Fantasy RP Development

[Corstar]

I won't join if it's DND based. Sorry.

[Jenno]

So sorry to hear that. Not that it really matters, but why?

[Corstar]

I just have a thing against DND. I refuse to support it in any shape way or form

[Deleted]

Sorry to be an official pain in the backside, but can someone please tell me what DND is?

[Xaojii]

Dungeons and Dragons

Myn? it's only going to have (maybe) the gods, the monsters, and the classes, but none of the rules, the dices, and all the other technical stuff. We'll make all that up. But pretty much everything that DnD uses (classes and monsters) every other fantasy has as well, and not even DnD made up some of the things, they already existed in myth. Almost all the newest fantasies out there use recycled materials from other Fantasies. I really want you to reconsider your decision. And this is meant to be a persuasive arguement, not bashing you.

[Jenno]

Yeah, Myn, if you're against everything DND than you're against everything Fantasy. The two are pretty much synonymous.

[Deleted]

Ah, dungeons and dragons. I’ve heard about that plenty of times before, though I’ve never actually tried it.

[Xaojii]

I'm going to assume we will be using those DnD things

We're not going to go into any of the real hardcore things like abilities are we?

What about the numeric values denominating stats, will we have them?

Since we won't have levels, how will we get better in combat?

Who will decide what kind of loot we get from missions/campaigns?us?the admin?

Will we be able to choose what we fight, or will this be randomly selected like 'Random Encounters' in Final Fantasy?

What about Custom Classes, will they be available?

[Corstar]

Not really true. I'm not in the mood to argue the point, but farther back when I first started gaming, I made a promise, that I would never touch anything relating DND.

It didn't reinvent anything, it didn't invent anything. There's just alot of material and it's popular. If you think it started anything major you really need to start reading some of the earlier scifi/fantasy books from the 50s-70s.

Edit: [Actually, it did start up the roleplaying craze quite nicely. So it did reinvent something...technically.]

[Jenno]

Um... Myn... what does that have to do with anything?

The whole point of DND was to combine a dice system with a ton of fantasy ideas.

So, pretty much, if you think that "good" fantasy is what DND is ripping off, then what's wrong with using DND information? It's the same, according to you, and much more easily Accessible.


But, again, that's not the point. If, Myn, you don't want to have anything to do with this, you don't have to. It's your choice.

Ideas on the world? I know we had a few, but do you guys want to just make up a huge world for players to explore, or base it more along the lines of a continual expanse?

[Xaojii]

Alright dude, just trying my hand at persuasion, I'm all up for hating things for no reason, or seemingly no reason (I do it all the time).

I dunno CG, maybe a little of both, I do like the good ol' exploration thing, but I think as people get further with their abilities and adventures, new places should open up.

[Jenno]

Here's what I sort of had in mind:

The whole thing starts out in a single kingdom, set in some generic environment. All characters will start out there. From there, new kingdoms and new areas will be added by the members. I think that it's a good idea. Never been done before, but that's exactly why it can work.

To be honest, everybody already knows what a fantasy world has to have. There's always the big city and the good kingdom, then a few allied and enemy kingdoms, and all manner of different stock settings (Icy mountains, forest, desert, mountains.)

Really, if we give them the major city and the surrounding kingdom, we can let them make up their own places to go from there. As long as they don't get too out of control, why not?

I mean really, what usually ends up happening on any RP forum is that a large number of characters get clustered in one or two places (Can you say Mandalore and Subterrel?). This way, it makes sense. Sort of like the home tavern where everybody comes to rest after some adventuring.

It might take some working, but I think it has enormous potential. And it will inspire new members to join up.















On a totally different note, has anybody got any basic plot ideas? Or do you just want to leave out the major plot and let everybody kinda do their own thing?

[Xaojii]

Honestly, I just wanna get out there and RP my @$$ off in a Fantasy setting.

Plot would be nice, kinda like having some group of unwitting adventurers chosen by an authority figure to combat evil, or maybe a bunch of unwitting adventurers competeing against each other to combat an evil, and whoever defeats it gets a large sum of money, godly armor and weapons, or a kingdom of thier own, which they strive to get to function and last?

[Jenno]

I think that can work. I'll get started. Well, not started, becasue I already started, but... welll... y'know.

[Xaojii]

Which one did you choose? I was actually hoping you chose the latter, becuase it widens the availability of the plot to everyone.

[Jenno]

yeah. Latter.

I'll have the URL up by the end of the day.

[Xaojii]

AWESOME!!!!

[Jenno]

Whoo!

aurendall.proboards81.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=rulz&thread=1175888599

[Fellheart]

Reading that hurt my head -.-


Well not really But I didn't like the combat system

[ybtypical220]

As I am assuming this thread is still open to discussion, I'd like to throw in my two cents.

Where will it be set?
-- I think a new fantasy world has been decided, so, no need to further expand on that.

