Curious newcomer... - A Tinker's Wagon [ Rules Discussion & Addenda / OOC ] - The Game of Archaea - Archaea Live-Action Role-Playing & Wargaming - Message Board - Yuku

RSS
Email

0 Kudo

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Curious newcomer...

Author	Comment
Savage Insight	Curious newcomer...	Lead	[-]
Posts: 116 (07/03/06 19:52:33) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Tags : None Hey people. I'm a 7 month long Darkonian who's having the time of his life, but before discovering the liberating joys of a LACS (Live Action Combat Sport), I was interested in LARPs, with a direction in roleplaying. I've hesitated for a very long time because I truly enjoy intensity (taken wise and well of course). Darkon interests me because the good players there take hits well and give them out with a satisfying sting similar to paintball. They even have an archery standard safely done up to 40 lbs (I've been hit before, and they're not too bad). Having said this, there's something I can easily say is lacking... I'm an intense person, and someone who loves a complete experience. I looked into Arcaea as quite a few Darkonians seem to pass between the veils that separate the two. Darkon has serious fun roleplaying and combat, but the roleplaying is not as immersive, or at least, not as talented as I'm looking for. So i ask you: must I forever stay looking for a sincere, talented gaggle of players who love to play, strike, and roleplay hard with sincere intensity? Or perhaps, may perhaps, have I found a chance in Archaea? I've looked at LARPs across the East coast and frankly too many of them are timid kids stretched across a 22-year-old-frame, or their combat in itself is all a Nerf fight, fun to run around with, but completely a farce-all pretend (what is the point of using bird seed packets when you have games around the world using real bows?). Darkon was the first that I found satisfying. The people are as rough edged as they can be twinkle-eyed, and the combat is genuinely for real as far as a full body fencing/sparring-system can go in an outdoor field. Can I expect to find the same fighting level group here but in addition a budding world of earnest, talented and sincere storyweavers who are as interested in my/your story as they are in telling with mastery, their own? If by the hopes of land, sky, moon, stars and the air we breathe with the dawn of light the answer is yes, then please, honestly tell me so and help me with some questions to begin! If not, guide a direction that has a greater chance of being fruitfull, where the battle cries are true, the blades strike real, and the lasses tease sweetly with truly pretty smiles as old men tell spellbinding tales. Always free, -Savage Insight p.s. If, by some fantistic chance I've found the alternate game for me, I've got questions few, perhaps more than just three. 1. I know I've asked this, but how is combat? I've been wary of games that say we have to pull our shots or "do not swing more than 90 degrees" but when I noticed a max of 35 lbs pull, I thought perhaps people could take tougher swings (still safe, of course!). In short, please, please tell me, getting a little winded, bruises and unexplainable scrapes and scratches are a normal, common occurance, yes? It's my way of knowing if I'm walking into a game that hits lighter than kids with sticks in gradeschool or not, literally speaking. I'm far from bashing my sword straight through the guy or taking an axe and crumpling their feet, but I want to be hit at full effort of speed, control, skill and strength so its worth the effort to dodge and fills me with a fighter's glee at having blocked a shot and struck off a few of my own. 2. Are spells fully restricted to the Rule of Knowledge? The Rule of Skill suggests a compromise of wit, will and steel. I wouldn't mind creating a florentine bard/tinker who can cast the occasional spell now and then. I'd give me an outlet and an excuse to use my entire personality and enthusiasm. 3. Are people allowed to play period musical instruments as a part of their character? The bard class is impractical in the Darkon world because as genuinely as they all love live music (I play at every campout), it simply lacks a solid place on the field. I'd love to bring out my battle-ready fiddle and bow (we've seen much Darkon adventures togather) and spur on my allies while they fight a goblin hoard or even better, whip out my ocarina or tin whistle or even battle horn (yes I have those and I'm a full blown musican of 16 years so yes I can play) while holding my critical sword(s)/spear/nocked bow and arrow in my other hand. I think that's it for now, but I know I'll have more if I accept the game. Thanks! -Savage Insight
ElderArchaea	Re: Curious newcomer...	#1	[-]
Posts: 1202 (07/04/06 07:22:03) Master of the Mists Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Dear Savage Insight: (Sounds like the start of a self-help letter... ) My response is as one of the main creators of Archaea and from 3,000 miles away, but I can say that the original spirit of Archaea was to try to embrace the broad range of "adventuring" styles among live-action fantasy players. AND to balance great fighting with great role-playing and setting and campaign-style events. I played Darkon for several years before starting Archaea, and like you, enjoyed it quite a bit. But I wanted something more out of the experience, something that I felt a different system and a different world could satisfy. For the most part, Archaea's fighting "style" is full-contact -- I think it's an integral part of the game. That, of course, doesn't mean you must fight in order to get something out of the game. Over the past years we've had many people stay non-combat and still enjoy the game very much. ED<br>Elder of the Realm ~~ <br>MD/DC/VA Archaea ~~<br>http://www.archaea.org
ElderArchaea	Re: Curious newcomer...	#2	[-]
