Author Topic: Questions and Musings: What are these and how do the work? Game-mechanics-wise  (Read 2154 times)

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Offline Implementor

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Clycallah, Bakuul-Portal, Jinteni pizoelectrics, sun gems, jewels-wells/slime

Clycallah-war machines based on Worim design: Based on Worim design. So not the actual war machines they found. So what are they? Purely technological/mechanical powered by electricity generated from pizoelectric crystals? or are they magic constructs in the vein of construct companion/entity mastery etc? or a mixture of both
What strategic minerals are needed? how many can be produced? in what time frame? can they be repaired easily or do you need a specialized alchemist...or engineer/equipment.
What kind of weaponry is affiliated with them, edged and blunt weaponry? ranged weaponry? (javelins, darts, bolts)
or do they have energy weapons, and if so what's their basis of functionality ('lasers' powered by pizoelectric energy or 'lasers' which are really plamsa bolt spells etc.)

As to the others on the list, are there any actual game mechanics associated with these? If characters wanted to make a pizoelectric powered device (or gm) what are the parameters.
There's a lengthy section on jewel well/slime, but I find at the end of reading it I don't really have a handle on any hard game mechanics/effects for it
Bakuul portals: what's special about these as opposed to the more generic 'portals' mentioned throughout?
How do sun gems work? How are they made? What can you do with them?

I'll admit, one of the only SW/RM books I don't have is Emer III and it's sorta killing me that I can't read up on some of this.
Alrighties, time to start thinking about my follow up posts: The Pales/Void and SW Cosmology, Andraax-What's the Deal with this Guy, Lords of Orhan-Jerks?, Lorgalis-Single-handed direct action. These are more in depth and will take some time to write-up cogently. Thanks for reading.

Offline metallion

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The alchemical system has always been one of Rolemaster's weakspots.  I've actually been revamping it entirely, especially to reflect different magical technological levels.  (e.g. Namarian alchemy is virtually an industry, Dwarven alchemy even more so, Rhakaani alchemy is a whole lot of fumbling in the dark for relatively little result.)

I'm looking forward to comparing our takes on the Lords of Orhan, Andraax, Lorgalis, etc.

Offline B Hanson

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You might have read some of my stuff here or on the Rolemasterblog? I established the Essaence breach via an artifact sitting in the Kulthea-Orhan lagrange point. It sounds like you have the same or same type of questions we had and have tried to address, although it's non-canon. We've put everything into our own "Encyclopedia Kulthea", but many of the files are available on the "Misc SW Material" thread. Here are some attachments, posts and blogs that might relate to your questions. 

Crystals: https://ironcrown.co.uk/ICEforums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=15879.0;attach=3156

Earthwardens & Dragon Lords: https://ironcrown.co.uk/ICEforums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=15879.0;attach=3277

General Notes on technology rule vernacular: https://ironcrown.co.uk/ICEforums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=15879.0;attach=3278

Basic alchemy/chemistry stuff: https://ironcrown.co.uk/ICEforums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=15879.0;attach=3440

Ancient civilizations and notes on their technology styles: https://ironcrown.co.uk/ICEforums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=15879.0;attach=3623

Basic Material Strength system for magic and technology: https://ironcrown.co.uk/ICEforums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=15879.0;attach=3656

Expanded ideas on the Pales and Demons: hhttps://www.rolemasterblog.com/advanced-technology-shadow-world/

Blog on tech in Shadow World: https://www.rolemasterblog.com/advanced-technology-shadow-world/

Blog on the Essaence (you might have read this): https://www.rolemasterblog.com/essaence-thoughts-shadow-world/
 
www.RolemasterBlog.com
Other stuff I've written: https://tinyurl.com/yxrjjmzg
Files Uploaded: https://tinyurl.com/y47cfcrc

Offline Implementor

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Nice. thanks for reading and responding.


Namarian /dwaven alchemy virtually as industry, while Rhakaani more fumbling: Nifty. I've been toodling along those lines as well. For example I was think of a character's father (Namarians), by RM profession he was an Alchemist but really only engaged with the Inorganic list, as his focus was materials-science (advanced metallurgy, springs, etc)

Interesting mention of Rhakaan, it's always been my contention that long-term empires/political units should have, WOULD have, some sort of state-sponsored alchemical program going. Powers of light and darkness did this with both the Raven Queen and The Alliance.
Again I fully admit I think magic would/should be more common, or less uncommon. Especially in a world where you may encounter a being/force that 
can only be harmed by enchanted weapons/magic- what are a couple cohorts of Rhakaan heavy infantry armed with steel weapons going to do against a couple wind elementals? (there's an entire post worthy of this topic I guess AND I know it has been discussed before. I go back occasionally and re-read many of the old in-depth threads)

Those are some great resources, B. I've access much of your stuff before but there's some stuff there I haven't (yaaaay midnight reading session)

Offline metallion

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Rhakhaan's attitude is greatly informed by its history - the Puppeteers who pulled the strings of the Puppet Kings were largely arcane in nature, and there was a huge backlash as part of the Faslurin Restoration.  The UOC got a near monopoly on sanctioned channeling magic and the essence orders largely got wiped out -- I don't think the White Magician cares for much in the way of aspiring competitors.  That'll slow down, even regress, magical advancement.  I think most Rhakhaani alchemicals would have been created thousands of years ago, and even then not to the level of the Namarians.  There's also the Crowns and their influence of a King's policies to consider.