Game of Thrones RPG

[the smiling weirwood]

Your enigmatic jargon escapes me. Munchkins?

 

[Boaz]

Enigmatic jargon... well then I'll overwhelm you with pure verbosity.

Munchkin is a perjorative term to define a person who plays a non-competitive or cooperative game in an immature manner while bending every rule in order to win. This term is used often to denote aggressively infantile rpg'ers. Munchkins detest logic.

For example, one way to creat a character in D&D is to allot a certain amount of points that a character can spend on the basic attributes of Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. In D&D, an average person's scores are 10, i.e. an inkeeper may have a wisdom of 12 (slightly above average) and a dexterity of 8 (slightly below average) while his bouncer may have a strength of 16 (a champion weightlifter) and a charisma of 7 (absolutely zero social skills). Since a D&D player wants a heroic character, he'll have roughly enough points to average scores of 13 for his six attributes, thus making him better than the average person but not overwhelmingly so.

Of course, no one puts straight 13's across the board... a fighter will bump his strenth and constitution up to 15 or 16 while keeping wisdom or intelligence at 10 each. But a munchkin will bump his strength to 22 (demigod level) and take a charisma of 2. A charisma of 2 means the character is hideously mishappen from birth, has tourette's syndrome, has a harelip, has a cleft palate, has never bathed, has pus leaking from open sores, has all his teeth rotted out, has incessant flatulence, wears dirty underwear, gropes every woman he can, and suffers from acute xenophobia. But munchkins have no problem with this, they think this unbeatable brute would be hailed as the hero of the ages.

In D&D terms, Ilyn Payne has a charisma of 6. Only Jaime in a specific state of mind with a specific need includes him. Robert and Renly had charismas of 16 or 17, while Stannis is probably an 8.

Of course every hero should have a handicap or two... perhaps an achilles heel or two. But it has to be playable and believable. Hodor's strength is probably 17, but his intelligence and wisdom scores are 3 or 4... He is unplayable as a character because he must be led by someone else to utilize his strength. In other words, Hodor is a pack mule... nothing more.

A munchkin is willing to trade strength for intelligence and expects the other players to believe his character can fit into the group... and all the while that player is telling the Dungeon Master,"I challenge the gatekeeper to a battle of knowledge... I ask him what was the importance of the Treaty of Arems, who brokered it, and what were the financial terms imposed upon the Sultan of Min."

A munchkin also uses his gold to buy items like the Tower Shield of Levitation... it floats in front of him during a fight leaving him free to use a two handed axe... and when he's not fighting it floats face down so that he can pile all his gear on it.

After a munchkin kills a dragon, he stops in the middle of a raging battle and skins it so that armor can be made from it's impervious hide.

A munchkin blackmails his patron and still considers himself a paragon of virtue.

A munchkin intentionally misremembers harmful rules, but can quote advantageous rules, chapter and verse.

 

[Aegon the Unworthy]

Of course, no one puts straight 13's across the board... a fighter will bump his strenth and constitution up to 15 or 16 while keeping wisdom or intelligence at 10 each. But a munchkin will bump his strength to 22 (demigod level) and take a charisma of 2. A charisma of 2 means the character is hideously mishappen from birth, has tourette's syndrome, has a harelip, has a cleft palate, has never bathed, has pus leaking from open sores, has all his teeth rotted out, has incessant flatulence, wears dirty underwear, gropes every woman he can, and suffers from acute xenophobia. But munchkins have no problem with this, they think this unbeatable brute would be hailed as the hero of the ages.

Oh do I have stories....loads and loads of stories from my younger days.....Im reasonably proud to admit I was at fault for more than a few.

Recently I was invited to participate in a Champions pen and paper play by email game. I thought that sounded grand and started building out characters. Champions is a point based game where as you put in achilles heels onto your character you gain more points for powers....sounds simple? So while Im pondering whether to have "Lois Lane" type friend that Im always saving, or having angst over my mutant powers, or being prone to beserk rages that sometimes damage more than I want, I decide to take a look at other characters contributions.....

One character was parapilegic, horribly scarred from burns, constantly on oxygen, confined to a hospital, unable to speak without the aid of a computer, and grotesquely deformed....but could move planets with his mind. <Blink, Blink> I decline thanks...

 

[Aegon the Unworthy]

Okay heres what I got.....

I purchased the book the other day (not the .pdf, I like substantial things --thats what she said) and when it arrives Ill start delving into the system.

