Apparently there's a Kickstarter for a new Tékumel RPG out there (link). It's called Béthorm: The Plane of Tékumel (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jeffdee/bethorm-the-plane-of-tekumel-rpg); the project is led by Jeff Dee, of Villains & Vigilantes fame, and uses his proprietary Pocket Universe engine, which I've never heard about but seems to get mixed reviews over at its DriveThruRPG page (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/2621/Pocket-Universe).
As usual, I'm finding the rewards a tad on the overpriced side. And the whole "it exists as a bunch of notes and just needs a little refining" raises a big red flag to me. I'm a Dwimmermount backer, remember?
Does anyone know anything else about this?
It's the first I've heard of this, or of Pocket Universe. If it follows the trend from V&V to TWERPS, we're talking about a very "light" rules set. The last Tekumel game, using a system derived from GOO's Tri Stat, seemed to me to be too much on the "heavy" side. I think that combined with current presentation standards to leave less room for cool Tekumel stuff, so a lot ended up getting left out.
The original EPT paired up mechanics pretty similar to OD&D, and I think it's been a bit much since then to confront people simultaneously with getting a grip on the world and getting a grip on an unfamiliar, substantial game system.
I can't say much about this game or the system, but Jeff Dee has done a few successful kickstarters so far. Mostly new takes on art he did in various D&D books, etc, but he also ran one for the rpg Cavemaster. So far, his kickstarters have produced with little to no complaints that I know of.
My main thought is... What is the point?
The older Tekumel is still in print.
Why Tekumel and not something original?
Also very low on info or art examples it seems.
I still swear by Dave Morris' Tirikélu (legal free download here (http://www.tekumel.com/gaming_unofficialrules.html)) for crunch, plus Swords & Glory v. 1 for fluff. Though I may yet try RQ6; the cult/faction system strikes me as nearly perfect for representing secret societies and the myriad institutions of Tékumelani society whose membership is often a measure of character advancement.
But a new Tékumel book with pretty art and good layout? I'd be all over it. Bonus points if the system does a better job than Tirikélu, of supporting my preferred methodology of "barbarian newcomer" starting PCs.
Someone on Dragonsfoot posted a photo of a megadungeon he'd apparently run at con games
(http://blogdottekumelfoundationdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/vjr-jakallan-underworld-2.jpg)
That is really what I'd like to see, along with whatever rules system he actually used, not Jeff Dee's take on the rules.
(I like Jeff Dee, V&V was one of those games I played as a kid, but this seems pointless)
Nice map on the wall.
I think making the Tekumel setting more approachable is effort well spend. Not sure Béthorm does that but would be interested in details that showed it did.
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Quote from: Greentongue;738439Nice map on the wall.
I think making the Tekumel setting more approachable is effort well spend. Not sure Béthorm does that but would be interested in details that showed it did.
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I really think the original Empire of the Petal Throne RPG nailed it, by making starting characters foreigners whose lack of familiarity with the society of the Five Empires mirrors the players' own. And of course, starting as clanless scum offers a great opportunity to raid the Underworld for riches and buy your way into clan adoption and military, religious and/or political office at "name level". I'm more than OK with supporting native Tsolyáni characters but this is the sort of game I'm more interested in.
The Adventures In Tékumel series also seems to have done a decent job of introducing the setting bit by bit.
Quote from: The Butcher;738355I still swear by Dave Morris' Tirikélu (legal free download here (http://www.tekumel.com/gaming_unofficialrules.html)) for crunch, plus Swords & Glory v. 1 for fluff.
That's a winning combo for me as well, although Tirikelu is pretty well focused on native Tsolyani.
QuoteBut a new Tékumel book with pretty art and good layout? I'd be all over it. Bonus points if the system does a better job than Tirikélu, of supporting my preferred methodology of "barbarian newcomer" starting PCs.
The subjects for striking visuals are certainly part of the world's draw! As much as I like Jeff Dee's work elsewhere, though, his style is not what I think of for a Tekumel product.
Quote from: Phillip;738491That's a winning combo for me as well, although Tirikelu is pretty well focused on native Tsolyani.
The subjects for striking visuals are certainly part of the world's draw! As much as I like Jeff Dee's work elsewhere, though, his style is not what I think of for a Tekumel product.
This was the impression I got too from the art. Looks good. But doesnt "feel" like Tekumel somehow? But I wandered over to his DA gallery and the art he had up looked more in line. Its mostly the humans clothes styles that seems a little off.
Now I've seen the monster illos, I must say those look fine. Maybe Dee will do just as well with the humans and architecture. My misgivings are based on work from the 1970s-80s, and his work today need not be tied to the contexts and fashions of that time.
Pocket Universe is like a stripped down GURPS using 2D10. Came in a little baggie like the old Metagaming Microgames.
http://jeffdee.deviantart.com/art/Bara-264236971
It seems to be fully funded now, though even if the game is completed and pledges fulfilled, I can't help but think it will just be another addition to the pile of noble efforts to bring a neat, but dense, setting to gamers.
Quote from: JamesV;738605It seems to be fully funded now, though even if the game is completed and pledges fulfilled, I can't help but think it will just be another addition to the pile of noble efforts to bring a neat, but dense, setting to gamers.
I've found that many people say they want something different but, that usually just means sprinkles on their vanilla ice-cream. They are not about to try pistachio.
So, in my opinion, effort should be spent to get back to the roots of EPT. Knock the crust off of it and try to capture the original feel.
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Jeff will be my guest for a Q&A session at 1:00 p.m. CST tomorrow in #rpgnet.
Quote from: JamesV;738605It seems to be fully funded now, though even if the game is completed and pledges fulfilled, I can't help but think it will just be another addition to the pile of noble efforts to bring a neat, but dense, setting to gamers.
People who want something exotic but far, far more accessible can always get Arrows of Indra.
Meanwhile, I have to think its a mistake to do this as anything other than an OSR game, if the goal really is to try to reach out and get new fans, rather than catering to the same old crowd.
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