Introductory Scenario for the non-Amberites

Sosthenes · November 28, 2006, 07:56:24 AM

Several years ago, I once tried to play Amber. But we were obviously too young and I was the only one enthusiastic enough -- I've read the books already.

Now I'm obviously much older and wiser and so are my players -- well, at least older. But they still haven't read Amber. I might get one to do that, but I'm not overly optimistic for the rest of the dyslexic bunch.

So to get things started, I'd need an adventure that will both introduce 'em to the world(s) of Amber, the whole history and dice-less playing. All quickly enough to get them excited. Is there such a beast? I think a convention adventure would probably fit the bill, as the conditions are probably the same.

RPGPundit · November 28, 2006, 08:25:54 AM

I don't know if there's a published version or not, but to me the "introduction" is always best done the way it was done in the novels; start the players out in a normal single world (be it earth, or a fantasy world, or whatever), knowing they are "different" for some reason but not knowing why, and then have them discover Amber in a gonzo journey of some kind...

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James McMurray · November 28, 2006, 10:55:51 AM

Were there ever any printed adventures for Amber? I've got a chance to pick up the main rulebook cheap (and perhaps Shadow Knight if I like the core rules), but I don't really have time to create a multiverse-spanning campaign from scratch.

Sosthenes · November 28, 2006, 11:11:08 AM

Quote from: RPGPunditI don't know if there's a published version or not, but to me the "introduction" is always best done the way it was done in the novels; start the players out in a normal single world (be it earth, or a fantasy world, or whatever), knowing they are "different" for some reason but not knowing why, and then have them discover Amber in a gonzo journey of some kind...

Well, that would probably work as a series of one-on-one sessions. A whole group of amnesiacs would be pretty far-fetched, IMHO. Not impossible in the Amber context, but I'd like my players to have a less cliched introduction to Amber. The core concepts (the family, castle, pattern, dimension-hopping) should be introduced as early as possible.

RPGPundit · November 28, 2006, 03:30:19 PM

The only stuff that's really "published" were the two main books and the Amberzines.

However, there's a VAST wealth of websites out there chock-full of people's campaign ideas, something of a tradition in the Amber world. Check out the Golden Circle webring for a place to start; you should end up finding, on these websites, more then enough info to start and run a dozen amber campaigns without having to think up everything yourself.

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James McMurray · November 28, 2006, 03:34:23 PM

Thanks. Any websites in your favorites list to pay closer attention to?

Cupboard · November 29, 2006, 03:44:32 PM

Quote from: James McMurrayThanks. Any websites in your favorites list to pay closer attention to?

There's an entire forum just for ADRP at "Shadows of Amber":

http://bb.bbboy.net/shadowsofamber

Many, many ADRP sites are linked from that one.

finarvyn · December 02, 2006, 10:15:16 AM

Quote from: James McMurraygot a chance to pick up the main rulebook cheap (and perhaps Shadow Knight if I like the core rules)

Do it!

Since the ADRP game system only has two volumes, I think you would be nuts if you didn't pick up both books. I own both paper and PDF versions of each and have never regretted the money spent.

Having said that, a disclaimer: There are those who do not like the Merlin series of books -- they don't like the character or the new ideas or whatever. Certainly, the Merlin books differ from the Corwin books in many ways. The Shadow Knight supplement is more Merlin-centered and therefore many ADRP players don't like it. Get it anyway. It's full of neat "official" ideas and options which can really add depth into an Amber campaign.

Just my opinion.

James McMurray · December 02, 2006, 02:18:11 PM

I loved the Merlin series. My players, as far as I know, have not read any of it the Amber novels. I'd most likely leave the Courts of Chaos as completely unknown territory at the start, as it was with Corwin. Introduce them to the idea that Amber isn't the only "real" place after they've had a while to become secure in their superiority.

RPGPundit · December 02, 2006, 02:31:42 PM

That's a very good way to handle things, James.

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Otha · December 02, 2006, 05:13:30 PM

I have seen several very good campaign sites with "alternate" courts based only on what you see in Corwin's chronicles.

James McMurray · December 02, 2006, 07:29:30 PM

Links, man, links!

RPGPundit · December 03, 2006, 01:06:39 AM

Quote from: OthaI have seen several very good campaign sites with "alternate" courts based only on what you see in Corwin's chronicles.

Yup, ditto.

RPGPundit

James McMurray · December 03, 2006, 03:04:34 AM

And again, links man!

finarvyn · December 03, 2006, 08:57:05 AM

I'm not sure if it's "Corwin series only", but probably the best Amber site I have seen out there is Amber, the Eternal City because of the kind of discussion and other content he has there:
1. Making the game model the books. An article about ADRP and how close to "canon" its rule systems might be. An excellent read.
2. Guide to campaign stats. Arref puts numbers to the ranks for "story value" purposes. It's a great guide if several characters are in conflict with several characters.
3. Creatures, Items and Smartifacts. Arref uses the same point rating for items that he has for characters.
4. Eternal City and Empire of the Gleaming Banner. His own campaign webpages.

And lots more. Overall, lots to read and look at there.