Quote from: J ArcaneHow the hell did this thread go 37 posts without anyone mentioning Gamma World?  Or Metamorphosis Alpha?

An exceedingly valid question.

David R, at least AFAIAC Jorune isn't gonzo because it tried too much to be the Tekumel of science fantasy. Too encyclopedic (language), too sociological (citizenship quests). Too, well, reasonable.

Having said that, the artwork is something else again. He said, fondly ogling his boxed set on the bookshelf.

Quote from: J ArcaneHow the hell did this thread go 37 posts without anyone mentioning Gamma World?  Or Metamorphosis Alpha?

Everyone knows those games are gonzo.


Well, everyone except Bruce Baugh, maybe.

Quote from: jrientsEveryone knows those games are gonzo.


Well, everyone except Bruce Baugh, maybe.

:killingme:

By my take, in gonzo, attitude is a cause while genre is a symptom: games with a gonzo attitude have a tendency to result in crazy mish-mash settings which go beyond even your usual kitchen sink worlds.

I propose that gonzo gaming can't be properly defined because it is characterised by a high level of irreverence for its source material and discipline in creativity. A methodical game or world cannot be gonzo; gonzo is a product of crazy enthusiasm where nothing has to remain in context. It is dangerous to analyse gonzo, because it can very easily give you something that has all its static elements but none of its dynamism. So Calithena gets it when he calls out games as not gonzo, and so does Settembrini when he mentions Everron and Shadowrun. Both of those have the gonzo trappings but not the fluidity. Both are 2e type ecologised settings. Just like how the Wilderlands are gonzo, but when people try to rationalise it overmuch, it loses this appeal. I think the d20 version, as cool as it is, kinda has this problem in places.

For the record, from everything roleplaying-related I have published, only Isle of the Water Sprites is genuinely gonzo. While I respect the attitude, I am unsuited to follow it.

Quote from: jrientsEveryone knows those games are gonzo.


Well, everyone except Bruce Baugh, maybe.

Yeah - I don't want to trash talk Bruce, but he didn't get it. No, not at all. (Although the people who did the Amazing Engine Metamorphosis Alpha or later editions of Gamma World were certainly guilty of the same crime.)

I must correct myself. Although I still think what I said was correct. Pierce & Melan are right to put major emphasis on attitude, though.

I was right in 2007 and I continue to be right in 2011. :cool:

You are right about that. And I think it is good to point that out!

ADD: It is all about attitude.

I wonder where Pierce is these days.

He posts occasionally on Sett's board. I understand that he's more interested in miniatures wargames than RPGs these days.

From a Q & A with Wayne Breaux, Palladium artist and writer extraordinaire:

QuoteQuestion: I'm curious Wayne, how much wood could a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

Answer: 1D6+1 units for  unskilled 'chucks, but taking 2 slots for a 'chucking skill would allow a  20%+5% per level chance for an increased rate of 1D6+1D4 units per  level of experience. 'Chucking could be maintained for a number of melee  rounds equal to the 'chuck's P.E. attribute+1 round per level of  experience.

The idea that someone asked him that given all of the options greatly disturbs me....  that fact that he answered it like that greatly amuses me.