So my kids have been watching Jurassic Park movies and The Mysterious Island and reading books like The Hollow Earth and King Solomon's Mines and The Lost World, and I was thinking about how much fun could be had in that setting and wondering which game would be most useful (among those I already have, as I don't want to spend any money on a campaign that may go nowhere). I have Daredevils, which seems like a good option, and Justice Inc. and whatever that lost civilization supplement was called, but i also have GURPS, GURPS Cliffhangers, GURPS Dinosaurs, and GURPS Aztecs (which I thought could be cribbed from for whatever lost people are discovered either in the mysterious jungles or inside the hollow earth). Now, Daredevils and Justice Inc. both assume it's the 1930s and have nothing to support other eras, and Daredevils doesn't have anything for dinosaurs at all. Justice Inc.'s supplement has some dinosaur material if I recall correctly. Has anyone run a lost world sort of game set in the 1890s or thereabouts? Got any ideas for adventures beyond getting from the civilized world and entering the lost world of dinosaurs and tribesmen who survive among them? I can see a handful of sessions getting the expedition together and some shenanigans en route, some betrayals and treachery by rival explorers (for instance), fending off natives and being abandoned by porters fearful of your destination, but haven't come up with too much for what the PCs might do once they are in the thick of things, and what prevents them from going back for reinforcements and equipment, etc. Any sage wisdom on this genre?
What prevents them going back to civilisation immediately is some sort of impassable terrain that requires a vehicle (usually an aeroplane), which they no longer have access to. It might have crashed, or it needs repair, or they were driven away from the landing zone by dinosaurs, or rival explorers have stolen it. Thus the primary goal becomes finding a way to fix their escape route, or looking for an alternative one that is already present somehow. Perhaps there's a lost temple with an air balloon from a previous expedition hidden there or something.
Since you're looking at 1890s, a regular plane doesn't exist, but you could always draw on the likes of Jules Verne - such as the flying machine used by the titular character in Robur the Conqueror (http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3808).
Check out the Hollow Earth Expedition and Airship Daedalus RPGs.
Quote from: 3rik;972991Check out the Hollow Earth Expedition and Airship Daedalus RPGs.
As I said, I'm not checking out new games for a campaign that may not go anywhere, but thanks for the suggestions.
I have seen H.E.X. but did not care for it in the least. It felt like "pulp by people who haven't read actual pulps and based their concept on stereotypes found in pulp since the 1980s when pulp meant
Indiana Jones." Plus I didn't like the mechanics.
Quote from: Dumarest;973017As I said, I'm not checking out new games for a campaign that may not go anywhere, but thanks for the suggestions.
I have seen H.E.X. but did not care for it in the least. It felt like "pulp by people who haven't read actual pumps and based their concept on stereotypes found in pulp since the 1980s when pulp meant Indiana Jones." Plus I didn't like the mechanics.
I'll disagree with that. The fluff is good. Lots of good stuff to steal. I don't care for the mechanics though either.
This, The World of Kong: A Natural History of Skull Island (https://www.amazon.com/World-Kong-Natural-History-Island/dp/1416505199) is an awesome resource for a lost world game. Wonderful book.
I have a Daredevils lost world adventure, let me see...
Quote from: S'mon;973052I have a Daredevils lost world adventure, let me see...
Found it - Daredevil Adventures Vol 2 No 4 "Lost World Tales". I've only read it, it seemed pretty good.
Quote from: Ronin;973029This, The World of Kong: A Natural History of Skull Island (https://www.amazon.com/World-Kong-Natural-History-Island/dp/1416505199) is an awesome resource for a lost world game. Wonderful book.
Out of my price range. I have the original novel, though.
Quote from: S'mon;973052I have a Daredevils lost world adventure, let me see...
If there is one, I must have it as I have all the Daredevils modules including the new one from a couple years ago. I'll have to check my shelf. I have no memory of it, though!
Quote from: S'mon;973053Found it - Daredevil Adventures Vol 2 No 4 "Lost World Tales". I've only read it, it seemed pretty good.
Cool, thanks, I know I have that module somewhere. I'll have to check it out!
Lands of Mystery for Justice Inc was advertised as a "Lost World" style adventure wayyyyy back. Never seen it so cant say how useful it is?
Its supposedly compatible with Daredevil.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51FVY5SE1zL._SX371_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Lands of Mystery for Justice Inc was advertised as a "Lost World" style adventure wayyyyy back. Never seen it so cant say how useful it is?