I havent decided anything about setting the campaign. Im thinking I want to put it just before the Greyjoy rebellion. Far enough ahead that I can work some espionage, politics and character development in before I unfurl the combat.....but close enough we get to see the fighting. Maybe Ill change my mind when I see the system.

Regardless Im thinking itll be play by email....meaning I'll set up the encounter in an email and everyone responds to the initial set-up and then I tidy everything up and resolve actions the next day. Itll likely be 24 to 48 hours between "turns" but Im a patient sort. I dont have any solid block of time to actually run a game so PbEm is the way to go.

There will be a minimal cash layout to play...you have to purchase the core rulebook. Theres just no way around it. You dont have to do it now but it needs to happen.

As soon as the campaign setting is decided Ill open for character submissions....all Ill want at that point in time is character background and development ideas (no numbers) and that will act as your entry questionnaire to see if I think we're compatible.

If people are interested please pitch your favorite campaign setting (either timeframe wise or location)....Im not interested in doing a "Dothraki" campaign or "Wildling before the Whitewalkers" idea....but any point in time in Westeros that we have some material on would be fine.

And if no one is interested I guess this would serve as the notice so I can stop my writing before it starts. A campaign would need about 4-6 other people to be effective.

 

[Boaz]

Since you've already invested cash, count me in. I'll get the book through my local game store.

 

[Aegon the Unworthy]

Since you've already invested cash, count me in. I'll get the book through my local game store.

Let me specify that I dont expect anyone to lay out the cash now that we're in the developing stages. Assuming more than 6 apply, if you get accepted I expect you to then go out and make the purchase. I would hate for this to never get off the ground and people looking at me for their money back....

 

[the smiling weirwood]

Accepted? Is there a detailed and intensive application process, then?

 

[Aegon the Unworthy]

Accepted? Is there a detailed and intensive application process, then?

...campaign size would be limited. Im not egotistical enough to think dozens of people would be interested but assuming 10 people are interested Im going to have to decide who gets in based on some criteria....

My criteria (and we are still in the formative stages but this is the one thing thats not going to change.) is going to be based who wants to play an interesting character that I want to assist in writing a story about (thats all RPG is to me, story telling with rules).

For example

Gregor Clegane is a giant of man, prone to fits of rage and has very little compassion. He's merciless to his foes and is only loyal to those above him, not those beneath him. He possesses a predators cunning, understanding battle and little else of the realities of the world he lives.

or

Sandor Clegane is an angry, bitter man consumed by thoughts of revenge on his brother for the horrible childhood that left him disfigured from hideous burns. He detests knights for not cleaving to their oaths and dislikes hippocracy in all its form. Underneath it all he has a spark of nobility that only sometimes shines through. His story could be one of redemption or a long spiral into true selfishness


I know which one I would like to see in the campaign. The one with a little depth and meaning...but more importantly hooks. If I throw a helpless 13 yr old girl in front of Sandor he is likely to help. If I throw anything in front of Gregor he's likely to ride over it.

Im not a great writer, I dont expect others to be...but I expect them to find something interesting in their character. Not every character has to be Jon or Bran....some can be Robb, happy childhood and full use of their limbs...but they have to be interesting. Ill let the author define interesting.

When I get the rulebook Ill gladly accept PMs for help with questions people have on what game rules can help to tell their story. Ill gladly help on whether or not something is interesting.....Im not going to write a character for anyone, but if you give me the bones of one Ill try to help.

Hope thats helps TSW, and I hope to see something from you.

 

[Boaz]

Okay, then. I would like to apply for a position in the Westeros rpg that you are planning on GM'ing. So here is my power gaming, munchkin resume.

------------

Boaz

Agarwaen: Human, Male Ranger, levels 6-13. Without a warrior, paladin, berzerker, or monk in the party, Agarwaen, as a dual swords wielding ranger, became the meat shield of this group. Utilizing his Spider Boots and Ring of Jumping... and even more importantly his impatient sense of justice, Agarwaen provided much needed respite and hope for the people of Urnst.

Rognat Greenteeth: Human, Male Barbarian, levels 3-10. Hailing from the Yak Clan of the Great North, Rognat provided the backbone (by hacking bones) for a great fellowship in my friend's custom made world. The surname Greenteeth was not gained from lack of hygiene, but from all the seaweed he accumulated while riding the back of a shark... or so he claimed. Rognat slew hundreds and hundreds of Orcs in an epic quest to save humankind. He greatly mourned the loss of his comrade in-arms, Garth... though he swears continually slipping on the ice and leaving Garth outnumbered twenty-to-one was not his intent. Rognat also fought his way through thousands of zombies to carry the message of a zombie plague... but he's still wanted by the authorities (picture Barney Fife) of a number of small towns along his route. In his desire to strengthen the southern peoples, he slept with half of his female companions... alas, none of them ever conceived.

