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Pen & Paper Roleplaying Central => Pen and Paper Roleplaying Games (RPGs) Discussion => Topic started by: Zalmoxis on May 03, 2006, 11:23:49 AM

Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 03, 2006, 11:23:49 AM
Some of you might remember the massive RPG setting I designed and put out some months ago... 4 books totalling around 1,000 pages. Chock full of illegal art and errors. Well, I just finished converting the entire thing to a True20-esque hybrid system, with legal artwork, and (hopefully) few if any errors. I think it looks better than the original, and as it's a stand-alone game, easier to understand and use. PLUS, I was able to condense it down to just 254 pages! It's in .pdf format and I offer it to anyone who wants it, free of charge. If you want a copy, send me an email to moogspaceport@gmail.com. The .pdf is under 3mb in size.

Also this is an open call for critique, so if you find errors (be they factual or opinion) please feel free to let me know. Thanks in advance,

Tim Harris
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 03, 2006, 11:35:19 AM
Just checked my email and I have my copy.  :)

I will print it out ASAP and then begin going through it.  Poke me if you haven't heard anything in a week -- I won't be making any snap judgements.  :)

Darlena's last final is next Friday, so I'll have her look at it after then.  :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 03, 2006, 11:37:11 AM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
Just checked my email and I have my copy.  :)

I will print it out ASAP and then begin going through it.  Poke me if you haven't heard anything in a week -- I won't be making any snap judgements.  :)

Darlena's last final is next Friday, so I'll have her look at it after then.  :)


You and the Dar rock! I think people who saw the D20 one are going to be shocked. I am proud of how this turned out, even though I am certain there are errors I missed. Thanks again! :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 03, 2006, 11:39:15 AM
I missed the original version, but I look forward to this one.  I'm sure you'll have errors, 'cause self-editing can only catch so much.  :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 03, 2006, 12:09:19 PM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
I missed the original version, but I look forward to this one.  I'm sure you'll have errors, 'cause self-editing can only catch so much.  :)


Very, very true. My orignal D20 release was full of errors I missed, simply because of tunnel vision and eagerness to get it out. I tell you one thing, it was fun to do but it sure wasn't easy. :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Dr_Avalanche on May 03, 2006, 12:24:03 PM
Got it, thanks.

First impression is...whoa. :)

It looks good. It will take a while to read though - it's a massive document.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 03, 2006, 12:48:46 PM
Quote from: Dr_Avalanche
Got it, thanks.

First impression is...whoa. :)

It looks good. It will take a while to read though - it's a massive document.


I'll take "...whoa." :D
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: David R on May 03, 2006, 01:10:49 PM
Quote from: Zalmoxis
Also this is an open call for critique, so if you find errors (be they factual or opinion) please feel free to let me know. Thanks in advance,


Thanks for the copy. Need some time to absorb the setting/game. I'll take it for a spin in a couple of weeks and drop you a line to tell you how it handles.But from first looks it reads like something the crew will really dig :)  

Regards,
David R
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 03, 2006, 01:34:18 PM
Quote from: David R
Thanks for the copy. Need some time to absorb the setting/game. I'll take it for a spin in a couple of weeks and drop you a line to tell you how it handles.But from first looks it reads like something the crew will really dig :)  

Regards,
David R


Cool, I hope you all can get some use out of it. :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 03, 2006, 02:03:12 PM
So far, I've got the "cover" and frontispiece printed.  Lots of people in the office.  :D
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 03, 2006, 02:07:09 PM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
So far, I've got the "cover" and frontispiece printed.  Lots of people in the office.  :D


Haha! Lucky for me, the boss is on vacation so I printed it out this morning on our bulk printer. :D
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 03, 2006, 02:11:36 PM
Your opening bit of fiction is actually interesting!  And good!  That puts you several steps ahead of a lot of game systems right there.  :D
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 03, 2006, 02:14:13 PM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
Your opening bit of fiction is actually interesting!  And good!  That puts you several steps ahead of a lot of game systems right there.  :D


Thanks!
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: kanegrundar on May 03, 2006, 02:59:42 PM
I've got read a bit of it here and there so far, and I have to echo CZ.  It's pretty damn good.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 03, 2006, 03:16:22 PM
Just emailed ya asking for a copy too...I'm very much looking forward to seeing it.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 03, 2006, 03:40:36 PM
Got it, reading it.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 03, 2006, 03:50:32 PM
Overall it's looking really really good. I like the art, and the opening fiction was awesome.

I will post any mistakes I find here in this post until it get's too buried and then move it up in the post count, that way all my contributions will be in one place and maybe it'll save others from having to post about the same items.

Page 3, 3rd line from the bottom in the left hand column, the word "peripheral" is misspelled "periferal".

Page 6, first sentence in the Saving Throws section references "Arcana". As I couldn't find any other references to arcana in a quick glance-through I'm assuming this is a hold-over from some other application. :)

Just my $0.02 here, but in point 5 in the Combat Round section, last sentence you say "standing up from being knocked down". Would it perhaps be better to say "standing up from prone", because there are more reasons than just being knocked down for one to be prone. Nitpick, I know, but if this is too nitpicky let me know and I fill widen the spaces between the teeth of my comb. ;)

Page 6, last sentence of the Conviction section. The word "overconfident" is misspelled "overcondent".

Page 8, under the Wisdom subsection of the Non-existent Abilities section, the word "effects" is misspelled "e.ects".

