Official ICE Forums
Systems & Settings => Rolemaster => Topic started by: PhillipAEllis on December 08, 2012, 03:06:12 PM
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G'day!
This topic has been brushed upon elsewhere, and I was wondering how we feel about genre books, such as Monte Cook's Dark Space, or the Robin Hood setting, both from RM2. Would you buy a setting? Would you buy a setting only if it were supported (as with a campaign, adventures, etcetera)? Or would you feel otherwise, maybe being ambivalent, maybe not buying them, maybe even something else.
And feel free to discuss the sorts of genre supplements you like, hate, feel indifferent to, and so on.
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I voted yes: I am in love with the setting presented by Shades of Darkness. At the very least, genre settings can provide a sense of "how things work" if you are looking for a temporary theme to your game (O, my players are visiting a downtrodden village ruled by an insane demon overlord? Better check Shades of Darkness to get some ideas of how the populace acts in a given day)
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I chose other as I no longer play RPG's anymore. I would buy novels or a novelette based on a genre to my liking and if that really took my fancy then perhaps I'd think about buying a short adventure setting for bit of fun with a few friends. So far ICE has two fantasy setting and three sic-fi settings so I don't think much will happen beyond the scope of other settings. That is unless you become a separate licensed entity and use RM as your default system like Defendi did with Echo's of Heaven. Actually that's the only way I think that would work.
I don't mind dark faery settings or stuff like Once Upon A Time. Steampunk is interesting I could get into that but honestly I don't see myself getting back into playing RPG anymore...I'll just continue to snorting graphite.
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Depends on the genre. Plus, of course, is it any good and can I afford it.
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It would have to be not good but great. In general I'd rather use my own setting. I would prefer to buy pieces that I can fit into my setting than something complete.
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Yeah, that.
I'm in the "maybe" column, because when I see a pre-made world I tend to pick through and find out "what's wrong with it," in other words what I would do differently. So "maybe" translates into "if I could 'port it into my own setting without too much tweaking."
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Yeah, I was looking at the genre part, missed the "setting" bit. I would be interested in a Steampunk sourcebook or any of a number of other genres, but the more material that was defining a specific setting, the less my interest would be.
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Well to be fair, the reason I put quotes around "what's wrong with it" is because it's only "wrong" in terms of "not MY way." But then if I'm the GM, the guy who tells the Gods what to believe, there is actually a valid argument to be made in favor of having the arrogance to equate "not MY way" with "wrong."
:o
So I wouldn't be too surprised if that's a problem RPG writers run up against on a regular basis.
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I voted yes, mainly because I have in the past, but with the obvious caveat of: if I like it. (Duh.)
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I voted yes. I will buy a genre setting if for no other reason than for some ideas. The only one I actually played that I purchased was Dark Space.
rmfr
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Is this a discussion of genre books, settings for said genres, or both? I'd like to see good genre books for RMU, and some of those would likely need setting products (depending on the genre, of course). Not necessarily a full world setting, but an area that GMs could use to kickstart their games and maybe flesh out and expand (as well as provide stages for future module products).
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I'd be seeing this done in the following way:
Slowly release a few genre/ setting books; see which sells more, or generates more interest and then develop and maintain that setting.
RM has a long, and partially successful history of releasing source books; such as vikings, dark space, shades of darkness, time riders and robin hood. I played a good many of those earlier ones and its thoroughly enjoyable, but somehow the ultimate setting of JRR Tolkien stuck as the best one for my players.
Personally I'd be interested in getting on board of a successful comic like Girl Genius and write the book for that steam punk setting, or something like RM Rome and expand it; because that is such an interesting period.
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I voted maybe. I buy random bits and pieces from various settings regardless of the setting (and sometimes even genre) and plug parts of them into my own setting. I have vinyl maps that are D&D towns/cities, I have the full Ptolus PDF and large vinyl map, I have a large map of Ahnk-Morpork printed on foam-core that I'm filling in the details of myself to use as the characters primary home base.
I wouldn't use a setting as-is unless it was DAMN good and I didn't have to wait years for it to become so. I mean fleshed out to point of absurdity (Ptolus almost fits the bill).
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Don't know how to vote; It'd be YES.
Yes to genrebooks (steam, horror, history, modern, ...) and to settingbooks for ideas to steal for my own ones.