Arylan Dragonslayer: Elven, Male Bard, levels 6-17. Some whisper that Arylan was not a great swordsman, but do not listen to their lies. Although he only drew his sword five times over twelve levels, he dispached a wyvern, a dragon, and a demon prince. Arylan continually inspired his allies to save the Kingdom of Cormyr, the Free City of Waterdeep, and ultimately the entire universe by defeating Orcus. In addition to leading his allies, Arylan was a master diplomat. He negotiated many treaties and found out much secret information. Arylan was noted for founding the Orc Restoration Project... at great personal and financial cost, he set up a camp for the rehabilitation of Orcs... the primary goal was to teach Orcs to be nice to Elves. Arylan also began the Subterranean Road... a secret society whose goal was the freedom of all Elves enslaved in the Abyss. Arylan will always be remembered in the epic songs An Elf, An Elf... My Kingdom For An Elf and An Elf For All Seasons and The Dragonslayer and 'Tis Summer, Arylan Is Here.

Edit: Uh, looks like there have been a couple posts while I was typing this. I hope my descriptors are not too boring... I was going for a resume, not literature.

Psssst... it's spelled hypocrisy.

 

[Aegon the Unworthy]

Well Boazie the resume is nice (and Arylan at least could write Performance Reviews for the USAF--ask me sometime about the time I saved 6 people from horrible burning death)....

But you, like everyone else, will have to submit a new and unique character to Westeros. You will be judged solely on that character. That means....you have just as good a chance as getting in as the novice player at this point in time. No special favors here.

Thanks for the potential characters though....alas, none were accepted.

 

[the smiling weirwood]

I'm actually unfamiliar with the Westeros RPG setting, and as I don't want to locate the book before you even begin playing, is there some sort of online introduction or sample that would give me an idea of what to create?

 

[Boaz]

Egg, I was not proposing any of those characters for Westeros. They are already high level and totally cheesed out. And none of them fit at all. I just wanted to give you an idea of the crap I've played before. Am I proud of those characters? Sometimes. Are they realistic characters? Not at all. Were they fun to play? Absolutely.

For Westeros, I'd imagine a different character...

In the Iron Islands, I can picture playing a son of one of the Goodbrother's salt wives... a young man, Ureck. At sixteen, Ureck accepted the fact that he'd never be one of the Ironmen but he refused to toil his entire life in the salt mines of Orkmont. He badgered and assisted the local fishermen until old Hormund let him join his crew. For three years he rowed, mended nets, and hauled in each days catch and he'd have likely done it 'til the end of his days... but the Storm God cast him overboard during a squall. His body was found by Aeron's acolytes two days later, tossed upon the rocky shore. The Drowned God saw fit to breath new life into Ureck. Now as a member of the Prophet's band, Ureck has become of the Drowned God's own... one of the chosen ones... one who knows his god's plans.

In the Reach, I could see an orphan boy who dreams that his father will turn out to be Lord Tyrell or even Prince Rhaegar. Of course his father was the local gravedigger, not a nobleman. The boy is not strong, nor nimble. His joy in life is watching the wandering hedge maesters at their work. He aspires to leave the graveyard and learn the arts of healing.

Around King's Landing, I'd play an elderly knight (almost fifty!)... Ser Harald Flowers. Originally from the Reach, Ser Harald is a hedge knight of common birth. As a boy, he assisted his uncle as a cook and chirugeon in the War of the Ninepenny Kings. After the war, he squired for Ser Mason Waters, a hedge knight. When Ser Mason was killed during the siege of Duskendale, Harald received Ser Mason's gear as payment for his bravery. Ser Barristan Selmy himself knighted Ser Harald. In memory of these events, his shield bears a white sword on a field of blue. Tall and strong, he fared well in tourneys. These successes allowed him to do rather well for himself. In fact he married a smith's daughter in Sherrer and built himself a house. Ser Harald has had many employers over the years, yet he has always served with Ser Barristan whenever he's had the chance... he fought the Kingswood Brotherhood and he fought at the Trident. Captured by Lord Eon Hunter on the Trident, ransoming himself cost Ser Harald everything. Now armored in more honor than plate, he strives to find a place under Robert's rule. He is badly in need of a new horse, a husband for his daughter, and a new squire.

tsw, follow this link to Green Ronin's SIFRP (ASOIAF) Quick Start Rules. I just found it myself.

