Am thinking about running a fairly short Fantasy Play by Post game and wanted to test interest here. It will likely be using HârnMaster (3rd Edition) which is a really low magic, gritty system. Knowledge of the rules and system are not needed (think of it a slightly more fantasy version of Pendragon) you just need to go with the flow and have some creative fun. Available character occupations will be pretty much open to anything that fits the scenario and I will provide and maintain detailed character sheets for each players. For those who may not be familiar, HârnMaster does not use classes or levels.
Basically I want to test a small module I am working on for possible FtF play but prefer the slower Play by Post pace so I can work out the bugs and rewrite stuff as I go. I am hoping for 3-4 players but should be able to proceed with just 2 or so. More details to follow shortly.
Any preliminary volunteers?
Basic premise is that you are all citizen's of 'x' village when the local Sheriff comes calling on your Lord for assistance in locating a missing person. As members of the village Militia and being Freemen with a trade as opposed to the regular Serfs you get loaned out to the Sheriff as extra muscle in case he needs it.
You know I'm up for it!
I'm currently working out a point buy system for stats and stuff so players have more control over the character creation. Some things still need to be generated on my end but not really anything that affects short term character design. For character occupation, there are not really any restrictions, you'll be able to pick the one you want (but I'll roll for parent occupation which can affect a small amount of skills you start with).
For more personal stuff you'll be able to pick your own like height, weight, eye and hair color but everyone will be a Human Male this time around. I will also allow players to pick as many other things as I can so that you get as much customization of the character as possible.
More to follow as I put it together.
NOTE: For anyone who wants to look it over I have attached an editable HârnMaster 3 .pdf Character Sheet to the 1st post in this thread.
The character builder software I have I am planning to use covers way more stuff than the character sheet attached in the 1st post of this thread, like 9-10 long in some cases because you can enter a lot of information into it. The only real problem with the software I have found is, when I try to print it out to .pdf format it prints each page of the character sheet as its own document/file but I'm working on that.
One advantage though is that it has the ability to print a character sheet overview to about 1/2 page in size. I'll see if I can post some of those too, for reference.
I am also considering other scenario angles that take place in Northern Harn where the players will start as either Ivinian (Vikings in Harn) or Jarin (Harn local population) and go from there. Final decision would probably be whatever the players prefer.
OK, here are the basic guidelines for creating your character. Any questions just ask. The PDF in post #1 is an editable PDF so you can enter your information into a downloaded copy, save it and re-attach it back to this thread. You can also post your data directly into replies in this thread as text. Either way will work and I will use that information to work up your official character sheet. If you read through and say that's way too much work but still want in on the game, post a general character concept (using some of the information below and I will generate your character using that information for you. 8) ).
CHARACTER DESIGN
Point based Character Design is the method we will use for generating player characters. It works by setting attributes to a number, and then each player will take a pool of points and allocates those points to increase the attributes deemed most valuable.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
Set all seven key attributes (STRENGTH, STAMINA, DEXTERITY, AGILITY, INTELLIGENCE, AURA, and WILL) to eight (08). Use a pool of thirty (30) character points (CPs) to increase attributes as desired. No attribute may be increased beyond the species maximum (Human maximum is 18).
OTHER ATTRIBUTES
Use a pool of (20) CPs for the following attributes . Some choices have negative CPs, which give players more CPs to further improve attributes as desired.
Appearance Attributes
Height: Players choose one of three height averages: Short (–3 CPs), Average (+0 CPs), or Tall (+3 CPs).
Frame: Players choose one of: Scant (–4 CPs), Light (–2 CPs), Medium (+0 CPs), Heavy (+2 CPs), or Massive (+4 CPs). NOTE: FRAME modifies a character's
WEIGHT, which in turn affects STRENGTH and AGILITY.
Comeliness: Set attribute to 08. Each increase of two points is +1 CP; each decrease of one point is –1 CP. Minimum attribute score is 03 and maximum is 18.
Physical Attributes
Set the remaining four Physical Attributes (EYESIGHT, HEARING, SMELL and VOICE to 08). Each increase of one costs one half (1/2) CP.