In between the ending of the Soricid racial description and what seems to be the next section is a picture, but no section heading or any other indication that the soricid description has ended and a new subject has begun.

The last sentence in the opening paragraph on elemental nymphs states that ghost soricid have a +2 level adjustment. As this is very clearly stated in the ghost soricid section itself, my opinion is that this sentence is redundant and could be removed with no ill effects.

I'm going to stop reading now as my wife and baby will be home soon. I will pick up again most likely later this evening. So far you have created a really great thing here Z, great job, thanks for letting me have the priviledge of checking it out. :bow:
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 03, 2006, 04:22:32 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
Overall it's looking really really good. I like the art, and the opening fiction was awesome.


Thanks. :)

Quote
Page 3, 3rd line from the bottom in the left hand column, the word "peripheral" is spelled "periferal".


Duly noted.

Quote
Page 6, first sentence in the Saving Throws section references "Arcana". As I couldn't find any other references to arcana in a quick glance-through I'm assuming this is a hold-over from some other application. :)


Yes, some of the rules were copied from an earlier edition of the True20 rules, and "arcana" was one of the terms I changed. But, I missed one. :D
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 03, 2006, 04:23:34 PM
Quote from: Sigmund

Just my $0.02 here, but in point 5 in the Combat Round section, last sentence you say "standing up from being knocked down". Would it perhaps be better to say "standing up from prone", because there are more reasons than just being knocked down for one to be prone. Nitpick, I know, but if this is too nitpicky let me know and I fill widen the spaces between the teeth of my comb. ;)

Page 6, last sentence of the Conviction section. The word "overconfident" is misspelled "overcondent".


Keep them coming... you are helping me greatly. :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 04, 2006, 09:20:14 AM
Quote from: Sigmund

I'm going to stop reading now as my wife and baby will be home soon. I will pick up again most likely later this evening. So far you have created a really great thing here Z, great job, thanks for letting me have the priviledge of checking it out. :bow:


All of your suggestions are very good and I will incorporate them in an edited release. As I think most of the changes will be minor fixes, it should not take me long to edit it and get it back out.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 04, 2006, 11:35:34 AM
Quote from: Sigmund
Overall it's looking really really good. I like the art, and the opening fiction was awesome.

I will post any mistakes I find here in this post until it get's too buried and then move it up in the post count, that way all my contributions will be in one place and maybe it'll save others from having to post about the same items.

Page 3, 3rd line from the bottom in the left hand column, the word "peripheral" is misspelled "periferal".

Page 6, first sentence in the Saving Throws section references "Arcana". As I couldn't find any other references to arcana in a quick glance-through I'm assuming this is a hold-over from some other application. :)

Just my $0.02 here, but in point 5 in the Combat Round section, last sentence you say "standing up from being knocked down". Would it perhaps be better to say "standing up from prone", because there are more reasons than just being knocked down for one to be prone. Nitpick, I know, but if this is too nitpicky let me know and I fill widen the spaces between the teeth of my comb. ;)

Page 6, last sentence of the Conviction section. The word "overconfident" is misspelled "overcondent".

Page 8, under the Wisdom subsection of the Non-existent Abilities section, the word "effects" is misspelled "e.ects".

In between the ending of the Soricid racial description and what seems to be the next section is a picture, but no section heading or any other indication that the soricid description has ended and a new subject has begun.

The last sentence in the opening paragraph on elemental nymphs states that ghost soricid have a +2 level adjustment. As this is very clearly stated in the ghost soricid section itself, my opinion is that this sentence is redundant and could be removed with no ill effects.

I'm going to stop reading now as my wife and baby will be home soon. I will pick up again most likely later this evening. So far you have created a really great thing here Z, great job, thanks for letting me have the priviledge of checking it out. :bow:


On page 23, the Heading for the Technites path is at the very bottom of the lefthand column, but the description text starts at the top of the righthand column. Bringing these two things together would be a Good Thing.

On page 23, in the beginning of the section on Spellcasters, the text states, "Depending on the manifestation of the supernatural in the setting, spellcasters may be widely known and respected (or feared) for their
powers, or operate entirely behind the scenes." I would say that since this is for a specific setting it might be more useful to describe how the Spellcaster relates to the public in this setting specifically.

Since I haven't read through the whole book yet, I'm not sure if you haven't done this yet, but I'm typing it out so I don't read on and forget to come back to it. On page 24, in the section describing the Agriotes path you refer to rolling a d100. We all know what that means, but someone new to rping looking at your book as their first choice might not, so if ya don't describe somewhere how to roll a d100 ya might want to.

On page 26, the Pteraulos suffers the same problem as the Technites I described above.

On page 26, in the section on Rasputitsa, the next to last sentence says, "Almost all of them are utterly." Not sure what this means.

On page 28, in the Cataphract section you wrote, "They are armed with a long spear (kontos), long sword and light armor. Some also use a short bow or javelins. They wear heavy armor and their horses are barded." Does this mean there are 2 types of Cataphract? Ones who carry kontos, long sword, and light armor....and others who carry short bow, javelins, heavy armor, and have barded horses?

Page 30, in the section on Monachos, second sentence, youo wrote, "these are many ohers" instead of "there are many others".