Main page for SIFRP at Green Ronin. It has many links of previews, including the following.

Character sheets.

A couple of character types.

 

[Aegon the Unworthy]

Boaz....yer so effusive, I wasnt so much saying no thank you, as letting other people reading know that sort of resume wasnt neccessary. You sat in the front during your grade school years didnt you?

Now lets talk about setting....now Im leaning toward just prior to Roberts Rebellion...have everything start at the Harrenhall tournament.....any other thoughts?

TSW...thats a great link to start with. But, charaterization is more important than heeding any stats or numbers....but character archetypes do make a pleasant place to start.

 

[Boaz]

What's effusive, precious? Can we eats it?

I sat wherever the teacher told me to... front, back, side, in the hall, with a dunce cap... Nowadays, I like to sit in the back during meetings, church, or any gathering, but my eyesight forces me to the front.

Okay, before Robert's Rebellion... I was thinking before Balon's Rebellion. Actually, I like this a lot. The height of Targaryen prosperity and power... before it all came crashing down. Aerys, the Mad King. Tywin, the angry ex-Hand. Rhaegar, the inquisitive Crown Prince. Jaime, just knighted in the Kingswood. Outgoing Brandon. Quiet Eddard. Beautiful Lyanna. The White Cloaks. A cursed castle. All the makings for blood stew...

Harrenhal was a monumental gathering of Lords, Ladies, Knights, artisans, craftsmen, hedge knights, outriders, scoundrels, pickpockets, sellswords, whores, bakers, con artists, merchants, etc...

One of the awkward moments in a rpg is the formation of the party.

"Hello I'm Ser Oswalt. I'm on a quest to find Lady Susal's amulet... I need a thief and a priest. You two look like just the sort, how's about it?"
"Sure."
"I'm in."
"Excellent. Now if I could just find a ranger... I'm not a good tracker myself."
"Well, how about that fellow at the end of the bar? He's wearing a green cloak."

That always seems to set a tone for complete suspension of disbelief...

The party in the Quick Rules looked interesting because it seems realistically cohesive... A Lord, his Squire, his Uncle, his Mentor, and his Lady Mother all traveling to a tournament. I don't usually think of adventuring with my mother, but the group is together for a real reason.

 

[the smiling weirwood]

TSW...that's a great link to start with. But, characterization is more important than heeding any stats or numbers....but character archetypes do make a pleasant place to start.

Oh I didn't mean anything like that. I just wanted to know what the parameters for character creation were. I always like to be thoroughly familiar with the rules before I begin anything.

 

[the smiling weirwood]

Oh this game looks pretty fun. Overall it reminds me a lot of the White Wolf Vampire games in that leaves a lot of leverage for story telling and doesn't chain you to the dice and modifier tables (*cough* D&D).

Anyway, could you give us a few more concrete ideas for the setting? I have a few character ideas but I'd like to know which would be most appropriate. After all, an orphan of the Greenblood showing up at Winterfell would be...odd.

 

[Aegon the Unworthy]

Im working on it....give me a week to write out some smallish campaign details and then Ill give out info, then you give me info and Ill bend the campaign around your characters and see what comes to be....

 

[Hilarious Joke]

I'm interested!

 

[Aegon the Unworthy]

The party in the Quick Rules looked interesting because it seems realistically cohesive... A Lord, his Squire, his Uncle, his Mentor, and his Lady Mother all traveling to a tournament. I don't usually think of adventuring with my mother, but the group is together for a real reason.

Damnit, I cant believe I missed this joke.....Allow me access to a time machine.....

"You may not Boaz, but I think of adventuring with your mother all the time. Yowza"

Thank you, thank you....



I may identify the core party members I would want and tell everyone to "audition" for parts....

For Example I want a Maester with a vice that keeps him from being employable, a Noble who lacks self-awareness, and a penniless Hedge Knight seeking employment...make a character that fits that role and send him to me..... That would make the initial meet and greet easier what with the writing and what not...Im not saying thats what I want but Im saying.

But you forget Boazie, I can string things along however I want with players acting in different scenes until I want them to get together. Unlike a common tabletop separating the party isnt a no-no.

So many options.....

 

[the smiling weirwood]

Update?