What races?
-- I think the basics. Humans, Orcs, Elves, Dwarfs and perhaps Halflings. Now, you can go far with races. Apart from the aforementioned, perhaps add in some not-so-common races, yet keep them humanoid.
Half Ogres- The strongest of the playable races. Incredibly strong. Yet, scorned. They may be strong, but no one (Even the Deities, if you plan on having them) likes the cross-breeds. While strong, they would more or less be outcasts.

Goblins. Apart from being almost inhuman, the ghoulish creatures are often lumped into "evil" and forgotten about. I say, why not include them ? Sure, they will be discriminated against, but accepted for their sly ways. Shamans, thieves and, of course, warriors. Weak, but fast. Could have some possibilities for wily players. They could also be comic relief

Basic humanoids. Like Star Wars has dozens of humanoid races, give some freedom to the players. Let the imaginations run free on visual changes, but for any definite strengths (quick regeneration and so forth) make sure there is also an equally potent weakness.

Undead things. I don't like them and think they should be restricted to NPC or game/dungeon master pets.

Generally, there is a "unique" race. Sometimes it is a pre-age race. The Ayelieds in Oblivion, the Dwemner in Morrowind, the Numenor in LOTR. This race would be referred to, but very rare.

Here goes my idea, take it, leave it or bend it to your will:
The race were set upon the land by a Divine being (or something. Have fun with a creation myth). They are timeless beings: They effectively do not age, but can grow older as they please (but not younger). This power, perhaps, was a gift. Perhaps they were Divinely sent overlords of the basic human(oid) races. Yet, when they went to war, they learned of the mortality of immortality: They could be slain in battle. Due to basic instincts and ego, they nigh fell into complete civil war. Maybe they even used the lesser races (Being humans, elves, orcs and so forth) to aid them in their fights.

Eventually, they were more or less all wiped out. Without overlords, the lesser races fell into war themselves. Eventually, things settled down. The lesser races established their dominions (See below), whilst this high race was night eliminated. As they resemble humans/elves in appearance, they generally associated with them. As they aged per their own whims, they survived the transferring period from their fall to the current era of the game.

As this master race killed itself off in war, ruined cities and old weapons belonging to them still exist, and are aptly quite powerful. Thus, even the greedy have a reason to do something in the game. They can loot as they will. Of course, the ruins have your typical, run of the mill monsters. After all, no home is left unoccupied for long.

What kind of governing system?
Kingdoms and empires have been done time and again. I suggest a tribal/clan hybrid system. Every clan has it's domain (settled from the war of the high race as described above), but is more than willing to expand. The clans/tribes trade with each other and all, but there is no "leader" over a single race. There are leaders of tribes, but no King per se. This puts the possibility of the players, if they devote enough time, elevating themselves to high power and establishing kingdoms and empires.

This also makes things, perhaps, a tad more innovative. Each race would be ruled in a different tribal manner. Perhaps the human tribes would elect a leader. The orcs would fight for dominance. The goblins would follow a shaman. The Dwarfs would follow an elder. The elves would follow an occult leader of some sort. In addition to different ways of ruling, they would have developed their own ways of fighting and weapons. Those in the plains with vast lands would have better cavalry tactics and better horses. Those in the mountains would, perhaps, have better pikes and pole arms. Those dwelling the woods or caves would have better archery. Think around where they live. Come up with a way they fight and keep order, effectively. Then, think up how they would best use a weapon type. (I'd be glad to help with this, by the way. Just a rough outline for now)

This also brings up the partial clan system. As some tribes may simply be extended families they may favor blood relations more. Perhaps some tribe's inheritance laws or succession laws are bound by blood. (If this is taken, upon signup a player may choose a clan/tribe affiliation)

The tribe system also allows for some freedom. Though most tribes will generally be of one race, perhaps a goblin was captured and made to be a jester in one tribe. Perhaps an orc was taken and is used for labor in another. So on and so forth.

...And this also allows for Half-ogres to be infused. The warrior tribes, they are basically barbarians and unfathomably strong. They have their own kin to associate with, yet everyone else can still type them as outcasts.

Basic Plot idea?
If the tribal idea is taken on, a plot may not be needed. The leaders of certain tribes would be out for their own goals. Some corrupt leaders may want earthly good fetched. Some vengeful leaders may want to wipe out another tribe. So on and so forth.

Or, if my race idea is taken, perhaps the worshiped deities of the respective races wants to empower them to rule over the other races. Thus, an all out blood bath.

Also, with the tribe thing, itty bitty mistakes and lead to big wars, which are always fun.

Magic or no magic?
Magic must be done right if it is included. If it is done, make it natural magic. Like the force, without lighting. No magical fireballs or the like of it, but things such as curses to harm an opponent's mind, or using magic to calm troops. Though it sounds restraining, you can go far. In fact, perhaps have a Ki/Karma like magic. Every being has a life energy. How they use it is up to them. (This also ties into the tribal idea. Shamans could be more than just sideline players, for once)

Obviously, tapping this power would not be easy. They are troublesome, too. If a personal was more evilly inclined, they would, maybe unknowingly, taint things around them. Also, those inclined to the generic 'good' might sense their presence.