A general suggestion I have is to provide a suggested group of feats and skills to select for each path at first level to provide novice players with a guide to how a character might start along each path. This would be useful especially for the martial artist paths.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 04, 2006, 12:44:20 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
Since I haven't read through the whole book yet, I'm not sure if yoou haven't done this yet, but I'm typing it out so I don't read on and forget to come back to it. On page24, in the section describing the Agriotes path you refer to rolling a d100. We all know what that means, but someone new to rping looking at your book as their first choice might not, so if ya don't describe somewhere how to roll a d100 ya might want to.


Oh, come ON.  I think it's pretty damn safe to say that the chance of someone who has no familiarity with RPGs getting a hold of a PDF game by themselves, with no other gamers to help them figure out things, is exactly Zero.

:p
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 04, 2006, 01:10:00 PM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
Oh, come ON.  I think it's pretty damn safe to say that the chance of someone who has no familiarity with RPGs getting a hold of a PDF game by themselves, with no other gamers to help them figure out things, is exactly Zero.

:p


Call me an optimist, but I'm thinking along the lines of if Z were to have this published in print form. So far I'm thinking it's certainly good enough. Besides, the noob wouldn't have to get ahold of it by themselves. It could be given to them by someone else.

Oh, and shut the hell up ya elitest...it was just a suggestion :p
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 04, 2006, 02:04:30 PM
The mentioning of a D100 roll was a mistake. I had intended to make a mishap table for the agriotes that featured a D100 roll, but opted for a D20 based roll instead... that way a single D20 can be used for all rolls in the game.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 04, 2006, 02:07:28 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
Oh, and shut the hell up ya elitest...it was just a suggestion :p


I'm not an elitist.  I'm a stuck-up arrogant prick.  Totally different.  :deviousgrin:

Our argument seems to be moot, anyway.  :D
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 04, 2006, 02:10:10 PM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
I'm not an elitist.  I'm a stuck-up arrogant prick.  Totally different.  :deviousgrin:

Our argument seems to be moot, anyway.  :D


It was one of the missed items in the conversion from D20 to True20, so yeah, it's moot. But I am very glad that Sigmund found that (and everything else), because I want the game to be as good as it can and be free of errors.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 04, 2006, 02:13:55 PM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
I'm not an elitist.  I'm a stuck-up arrogant prick.  Totally different.  :deviousgrin:

Our argument seems to be moot, anyway.  :D


Oh sorry, let me rephrase...shut up ya stuck-up arrogant prick. It was just my opinion anyway.

Yeah, moot. :heh:
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 04, 2006, 02:17:38 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
Oh sorry, let me rephrase...shut up ya stuck-up arrogant prick. It was just my opinion anyway.

Yeah, moot. :heh:
Moot!  moot moot moot moot moot moot moot!

I love that word.  :D
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 04, 2006, 02:28:43 PM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
Moot!  moot moot moot moot moot moot moot!

I love that word.  :D


I love a different word that starts with M...I doubt I need to remind anyone.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 04, 2006, 02:37:10 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
I love a different word that starts with M...I doubt I need to remind anyone.
Hmm.  Nope, don't know it.  :D


I hope people clear out of the office today so I can do some printing!
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 04, 2006, 02:37:53 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
I love a different word that starts with M...I doubt I need to remind anyone.


But have you seen Sweden: Heaven or Hell?:heh:
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 04, 2006, 02:44:53 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
On page 23, the Heading for the Technites path is at the very bottom of the lefthand column, but the description text starts at the top of the righthand column. Bringing these two things together would be a Good Thing.

On page 23, in the beginning of the section on Spellcasters, the text states, "Depending on the manifestation of the supernatural in the setting, spellcasters may be widely known and respected (or feared) for their
powers, or operate entirely behind the scenes." I would say that since this is for a specific setting it might be more useful to describe how the Spellcaster relates to the public in this setting specifically.

Since I haven't read through the whole book yet, I'm not sure if you haven't done this yet, but I'm typing it out so I don't read on and forget to come back to it. On page 24, in the section describing the Agriotes path you refer to rolling a d100. We all know what that means, but someone new to rping looking at your book as their first choice might not, so if ya don't describe somewhere how to roll a d100 ya might want to.

On page 26, the Pteraulos suffers the same problem as the Technites I described above.

On page 26, in the section on Rasputitsa, the next to last sentence says, "Almost all of them are utterly." Not sure what this means.

On page 28, in the Cataphract section you wrote, "They are armed with a long spear (kontos), long sword and light armor. Some also use a short bow or javelins. They wear heavy armor and their horses are barded." Does this mean there are 2 types of Cataphract? Ones who carry kontos, long sword, and light armor....and others who carry short bow, javelins, heavy armor, and have barded horses?

Page 30, in the section on Monachos, second sentence, youo wrote, "these are many ohers" instead of "there are many others".

A general suggestion I have is to provide a suggested group of feats and skills to select for each path at first level to provide novice players with a guide to how a character might start along each path. This would be useful especially for the martial artist paths.


On page 35, in the section entitled Skills, you wrote, "spelclaster" instead of "spellcaster".

On page 36, in the Gender section, in the last sentence a space needs to added between "female" and "to".

BTW, love the names section...great list of choices, and love that there are different lists for different cultures.

On page 41, in the Modifiers section under Skill Basics, the second word is written as, "modi.ers" instead of "modifiers".

On page 42, in the very top section of the righthand column entitled Check, the word "Difficulty" is misspelled "Di.culty".

