Inspired by Clash's thread of cool projects he's working on, here are some of mine. Questions are welcomed.

1. Ghostories (Ghost Stories 2)
This GDi game is about investigating and battling the supernatural. The game can be set in any of three realities: the supernatural as myth, supernatural as the fantastic, and the supernatural as real. Characters can either be innocents (regular people) or tainted (sorcerers, prophets, mediums, mad scientists, diabolists, or stalkers). It can easily be combined with Coyote Trail or Mean Streets for Western Ghost Stories or Noir Horror respectively. Mechanically, the game adds investigation tasks (gaining clues; also in Mean Streets), dementia, and a bunch of supernatural gimmicks and powers. Some elements can also be disturbing, such as mad scientists creating Frankenstein monster-type creatures by replacing a heart with a special crystal or diabolists sacrificing an innocent to summon a phantom (entities that make deals with mortals for power). There's some fine tuning going on with this and it will be released.

2. Maelstrom Crossroads
This GDi game is an update to the original Maelstrom Storytelling by Hubris Games. Characters begin as newcomers to the world with no clear memories of their old lives. They start the game with no skills, choosing skill levels as they play. Newcomers also possess special powers, as a result of being transported by the Maelstrom storm, that lets them blend into cultures. At the same time, others have found ways to drain their energies in order to fuel their own magical creations and to enhance their control over the storms. There are two types of magic -- spell-like forging of the raw energies of the storm and the building and powering of constructs. Special realm rules let you create cities that have abilities and gimmicks just like characters, and alter difficulties for various tasks, such as magic or politics.

3. Bones in the Dungeon
This is a solitaire/multiplayer game that is like a cross between an RPG and boardgame. Random dungeon rooms are chosen as the characters progress through the dungeon, battling creatures and looking for treasure. The rules are based on the Bones customizable dice RPG in which characters are defined by the sides of dice.

4. Story Engine 3E
A new edition of the Hubris Games Story Engine rules first found in Maelstrom Storytelling. Characters are defined by descriptors (single words or short sentences) and pursuits (fields of study or training), along with convictions (what they seek or fear) and threads (who they love or hate). The action is resolved primarily in whole scenes rather than turns, allowing the winning players to narrate the action. It's a different style of play much like story games, but without the pretension that is common with such games.

5. Iron Gauntlets 2E
I've started getting my notes together for the second edition of Iron Gauntlets. Big changes! Luck will be replaced by a new rank/distinction-based system that defines their standing in their vocation. Characters will be more heroic. Races will have subspecies based on the various backgrounds. Combat will be faster and more streamlined. There may be rules for combo-attacks, allowing characters to gain the advantage with special series of strikes. Arcanum spell templates will be added in some form, providing traditional spells in the main book. Other elements are still in the planning stages. This will lead into the Yimjin War RPG. Please offer your suggestions for 2E HERE.

6. Warcosm
Not an RPG, but a fleet-based tactical space combat game for use with counters or minis. Rules are done and very simple to keep the action moving. Three races and you can build your own ships. The scenarios are being written.

Quote from: brettmbInspired by Clash's thread of cool projects he's working on, here are some of mine. Questions are welcomed.

1. Ghostories (Ghost Stories 2)
This GDi game is about investigating and battling the supernatural. The game can be set in any of three realities: the supernatural as myth, supernatural as the fantastic, and the supernatural as real. Characters can either be innocents (regular people) or tainted (sorcerers, prophets, mediums, mad scientists, diabolists, or stalkers). It can easily be combined with Coyote Trail or Mean Streets for Western Ghost Stories or Noir Horror respectively. Mechanically, the game adds investigation tasks (gaining clues; also in Mean Streets), dementia, and a bunch of supernatural gimmicks and powers. Some elements can also be disturbing, such as mad scientists creating Frankenstein monster-type creatures by replacing a heart with a special crystal or diabolists sacrificing an innocent to summon a phantom (entities that make deals with mortals for power). There's some fine tuning going on with this and it will be released.

2. Maelstrom Crossroads
This GDi game is an update to the original Maelstrom Storytelling by Hubris Games. Characters begin as newcomers to the world with no clear memories of their old lives. They start the game with no skills, choosing skill levels as they play. Newcomers also possess special powers, as a result of being transported by the Maelstrom storm, that lets them blend into cultures. At the same time, others have found ways to drain their energies in order to fuel their own magical creations and to enhance their control over the storms. There are two types of magic -- spell-like forging of the raw energies of the storm and the building and powering of constructs. Special realm rules let you create cities that have abilities and gimmicks just like characters, and alter difficulties for various tasks, such as magic or politics.

3. Bones in the Dungeon
This is a solitaire/multiplayer game that is like a cross between an RPG and boardgame. Random dungeon rooms are chosen as the characters progress through the dungeon, battling creatures and looking for treasure. The rules are based on the Bones customizable dice RPG in which characters are defined by the sides of dice.

4. Story Engine 3E
A new edition of the Hubris Games Story Engine rules first found in Maelstrom Storytelling. Characters are defined by descriptors (single words or short sentences) and pursuits (fields of study or training), along with convictions (what they seek or fear) and threads (who they love or hate). The action is resolved primarily in whole scenes rather than turns, allowing the winning players to narrate the action. It's a different style of play much like story games, but without the pretension that is common with such games.