Cheers,
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Maybe as well. In general if our group goes to a different system I will pick up some. I have numerous ones rarely if ever used. I don't see myself picking up one just for the sake of doing it unless we might be using it in gameplay - like our current Pathfinderish game or if we play Dark Heresy series games again. I also have numerous never read AD&D pdf's. Like others have mentioned - I don't think we have ever played anything right out of the box.
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I said yes but only if it was Shades of Darkness and only if they put out more....I love that setting and it never went any were.
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I ended up voting Yes, but only if genre books are supported. I do think it's a mistake to tie a genre book permanently to a setting (you can't use our Steampunk stuff unless you buy Londonium Gaslight, for example), but I also think you need to put at least some setting and support stuff out there if you want a genre to really take off. In some cases running a good genre campaign requires a fair amount of historical background/knowledge (Outlaw and Pirates from RM2 spring immediately to mind), and there's only so much that can be put into one book. Having a good generic setting (a town, set of islands, etc.) can really help people get going with those products.
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My problem with setting books of any kind has always been the problem of "the box." I've been saying for decades that no GM can build a box so big or so well sealed his players can't crawl out of it somehow. And in fairness, the same kind of relationship applies between GMs and sourcebook, setting and RPG writers (I offer the RMU playtest threads as Exhibit A to support that hypothesis). But the problem is compounded from the GM's point of view if he relies on the sourcebook/module/whatever, because when his players crawl out of the author's box, the GM is kind of stuck in the middle with no support.
On the other hand, if he has to go spontaneously world-building outside the box anyway, he may as well have saved his money.
So the problem is how to make the players want to stay in the box drawn by the author, without players or GM being actually railroaded into it.
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Part of that is really dependent on the setting, IMO. In espionage or military themed games it's relatively easy to keep players in the "box." But those games also demand that the "box" be a good one with plenty of detail and focus to keep the players engaged. It also demands that guidelines be provided so that when/if players stray out of the "box," the GM isn't left totally in the lurch.
A good box is actually more of a stepladder with handholds. I happen to think they can be done. They also serve a valuable function by providing examples for new (or unsure) GMs. Not every GM springs fully formed from the brow of the rulebooks, after all. They, like players, need help and examples. The trick is to make sure that the rules can stand on their own without too many links to a specific setting. This works better in more modern settings, obviously, but can have application to fantasy as well.
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Part of that is really dependent on the setting, IMO. In espionage or military themed games it's relatively easy to keep players in the "box."
I think that's because such settings are mission oriented. You go in, you do the job, you get out.
I happen to think they can be done.
So do I, I'm just stating the problem. "A good box" is, 1) "walled" with persuasion rather than rules or attempts to make the edges impassable, 2) filled with interesting stuff in the center to keep folks away from the walls in the first place, 3) modular, so you can hook on other boxes when you want, and 4) generic enough that it can be "plugged in" to more than one setting within the genre.
That way when the players get bored and decide to go outside the box, there's a reasonable chance of having another suitable box on hand for them to go into.
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I voted yes because I really like the concept of getting a set of core rules streamlined towards a specific genre/setting, having them explore the possibilities of the setting's own prerequisites.
I would love to see the new Unified Rolemaster used for setting books in the following genres:
Old American West
Gothic/Lovecraftian/Pulp Horror
Post-Apocalypse
Sengoku Japan
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The poll is closed, so I cannot vote, but I would have chosen "Yes". This is something I really liked with RM2. As an example, even if I don't intend to run a musketeer campaign, At Rapier's Point can provide me with ideas, character templates and black powder firearms rules for my own campaign world.
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I have made my game world and have been adding to it for over 20 years now so I don't really make a good customer for such books. I might buy a setting just to support RM if contents would be really good and the artwork would really impress me and make me feel something.
But still I think those products are important for Rolemaster as a game. A lot of people use those ready-made settings and they are what characterizes the whole game to a lot of players.
I think RM needs a more personal approach in these supplements that would make players interested. Stories of legendary heroes that accomplished it against all odds and disappeared, maiden whose beauty brought tears to the eyes of people, misunderstood hero that sacrificed his life for the others but got only contempt, romance, desperation, betrayal. Whatever emotions people need to feel RM should be the channel. If a setting cannot do it then its empty to me.
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Genre books with materials and maybe a sample setting (if there's need to fluff), a list of sources and resources is another good add.