Its supposedly compatible with Daredevil.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51FVY5SE1zL._SX371_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Quote from: Omega;973167Lands of Mystery for Justice Inc was advertised as a "Lost World" style adventure wayyyyy back. Never seen it so cant say how useful it is?
Its supposedly compatible with Daredevil.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51FVY5SE1zL._SX371_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Yeah, that's the one. I'll have to re- read and reevaluate as it has been years since I've looked at it.
For a fantasy version of this there's always Mystara's "Hollow World".
Quote from: Omega;973167Lands of Mystery for Justice Inc was advertised as a "Lost World" style adventure wayyyyy back. Never seen it so cant say how useful it is?
Its supposedly compatible with Daredevil.
One of the best RPG supplements ever. Nearly every pulpy adventure game I've ever run has borrowed something from this (or just used it outright). Also has lots of GM tips for running this type of campaign. It was written for
Justice, Inc., but had creature/NPC stats for Daredevils (and other games) in the appendix.
Quote from: RPGPundit;973730For a fantasy version of this there's always Mystara's "Hollow World".
Which is back in print (PDF and pod). Decent quality copies via DTRPG too - I ordered the pod as soon as it hit a few months ago.
To you questions about the adventure itself:
I would have them specifically tracking down some rumor/location/artifact. Make it concrete. They mounted an expedition to go someplace/get some thing -- and then things get complicated and escalate. Keep the mystery of the thing alive -- it ties into new clues along the way, allowing them to become more curious about it as they get closer.
As others have said, the group cannot simply retreated -- because circumstances. But there will other ways out than the obvious ones.
One solution might be finding the McGuffin, which has properties they did not expect, or if they find it and give to a tribe the tribe will lead them out. Or a tunnel NPCs tell them about on the far side of the world, or whatever. Give them several options of escape and goals so they are not railroaded -- but do close up the "entrance" -- whatever it is -- behind them.
Thanks, Mr. Kubasik.
Quote from: Molotov;973770Which is back in print (PDF and pod). Decent quality copies via DTRPG too - I ordered the pod as soon as it hit a few months ago.
Yes. That's awesome. Once upon a time I thought Hollow World would never ever see print again.
Then eventually I came to realize that absolutely everything will see print again. One of the wonders of the modern world.
Just got back from weekend Disneyland visit with my kids and now I have lots of ideas for adventures on the river leading up to the Lost World thanks to the Jungle Cruise. :D
(First time for the kids; they were scared by the animatronics.)
It amazes me that thing is still there! I remember the jungle cruise from like 4 decades ago.
Quote from: RPGPundit;974078Yes. That's awesome. Once upon a time I thought Hollow World would never ever see print again. Then eventually I came to realize that absolutely everything will see print again. One of the wonders of the modern world.
It's a decent softback too, in making the transition from boxed set - the color maps are included, but do lose a little something in not being poster maps but bound in. Kinda wish poster prints of it were available via RedBubble or such.
Quote from: RPGPundit;975010It amazes me that thing is still there! I remember the jungle cruise from like 4 decades ago.
It's one of the original attractions and has been operating since 1955.
Quote from: RPGPundit;973730For a fantasy version of this there's always Mystara's "Hollow World".
I wasn't aware of that... I love Hollow Earth stuff so I'll pick it up! Ta'.
Quote from: RPGPundit;973730For a fantasy version of this there's always Mystara's "Hollow World".
I could never grok this setting. I mean the whole point of a "Hollow Earth" is a kind juxtaposition, turning everything on its head. It's a great contrast to real earthy or pulpy kind of stuff. But Mystara's Hollow Earth is like "there's not enough fantasy in my fantasy." I'm not saying its bad, but what's there that you can't have in your fantasy world already. I just don't get it.
Quote from: Madprofessor;975276I could never grok this setting. I mean the whole point of a "Hollow Earth" is a kind juxtaposition, turning everything on its head. It's a great contrast to real earthy or pulpy kind of stuff. But Mystara's Hollow Earth is like "there's not enough fantasy in my fantasy." I'm not saying its bad, but what's there that you can't have in your fantasy world already. I just don't get it.
I agree. I don't see what's interesting about that in a setting already rife with magical nonsense.
Quote from: Dumarest;975282I agree. I don't see what's interesting about that in a setting already rife with magical nonsense.