On page 44, under the Concentration skill, in the section called Try Again, the word "effects" is misspelled as "e.ects".

On page 45, under Disable Device, the Open Locks section, third sentence, the place name Phydea isn't capitalized.

On page 47, under the Intimidate skill, next to last sentence, you misspell "suffer" as "su.er".

On page 48, in the first full sentence of the lefthand column you misspell "firmly" as ".rmly".

On page 50, in the Stealth skill description, Size Modifiers section, the third word "modifier" is misspelled "modi.er".

Page 56-57, I'd move the Call of the Wild (General) title from page 56 to 57 so it's not hangin there all by it's lonesome.

The feats section looks pretty good, I'm about halfway through it now. Will advance the post again when I discover more.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 04, 2006, 02:53:12 PM
Quote from: Sigmund

The feats section looks pretty good, I'm about halfway through it now. Will advance the post again when I discover more.


Keep 'em coming! BTW, anyone who helps in this process will be credited as an editor (if they desire). I really appreciate all this! :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 04, 2006, 03:28:49 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
On page 35, in the section entitled Skills, you wrote, "spelclaster" instead of "spellcaster".

On page 36, in the Gender section, in the last sentence a space needs to added between "female" and "to".

BTW, love the names section...great list of choices, and love that there are different lists for different cultures.

On page 41, in the Modifiers section under Skill Basics, the second word is written as, "modi.ers" instead of "modifiers".

On page 42, in the very top section of the righthand column entitled Check, the word "Difficulty" is misspelled "Di.culty".

On page 44, under the Concentration skill, in the section called Try Again, the word "effects" is misspelled as "e.ects".

On page 45, under Disable Device, the Open Locks section, third sentence, the place name Phydea isn't capitalized.

On page 47, under the Intimidate skill, next to last sentence, you misspell "suffer" as "su.er".

On page 48, in the first full sentence of the lefthand column you misspell "firmly" as ".rmly".

On page 50, in the Stealth skill description, Size Modifiers section, the third word "modifier" is misspelled "modi.er".

Page 56-57, I'd move the Call of the Wild (General) title from page 56 to 57 so it's not hangin there all by it's lonesome.

The feats section looks pretty good, I'm about halfway through it now. Will advance the post again when I discover more.


On page 67, Under the Run feat, you misspell "five" as ".ve".

Here's an idea I've kicked around, but haven't done anything with yet...maybe you'll like it. I've always thought that a great use/side-effect of Taunt, or in your case Scathing Wit, would be to cause a character who has the Rage ability to start a Rage unwillingly.

Page 68-69, Surprise Attack (Expert) description title needs to be moved from 68 to rejoin the rest of the description on page 69.

On page 69, In the Talented description, the next to last word "different" is misspelled as "di.erent".

On page 70, in the Uncanny Dodge description, last sentence, the word "flat-footed" is misspelled ".at-footed".

On page 71, in the Weapon Training description, the word "suffer" is misspelled "su.er".

Gotta feed the baby...be back in a bit.

Reading over the Elemental Conduit power, and I'm confused by what the Intelligence check is for. Is the check made to use the power? If the caster is a wis or cha caster is the check still and int check? Can any skills like Knowledge: Planes or Knowledge: Supernatural give any bonuses to making this check?

On page 82, the title for the Enhance Other description needs moved from the bottom of the lefthand column to the top of the righthand column.

On page 84, in the description of the Heart Shaping power, under the Rage subsection, "effects" is misspelled "e.ects".

On page 86, the top of the lefthand column, a space needs inserted between Time subsection of the Magma Shaping power and the heading of the Manipulate Object power.

On page 88-89, the heading for the Nymph's Beauty power needs moved form the bottom of 88 to the top of 89 to reunite it with it's description.

On page 89, in the description of the Nymph's Beauty power, 4th sentence, the word "chose" needs to be replaced with the word "choose".

On page 94, in the Suggestion description, under the Retry subsection, the word "affect" is misspelled "a.ect".

On page 96, I would move the Wind Shaping power heading from the bottom of the lefthand column to the top of the righthand column to reunite it with it's description.

Once again, along with the wonderful descriptions of the martial orders, I would provide examples of feats that might be favored by students of each particular school.

On page 119, in the next to last sentence of the Leather Armor description, you mispelled the word "rogues" as "rouges".
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 04, 2006, 04:38:59 PM
Okay, I'm noticing a distinct overabundance of problems with "f".  That's gotta be some sort of software issue along the line.  A weird one, too.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 04, 2006, 04:52:32 PM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
Okay, I'm noticing a distinct overabundance of problems with "f".  That's gotta be some sort of software issue along the line.  A weird one, too.


Yeah... I'm going to correct them.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 04, 2006, 08:48:27 PM
I love the food section. A very often over-looked and underappreciated subject that can really create a sense of culture and flavor (yeah, punny) in a game.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 04, 2006, 09:49:12 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
On page 67, Under the Run feat, you misspell "five" as ".ve".

Here's an idea I've kicked around, but haven't done anything with yet...maybe you'll like it. I've always thought that a great use/side-effect of Taunt, or in your case Scathing Wit, would be to cause a character who has the Rage ability to start a Rage unwillingly.

Page 68-69, Surprise Attack (Expert) description title needs to be moved from 68 to rejoin the rest of the description on page 69.