The existing genre books provide enough guidelines that you can run nearly anything right now. It would be nice to see some updates to the RMs genre books, maybe revise them so they can use any of the rule sets.
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Definitely I would buy. RPG industry is missing Steampunkish setting. There are some, but rules are not widely known. Rolemaster would be very nice system to steampunk.
Maybe some medieval, historical setting too.
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I really think a game company should approach Cherie Priest about putting a setting book out based on her Steampunk novels.
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I really think a game company should approach Cherie Priest about putting a setting book out based on her Steampunk novels.
I'm sure it won't be long until someone does ask her. From what I've read there's a movie in the works for "Boneshaker" but that's old news and may not come to fruition as these things tend to do.
Whichever game company jumps on the "Boneshaker" IP wagon will certainly be spring boarded to popularity, there is a fair sized fan base out there for steampunk.
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I voted maybe, and even then I would use it only as a reference.
I have a few reasons why I wouldn't use a 'direct from box' setting, but the main one being my own arrogance. I vehemently believe I could do better, at least from mine and my players point of view.
We use a lot of house rules, defined power levels, battered 2E books and a quarter of a century RM experience and stories to draw from.
Also, for me at least, a large part of GM craft and the enjoyment of running games, comes from the creative process, whether that be creating the game world, setting or modified rule-set, or manufacturing adventures, NPCs or items.
So, where does the 'maybe' come in? Ideas. Not s much for a setting, but just ideas of how others have created their worlds and how they have pulled everything together.
However, as a disclaimer, there may be times when a 'direct from box' setting could be useful, especially for new gamers or those pressed for time.
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However, as a disclaimer, there may be times when a 'direct from box' setting could be useful, especially for new gamers or those pressed for time.
Keep in mind the new gamer in particular. I think it's especially important to remember them, and the fact that RM tends to require a bit more from GMs (especially given some of the looser skill descriptions and the like in RMU). The easier we can make the transition, the more likely people are to try the system and stick with it.
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I think that Genre settings can be instrumental in getting RMU off the ground. I started playing Rolemaster in 1989. I had been playing other systems prior to that; AD&D, Star Frontiers, BattleTech and one of the most challenging aspects of Rolemaster for a GM is its flexibility! To date, I have NEVER been a player in a Rolemaster campaign, tournament, solo adventure/quest... Not once. I was the guy with the books, time and desire to put together and GM all of the sessions. This was mainly due to the fact that everyone loved to play, but no one wanted to deal with the rules. As some players got more comfortable with the system, they would say things like, "I'd GM a module or something if you had one"... Make no bones about it, after I broke Rolemaster onto the scene, ALL and I mean EVERY one of my former AD&D gamer friends shelved that system. Everyone was instantly addicted to Rolemaster's flexibility... BUT, alas... No takers for GM. I don't see genre settings as a "limiting" element. They are "enhancements". Beginner and novice GM's get some much needed structure and boundaries... Advanced GM's who need to do their own thing all the time can snatch elements out of them and use them when they need something "on the fly"...
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Also, I would prefer genre books as opposed to historic settings like RM2. You know, all the standard fare : horror, steampunk, planetary romance (Barsoom-like), etc. Even the fantasy sub-genres would be great (sword & sorcery, high fantasy, etc.). Original settings like Dark Space would also be great. Something wild and unique, to demonstrate the flexibility of Rolemaster. And because we've had it with the same old same old fantasy settings.
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Also, I would prefer genre books as opposed to historic settings like RM2. You know, all the standard fare : horror, steampunk, planetary romance (Barsoom-like), etc. Even the fantasy sub-genres would be great (sword & sorcery, high fantasy, etc.). Original settings like Dark Space would also be great. Something wild and unique, to demonstrate the flexibility of Rolemaster. And because we've had it with the same old same old fantasy settings.
IMO you need both "genre" and historic/modern settings. If you really want to show RM's flexibility, that's the best way to do it. Show that the core system can handle any setting, any time period, and any style of game (all the way from high fantasy to gritty, no-magic espionage).
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Too late to vote...
But the answer would depend upon "Genre", "Cost" and "Conformity"
If it was a purely historical genre book, like Outlaw, At Rapiers Point, Run out the Guns, Black Ops, Pulp... and the like then the answer would be yes.
