ERB's Mars (Barsoom) as a campaign setting

The Butcher · March 09, 2012, 04:17:18 PM

Off to see the John Carter movie.

Meanwhile I'll leave the question: how would you go about running a game in Burroughs' Mars? What system? What would be the campaign premise?

I'm aware of Adamant's Mars line (both d20 and Savage Worlds), but right now I'd use either a TSR-era D&D hack (possibly Newt Newport's reputedly excellent Crypts & Things), or D6 (What can I say? Having played the hell out of WEG Star Wars back in the day, it just feels right).

And the premise would be the standard fantasy sandbox stuff, i.e. precious metal-loving exploration of ruins, and wilderness, and stuff, only wearing distinctly Barsoomian colors. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Sigmund · March 09, 2012, 05:10:03 PM

My wife and I already have our tickets for the 7:20 show

RPGPundit · March 09, 2012, 11:34:59 PM

I like the Mars of Space:1889

RPGPundit

jeff37923 · March 10, 2012, 12:30:30 AM

There used to be a website, now defunct, with a section called The Frilond Campaign that had Barsoomian 3.x conversions from old White Dwarf magazine articles. Pretty good stuff as I recall, I wish I had saved some of it.

isomage · March 10, 2012, 04:14:19 AM

Someone made a supplement for OD&D based on TSR's 1974 Warriors of Mars miniature wargame; you can download a PDF from http://www.grey-elf.com/ (search the page for Dungeons & Dragons Warriors of Mars).

finarvyn · March 11, 2012, 10:45:33 AM

ERB's Mars is one of my all-time favorite settings and I really enjoyed the movie (even though it isn't exactly the same as the books).

My OD&D boards (see link in signature) has a section on Barsoom, specifically devoted to TSR's old Warriors of Mars miniatures rules but generally having some chatter of anything Barsoom. There are some threads about combining OD&D and Mars, if you are interested.

The Butcher · March 11, 2012, 11:22:46 AM

Quote from: isomage;520927Someone made a supplement for OD&D based on TSR's 1974 Warriors of Mars miniature wargame; you can download a PDF from http://www.grey-elf.com/ (search the page for Dungeons & Dragons Warriors of Mars).

That's actually pretty good.

I'm considering whether to tack on the AD&D 2e Psionics system, which is my favorite (and do away with magic entirely), or just reskin Magic-Users as Mentalists, and spells as psionics.

Using armor as DR and level-variable "Defense" in lieu of AC is another thing to consider.

Drohem · March 11, 2012, 11:29:24 AM

So, without any spoilers of course, did you like it? Was it worthy of the ticket prices these days to see on the big screen?

EDIT: Nevermind, I'll check the movie thread.

RPGPundit · March 12, 2012, 12:38:27 PM

Is anything worth the price of a north american ticket these days?

RPGPundit

jeff37923 · March 12, 2012, 01:08:29 PM

Quote from: RPGPundit;521241Is anything worth the price of a north american ticket these days?

RPGPundit

300 on the big screen was worth it, IMHO.

Sigmund · March 12, 2012, 01:27:08 PM

I'm gambling that Avengers is going to be worth it as well, and honestly I was glad I saw JC of M on the big screen, Clash of the Titans on the big screen, Real Steel, Star Trek, and many others. Not only that, but we often go to the 3D and IMAX 3D shows, like we did for JC of M, which was awesome. Avatar was incredible in 3D as well. My wife and I are fortunate enough to make a decent amount of money so we don't mind springing for movie tickets.

RPGPundit · March 13, 2012, 12:44:22 PM

I don't think any big screen or 3d is worth dishing out the $30 or so that the average movie excursion costs in north america, certainly not for one viewing. And then these fuckers have the gall to blame "piracy" for their poor box-office results. If going to the movies still cost you $3 instead of $30, you'd have a lot more sales.

RPGPundit

Sigmund · March 13, 2012, 01:41:57 PM

Quote from: RPGPundit;521371I don't think any big screen or 3d is worth dishing out the $30 or so that the average movie excursion costs in north america, certainly not for one viewing. And then these fuckers have the gall to blame "piracy" for their poor box-office results. If going to the movies still cost you $3 instead of $30, you'd have a lot more sales.

RPGPundit

Meh, I am willing to shell out the $30 for the experience. What I think is criminal is the over $100 a ticket they charge for concerts and pro sports events, that's insane.

jeff37923 · March 13, 2012, 02:08:49 PM

Quote from: RPGPundit;521371I don't think any big screen or 3d is worth dishing out the $30 or so that the average movie excursion costs in north america, certainly not for one viewing. And then these fuckers have the gall to blame "piracy" for their poor box-office results. If going to the movies still cost you $3 instead of $30, you'd have a lot more sales.

RPGPundit

A lot of times the movie hits the multiplex for the full $10+ ticket price and then goes to the dollar theater for a more reasonable $1 to $3 ticket price. Most of that $30 excursion price you are talking about is concessions with $5 popcorn and $5 drinks (non-alcoholic, mind you).

finarvyn · March 13, 2012, 10:11:15 PM

I saw John Carter in 2D instead of 3D because I hate the funky glasses, and I thought it was a great movie. Not 100% canon with the source material, but a worthy adaptation in my opinion.

Another good option for a RPG system for Barsoom would be Amber Diceless, since Barsoom is such a cinematic setting. They use guns and swords (warfare), many characters have psychic tendencies (psyche) and both athletic maneuvers and hand-to-hand combat (strength) seem pretty common so the three main ADRP confllict resolution attributes seem to fit quite well.