The Fight Scene

Michael  slumped tiredly against the wall, his body sore, bruised and bloody. The creature howled as it jumped at him once more, it’s heavy hind feet slamming into his chest the talons ripping his jacket. Michael felt his armor give under the furious assault knocking the wind from him. Pushing off of the tired warrior the creature’s leather wings beat against the air as it took flight for another dive. Willing his body to move to react before it came back his tired form could only slump to the ground. Coughing wetly, Michael chuckled to himself “ So this is my end huh? Well then better make it a good one. “ Reaching for his sidearm he raised it shakily pointed at the oncoming beast. Two loud reports filled the small cave blood splattering from the diving creature as it suddenly fell to the ground and rolled to a stop near his feet. Michael sighed and dropped his gun, cleaning back against the wall and closing his eyes, willing his body to repair itself when he heard the familiar booming voice again “ Splendid fight brother, but did you really think I was going to let someone else kill you?”

Adventurer RPG 1 page system

This is a review and discussion between two people of the Adventurer RPG 1 page system written by Joe Pruitt. The system can be found here. We where both impressed by the system both in its streamlining, and in its complexity. Great work Mr. Pruitt.

 

Tobias Bluesummers says:
What's this?
AlphaBeta Detox says:
its a 1 page rpg
i really like 1 page systems
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah it's kinda neat
AlphaBeta Detox says:
oh that;s neat,  in order to cast a spell out of a spell book, you make an int check, and you lose a number of hp equal to the spells cost, even if you fail the int check
cool, the character sheet could be redone on a index card
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah it's small enough
  I also like the improvement method
AlphaBeta Detox says:
yea that is interesting, the ability checks seem strange to me though
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah a little but I think I understand them
AlphaBeta Detox says:
your roll 2d6, then compare it to your score, you want your score to be the higher of the two?
Tobias Bluesummers says:
roll 2d6 and try to get under what your score is
Yup
AlphaBeta Detox says:
that makes sense then
Tobias Bluesummers says:
I guess the gm can give modifiers too
AlphaBeta Detox says:
i like how the ability score are determined
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah start at 7, adjust for race and class
Then you can dink with them a little, nothing higher than a 12 allowed to start
AlphaBeta Detox says:
kind of Max for each score is a 12
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Oh that's right
Was thinking that's max for starting
AlphaBeta Detox says:
since you only have 2d6
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah it is kinda sill to have anything over a 12
AlphaBeta Detox says:
so the damage is your str vs. their dex  and however much you beat it by is how much you deal
Tobias Bluesummers says:
It looks like for melee it's a str test to hit
AlphaBeta Detox says:
and ranged is dex
Tobias Bluesummers says:
And then damage is by how much you beat the number by
Yeah and then you adjust for weapon and armor
AlphaBeta Detox says:
oh hey there is a damage line
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Fairly well thought out system for being so streamlined
AlphaBeta Detox says:
no kidding, I'm reading the magic section
so are range and size in the same cost?
Tobias Bluesummers says:
So does it look like you pretty much pick the "class" the spell it is and then the factors of what you want the spell to do?
I don't know. I'm wondering if you add the costs
AlphaBeta Detox says:
yea
Tobias Bluesummers says:
What I don't quiet understand is the magnitude. Is that the number of creatures it affects?
AlphaBeta Detox says:
so say you wanted to heal you would go Instant ( 0 ) + touch ( 1) medium ( 2) =3?
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Actually the range would be touch
AlphaBeta Detox says:
unless the magnitude is only for certain spells like Bolt, and Heal
Tobias Bluesummers says:
so that would be 0 as well
AlphaBeta Detox says:
self is 0 touch is 1
Tobias Bluesummers says:
That could be, maybe magnitude is like a bonus to the effect or something
AlphaBeta Detox says:
could be
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Ah true, I was looking at healing yourself, but you'd probably still need to use the touch line
AlphaBeta Detox says:
no then you could probably use self, but all spells require at least 1 hp
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah
AlphaBeta Detox says:
i like the idea of the charge crystals
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah those sound interesting. Storing the energy for spells
AlphaBeta Detox says:
you could be really powerful if you made up a ton of them before hand and they started casting these massive spells
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah.
Oh just got looking and in a few of the spells it mentions magnitude
AlphaBeta Detox says:
but the spells sound like you just say what you want to do then the DM figures out the rest
Tobias Bluesummers says:
You were right it deals with the damage causing spells and the healing ones
Yeah pretty much. Kinda a neat magic system
Hey look at the weapon rating for a second to see if I'm understanding it right
Say you had a fighter using something like a great sword
would that be a +3 weapon rating?
AlphaBeta Detox says:
ok so great sword =  2 hands = +2 and +1 for bladed so total of +3
Tobias Bluesummers says:
bladed +1, metal +1, two-handed +1
AlphaBeta Detox says:
forgot about the metal
what counts as Fine then?
Tobias Bluesummers says:
I would guess it's just another term for masterwork
AlphaBeta Detox says:
i was thinking like small, but that makes more sense that its masterwork
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Only reason I think more masterwork is because it already talks about small weapons
those are -1
So then the question comes, what are small weapons?
Does that mean like daggers and such
Or weapons made for smaller creatures?
AlphaBeta Detox says:
daggers, saps, and whatnot
and weapons made for smaller creatures
like goblins
Tobias Bluesummers says:
That could be.
AlphaBeta Detox says:
and dwarves?
Tobias Bluesummers says:
The way the system seems though is that there really is no size difference among the races
AlphaBeta Detox says:
true
Tobias Bluesummers says:
So I think the small weapon is more referring to daggers and such
AlphaBeta Detox says:
daggers, throwing weapons, saps,
would have to come up with monsters
i like the fact that anyone can use magic
if they can pass the test
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah monsters wouldn't be that hard
Oh yeah anyone can use scrolls if they can make the int check
That's kinda a nice addition
AlphaBeta Detox says:
look at the falling that;s cool its a set amount of damage
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah but it adds up
20ft is 3 hps, 30ft is 6 hps
AlphaBeta Detox says:
but you can lessen it with dex, well a little bit anyway
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah that's true
AlphaBeta Detox says:
but even if you max out dex your still in a world of hurt after 40 ft
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah, like it should be
The thing about falling unconscious after each hit is kinda different
AlphaBeta Detox says:
yea, well you don;t get knocked out after each hit, but you have to test it  which kind of makes sense
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah, the lower you get to 0 the easier it is to knock you out
AlphaBeta Detox says:
because the first 2-3 times your going to be alright
Tobias Bluesummers says:
True
AlphaBeta Detox says:
really well thought out system
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah it really is
A little tweaking and it could work for anything
AlphaBeta Detox says:
and i think that is the idea
Tobias Bluesummers says:
Yeah it really is