Back to what they could do, though. Raising the dead is iffy. Talking via basic telepathy would be done, and useful. A bond shared amongst the users of this power, perhaps. Also, things mind-bound, like getting an animal to do your bidding or corrupting/convincing people to see things your way. Checks and balances against other players, of course. I'd like to see something how a player's playing effects the world around him/her, too. If they owned a house and were evil, perhaps the plant life around the house would die. If a player was good and forged a blade, perhaps the blade would pierce evil targets deeper.

Maybe control this thing on a level system.
0- This inner strength is not tapped in to. It is, at this stage, no more than willpower.
1- People can ever so slightly detect ripples when the inner strength is used. They can tap it briefly to strengthen themselves, but it won't have a great effet.
2- People can begin to tap the strength. Sense the thoughts of lesser beings, use this life force to give them strength for a longer period of time, and so forth. If a person was dying due to a wound, for instance, they could "miraculously" hold on longer at this stage.
3- People can begin what may be considered "Magic" at this stage. Lull a drowsy person to sleep, cause panic in a pen of animals, and so forth. They can also begin to use their strength to empower others. They can also feel adeptly those around them who use their inner strength, and if they are generically good or evil. Perhaps telepathic communications at this stage would be possible.
4- They can begin doing more potent things. Significantly harming others mentally (causing chaos and/or disorientation), significantly helping others (Giving them focus, courage, or simply endurance to carry on) and so forth. Their alignment at this stage would begin to show by basic corruptions and such. Weapons would also begin to show signs of taint, for good or ill. Good characters would make cleaner cuts, evil characters would inflict wounds that are deeper and bleed more. Could, perhaps, clearly converse magically with any who are listening. To those not attuned or not listening, it would seem like confused whispers.
5- Shaman level, basically. Can converse with everyone, attunted or not (Beckoning them to come, advising them on a mission, and so forth). Can cause major mental impact. From temporary amnesia to almost giving the users physical strengths to another for a short time. They can also do some physical damage, but cannot kill. On the flip side, they can also heal injuries. Their taint, for good or ill, can be sense by most people at this stage. The more attuned and well aware can feel if it for good or ill, though. Weapons blessed or cursed by this level have certain properties (Arrows pierce deeper, blades stay sharp, and so on) which make them unique.

Of course, as they get more attuned to the inner energies, they fall behind physically. A trade off which makes them the basic magician. And, of course, for any major powers, they would have to take major physical penalties. This way a character cannot both be a physical hunk and a magician.

Expanses of the universe?
Of course, one planet if you go with fantasy and not science fiction.

As for this planetary universe, deep. I want things deep. I mean, things like Davey Jones (of course, not exactly Davey Jones). The Deities should be present and the supernatural should not be ignored. If I go wandering through the woods, perhaps I'd meet a sprite who was cursed so that the moment it stopped singing it would die. Perhaps come across a goodly troll who is cursed in the moonlight instead of the sunlight. Break the stereotypes and include bunches of that which is normally taken only in small bits and pieces.

Geography/Cartography?
Break the mold. There are always mountains in the north, deserts in the east, great woods somewhere and a vast sea in some place. Rain forests and humid places would do wonders. I would like to see mangrove swamps and amazon-esque rivers (And river peoples). There are also frequently caves and volcanoes. I like the idea of underground lairs, but evil is not always going to be magnetized in such a direction. Have the bad guys in the beautiful forest for once.

Have mountainous islands, as well. Look at the Caribbean, most of the islands are giant hills. St. Kitts, Nevis, Guadaloupe, Monserrat, Grenada (I think) and many others. Heck, I think Puerto Rico is just a chain of hills. Reflect this and get major kudos.

Also, Shangri-la. Hidden paradises. Say they are myths, but really include them. That way, once people find them, everyone else will go adventuring and role playing to get there. A warm springs lake in the middle of a snow-ridden mountain chain. A gloriously lit cavern in the depths of the earth. So on and so forth.

Large, dry, non-desert locales. Just because it is dry and hot does not mean it is a desert. This irks me, I see it everywhere. A few shrubs and dry, broken ground do a lot more for me than endless and dunes. Sure, include them if you like, but don't follow the pack.

Snowy places. If done wrong, they are horrible. Perhaps do them right. I mean, look at the Norse and the Eskimo, they lived for centuries in the cold and they didn't just find caves to hide in.

Which reminds me, moderate climates. Not everything is a lava filled volcano basin or a frigid mountain. There are lots of places which are in the middle. Some calm, rolling hills or forests that are not endless and/or dense. Find some good in the middle spots (I.e. not just great plains of grass, vast and dense forests and so forth) and exploit them. Though life revolves around water, not every city is ideally placed. Great capitals are not in picturesque great plains, for instance (*cough* Oblivion *cough*).

On the flip side, people don't always live in places that are ideally hospitable. Look at Mesopotamia, some of the earliest civilizations in the deserts, not the ideal farming lands of Europe.

...I'm out of things to say about that... for now !