I have been thinking about picking up Strands of Fate. Anyone have it? Impressions?

Quote from: AnthonyRoberson;416719I have been thinking about picking up Strands of Fate. Anyone have it? Impressions?

Dunno, but do you have a link?

Seanchai

Here you go.

http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=84757

I have the PDF.

Its a little different to other fate games. It uses broader based Abilities (12 in number split into three sets PHYSICAL: Agility, Endurance, Perception, Strength, KNOWLEDGE: Craft, Knowledge, Reasoning, Willpower, SOCIAL: Deception, Empathy, Persuasion, Resources)rather than Skills. Specialties within those Abilities are then defined by Specialty Aspects (More focussed Aspects than usual).

It also introduces the concept of Persistant Aspects, which are Aspects that are 'always on' you don't pay a Fate point for them, however neither do you gain any. (Which are definately being dropped into my current campaign).

The Stress and Consequence rules are slightly different, but you have the option of the already established approaches.

Where it really shines is the Advantages system (these are equivalent to Stunts in other Fate games). These are in three Tiers, Expert - Available to all and suitable for more gritty campaigns representing some degree of training. Heroic - These are more cinematic traits that push your character a little more 'over the top'. Powers - These are supernatural abilities, spells, Psionic powers, Mutants abilities, cybernetics, Superpowers etc.

It has done away with a lot of the confusing Fate terminology and replaced them with terms most roleplayers are already familier with. Its is very well laid out and very easy to grasp for beginners.

Its a massive toolkit for you to play just about any genre from

I've not played it yet, but I'm impressed. I will certainly be mining it for my Legends of Anglerre game, and I am playing around with the idea of a Superhero game at some point which will use this ruleset if I ever get round to it (Have a Starblazer Space Opera games waiting in the wings as well!!).

I'm very biased however, being completely and utterly converted to Fate now!!

There is a breakdown of it and more info here http://voidstar.squarespace.com/strands-of-fate/
if your interested.

I have to say when I initially read about the changes some months back I was instantly dismissive. I liked the Skill pyramid, I didn't like the idea of broad abilities. I also didn't think a broad toolkit Fate game would interest me.

However I re-looked at it closer to launch and found it much more interesting than I thought. I eventually ordered the PDF and I have to say was very pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this implementation. Definitely a thumbs up from me, if I don't play it as is, this is still going to get a lot of use as a toolkit to plunder for all my Fate games.

I too have been considering Strands of Fate. It is supposed to be FATE's crunchier but easier to grok little brother.


The Strands of Fate home page

A Strands of Fate review

-Hans

Quote from: hanszurcher;416731I to have been considering Strands of Fate. It is supposed to be FATE's crunchier but easier to grok little brother.


The Strands of Fate home page

A Strands of Fate review

-Hans

Yep, I'd say that's accurate. For those that haven't played or been exposed to Fate before, this is much, much easier to grasp. Less terminology, laid out in a very logical way. Very easy to read and straight to the point concise writing style... you get the picture.

However the Powers are pretty crunchy which might be off putting to those looking for very rules light. I'll be sticking with the LoA powers system for the mo with my Fantasy campaign, but I'd certainly consider testing them in a future campaign.

I really, really want to put this through its paces in a Superhero campaign of some sort...

Quote from: AnthonyRoberson;416727Here you go.

http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=84757

Thanks!

Seanchai