5. Iron Gauntlets 2E
I've started getting my notes together for the second edition of Iron Gauntlets. Big changes! Luck will be replaced by a new rank/distinction-based system that defines their standing in their vocation. Characters will be more heroic. Races will have subspecies based on the various backgrounds. Combat will be faster and more streamlined. There may be rules for combo-attacks, allowing characters to gain the advantage with special series of strikes. Arcanum spell templates will be added in some form, providing traditional spells in the main book. Other elements are still in the planning stages. This will lead into the Yimjin War RPG. Please offer your suggestions for 2E HERE.

6. Warcosm
Not an RPG, but a fleet-based tactical space combat game for use with counters or minis. Rules are done and very simple to keep the action moving. Three races and you can build your own ships. The scenarios are being written.

Neat stuff, Brett! I'm curious about #2. GDi isn't known as being a story oriented game system, unlike SE. Are you doing anything to GDi to enhance those qualities? GDi is one of my favorite systems as you know!

Also #5 - what do you mean by "Characters will be more heroic"?

-clash

Quote from: flyingmiceNeat stuff, Brett! I'm curious about #2. GDi isn't known as being a story oriented game system, unlike SE. Are you doing anything to GDi to enhance those qualities? GDi is one of my favorite systems as you know!

Also #5 - what do you mean by "Characters will be more heroic"?

Clash, are we talking story games "story" or "traditional story," because GDi is definitely the latter -- it gets out of the way so that the story can progress, nor is it tethered to the story. Can you be more specific?

Characters in IG2E will have cultural and racial skills that put them on par with average citizens before actually choosing skills. Also, the new ranking system will give them advantages within their vocation and for gaining recognition. Additionally, characters will begin play with higher padding/armor ratings making them tougher. More dramatic rules closer to the current state will be optional.

Quote from: brettmbClash, are we talking story games "story" or "traditional story," because GDi is definitely the latter -- it gets out of the way so that the story can progress, nor is it tethered to the story. Can you be more specific?

I meant neither. SE predates the forge stuff, and carries none of the baggage associated. SE is a game system optimised for the pre-forge but still non-traditional type of "story" concepts that came out of the discussion groups pre- and early-web. I know very well that GDi rocks in the traditional story department!

QuoteCharacters in IG2E will have cultural and racial skills that put them on par with average citizens before actually choosing skills. Also, the new ranking system will give them advantages within their vocation and for gaining recognition. Additionally, characters will begin play with higher padding/armor ratings making them tougher. More dramatic rules closer to the current state will be optional.

Cool! And an interesting choice. Apparently some folks wanted a higher powered game, then? I was perfectly happy with the old one, mind!

Quote from: flyingmiceI meant neither. SE predates the forge stuff, and carries none of the baggage associated. SE is a game system optimised for the pre-forge but still non-traditional type of "story" concepts that came out of the discussion groups pre- and early-web. I know very well that GDi rocks in the traditional story department!

My biorhythms must be off.  I still can't figure out what you're asking  Do you mean if GDi will take on aspects of Story Engine?

Quote from: flyingmiceCool! And an interesting choice. Apparently some folks wanted a higher powered game, then? I was perfectly happy with the old one, mind!

I also wanted the changes. Another evolution of my design philosophies from my changing desires for gameplay. I sort of made similar changes to the newer GDi titles (Mean Streets and the upcoming GS2).

Maelstrom Crossroads - get in !!! - we've played using the barebones rules, the realm rules sound up my street

Yay Storyengine.


(Shame you didn't get Providence which they had from XID....)

Quote from: SeanMaelstrom Crossroads - get in !!! - we've played using the barebones rules, the realm rules sound up my street

This new edition should make the world more accessible.

Quote from: SilverlionYay Storyengine.


(Shame you didn't get Providence which they had from XID....)

I believe XID owns Providence and Hubris just published it for them.

Quote from: brettmbThis new edition should make the world more accessible.


I believe XID owns Providence and Hubris just published it for them.

Yeah I know, but I still wish someone "active" as you are had gotten some finagling to republish it (streamlined, updated)

Maybe someday we'll see it again.

Quote from: brettmbMy biorhythms must be off.  I still can't figure out what you're asking  Do you mean if GDi will take on aspects of Story Engine?

Yes, but I'm having trouble communicating simple concepts today!

-clash

It will not take on any aspects of Story Engine that it does not already possess. I don't really see how it could, although many concepts already are similar (3E).

Quote from: brettmbIt will not take on any aspects of Story Engine that it does not already possess. I don't really see how it could, although many concepts already are similar (3E).

OK! Thanks, Brett!

-clash

In the interest of balance: How the hell do you guys manage to write so much?

Quote from: One Horse TownIn the interest of balance: How the hell do you guys manage to write so much?

When I come up with an idea, I get it down as quickly as I can so I don't forget and eventually start forging it into something. I switch off between projects as the inspiration hits me, so I'm always working on a number of things at once. Call it attention deficit.

Clash, the competition begins :haw: