting for meat and barely surviving.
Only due to their remarkable strength and toughness are they able to continue to exist in this habitat and resist ongoing attempts by Umenean hunting parties to wipe them out.

Man and Beast in Allatas

Special note should be taken of the relationship between Men and Beasts in Allatas. From the chariot-drawing packhounds of Epitane and the huge Mavoan warbeasts to the mountain eagles used by Vakran hunters, man and beast work alongside in every corner of the world.
Equally, the creatures of Allatas make up some of man’s most dangerous enemies.

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

Thanks simon, I owe you one.

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

Okay if simon, ringo and kay are all good to play can they get their characters up by the end of the day? If we get that sorted we can start the game proper tomorrow.

Rolling can be done through invisible castle and OOC talk can go in spoiler tags. I won't be setting a turn limit but I want to keep this fast-paced.

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

I'm about to go to bed but will aim to start this tomorrow (Sunday) morning (GMT) with whatever characters we have. If less than two are up by then I guess I'll abandon and try to run it on IRC another time instead.

Kay · February 2011

I'll go with the Teldani Swordmistress I made, and name her Thalshel Na Jhez. Tranquil Blade will be a title of sorts, like the Storm Arrow.

Thalshel Na Jhez, the Tranquil Blade, Swordmistress (Teldani Inheritor)
Attacks: 5
Defenses: 6, 8
Skill: 3
Talent: Quick and Nimble 5, Supernatural Senses 5.
Subtle Distraction (2): Subtract 2 from two enemy attack dice.
Show them the Way (2): Raise or lower three of your attack dice by 1.
Shield of Blades (2): Remove three enemy attack dice of up to 6.

Ringo · February 2011

I'm not entirely certain on attack dice. Let's say I have an attack pool of 8. I roll them, get five 2s and three 3s. So for my turn I could use the 2s and break a defense no greater than 10 (or several smaller ones) or use an ability costing no greater than 10 (or several smaller ones).

I sort that out, discard any 2s I didn't use, and then my next turn I either use my 3s in the same manner, or spend the turn discarding them and either way I roll a new Attack Pool on the turn after that, correct?

Also, explain Feint to me. Move dice into opponent's attack pool? From where?

edit gahhh, forum is being wonky, I'll post my character in about eight hours when I wake up

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

You don't add your attack dice together, you use each one individually.

So say you're using your five 2s you could use each die to either use an Ability costing 2 or less or break a Defence of 2 or less. For example I could break three enemy defences of two, and use two Abilities costing 2. It's exceedingly rare to have a Defence of 2 so in this case 2s are best used for Abilities.

For Feint you're moving dice from your attack pool into your enemy's.

If you want a quick demo I'll be in the IRC channel throughout the day (see my sig).

Ringo · February 2011

Huh. My day is becoming hopelessly crowded, and now I need to rethink my build. Hrmmm.

I'm still not sure *why* I would want to move dice from my pool to my enemy's?

Kay · February 2011

Man, there are WAY more abilities now.

I ma have to rethink my build.

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

Having a bunch of useless dice in your pool means you're going to waste a turn at some point by using them. Your opponent also doesn't reroll his pool until he starts his turn with an empty pool, so you can also prevent this by keeping dice in his pool.

Ringo · February 2011

Hrm. Okay. So how the hell do I activate Abilities that use more than 6? I need to use an adding ability first?

And I'm really sorry we're not ready to start today, Suga. But Character Creation is half the fun!

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

Yeah, there are only a few Abilities that have costs of higher than 6 so somehow you'll have to raise your dice to use them. The key thing to remember is that you won't be doing much of anything alone, so you're bound to have some followers that can raise your dice somehow.

Don't worry about the late start, we just might have to end things a bit abruptly.

Kay · February 2011

10 on Abilities, 10 on Bonuses. You can use Bonuses to lower the cost (in dice) of your Abilities. So you could buy something that cost 8, then lower it to 6 with two points of Bonus.

Favoured Ability (1): Reduce the cost to use one of your Abilities in battle by 1, to a minimum of 1. A single Ability’s cost cannot be reduced by more than 2 from buying this Bonus multiple times.

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

Ah yes, that way too.

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

Right guys, I've got the first post all but ready for when you've finalised your characters.

Kay · February 2011

I think that as long as Ringo or Simon have a dude with a hard hitting power, we'll be cool. My Inheritor's all about supporting the TEEEEAM rather than chopping mountains in half.

SUPERSUGA · February 2011

Well the final boss of this game is a mountain.

Penny Arcade

Quick Links

[Thousand Spears] The Argonauts fight Godzilla on top of a pile of nameless corpses.

Posts