Personality Attributes
MORALITY choose from among Diabolical (03–04), Unscrupulous (05–07), Corruptible (08–10), Law-Abiding (11–13), Principled (14–16), and Exemplary (17–18).
DEITY choose from among the following (the # range after the Deity information is where your must MORALITY fall within). NOTE: some Deities are illegal to worship in some areas.
Agrik (evil god of fire and war) 03–13
Halea (goddess of wealth and pleasure) 05–16
Ilvir (god of sorcerous beasts) 05–16
Larani (lady of paladins) 08–18
Morgath (evil god of the undead) 03–07
Naveh (god of thieves and assassins) 03–10
Peoni (lady of healing and virtue) 08–18
Sarajin (viking god of battle) 05–16
Save-K'nor (wise god of riddles) 08–18
Siem (god of dreams, elves, and dwarves) 11–18).
Medical & Psyche
By risking medical and mental traits, bonus CPs can be obtained to improve attributes, but never an attribute that is affected by the trait.
+2 CPs per random Medical Trait roll (most are bad such as Epilepsy, Leprosy, Addiction and and physical deformaties, while some are beneficial such as Ambidextrous).
+3 CPs per random Mental Trait roll (i.e. Phobias, manias, and other mental disorders).
There is a maximum of three rolls per table.
Family Attributes
Family attributes and background will be generated randomly.
Choose 2 Occupations from either of the following 2 lists, with both coming from the same "list grouping" (Designate 1 as your Parent Occupation covering up to Age 14 and designate 1 as your career occupation from Age 14+)
FREEMAN (Unguilded)
ANIMAL TRAINER
BEGGAR/SCAVENGER
CARTOGRAPHER/ARTIST
COOK/SERVANT
FARMER
FISHERMAN
HERDSMAN
HUNTER/TRAPPER
LABORER/LONGSHOREMAN
RATTER
SAGE/TUTOR
SCRIBE
TEAMSTER
THATCHER
TOYMAKER
FREEMAN (Guilded)
ALCHEMIST
APOTHECARY
ASTROLOGER
CHANDLER
CHARCOALER
CLOTHIER
COURTESAN
EMBALMER
GLASSWORKER
HARPER/SKALD
HIDEWORKER
INNKEEPER
JEWELER
LEXIGRAPHER
LITIGANT
LOCKSMITH
MASON
MERCANTYLER
METALSMITH
MILLER/MILLWRIGHT
MINER
OSTLER
PERFUMER
PHYSICIAN
PILOT
POTTER
SALTER
SEAMAN
SHIPWRIGHT
TENTMAKER
THESPIAN
TIMBERWRIGHT
WEAPONCRAFTER
WOODCRAFTER
Not to derail the current thread but I have also considered making this into a play poll game and just running it along the lines of a one of those old option driven gamebooks.
We could either use the character that Dan (TheCommandTent) creates for the basis of the game/story or I could throw up the character creation steps into a thread and using polls, the group could cooperatively create the character. The 2nd option could be pretty time consuming though and maybe not the best way to go about it.
Thoughts?
I'm cool with it either way, I just need to find time to sit down and create a character.
HârnMaster character generation is notoriously time consuming even when cut down to its most basic form so I could also pre-gen one in the software I have based on general information and go from there.
Quote from: Double Deuce on April 03, 2013, 02:24:58 PM
HârnMaster character generation is notoriously time consuming even when cut down to its most basic form so I could also pre-gen one in the software I have based on general information and go from there.
Ok here is my attempt to create my character. Let me know what I screwed up and if I forgot anything.
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 03, 2013, 06:47:53 PM
Ok here is my attempt to create my character. Let me know what I screwed up and if I forgot anything.
Looks good on initial review. Based on the Deity, I'm guessing your leaning more towards this being a Viking themed game? If so, let me know and I'll start plugging him into the software and flesh out the rest of the character sheet.
Quote from: Double Deuce on April 03, 2013, 07:30:09 PM
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 03, 2013, 06:47:53 PM
Ok here is my attempt to create my character. Let me know what I screwed up and if I forgot anything.