I can't say I find it very appealing either.
Quote from: 3rik;975284I can't say I find it very appealing either.
The thing that makes a hollow earth interesting is that it's a contrast to our normal surface world. When the surface world is full of exotic creatures and monsters and things, the hollow earth is not especially fantastical. At least that's my opinion.
Quote from: Dumarest;975282I don't see what's interesting about that in a setting already rife with magical nonsense.
Taking a great idea and then utterly falling flat on their face with it was not a terribly rare occurrence for TSR at that time.
Quote from: Dumarest;975481The thing that makes a hollow earth interesting is that it's a contrast to our normal surface world. When the surface world is full of exotic creatures and monsters and things, the hollow earth is not especially fantastical. At least that's my opinion.
Exactly. I personally also enjoy using clichés and well-known tropes when using such pulpy/retro settings, not to steer away from them trying hard to be original. I want there to be dinosaurs, amazons, atlantean artifacts and what have you, and immediately recognizable as such for the players. IMHO this is what makes the Lost World "genre" fun.
3rik, your avatar makes me want to play a game where Santo and Blue Demon discover a plot against the surface world by a strange Amazon civilization in the hollow earth. Maybe there's an entrance via Teotihuacán.
Here's my new campaign idea:
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Quote from: Dumarest;975541Here's my new campaign idea: ...
Will this be PDF / POD or PDF only, and are you talking preorders?
Quote from: Dumarest;9755363rik, your avatar makes me want to play a game where Santo and Blue Demon discover a plot against the surface world by a strange Amazon civilization in the hollow earth. Maybe there's an entrance via Teotihuacán.
How's about them entering the Hollow Earth through a bottemless cenote in the Yucatan in a bathysphere?
Quote from: 3rik;975547How's about them entering the Hollow Earth through a bottemless cenote in the Yucatan in a bathysphere?
Also a badass idea! Something like this?
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Quote from: Molotov;975546Will this be PDF / POD or PDF only, and are you talking preorders?
:p
First I need to file off some serial numbers...El Santo is now El Toro...Satánico Pandemonium is ?
Also I need to work out how Dracula and El Hombre Lobo are involved... :D
Can I talk some players into this?
Quote from: Dumarest;975553Also a badass idea! Something like this?
Yes, but you have to add this:
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Also, be aware the Maya used to drop all kinds of sacrificial shit into certain cenotes. On the "other side", the locals may still be into that sort of stuff.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2327/2214435328_a5a62cc91e.jpg)
Quote from: 3rik;975742Yes, but you have to add this:
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Also, be aware the Maya used to drop all kinds of sacrificial shit into certain cenotes. On the "other side", the locals may still be into that sort of stuff.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2327/2214435328_a5a62cc91e.jpg)
That's where Profesor Cristaldi comes in...[ATTACH=CONFIG]1153[/ATTACH]
Quote from: Madprofessor;975276I could never grok this setting. I mean the whole point of a "Hollow Earth" is a kind juxtaposition, turning everything on its head. It's a great contrast to real earthy or pulpy kind of stuff. But Mystara's Hollow Earth is like "there's not enough fantasy in my fantasy." I'm not saying its bad, but what's there that you can't have in your fantasy world already. I just don't get it.
It's true, Mystara was already a fairly weird setting, and Hollow World was for making places that were too weird to be found on the surface world.
But to me, that was awesome. It was just fantastic unusual fantasy cultures.
Has anyone done a Santo and Blue Demon RPG? Believe there are a few wrestling and at least one luchador RPG out there somewhere.
Quote from: Voros;976555Has anyone done a Santo and Blue Demon RPG? Believe there are a few wrestling and at least one luchador RPG out there somewhere.
There is Lucha Libre Hero, which is quite excellent as a sourcebook even if you don't care for Hero system. I'm not a big fan of the system myself but would probably live with it if I could get anyone interested in Lucha Libre Hero. One nice thing about it is that unlike all the other 5th edition Hero genre books, it has all the rules in it so you don't have to buy anything else. It's a complete game and, I think, a model of the course Hero should have taken to get interested in what is a rather cumbersome rules set (the toolkit approach would never have gotten me in if Lucha Libre Hero didn't have it all written up and ready to go).
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That must be the one I was thinking of looks like fun, great cover.
Heard good things about the PbtA WWW RPG that includes lucha libre. (https://ndpdesign.com/wwwrpg/) There's a free demo/beta version up there for download.