learning the trade

Spreading his paints before him once more he new that this was going to be a challenge for him. Ever since he had learned this bizarre technique from the elder witch woman. The power to travel between places and times through the canvas, the pains he had suffered to keep it hidden from all who would steal this gift from him. Doing what he must do. Sighing heavily he picked up his brush once more and let the scene unfold before him.

He had gone back to her for tutelage several times, until he could no longer afford to pay her heavy fees. For it was more than mere gold and jewels that she sought out. She demanded payment in secrets and souls. It was there in her remote village that he had learned the ancient mystical art that could be contained briefly within paintings and forever within tapestries. Day and night he slaved for a dozen new moons, gathering her supplies and learning her ways until she was satisfied that he had it right. Only then did she allow him to leave knowing that he would be back, filled with the desire for more and the loathing of the price to be paid.

However It was also from her that he learned more about what he was and how he could get around that which he hated the most. How he could keep his victims alive and feed for a year and a day, a secret he dared not to share with the others lest they drive him out to walk naked amongst the cattle. The memories of lifetimes past flowed through him, some causing grief and pain others joy ,tearing him in twain for what he was and what he had become. He knew that he could no more change what he was than to turn back the tide of time and thusly he carried on from day to day.

Solulus secrets

The land of the Shadow King, a place filled with nothing but illusions and mystery. What is there today may not be tomorrow, it may not even be there when you turn around. Some say that it is the land of the Vampire Lord, and others say that they are one in the same person. Though no one has ever seen the two of them and lived. No one was really sure why this was. there is an official doorway Anywhere you know where to look. The trouble of course is knowing where to look.

Solulus has made this trip several times in the past and over the last several hundred years has mapped out all 77 of the gateways. Several of the people he had gotten the locations from had only given the information up upon their deaths and this information haunted him much in the same way that all of the other lives that he had taken over the many many years. Now that he had all of the locations he needed to store them someplace that would be impossible to find. Thinking for a moment, he smiled to himself and set about his villa gathering supplies and setting up his easel.

When most people look at paintings they say that it takes them places. For Solulus this was actually true, sometimes he was bothered by the fact that you could only make two trips. But perhaps things where better that way. Quickly finishing his work he stepped through into the corner of a crowded bar.

Pulling back the hood of his cloak, Solulus bellowed
"Josua I know you're here you old prairie coyote you!" and tromped down the stairs towards the noise.

"Solie, you old sneak thief you, how did you know I was here?, Wait don't answer that, I do not want to know. But I do know that you owe me a drink!"

Chuckling to himself"That I do, my friend. Barkeep A couple of pints if you would please." the barkeep looked at Solulus "When did you get here?"

"Oh I've been here for a few hours you remember."

"Oh right, Here are your drinks, just let me know if you need anything else."

Grabbing the ale and heading to the table Josua piped my "My friend the years have not been kind to you have they, what have you been up to?"