On page 69, In the Talented description, the next to last word "different" is misspelled as "di.erent".

On page 70, in the Uncanny Dodge description, last sentence, the word "flat-footed" is misspelled ".at-footed".

On page 71, in the Weapon Training description, the word "suffer" is misspelled "su.er".

Gotta feed the baby...be back in a bit.

Reading over the Elemental Conduit power, and I'm confused by what the Intelligence check is for. Is the check made to use the power? If the caster is a wis or cha caster is the check still and int check? Can any skills like Knowledge: Planes or Knowledge: Supernatural give any bonuses to making this check?

On page 82, the title for the Enhance Other description needs moved from the bottom of the lefthand column to the top of the righthand column.

On page 84, in the description of the Heart Shaping power, under the Rage subsection, "effects" is misspelled "e.ects".

On page 86, the top of the lefthand column, a space needs inserted between Time subsection of the Magma Shaping power and the heading of the Manipulate Object power.

On page 88-89, the heading for the Nymph's Beauty power needs moved form the bottom of 88 to the top of 89 to reunite it with it's description.

On page 89, in the description of the Nymph's Beauty power, 4th sentence, the word "chose" needs to be replaced with the word "choose".

On page 94, in the Suggestion description, under the Retry subsection, the word "affect" is misspelled "a.ect".

On page 96, I would move the Wind Shaping power heading from the bottom of the lefthand column to the top of the righthand column to reunite it with it's description.

Once again, along with the wonderful descriptions of the martial orders, I would provide examples of feats that might be favored by students of each particular school.

On page 119, in the next to last sentence of the Leather Armor description, you mispelled the word "rogues" as "rouges".



On page 132, in the description of the Breathing Tube, in the third sentence, a space needs to be inserted between "himself" and "with".

On page 133, in the description of the Climbing Dagger, you mention the housebreaker harness, but then never provide any details about it.

On page 136, at the very end of the Arrow, Flare description is the following sentence: "Message Arrow: Sometimes, one needs to get an urgent." I'm guessing it shouldn't be there.

On page 136, in the description of the Arrow, Message, first sentence, a space needs to be inserted between the words "urgent" and "message".
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 04, 2006, 11:07:34 PM
I'm starting to make corrections to the master Quark file right now. Thank you so much for this Sigmund!:bow:
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 05, 2006, 12:56:27 AM
I have fixed all of those errors listed so far. The only ones I did not do involved the listing of feats for the character paths and philosophies. I know that would certainly add something to them, but I haven't decided yet as to whether or not that's something I want to tackle. That would be a big change, as I would have to add a page or two, renumber everything, and make sure it didn't screw up formatting down the line. I still might do it, but I dunno.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 05, 2006, 10:20:15 AM
Well, wait until people have finished a first look-see and then worry about content changes.

I should finally be able to print something today!  Yay!  :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 05, 2006, 10:32:50 AM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
Well, wait until people have finished a first look-see and then worry about content changes.

I should finally be able to print something today!  Yay!  :)


Will do. :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 06, 2006, 12:07:28 PM
Quote from: Zalmoxis
Will do. :)


Yeah, I'm just throwing that stuff out there....just suggestions and opinion, I'd defintely wait to see what others say before making big changes like that. CZ or others might have far better ideas than mine. Then again, they may say it's perfect the way it is.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 06, 2006, 12:41:13 PM
Well, we'll see what I think soon.  I am finally printing!  Yay!  :D
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 06, 2006, 12:51:56 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
Yeah, I'm just throwing that stuff out there....just suggestions and opinion, I'd defintely wait to see what others say before making big changes like that. CZ or others might have far better ideas than mine. Then again, they may say it's perfect the way it is.


Not that I want people to stop finding errors... you have been most helpful and I am very appreciative. :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 06, 2006, 03:22:13 PM
Page 3, column 1, paragraph 2, last sentance: break it in half at the "and", so that the second sentance starts. "While adventurers...".

A nitpicky post this is, yes, but it will tighten up your prose.  :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 06, 2006, 05:17:17 PM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
last sentance:


:heh:

Seriously though, that is a good idea. Thanks!

EDIT: Just fixed it.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 06, 2006, 08:09:52 PM
I just ran a spellcheck and corrected all of the mistakes where the letters "f" and "i" were left out and replaced by periods. I also corrected all of the other misspellings, so those who are helping me by checking for errors can ignore misspelled words.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 06, 2006, 10:25:36 PM
Quote from: Zalmoxis
I just ran a spellcheck and corrected all of the mistakes where the letters "f" and "i" were left out and replaced by periods. I also corrected all of the other misspellings, so those who are helping me by checking for errors can ignore misspelled words.


Can ya send an updated pdf, that way I wont be distracted by any more occurances of the "f" thing, or what-have-you?
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 07, 2006, 12:45:40 AM
Quote from: Sigmund
Can ya send an updated pdf, that way I wont be distracted by any more occurances of the "f" thing, or what-have-you?


Yes,  sure can. I am converting it to .pdf right now, and will send it to you as soon as it is finished. Thanks. :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 07, 2006, 01:59:06 AM
Sigmund and Cyberzombie... you now have the edited version.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 07, 2006, 09:45:21 PM
Got it, I've been working the last couple days, but I should be able to start reading it again Tuesday.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 07, 2006, 10:18:03 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
Got it, I've been working the last couple days, but I should be able to start reading it again Tuesday.