Quote from: Voros;976565That must be the one I was thinking of looks like fun, great cover.
Heard good things about the PbtA WWW RPG that includes lucha libre. (https://ndpdesign.com/wwwrpg/) There's a free demo/beta version up there for download.
I have that game but wasn't very impressed in comparison to the level of detail in Lucha Libre Hero, which of course is focused like a laser beam on the Mexican wrestling tradition. Also, the mechanics in WWW weren't my cup of tea as there was a lot of emphasis on playing certain types and concocting a sort of narrative over just plain fun psychotronic adventures like Blue Demon busting up a spy ring or Santo foiling an invasion of Mexico City by blond Martians, to say nothing of the two of them teaming up
contra el señor de los vampiros y el hombre lobo!
Yeah I'll try and snag the Hero book, not a fan of the system but the background sounds awesome. Love the movies.
The Mexican wrestling heroes are basically low-powered superheroes. A supers game should be able to do it.
Quote from: 3rik;976626The Mexican wrestling heroes are basically low-powered superheroes. A supers game should be able to do it.
Nah, totally wrong feel.
Edit: no, you're right, I thought about it while showering. What recommends Lucha Libre Hero is it's wealth of background and setting material, which is truly impressive, and the fact that it has premade wrestling "powers" and gadgets and nice examples of heroes and villains such as you would find in Santo, Blue Demon, Mil Mascaras, Tinieblas, and other movies. Any other game would require a good deal more work by the referee, but yes, it could likely be done as long as you minimize over-the-top powers and understand that luchadors are not like American super heroes in many ways. No secret IDs, just for one instance; Santo is Santo all day long.
Quote from: 3rik;976626The Mexican wrestling heroes are basically low-powered superheroes. A supers game should be able to do it.
You're avatar is my favourite scene in any luchadore film.
Quote from: Madprofessor;975276I could never grok this setting. I mean the whole point of a "Hollow Earth" is a kind juxtaposition, turning everything on its head. It's a great contrast to real earthy or pulpy kind of stuff. But Mystara's Hollow Earth is like "there's not enough fantasy in my fantasy." I'm not saying its bad, but what's there that you can't have in your fantasy world already. I just don't get it.
Quote from: RPGPundit;976331It's true, Mystara was already a fairly weird setting, and Hollow World was for making places that were too weird to be found on the surface world.
But to me, that was awesome. It was just fantastic unusual fantasy cultures.
Hollow World was also set up for surface types to be discovering 'lost civilizations.' It also had this weird cultural inertia effect thing where characters from culture A got benefit ABC couldn't use weapons and armor XYZ because it literally wouldn't occur to them to do so, and if they started acclimating to these foreign ideas, then they would lose the ABC benefits. I thought it was a nifty idea at least.
To the OP, if you haven't seen it, check out
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lost_World_(TV_series)) (I have no idea how hard it would be to find now). It was a nice, campy, late 90s tv series. Kind of a Stargate for cliffhangers. I don't remember if it was actually good or not, but it was entertaining.
Quote from: Dumarest;976641Nah, totally wrong feel.
Edit: no, you're right, I thought about it while showering. What recommends Lucha Libre Hero is it's wealth of background and setting material, which is truly impressive, and the fact that it has premade wrestling "powers" and gadgets and nice examples of heroes and villains such as you would find in Santo, Blue Demon, Mil Mascaras, Tinieblas, and other movies. Any other game would require a good deal more work by the referee, but yes, it could likely be done as long as you minimize over-the-top powers and understand that luchadors are not like American super heroes in many ways. No secret IDs, just for one instance; Santo is Santo all day long.
Your "powers" would be wrestling moves and maybe some extra agilty, strength, dexterity beyond that of commoners.
Quote from: RPGPundit;976331Hollow World was for making places that were too weird to be found on the surface world.
And yet which all seem to resemble pre-medieval historical cultures with the serial numbers filed off.
Quote from: daniel_ream;977161And yet which all seem to resemble pre-medieval historical cultures with the serial numbers filed off.
That's part of the charm.
Anyways, not all. Yes, there was the Aztec Empire run by Mystara's version of the Drow, and the Ancient Egyptian Kobolds. But in between was the Mexican Orcs in Sombreros. And somewhere down south the super-high tech but utterly useless elves (an inspiration for the Hipster Elves from my own DCC Last Sun campaign setting).