Cost?... well that would determine whether I would pick and choose and just go for the "must haves" or the lot to complete the collection.
Conformity. This is the biggie. I'd like the books to adhere to a core-rulebook that allows a genuine portability between genres and not muck around with games mechanics... or at least not do so after a core rulebook has establishes a character creation system that can copes with any genre.
I've seen some excellent genre books before, those produced for GURPS are prime examples of what I'd find appealing.
Basically what intothatdarkness said...;)
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Too late to vote...
But the answer would depend upon "Genre", "Cost" and "Conformity"
If it was a purely historical genre book, like Outlaw, At Rapiers Point, Run out the Guns, Black Ops, Pulp... and the like then the answer would be yes.
Cost?... well that would determine whether I would pick and choose and just go for the "must haves" or the lot to complete the collection.
Conformity. This is the biggie. I'd like the books to adhere to a core-rulebook that allows a genuine portability between genres and not muck around with games mechanics... or at least not do so after a core rulebook has establishes a character creation system that can copes with any genre.
I've seen some excellent genre books before, those produced for GURPS are prime examples of what I'd find appealing.
Basically what intothatdarkness said...;)
Having done some of these conversions for RM before, I think there would be a handful of changes to the core rules, but mostly in the combat systems. Character creation is pretty portable (some of the skills may shift, and background does need to be expanded for some genres, but that's all easy to adjust and doesn't shift core much at all), and I've never had an issue with that. Combat usually has to change, but that's always been in time scale and through the creation of some new attack tables for different weapon types.
The basics for RM (stats, skills, DPs, and so on) are actually pretty flexible. Professions are easy enough to create for new genres, so again that's not an issue. I can see that side of RM being compatible no matter what genre you're looking at. The skill check system is also very flexible and easy to adapt to any setting. Even combat doesn't require major changes on the whole.
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Too late to vote...
But the answer would depend upon "Genre", "Cost" and "Conformity"
If it was a purely historical genre book, like Outlaw, At Rapiers Point, Run out the Guns, Black Ops, Pulp... and the like then the answer would be yes.
Cost?... well that would determine whether I would pick and choose and just go for the "must haves" or the lot to complete the collection.
Conformity. This is the biggie. I'd like the books to adhere to a core-rulebook that allows a genuine portability between genres and not muck around with games mechanics... or at least not do so after a core rulebook has establishes a character creation system that can copes with any genre.
I've seen some excellent genre books before, those produced for GURPS are prime examples of what I'd find appealing.
Basically what intothatdarkness said...;)
Having done some of these conversions for RM before, I think there would be a handful of changes to the core rules, but mostly in the combat systems. Character creation is pretty portable (some of the skills may shift, and background does need to be expanded for some genres, but that's all easy to adjust and doesn't shift core much at all), and I've never had an issue with that. Combat usually has to change, but that's always been in time scale and through the creation of some new attack tables for different weapon types.
The basics for RM (stats, skills, DPs, and so on) are actually pretty flexible. Professions are easy enough to create for new genres, so again that's not an issue. I can see that side of RM being compatible no matter what genre you're looking at. The skill check system is also very flexible and easy to adapt to any setting. Even combat doesn't require major changes on the whole.
My point here that nearly all the previous supplements have "covered old ground".
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I don't know if ICE staff have time and resources, but I highly recommend Steam Punk setting. It is relatively rare nowadays. There are some, but competition on that area is relatively small.
Sometime ago I bought Victoriana RPG 2nd edition books and I did play couple of gaming sessions. Setting was quite ok, but rules were not something that we were looking for (my gaming group didn't like it at all). Invention rules in Vicrotiana RPG are the best that I have ever seen. Very flexible and easy to use.
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If there would be new genre settings I think the human-interest factor would be most important for the new RM. People need something that they can get attached to in the characters. Several succesful competing products come to mind. That and good art is what would sell it.
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I can say (maybe say again as I did not read all of the above posts) that I have had no trouble adapting RMSS to anything it has skill flexibility and skill add-ability, professions that are generic and yet unique and core rules that let you adapt to almost any style of RPGing.
MDC
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If there would be new genre settings I think the human-interest factor would be most important for the new RM. People need something that they can get attached to in the characters. Several succesful competing products come to mind. That and good art is what would sell it.
(Emphasis, mine.)