Looks good on initial review. Based on the Deity, I'm guessing your leaning more towards this being a Viking themed game? If so, let me know and I'll start plugging him into the software and flesh out the rest of the character sheet.
Viking themed would be cool.
Was hoping one or two more guys would jump on board with this. I know from experience DD is a great GM. If not I am sure they'll be chomping at the bit to jump in once they see how much fun we are having :)
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 03, 2013, 08:29:22 PMViking themed would be cool.
OK, here is your draft character. I just plugged it into the standard character sheet and need to recheck the numbers, especially for the skill levels based on occupation and stuff. I am also plugging it into the software I have that generates about a 9 page character sheet, in excrutiating personal detail but its mainly for me to add notes the PC may not be aware of and track other stuff.
Just an FYI. HârnMaster is a % based system (roll 1d100 under your skill to succeed). When testing versus stats you usually roll against a multiplier of your stat (x1, x2, etc) and as with skill checks, lower is better.
Quote from: Double Deuce on April 03, 2013, 09:11:00 PM
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 03, 2013, 08:29:22 PMViking themed would be cool.
OK, here is your draft character. I just plugged it into the standard character sheet and need to recheck the numbers, especially for the skill levels based on occupation and stuff. I am also plugging it into the software I have that generates about a 9 page character sheet, in excrutiating personal detail but its mainly for me to add notes the PC may not be aware of and track other stuff.
Good stuff thanks for taking care of all the heavy lifting. Do you have a link or anything to something that explains all the abbreviations and fields on the character sheet. Most of the first page I understand, except for parts of the bottom of the page but the second page has alot of numbers and such under different fields and I'm just curious what it all means :)
Much of these you will not need to know, its behind the scenes stuff for calculating the stuff on the sheet to get the final numbers but the following should help with most of them.
SHEK PVAR - Is Magic Users
WGT - Weight
WQ - Weapon Quality (affects how easily it may break)
A/D - Attack/Defense Adjustment (the bonus the Weapon/Item adds to your skill roll)
HM - Not sure yet :-)
B E P F - Armor Penetration Bonus added to your Damage/Hit Roll based on the weapon attack type (B Blunt Aspect, E Edge Aspect, P Point Aspect and F Fire/Frost Aspect). For example a Handaxe [4/6/(4)] could be used to Bash (Blunt), Cut (Edge), or Puncture (Point). basically the best aspect is uses against the armor your come into contact with. The '()' around the 4 means it only Punctures if there is no armor on the hit location.
AML Attack Skill with the Weapon/Item
DML Defense Skill with the Weapon/Item
HR Healing Rate
ILs - Injury Levels
SB - Skill Base
ML - Mastery Level
OML - Opening Mastery Level
EML - Effective Mastery Level
SI - Skill Index
CS - Critical Success
MS - Marginal Success
MF - Marginal Failure
CF - Critical Failure
IP - Injury Penalty
FP - Fatigue Penalty
EP - Encumbrance Penalty
UP - Universal Penalty
IL - Injury Level
FL - Fatigue Level
OK, I found a way to get the character software I have to publish all the pages to a single PDF file so once I recheck all the numbers and stuff, I'll print the whole shebang and attach it. Since not all pages are necessary (like the page on magic) I will only upload the pages that would be essential, maybe 4 of them.
Excellent and thanks for the abbreviations list.
Here the DRAFT, full blown character sheets minus some pages that aren't important for now, mostly based on the character occupation, such as not being a Priest/Magic User. Although the Religion section will probably be needed to help with background information so it would be included in the final copy. This should be enough for people to get the picture though.
Quote from: Double Deuce on April 04, 2013, 07:01:51 AM
Here the DRAFT, full blown character sheets minus some pages that aren't important for now, mostly based on the character occupation, such as not being a Priest/Magic User. Although the Religion section will probably be needed to help with background information so it would be included in the final copy. This should be enough for people to get the picture though.
That is quite an extensive sheet. What more do you need from me?
I think that's it but I do need to print out your character sheet and then walk back through the character creation section of the rulebook to check some things and if needed flesh out the rest of the background to go with the game story.