"Oh this and that, traveling a a lot and you're right the years have not been kind to me. How many years has it been now?"

"Oh let me see Five or Six now? Since just after the time we went after the Barbarians, remember when they kidnapped the Sultan's daughter. You know she had quite the crush on you, pity she died the day of her homecoming celebration."

"Yes Pity that. Listen friend I need to entrust you with something very important."

"Hah, What did you steal this time Solulus?"

"No, no, I didn't steal anything, I just came across a bit of information that I can't let anyone else know about, so please friend for old times sakes?"

"OK friend I can do this for you."

Solulus handed over the map and finished his drink."Unfortunately I must leave. my ride leaves in a few minutes I hate to drink and run. I will come back and we can talk more I promise."

"Don't worry Solie, I will keep this safe for you, you have my word."

With that Solulus Ran back up the stairs and leaped through the painting again, as he did so he felt it crumble to dust behind him. Ah good just in time he thought to himself Now what to do with the rest of my day.

The Vampire Story So Far

Solulus gazed out the inn as he carried the freshly drained corpses to the bed and tucked them almost lovingly for their last sleep. "They weren't important" he told himself, as he often did after such events. trying to soothe his troubled conscience. "Are you done yet?" came the seductive voice from the doorway. Solulus smiled softly as he walked slowly and purposely from the bedroom. " We do have places to be this night good sir." Purred Aidara "And why do you follow such a silly ritual anyway? It is almost as if you where afraid of something, or perhaps you are ashamed of your proud heritage." Solulus quickly scoffed at her last remark and brushed past her. " come we are nearly late." and leaped of the porch his wings beating against the night air. Aidara smirked at his response and gracefully flew after him into the darkness.

There was a time he didn't have to do this Solulus thought as he sailed through the firmament, the night slipping noiselessly past him. That was before he was "Awakened" as his teacher put it. He glanced back at Aidara, who always seemed to be a few steps behind him no matter what he did to try and encourager her. Solulus knew how good she could be he had seen it when he had chosen her to be his student, he thought sorrowfully.

That day both joyous and sorrowful for him marked the official end of his training and he had inherited his first keep from one of the elders. However it had meant that he had to take his first student, ruin someone else's life for the betterment of the legion. he had tried to select someone who wouldn't be missed, but no one can control everything. And no one would know how the new power would affect someone, there was only time and training. Solulus saw the temple through the fog below him and smiled wickedly. Folding his wings behind him he plummeted down beside the bell tower leaning majestically beside one of the many ancient gargoyles. calling out to Aidara, a single thought echoed through her mind " Where are you going child?" Startled she struggled to stop and try and find her teacher, " You need to be better prepared dear Aidara" Solulus told her.

---

Later That Night

---

"Welcome Solulus, it has been a while since we have seen you here." whispered a silky voice from through the door that had opened to his left.

"This is why we can stop here Pupil." he smiled slyly." now hurry up before we are both late, for tardiness is not tolerated.

Ariana floated down softly to the peak of the old church, landing just inside the door as she was about to bow she was suddenly stuck in the chest and sent sprawling down the roof trying desperately to regain her balance, a handhold, anything to stop her fall into the darkness below, the echos of laughter filling her mind and her ears. "silly Impudent child they rang, all but one, that was strangely silent, and she knew instantly who it was, and could sense his disappointment in his student as she fell narrowly missing the outreaching downspouts and ironwork that adorned the rooftops.

She suddenly felt a force around her halting her and setting her gently on the street. Immediately Ariana leaped into the air and soared back towards the doorway. "What happened Master Solulus? I thought we could enter here." yes I can, did you not hear my invitation? I thought that I had been training you better than this, perhaps I should leave you here for a while, to guard the door. Unless of course you wish to try again." "Yes, of course sir, please I will not fail, you again this night.""You mean you will fail me another night? Are my efforts meaningless with you?"" just let my have one more chance I will not fail again, I promise." 'Very well, lets see if you can do better this time, and I should suggest that you hurry for I do believe the first rays of the sun can be seen on the horizon.."

---

the sun set quietly on the little farming village, it usually did this time of year when the winter's snow crunched under booted foot. Sven paused briefly in his chores to listen to the creaking of the treas and the dogs chasing the rabbits from their hidden Burroughs. Putting away his tools, he made his way carefully back to the house, where a warm fire and a good meal was sure to be waiting for him, he could almost smell the stew from here, or perhaps that was just his imagination.
Warped in his own thoughts he didn't hear the quiet rustling behind him, and noticed to late the heavy hand on his shoulder pushing him to the snow. Only darkness awaited him now.

time and travels

So I just found this Very interesting video it explains how to imagine the various dimensions. a little bit confusing towards the end, but it uses the basic concepts of points, lines, splits and folds. Another little site that I found shows how the United states is divided up into the various Zip code Districts. It is kind of fun to play around with.