I have been saying that for years now - and, sorry, but most of the new art in HARP is not to my liking. I know they are probably very expensive, but Brom, the guys who did much of the art for the D&D 3E Monster Manual, and the classic AD&D artist Willingham would go a long way to making the products awesome. Also, the guy(s) who did the maps for the older Shadow World products like The Cloudlords of Tanara, especially if you keep the high-fantasy look from those days, I much prefer to get away from the "middle-ages, only with magic & monsters" look that has crept into modern fantasy. (And by "crept", I mean taken over almost completely.)
Of course, for genre settings, the art should compliment the genre. For example: A genre setting of Ancient Greece should have art that is reminiscent of the art of ancient Greece.
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I have been saying that for years now - and, sorry, but most of the new art in HARP is not to my liking. I know they are probably very expensive, but Brom, the guys who did much of the art for the D&D 3E Monster Manual, and the classic AD&D artist Willingham would go a long way to making the products awesome. Also, the guy(s) who did the maps for the older Shadow World products like The Cloudlords of Tanara, especially if you keep the high-fantasy look from those days, I much prefer to get away from the "middle-ages, only with magic & monsters" look that has crept into modern fantasy. (And by "crept", I mean taken over almost completely.)
That's funny, I would say what has gotten pervasive is the looks of anime, computer games, and Warhammer. Which is to say grossly oversized weapons and shoulder pads, monsters with hunch-backed posture, and women with no pants. I like a realistic look myself but find it rare.
Of course, for genre settings, the art should compliment the genre. For example: A genre setting of Ancient Greece should have art that is reminiscent of the art of ancient Greece.
Well, I agree 100% with that.
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That's funny, I would say what has gotten pervasive is the looks of anime, computer games, and Warhammer. Which is to say grossly oversized weapons and shoulder pads, monsters with hunch-backed posture, and women with no pants. I like a realistic look myself but find it rare.
Yeah, that is out there too, but since I generally stay away from that stuff like it is the Ebola Virus, I don't see it much. (Though I am down for some Exalted, which has a definite anime-flair - even if I like to make that more high-fantasy than anime, as well.)
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If there would be new genre settings I think the human-interest factor would be most important for the new RM. People need something that they can get attached to in the characters. Several succesful competing products come to mind. That and good art is what would sell it.
(Emphasis, mine.)
I have been saying that for years now - and, sorry, but most of the new art in HARP is not to my liking. I know they are probably very expensive, but Brom, the guys who did much of the art for the D&D 3E Monster Manual, and the classic AD&D artist Willingham would go a long way to making the products awesome. Also, the guy(s) who did the maps for the older Shadow World products like The Cloudlords of Tanara, especially if you keep the high-fantasy look from those days, I much prefer to get away from the "middle-ages, only with magic & monsters" look that has crept into modern fantasy. (And by "crept", I mean taken over almost completely.)
Of course, for genre settings, the art should compliment the genre. For example: A genre setting of Ancient Greece should have art that is reminiscent of the art of ancient Greece.
I hope I'm not in your category of dislike Randal.
The hard fact that guys like Brom and other high profile illustrators would not touch ICE with a ten foot pole due to others(and themselves) being dealt by former administrators. Most illustrators know each other and communicate on who are good to work for and who are not, this is a fact I know. The only way for high profile illustrators to to reconsider ICE is to re-establish communications.
I think Greg Manchess would be a better choice of illustrator for a steampunk theme IMO. Brom is more towards dark fantasy/fairytale etc.
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The hard fact that guys like Brom and other high profile illustrators would not touch ICE with a ten foot pole due to others(and themselves) being dealt by former administrators. Most illustrators know each other and communicate on who are good to work for and who are not, this is a fact I know. The only way for high profile illustrators to to reconsider ICE is to re-establish communications.
I think Greg Manchess would be a better choice of illustrator for a steampunk theme IMO. Brom is more towards dark fantasy/fairytale etc.
There are likely authors who feel the same way, too. There's much history that needs to be worked through.
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It will help that the newest ICE (Guild Companion Publications) is actually owned/being run by the authors who were being mistreated by the previous version(s) of ICE. There's a reason you never saw the Channeling Companion republished (well, legally) until recently. As slightly distasteful as an approach as it may seem pointing this out would probably help in recruiting talent.