Opps, almost forget the 5 OPs (Option Points) you can use to increase current skills or open new ones you do not have. I will post a list here shortly of all the available skills to choose from.
Attached is the complete HarnMaster Skill List.
Quote from: Double Deuce on April 04, 2013, 10:41:10 AM
Opps, almost forget the 5 OPs (Option Points) you can use to increase current skills or open new ones you do not have. I will post a list here shortly of all the available skills to choose from.
Use one of the points to open the swimming skill. Then use the other 4 to add to awareness, survival, bow, and initiative.
Do you have any links for me so I can read up on some of the basic background of the area the game will be taking place in? I've been looking around for stuff on Harnworld and I've seen some basic info but short of buying stuff (which I am very tempted to do) I haven't seen anything specific.
No need to spend $$. Here are some links although information may be duplicated between them;
Player's Guide to HârnMaster (http://www.usermode.org/docs/playersguide.html)
HârnWorld Common Knowledge (http://www.usermode.org/docs/commonknowledge.html)
The 12 page PDF found at Player's Guide to Hârn (http://www.hyperbear.com/rpg/resources/harn_players_guide.pdf) also covers some good information. For location orientation, would be located in the kingdom of Orbaal which is the northern section (kinda light green part) on the following map.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdulcebelluminexpertis.com%2Ffiles%2F2012%2F10%2FHarn-political-J5-500x336.png&hash=c92ffffdb913bf04e37ab02b767c7c32eca74616)
^Thanks I'll give that stuff a look.
DD- do you just want to take over my Pendragon campaign for a while? I'm having trouble finding time to get back into it. I can send you the campaign stuff you need, so it's a cheap buy-in.
Quote from: Toonces on April 05, 2013, 11:09:54 PM
DD- do you just want to take over my Pendragon campaign for a while? I'm having trouble finding time to get back into it. I can send you the campaign stuff you need, so it's a cheap buy-in.
I don't know that I'm up to speed enough on the Pendragon stuff although it is basically the Medieval time frame (actually more Dark Ages I guess) and so is Harn to a great degree just a slightly more fantasy tone. All the PC's are knights in Pendragon game so we could look at finding a way of merging them if they were up for it.
Toonces, think you can join us for this campaign? I'm sure Raghnall could use a friend :)
Speaking of which, DD can you give us any more info on the game? I know Raghnall is itching for adventure. ;D
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 06, 2013, 05:26:45 PM
Toonces, think you can join us for this campaign? I'm sure Raghnall could use a friend :)
Speaking of which, DD can you give us any more info on the game? I know Raghnall is itching for adventure. ;D
I have a story line sorta worked out but if the Pendragon game players want to merge with this one, retaining their current knight characters, but transplanted in Harn, I do have another plot in mind. 8) I guess we can go with the new story either way though. I will need to update your current chracter sheet with your extra "options" and then I'll add in some more detailed background information that was rolled up so you can work it into the character.
Whatever works for you. You are the one doing all the work :)
On a side note I am really enjoying reading and learning about the Harn setting. Lots good stuff there and I can see how many different ways you can approach a campaign in the Harn setting. I am generally a low magic type of fantasy fan so Harn is exactly what I like.
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 07, 2013, 06:34:41 AM
Whatever works for you. You are the one doing all the work :)
So Raghnall being not only adopted but a bastard too is cool then? Its not me, its the story . . . 8)
Quote from: Double Deuce on April 07, 2013, 10:16:21 PM
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 07, 2013, 06:34:41 AM
Whatever works for you. You are the one doing all the work :)
So Raghnall being not only adopted but a bastard too is cool then? Its not me, its the story . . . 8)
haha, touche
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 04, 2013, 06:35:22 PMUse one of the points to open the swimming skill. Then use the other 4 to add to awareness, survival, bow, and initiative.