And to that I say, mahna, mahna. :bow:
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: kanegrundar on May 08, 2006, 12:22:04 AM
Zalmoxis, if you shoot me the edited version, I've got some time this week to proof as well if you want.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: cnath.rm on May 08, 2006, 12:37:40 AM
Quote from: kanegrundar
Zalmoxis, if you shoot me the edited version, I've got some time this week to proof as well if you want.

Same here, all the talk about it has my interest to say the least. :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 08, 2006, 12:54:45 AM
Quote from: kanegrundar
Zalmoxis, if you shoot me the edited version, I've got some time this week to proof as well if you want.


Great! :)

I'll send it to you now.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 08, 2006, 12:55:25 AM
Quote from: cnath.rm
Same here, all the talk about it has my interest to say the least. :)


Shoot your email to me at moogspaceport@gmail.com and I'll send it to you.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 09, 2006, 03:28:02 PM
Page 83 -- Flesh Shaping -- the time says "See Table"; there isn't a table there.

Very interesting so far, though I'm reading it all out of order.  I blame it on the 1e DMG.  It got me out of the habit of thinking of rules books as linear constructs.  :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 09, 2006, 09:55:30 PM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
Page 83 -- Flesh Shaping -- the time says "See Table"; there isn't a table there.

Very interesting so far, though I'm reading it all out of order.  I blame it on the 1e DMG.  It got me out of the habit of thinking of rules books as linear constructs.  :)


Yup, that's a definite error. And yeah, that DMG was a doosie.:)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: kanegrundar on May 09, 2006, 11:14:54 PM
Still reading, but I haven't come across anything major.  I'll have more time come Thursday to read it more in depth.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 10, 2006, 11:12:39 AM
Okay, I'm reading out of order, so I've looked through the philosophies, but not the classes section yet.

I have a question: do the philosophies have a direct impact on game play?  The philosophies are cool and I think it would be cool if the characters' abilities were effected by their philosophy.  

It'd be neat to me if someone from the Order of Anaximenes, who believes everything is made of air, had different abilities than someone from the Order of Apollodorus, who studies botany and medicine.

Like I said, I haven't read the class section, but reading the Philosophies really made me think they should be one of the shining highlights of the setting.  :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 10, 2006, 02:33:06 PM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
Okay, I'm reading out of order, so I've looked through the philosophies, but not the classes section yet.

I have a question: do the philosophies have a direct impact on game play?  The philosophies are cool and I think it would be cool if the characters' abilities were effected by their philosophy.  

It'd be neat to me if someone from the Order of Anaximenes, who believes everything is made of air, had different abilities than someone from the Order of Apollodorus, who studies botany and medicine.

Like I said, I haven't read the class section, but reading the Philosophies really made me think they should be one of the shining highlights of the setting.  :)


My thoughts for this setting were to keep the classes (expert, spellcaster and warrior) as the only basis for actual "mechanical" differences between characters. The Paths and Philosophies are intended to give color and flavor to characters without imparting any mechanical benefits (no additional skills, feats, and so on).

With that said, some of the Paths do impart some inherent benefits... for example, if your path involves the use of specialized mounts or weaponry, it should be assumed that your character knows how to acquire such things, if he doesn't already have them. This allows GM's to be as strict or lenient as they wish and still be within the spirit of the rules. Some GM's might not mind giving a charioteer a chariot and horse to start the game, but then again others might think that to be unbalancing.

The Philosophies were also designed in a similar way, with the benefits being a little more abstract. Being a memeber of a Philosophy puts the character in an established brotherhood of like-minded folks... this can be a distinct advantage if roleplayed. Also, being a member of a Philosophical Order grants the character access to libraries, assistance and appropriate materials that might not be available to the general public (or even the basic adventurer).

To be honest, the biggest reason why I did not turn the philosophies and paths into (for lack of a better word) class kits was because I didn't want to deal with the headaches of it. I had started to do that when the game was first being put together and it bogged me down with balance-issues, second-guessing and other stuff... so I decided to apply the KISS principle. Now that the game is "done", I will be looking to expand it in certain areas, and turning the philosophies and paths into something more substantial is something I have thought about. Given the chance to focus on them, it may not end up being the headache it once was, when I had all this other stuff I was dealing with.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 11, 2006, 09:25:33 PM
I think that also the philosophical orders might be the only place to learn some skills/feats...especially the physical orders. At least, that's how I'd GM it, so a PC who wants/needs certain skills would have to either be a member, or do the order a favor or six...maybe even both.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 11, 2006, 11:17:00 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
I think that also the philosophical orders might be the only place to learn some skills/feats...especially the physical orders. At least, that's how I'd GM it, so a PC who wants/needs certain skills would have to either be a member, or do the order a favor or six...maybe even both.