However, I'm not sure extremely popular artists are going to jump at the chance considering that much larger companies are going to be a more lucrative source of commissions.
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It will help that the newest ICE (Guild Companion Publications) is actually owned/being run by the authors who were being mistreated by the previous version(s) of ICE. There's a reason you never saw the Channeling Companion republished (well, legally) until recently. As slightly distasteful as an approach as it may seem pointing this out would probably help in recruiting talent.
Although GCP is run by those that have been mistreated, unless the "Under New Management" sign is displayed it will still remain as status quo. That's why I mentioned about re-communicating with the industry because who really knows.
However, I'm not sure extremely popular artists are going to jump at the chance considering that much larger companies are going to be a more lucrative source of commissions.
Mate, you'd be surprised. Most high profile illustrators will work for anyone that has good business/contract ethics and pays fairly. There has has been a lot of talk lately that these "large companies" are treating there artists with contempt.
So yes, there is definite chance that high profile authors/illustrators would work with ICE, of course this would mean that ICE products will become more expensive...is that what fans will sacrifice I wonder?
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I hope I'm not in your category of dislike Randal.
I don't know which ones you did, but I can tell you I prefer the more realistic art, no abstract for me, thank you very much.
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I hope I'm not in your category of dislike Randal.
I don't know which ones you did, but I can tell you I prefer the more realistic art, no abstract for me, thank you very much.
I do the realistic stuff ;) and I don't care much for abstract myself either.
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Realistic art depicting characters that are central to a setting and immediately give that RM feel to a would-be customer. Thats what would be needed to make it viable in business sense.
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I hope I'm not in your category of dislike Randal.
I don't know which ones you did, but I can tell you I prefer the more realistic art, no abstract for me, thank you very much.
Click the first link in his sig, it will take you to several examples, many of which are things you will find in the new HARP books. Certainly it should be enough for you to recognize his style.
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Artwork appreciation is very much in the eye of the beholder. I don't know what is meant by abstract art in the context of HARP books as I don't think any of our artists were asked to produce any abstract pieces. I am happy to listen to what people think worked and what didn't in terms of art, and to hear about the sort of things you all would like us to illustrate. I am a firm believer that the artwork should illustrate our books and be useful in helping to inspire the gaming imagination; it isn't just there to break up the text and fill whitespace. I also don't like seeing the same fillers reused again and again.
In terms of big-name artists, they do come with big price tags and also busy schedules. We have talked to some but not yet been able to negotiate a full deal. We are not Wizards of the Coast or White Wolf, however, and doing whole books at that level of art as opposed to a cover simply isn't going to be practical. Their production run volumes are in a whole different league to us - so they can price the final result at a price gamers can still afford.
As for writers and artists being hesitant to work with the ICE brands because of how they or others have been treated by Old ICE or Mjolnir, that is true. I do have conversations with freelancers where I need to explain how GCP is different and how I have my own experiences of good companies and bad companies.
Best wishes,
Nicholas
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I have no idea how WotC treats their authors or artists... but I'd be hesitant to work for them because of my perception of how they treat their fans.
White Wolf.... no idea, don't know enough about them to have any opinion.
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I apologise for my silence.
I have an idea for a well-trodden genre that I'm hoping to work on, as a freely available supplement for RMSS/RMFRP. Yes, it's a "Cthulhu Companion"... (is it noticeable that I am a massive Lovecraft nerd?). Anyway, if I do get the go ahead as a fan production, I am aiming at basing it firmly on Lovecraft's texts, rather than on those of later authors, since Lovecraft's fiction is in the public domain.
This leads me to my next question: what do you think of genre books based on works in the public domain?
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If the work is in the public domain it really depends on the books, ideas, etc of the author or even artist.
MDC
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Well-trodden could be good or bad. What setting are you thinking? I have not seen much for the Cthulhu mythos in a fantasy setting. And once you have a core that handles stats, GMs can go raiding the Call of Cthulhu books for scenarios. At one point I was running a game using GURPS Cthulhupunk and I did that, mostly looking at the CoC modern books. (Although I ended up mostly using Dreamlands elements.)
(Plus, it totally justifies buying this for the figures: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1816687860/cthulhu-wars/?ref=kicktraq )
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Some nice figures there!