OK, I have added these and now I need you to pick 2 Combat Skills to bump, or open up for the time spent in the 'Militia'. The COMBAT Skills are;
INITIATIVE
UNARMED
Riding
Axe
Blowgun
Bow
Club
Dagger
Flail
Net
Polearm
Shield
Sling
Spear
Sword
Falchion
Whip
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 06, 2013, 05:26:45 PMSpeaking of which, DD can you give us any more info on the game? I know Raghnall is itching for adventure. ;D
When we are about ready to start I will open a new thread and post the basic opening there but basically . .
You live in the village of Pjagel in northwestern Orbaal with your adopted father (Ivinian) and his family. You are also his bastard child from an interlude with a local married Jarin woman conceived in his early youth in another part of Orbaal during an Ivinian "plundering" expedition during the Jarin Rebellion. Since the Jarin (Harn's indigenous population, think Celtic Britons in Dark Age England) consider the Ivinians (Vikings) invader/occupiers this type of "situation"does not usually sit well with them, or Ivinians either for that matter. Later upon finding out the truth of your origins, (Jarin's don't have blond hair 8) ) your obviously upset mother's husband attempted to revenge kill her and the child (you). Although mortally wounded she managed to make it to a nearby Peoni chapel (they are rare in Orbaal) and in her final moments confess her sins to the the local priest. The other Jarin villagers, not knowing the whole story and thinking your father now possessed by demons killed him shortly after his attack on your mother.
For your own safety and because your father does not consider the Jarin as mere savages to be lorded over as lesser men, unlike many Ivinians, this Priest, sought out and managed to convince your real father (living as a Farmer in Pjagel) and his new wife (also an Ivinian) to raise and care for you as their own. They later had 4 children of their own of which you are the eldest. At this point only 3 people knew your history, your father, adopted mother and the Priest and since you are Blond and stand about 6'-1", which are NOT Jarin qualities, no one has reason to question the story of your 'birth'. Recently though, rumors have surfaced about your real heritage and people on both sides (Ivinian and Jarin) are beginning to grow suspicious, changing how they interact with you, some more than others.
More to follow . . .
Quote from: Double Deuce on April 09, 2013, 12:28:44 PM
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 04, 2013, 06:35:22 PMUse one of the points to open the swimming skill. Then use the other 4 to add to awareness, survival, bow, and initiative.
OK, I have added these and now I need you to pick 2 Combat Skills to bump, or open up for the time spent in the 'Militia'. The COMBAT Skills are;
INITIATIVE
UNARMED
Riding
Axe
Blowgun
Bow
Club
Dagger
Flail
Net
Polearm
Shield
Sling
Spear
Sword
Falchion
Whip
Bump Initiative and Bow skills one each please.
Quote from: Double Deuce on April 09, 2013, 01:59:43 PM
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 06, 2013, 05:26:45 PMSpeaking of which, DD can you give us any more info on the game? I know Raghnall is itching for adventure. ;D
When we are about ready to start I will open a new thread and post the basic opening there but basically . .
You live in the village of Pjagel in northwestern Orbaal with your adopted father (Ivinian) and his family. You are also his bastard child from an interlude with a local married Jarin woman conceived in his early youth in another part of Orbaal during an Ivinian "plundering" expedition during the Jarin Rebellion. Since the Jarin (Harn's indigenous population, think Celtic Britons in Dark Age England) consider the Ivinians (Vikings) invader/occupiers this type of "situation"does not usually sit well with them, or Ivinians either for that matter. Later upon finding out the truth of your origins, (Jarin's don't have blond hair 8) ) your obviously upset mother's husband attempted to revenge kill her and the child (you). Although mortally wounded she managed to make it to a nearby Peoni chapel (they are rare in Orbaal) and in her final moments confess her sins to the the local priest. The other Jarin villagers, not knowing the whole story and thinking your father now possessed by demons killed him shortly after his attack on your mother.
For your own safety and because your father does not consider the Jarin as mere savages to be lorded over as lesser men, unlike many Ivinians, this Priest, sought out and managed to convince your real father (living as a Farmer in Pjagel) and his new wife (also an Ivinian) to raise and care for you as their own. They later had 4 children of their own of which you are the eldest. At this point only 3 people new your history, your father, adopted mother and the Priest and since you are Blond and stand about 6'-1" which are NOT Jarin qualities no one has reason to question the story of your 'birth'. Recently though, rumors have surfaced about your real heritage and people on both sides (Ivinian and Jarin) are beginning to grow suspicious, changing how they interact with you, some more than others.