That makes a lot of sense.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Chacal on May 12, 2006, 05:15:10 AM
I liked the previous "illegal" version (will it be a collector some day ? ;) ) so  I'm interested. I'm not sure I would be a good editor, but if you want to know how an international audience with passable english skills would react to your style, I'm your man :)


Chacal
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 12, 2006, 09:22:40 AM
Quote from: Chacal
I liked the previous "illegal" version (will it be a collector some day ? ;) ) so  I'm interested. I'm not sure I would be a good editor, but if you want to know how an international audience with passable english skills would react to your style, I'm your man :)


Chacal


Send me an email to moogspaceport@gmail.com, and I'll shoot one your way. :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 12, 2006, 03:09:43 PM
You guys have really got me thinking about the Paths and Philosophies. The more I think about it, the more I agree that expanding them informatively and giving them some real in-game crunch would be better than descriptions alone. The question for me now is whether I want to expand them within the confines of the existing game book, or expand them out in a follow-up edition.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 12, 2006, 03:21:08 PM
Do a follow up. Make it a source book on Philosophical Orders. That's my vote anyway.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 13, 2006, 12:41:25 PM
I'm not decided yet.  I still have to finish reading it before I advise either way.

I don't know if you have them, but I'd also have some concrete rules for calling on the gods (miracles).  I know it can be done, but I think some simple guidelines would be good.  Like I said, I don't know if you have them, since I'm still jumping around in my reading.  :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 13, 2006, 01:56:55 PM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
I'm not decided yet.  I still have to finish reading it before I advise either way.


I am already exploring the possibilities of giving suggested skills and feats to each of the Paths and allocating certain skills and feats to certain philosophies (meaning if you want the skill or feat you have to be trained by/be a member of that philosophy). In neither case would the skills or feats be "bonuses"... nothing is for free, although I do like the idea of having the philosophies grant access to restricted feats and/or skills.

Quote
I don't know if you have them, but I'd also have some concrete rules for calling on the gods (miracles).  I know it can be done, but I think some simple guidelines would be good.  Like I said, I don't know if you have them, since I'm still jumping around in my reading.  :)


Those rules are listed on page 99 and the Divine Favor feat is geared specifically for this purpose. Those who take Divine Favor are, in essence, devoting their life to a particular deity. Such devotion gains the attention of the deity, which has benefits and drawbacks.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 14, 2006, 08:57:40 AM
Quote from: Zalmoxis

Those rules are listed on page 99 and the Divine Favor feat is geared specifically for this purpose. Those who take Divine Favor are, in essence, devoting their life to a particular deity. Such devotion gains the attention of the deity, which has benefits and drawbacks.

And any of us who've read any greek mythology know how immature and spiteful the greek gods can be :) Good fun.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 16, 2006, 10:05:41 PM
I've been scouring for errors, although I've been occupied the past few days trying to get my house ready for sale. I am assigning recommended feats and skills for the Paths. I am also assigning special material for each Philosophy. They will have access to unique feats, unique skills, or unique equipment.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 17, 2006, 09:56:04 AM
Quote from: Zalmoxis
I've been scouring for errors, although I've been occupied the past few days trying to get my house ready for sale. I am assigning recommended feats and skills for the Paths. I am also assigning special material for each Philosophy. They will have access to unique feats, unique skills, or unique equipment.


Awesome, I can't wait to see the new stuff. I've been really looking too, but so far you're lookin real good...that last go-through fixed ya right up I think.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: kanegrundar on May 17, 2006, 09:59:40 AM
I haven't had anything to add, since CZ and Sigmund has brought up everything I've seen or would like to see so far (still have the last couple of chapters to read).  You've done one helluva job, Zalmoxis.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Cyberzombie on May 17, 2006, 12:37:41 PM
I'm still reading and I'm going to print off a copy for Darlena this week, so she can start thinking about artwork.

I will have a list of comments to give you eventually, but I'm trying to read more so I don't suggest something you've already covered.  :)  I think it's already better than a lot of books that I've paid money for.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 18, 2006, 11:31:51 AM
Quote from: Cyberzombie


I will have a list of comments to give you eventually, but I'm trying to read more so I don't suggest something you've already covered.  :)  I think it's already better than a lot of books that I've paid money for.


I second this, great job Z. I'm into the Life in Phydea section, and making my way slowly (when the little man here lets me) through it. Very well done. Will post the few minor nitpicks I've found when I get more than one :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 18, 2006, 08:11:52 PM
Quote from: kanegrundar
I haven't had anything to add, since CZ and Sigmund has brought up everything I've seen or would like to see so far (still have the last couple of chapters to read).  You've done one helluva job, Zalmoxis.


:bow:

Thank you so much for the kind words.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 18, 2006, 08:13:23 PM
Quote from: Cyberzombie
I'm still reading and I'm going to print off a copy for Darlena this week, so she can start thinking about artwork.


Sweet!

Quote
I will have a list of comments to give you eventually, but I'm trying to read more so I don't suggest something you've already covered.  :)  I think it's already better than a lot of books that I've paid money for.


Thanks man. I'm going to try and bust ass and finish the path/philosophy upgrades during the next couple days. :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 18, 2006, 08:14:11 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
I second this, great job Z. I'm into the Life in Phydea section, and making my way slowly (when the little man here lets me) through it. Very well done. Will post the few minor nitpicks I've found when I get more than one :)


Thanks a bunch Sigmund, and post those nitpicks as soon as you are ready. :)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 24, 2006, 08:09:41 PM
Read through and all I could find was the following:

Pg. 155 under the drink section; “Tea, coffee and liquor is
not unknown, but so rare in Nisoi as Phydea and Archaea to be
barely worth mentioning.” Not sure what this sentence in meant to be saying.