But I was wondering if the Cthulhu Companion is going to have mythos also from Lovecraft's contemporaries as well? Those should be in the public domain, such as Ambrose Bierce, Robert W. Chambers, Clark Ashton Smith, Robert E. Howard, Robert Bloch, Frank Belknap Long, en Henry Kuttner.
It would be really nice to be able to present a Cthulhu mythos as it was meant.
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Though this is a closed poll... I would have voted Just yes. I would Buy a Setting material that I was interested in without there really being any other support for it. But the setting material would need to be Complete with statistical information Not just fluff.
I have all of the Prior settings for RM2... Arabian Nights, Vikings, Sea Law, at rapier's point, Mythic Egypt, etc.
One thing I found Lacking in a lot of them was Statistical data: Races modifiers, Cultural Weapons and gear etc. For me, I can "create" the setting just fine without a Setting book needed for most things just by doing a wiki search or Getting Published books about that setting. Such stuff already exists for settings like Hyboria For a Conan Adventure. Sure it's Nice to have it in a Published game resource... but without the Technical Information, it is all jsut fluff that I can get else where, more than likely without spending any money, though it might take me slightly more effort.
I am currently going to work on a Halo setting for use with Rolemaster/Spacemaster rules. For this I am going to have to do a lot of Leg work creating the Tech and Stats for the setting. Thats What I like to see in setting Material.....
AS for Supported works, Adventures are nice for Gms who want to use them, though I tend to run my own work, But I love Pre made maps useable for the settings. Mythic Egypt Did the Best of them in providing this type of work.
Generic Maps suitable to the setting are also a Nice addition to any setting... even if a supplementary product.
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But I was wondering if the Cthulhu Companion is going to have mythos also from Lovecraft's contemporaries as well? Those should be in the public domain, such as Ambrose Bierce, Robert W. Chambers, Clark Ashton Smith, Robert E. Howard, Robert Bloch, Frank Belknap Long, en Henry Kuttner.
It would be really nice to be able to present a Cthulhu mythos as it was meant.
I know the following authors' work is in the public domain: Bierce, Chambers, Howard
I know the following isn't: Smith, Howard, Bloch, Long, Kuttner
Essentially, for the Cthulhu Companion I would be using what Lovecraft had used, so a fair slab of their contributions will be included.
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You listed Howard on both lists...
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Shows I often don't think, doesn't it!
I meant to list Howard only in the "isn't" column only but went off half-cocked as usual :)
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the poll is closed, but I thought i'd toss in a post anyways! :o
yes. I would buy several genre settings for HARP and HARP SCIFI.
for scifi, i'd like to see:
1. post apocalyptic setting, like fallout. :P
2. cyberpunk2020 type setting
3. an industrial revolution type setting, like the "league of extraordinary gentlemen".
4. how about a horror/lovecraft. delta green style sourcebook?
5. or finally, and imperial galactic type setting spanning the universe. a star wars/star trek type setting would be too much to hope for. for example, I really enjoyed the sector books in traveler. :P
for HARP fantasy?
1. I really like terry's SHADOW WORLD setting.
I would spend money on settings provided that:
1. they were supported with adventures, world regions, or galactic sector settings(like traveler was).
2. the books came in hardcover. I am a collector(sucker! :P) for anything hardcover.
as an "oldschool gamer" I will probably just create my own campaigns right now(I just bought the new core rulebooks), and hope for something better from ICE for the future.
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What about, mac, more historical settings, such as the oldschool Robin Hood or Vikings books, or, even, something like conversion notes for or an equivant of Rolemaster Rome? How would you feel about such; how would you feel about other genres? (eg. paranormal romance, horror, even the chance to roleplay in the world of Jane Austen--PR and Prejudice? :) )
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I would love to see a "High fantasy" setting I.e shadow world
A "low fantasy" Setting. I.E a dark ages europe setting
a post apololyptic setting for Spacemaster/HARP SF
and a cyberpunk setting.
I would purchase al 4
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I have had an idea for a setting for use with RMU, a cross between Age of Enlightenment Europe and Foucault's Pendulum/Giacomo Casanova meets Victor Frankenstein. I don't know, though, whether it would be better as a single genre book, or a fuller setting with adventures & other supplements. I can do both (and the latter can work with other authors' input too).
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I'm working on some stuff to bring RM into more modern, non-magical settings. That's a niche that RM is suited for and, frankly, has never exploited well.
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Ooh! Notch up at least one sale. :)