Cross-posted from rpg.net:
This is a trilogy of rpgs, only the first two of which are I think complete, by Pelorus of this forum who used to design and sell games through Crucible Publishing (a much underappreciated outfit IMO).
The idea is biblical apocalypse, with Testament being about ordinary folk, Creed about sorcerors and Rapture apparently to be about angels and demons.
The two games so far can be downloaded from here: http://www.lategaming.com/books/
Now, that all explained, I have some questions about the games, which is why this is not a puff piece, rather it's an attempt to better understand what the games are doing. So, hopefully Pelorus will notice this thread...
Firstly, is it intended that characters in Testament who are ordinary folk may become sorcerors in turn or is it more that they are intended as separate but connected games (a la White Wolf)?
Secondly, where is the wick box on the Credo character sheet mentioned on page 8?
Credo has a big space on the Creed sheet, but is a one number stat, what goes in the space?
For that matter, what goes in the Demonologie section?
All magic in this game is, as best I can tell, effectively conducted through summoning demons and binding them to your will. But it's not terribly clear what demons can do. Can they read minds? If I ask a demon to make a woman love me, can it do that? This seems sort of undetailed.
Credo is the sorcerous mojo stat, if I roll low, does that mean I just need to focus on pacts instead?
Why do I need a major area involved with magic, when it has no mechanical effect?
Characters have Aspects and Areas, do either have any mechanical impact?
Finally for the moment, the games each ask for $15 (total, it's a one off covering all three) if you use any of the material. That's fine, and it says you're welcome to read for free (and can't be enforced anyway), but it doesn't say where to send the money to which may hamper even the most honest among us paying up.
Why am I posting all this? Well, to be honest I think both titles so far have potential, I really like the magic in Creed and generally there is a good tone and an interesting feel to the games, but there are also lots of questions that arise from the text and I'm just not sure they're there yet if that makes sense. So, I thought I'd draw some public attention, see if anyone else took an interest and if not at least maybe get some answers from the designer.
Oh, also, have you seen by any chance Children of Fire/Children of Clay? If not, google them.
I posted a reply on 'that other site'. Hope it helps.
Do people really have issues with playing in a Christian-realist setting?
Like Testament/Creed? Like Ars Magica?
I prefer settings where it's ambiguous whether the god or gods exist or not.
Like Ars Magica, the whole holy regia thing, that could just be the belief of the people in it, and/or a sort of "history" or "aura" thing. You could keep it vague, you didn't have to have and he shall come with woundes redde or anything like that.
It's the same for me with polytheism, too. I don't want the gods making personal appearances, nor any of their non-earthly servants.
I like things as gritty and down-to-earth as possible.
But I mean, that's personal taste, definitely.
Quote from: PelorusI posted a reply on 'that other site'. Hope it helps.
I couldn't find your reply (likely stupidity on my part) -- could you cut/paste here?
Cheers,
-E.
http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?t=391428
QuoteOriginally Posted by Balbinus
Now, that all explained, I have some questions about the games, which is why this is not a puff piece, rather it's an attempt to better understand what the games are doing. So, hopefully Pelorus will notice this thread...
Duly noted. And thanks for the puff piece
QuoteFirstly, is it intended that characters in Testament who are ordinary folk may become sorcerors in turn or is it more that they are intended as separate but connected games (a la White Wolf)?
The theory: There are three types of people left behind on Earth. Sinners (including those who did 'nothing'), Sorcerers and Fallen Angels. Each are dealt with in their own book (and yeah, I know, Rapture ain't done).
QuoteSecondly, where is the wick box on the Credo character sheet mentioned on page 8?
Credo has a big space on the Creed sheet, but is a one number stat, what goes in the space?
For that matter, what goes in the Demonologie section?
The character sheet is wrong, that's all. And I didn't get much feedback on that.
The demonologie section is just where you describe the Demons you control.
QuoteAll magic in this game is, as best I can tell, effectively conducted through summoning demons and binding them to your will. But it's not terribly clear what demons can do. Can they read minds? If I ask a demon to make a woman love me, can it do that? This seems sort of undetailed.
Page 8,
"Demons are material creatures that are both
formless and invisible. They may be microscopic in
size and in a moment be towering in size and
aspect. They have neither eyes nor ears yet they
can see and hear, no arms or legs but they can
move and carry objects. They have no mouth or
claws but they can kill and maim. Demons have
specific abilities and there are things that they can
and cannot do. Demons can perform both simple
and complex tasks and they can follow
instructions. They usually take other forms in order
to perform their duties. They can possess animals
and creatures in order to gaintheir form. They
cannot possess human beings normally but there is
a possession ritual which displaces a human spirit
and summons a demon. Demons can talk and be
heard by their summoner unlike Angels."
So, no, they cannot read minds. They, through possession, make a woman love you...but it's not really her...that might not matter.
QuoteCredo is the sorcerous mojo stat, if I roll low, does that mean I just need to focus on pacts instead?
Why do I need a major area involved with magic, when it has no mechanical effect?
Characters have Aspects and Areas, do either have any mechanical impact?
Yes, again, page 8, if your Credo is low, and you want to be a Sorcerer, then you have to look at Pacts. That's the way the cookie crumbles.
You don't need to take Magic as a Primary area, no, but it is suggested that you do and specialise in one of the traditions. You don't NEED it, but then you have no knowledge about magic and the trappings. That may be the character you want to play.
There doesn't need to be a Mechanics reason for everything, does there? It's to give players something to think about. I guess I'm being 'narrative' here. Sorry.
QuoteFinally for the moment, the games each ask for $15 (total, it's a one off covering all three) if you use any of the material. That's fine, and it says you're welcome to read for free (and can't be enforced anyway), but it doesn't say where to send the money to which may hamper even the most honest among us paying up.
Well, to be honest, I think I received one....and I think that was refunded. I'll put something back so there's a donation box should someone wish to give. I'd seriously need to re-write the errors you've pointed out and clarify some sections. Time, as ever, is not on my side.
It is, however, motivational to hear stuff like this. And nice too. Thanks for that.
QuoteWhy am I posting all this? Well, to be honest I think both titles so far have potential, I really like the magic in Creed and generally there is a good tone and an interesting feel to the games, but there are also lots of questions that arise from the text and I'm just not sure they're there yet if that makes sense. So, I thought I'd draw some public attention, see if anyone else took an interest and if not at least maybe get some answers from the designer.
It'd be nice to dust them off, yes. As soon as I finish WotW.
QuoteOh, also, have you seen by any chance Children of Fire/Children of Clay? If not, google them.
I've SEEN them but they are a lot more complex and they weren't telling the story that I wanted to tell.
Angel and Demon Resources
http://www.herogames.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1311119#post1311119
Cheers
QM