Great job Z. I'm really inspired now to make more of an effort to get my own setting ideas pulled together, just in the hopes I could do half this well. I'm glad I could be of some small help to ya, and I definitely look forward to more from ya in the future.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 24, 2006, 11:22:01 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
Read through and all I could find was the following:

Pg. 155 under the drink section; “Tea, coffee and liquor is
not unknown, but so rare in Nisoi as Phydea and Archaea to be
barely worth mentioning.” Not sure what this sentence in meant to be saying.


:heh:   I think I was drinking when I wrote that. Fixed!

Quote
Great job Z. I'm really inspired now to make more of an effort to get my own setting ideas pulled together, just in the hopes I could do half this well. I'm glad I could be of some small help to ya, and I definitely look forward to more from ya in the future.


That's a helluva thing to say and I really appreciate it. You really helped out a lot, both with error checking and ideas, and I can't thank you enough for your contributions. I'm trying to knock out the philosophies tonight and get it done. I honestly feel that you, Cyberzombie, and all the others helped me make a good game setting into something very good, and I hope you guys are interested in the stuf I plan to put out in the future.:)
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 25, 2006, 10:03:00 PM
Alrighty... after much poring over the material by myself, Cyberzombie, Sigmund and others, the Phydea Campaign Setting is now edited and finalized. Though there may still be mistakes,  am confident we all found most of them and corrected them. I apologize for sending you all a copy with so many errors. I really didn't think it was that bad and I was so excited to get it out... I didn't give it the editing it should have gotten. The corrections are as follows:

1. Misspellings - Some words just got all screwed up and I missed them. Others had a strange error where periods replaced certain letters, such as "i" and "f". All of these should now be fixed.
2. Bad Terminology - As this work was a True20 conversion from D20, there were some residual references to D20 that were left in the 1st copy. Such things as references to "D100's", "druids", "wizards", "adepts" and so on have largely been removed, as appropriate.
3. Wrong Formatting - Some of the formatting was off, with paragraphs touching each other when they were not supposed to, or titles being left alone at the end of a line with the information in another place. These have all (hopefully) been fixed.

I also took some advice from Sigmund and decided to include two new items for the game:

1. All of the Role Paths now have suggested skills and feats associated with them.
2. The Philosophies all have certain listed benefits, making them more desireable.

If you want me to send you the edited version, please email me at moogspaceport@gmail.com. It is highly recommended that you use this one instead of the former, as this one fixes a lot of mistakes and adds new stuff. If you did not like the first one, based on content, this one will probably not change your mind. I sincerely hope you like this, and would appreciate any feedback you could give me. Now that this work is complete, I am working on my next project... a historical roleplaying game set in the Americas circa 1200 AD. Unlike this work, I hope to make some cash for that one. :D

Thanks for your interest,

Tim Harris
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: willpax on May 26, 2006, 09:27:01 PM
I've been reading over the revised edition tonight. Impressive work, sir.

I have one question (and perhaps this refelcts a lack of familiarity with True 20): when you have racial modifiers of plus or minus 2, isn't that like a plus or minus 4 in D&D? Did you mean for each race to have such a large bonus relative to the True20 system, or is that a d20 relic?

I'll keep reading. This is good stuff.

Later: on page 30, I notice that the table descriing the warrior role shows it having the same BAB progression as the expert. Is that really the way it is?
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 27, 2006, 02:16:09 PM
Quote from: willpax
I've been reading over the revised edition tonight. Impressive work, sir.


Thanks!

Quote
I have one question (and perhaps this refelcts a lack of familiarity with True 20): when you have racial modifiers of plus or minus 2, isn't that like a plus or minus 4 in D&D? Did you mean for each race to have such a large bonus relative to the True20 system, or is that a d20 relic?


I wanted the bonuses to be a bit large because I wanted there to be a greater focus on those abilities for those races. True20 does a +1/-1 model. I chose +2/-2 cause I thought it would bring more focus, that's all.

Quote
I'll keep reading. This is good stuff.


Glad you like it. :)

Quote
Later: on page 30, I notice that the table descriing the warrior role shows it having the same BAB progression as the expert. Is that really the way it is


No it is not... that's an error. Do you hear that sound? It's me putting my head through a wall. :mad:

The warrior starts at +1 at first level and then has a +1 progression at every level, up to +20 at 20th level. Shit.:(
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 27, 2006, 05:32:49 PM
Quote from: Zalmoxis


No it is not... that's an error. Do you hear that sound? It's me putting my head through a wall. :mad:

The warrior starts at +1 at first level and then has a +1 progression at every level, up to +20 at 20th level. Shit.:(


Damn, we missed one. Sorry Z.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Zalmoxis on May 27, 2006, 09:27:14 PM
Quote from: Sigmund
Damn, we missed one. Sorry Z.


Not your fault dude. :)  I knew I shouldn't have farmed out my typing to monkeys.:heh:
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: Sigmund on May 28, 2006, 02:26:45 PM
Quote from: Zalmoxis
Not your fault dude. :)  I knew I shouldn't have farmed out my typing to monkeys.:heh:


HA! :) Progress, not perfection brother.
Title: Phydea Campaign Setting, Redone
Post by: willpax on May 30, 2006, 09:01:40 AM
Quote from: Zalmoxis
Not your fault dude. :)  I knew I shouldn't have farmed out my typing to monkeys.:heh:


No worries. When you've worked for so long with a document of this size, there always seem to be a depressingly large number of errors. I remember going through the same process with my dissertation.

This still looks good. More as I process it later.