More to follow . . .
What could possibly go wrong. :)
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 09, 2013, 06:13:45 PMBump Initiative and Bow skills one each please.
Done. I'll update your character sheet with this and we should be ready to go.
Next thing is, how to keep everything organized without having a crapload of threads. ::) I'm thinking maybe update my signature and link to stuff on my website where you can easily pull up information like the character creation data, price lists, full character sheets, etc.
Quote from: Double Deuce on April 10, 2013, 02:17:03 PM
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 09, 2013, 06:13:45 PMBump Initiative and Bow skills one each please.
Done. I'll update your character sheet with this and we should be ready to go.
Next thing is, how to keep everything organized without having a crapload of threads. ::) I'm thinking maybe update my signature and link to stuff on my website where you can easily pull up information like the character creation data, price lists, full character sheets, etc.
Excellent!
The signature idea sounds good, especially for stuff that won't be changing and is just for reference. Other than that I don't think opening up to many threads will be a problem. It just seems to be just you and me in the RPG section of the forums so I think we have the run of the place. ;D
Trying to put together a method for tracking this information, should have something by the end of the weekend.
Quote from: Double Deuce on April 12, 2013, 03:52:55 PM
Trying to put together a method for tracking this information, should have something by the end of the weekend.
Sounds good, I'll be here. :)
Sorry for the delay. We were supposed to close on our new house last Friday and I thought I'd have everything moved and out of boxes to pick this up as the weekend ended. Closing is on hold till end of the month now so I will pull the notes out and get back on track.
Quote from: Double Deuce on April 18, 2013, 04:10:38 PM
Sorry for the delay. We were supposed to close on our new house last Friday and I thought I'd have everything moved and out of boxes to pick this up as the weekend ended. Closing is on hold till end of the month now so I will pull the notes out and get back on track.
Thanks for the update.
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 18, 2013, 04:52:18 PM
Thanks for the update.
Can you check the link in my signature. Trying to set up a repository that will make it easier for people to access information.
Quote from: Double Deuce on April 22, 2013, 06:10:35 PM
Quote from: TheCommandTent on April 18, 2013, 04:52:18 PM
Thanks for the update.
Can you check the link in my signature. Trying to set up a repository that will make it easier for people to access information.
Takes me to a white background index page with two links. One to my character sheet and one to a "Parent Directory"
Yeah, as I add files you will see them listed when you access the link in my signature. I'll add maps, character sheets and stuff like that.
Still here. Mortgage company has been mucking up the closing process on the new house. Was moved to the 30th and now seems that their not gonna make that date either. We'll be extending the date again but not sure till when. I figure another 7-10 days. Then we can kick this thing off.
Quote from: Double Deuce on April 28, 2013, 04:28:37 PM
Still here. Mortgage company has been mucking up the closing process on the new house. Was moved to the 30th and now seems that their not gonna make that date either. We'll be extending the date again but not sure till when. I figure another 7-10 days. Then we can kick this thing off.
Good luck with everything I hope they can get it sorted out quickly for you.
Ok, closed yesterday, woohoo! So now to get stuff moved and set up at the new house. Then we should be back on track.
Quote from: Double Deuce on May 11, 2013, 03:18:41 AM
Ok, closed yesterday, woohoo! So now to get stuff moved and set up at the new house. Then we should be back on track.
Congrats hope the move and unpack goes smoothly for you.
I know you've been busy with your move DD but are you still planning to try to run this game?
I'm hoping too. Would like to see another player or 2 though. Are you able to acces the character sheet using the link in my signature ok?
Quote from: Double Deuce on July 01, 2013, 03:04:34 AM
I'm hoping too. Would like to see another player or 2 though. Are you able to acces the character sheet using the link in my signature ok?
Yeah I can get to it ok.
Hopefully somebody will come see this thread and join :)