Posts: 1202 (07/04/06 07:27:48) Master of the Mists Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	*Quote:* 1. I know I've asked this, but how is combat? I've been wary of games that say we have to pull our shots or "do not swing more than 90 degrees" but when I noticed a max of 35 lbs pull, I thought perhaps people could take tougher swings (still safe, of course!). In short, please, please tell me, getting a little winded, bruises and unexplainable scrapes and scratches are a normal, common occurance, yes? It's my way of knowing if I'm walking into a game that hits lighter than kids with sticks in gradeschool or not, literally speaking. I'm far from bashing my sword straight through the guy or taking an axe and crumpling their feet, but I want to be hit at full effort of speed, control, skill and strength so its worth the effort to dodge and fills me with a fighter's glee at having blocked a shot and struck off a few of my own. If you take a look at the rulebook, you'll see that the game takes its fighting pretty seriously (safely of course) and the style of combat is similar to Darkon's. Take a look at our pictures, too. You'll see the similarities. In other words, no this is not a tap system. *Quote:* 2. Are spells fully restricted to the Rule of Knowledge? The Rule of Skill suggests a compromise of wit, will and steel. I wouldn't mind creating a florentine bard/tinker who can cast the occasional spell now and then. I'd give me an outlet and an excuse to use my entire personality and enthusiasm. Magic is not limited only to RoK characters. RoK characters can purchase magic MUCH more easily and gain in power more effectively. But Archaea is a point-based, skill-based system that allows players to customize their characters and experience. We've had a number of successful RoS characters take on magic. *Quote:* 3. Are people allowed to play period musical instruments as a part of their character? The bard class is impractical in the Darkon world because as genuinely as they all love live music (I play at every campout), it simply lacks a solid place on the field. I'd love to bring out my battle-ready fiddle and bow (we've seen much Darkon adventures togather) and spur on my allies while they fight a goblin hoard or even better, whip out my ocarina or tin whistle or even battle horn (yes I have those and I'm a full blown musican of 16 years so yes I can play) while holding my critical sword(s)/spear/nocked bow and arrow in my other hand. There are no specific rules for/against musical instruments. I would talk to the current Elder of the Realm about the purpose for the instrument. If it's purely for role-play purposes, I wouldn't see a problem with it. If the instrument is going to affect game-play (i.e. you use it to cast your spells) then that has to be discussed and determined whether it is workable with the rule set. We've had people play music at events/campouts. It's fun. As long as it doesn't "disrupt" the setting or the adventure or seem too anachronistic, again I don't see an issue. Check with your Elder of the Realm... ED<br>Elder of the Realm ~~ <br>MD/DC/VA Archaea ~~<br>http://www.archaea.org
Savage Insight	Re: Curious newcomer...	#3	[-]
Posts: 116 (07/04/06 09:08:11) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I'm honored you'd take the time to answer such a lengthy breath, though I do realize new players do not exactly pour as wonder from a dwarven forge. The only possible magical effect beyond the actual mystic I'm known to weave on a good day and tune I may look into is simply a bard's ability to add a single minor bonus to their allies and a single drawback from their opponents, but this is strictly fanciful an idea. Possibly say giving the team members the ability to ignore a single light hit from their encouraged fervor (hey guys, we have our own theme music, let's rock! lol), or something. I've always wanted to have just a minor increase in the inherent weaving of an instrument into a game system, barring being paid in tips of course, but have always discovered either if it was done, it was either ineffective, or over/poorly done. Again mind you, it is still just a fanciful piece. I'd play regardless, and unless all players around do not mind someone else's request little anacronistic classical piece, say Beethovan or Pachebel, I have an arsenal of Celtic, dirge, Rennaissance, etc. pieces, even a bit of bluzy jazz and heavy metal during the off hours . I ask and write with deploring caution because I've seen and sampled a great many different systems, games, chapters and varieties and frankly, despite a few great wonders here and there, most people prefer to be more lazy and haphazard than enthusiastic and sincere, resulting in a "Disneyland" rather than "Tolkien" experience. An actual example would be that many if not most bard characters I've met have half-hearted attempts and poetry and music unless they play a manner of drum or guitar (which I've seen allowed on field in only one game period system) and other players are required to pretend as though it were a truly fantastic performance. That level of suspension of belief is far too much for me. But the talent and action of a dramatic stage however, that is much more to my liking. I'm relieved to find that the system encourages such a diverse range and am far more willing to try at this point. Many systems which claim to be full contact I've discovered to be simply a more rough tap system. The skill point system is very intriguing for me, it seems to allow maximum customization as can be but with a strong penalty drawback to encourage careful build and selection, and perhaps an even greater encouragement to focus on an in game, situational experience rather than where the next step in character growth may be. I'm just curious on how much a "check" it places in character action during game. But the boards indicate that 110 xp is not very much at all to some players, so perhaps my concerns are merely inexperienced. I've taken a solid look throughout all the resources available online and still had said trepidations until you replied. I still have a few, but small enough to where I'm happily planning to look into next week. I'm curious as to the rigidity of the system. Like Darkon, I see a good deal of open discussion, -minus some of the bickering - but I'm guessing I'll have to find out at the actual site whether or not "new weapons" which take after others already in the game would be permitted, such as throwing daggers or quoit though it would be my guess that such weapons deal so little damage there'd be little point in adding that to the system in the light of combat. Safe construction is actually rather easy and has been done before in other systems, but the key word being "other." Anyhow, at this point I think I'm beginning to babble, and will start on my character's build . Be Well, -Savage Insight
ElderArchaea	Re: Curious newcomer...	#4	[-]
Posts: 1202 (07/18/06 08:59:52) Master of the Mists Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	*Quote:* I'm just curious on how much a "check" it places in character action during game. But the boards indicate that 110 xp is not very much at all to some players, so perhaps my concerns are merely inexperienced. A base character begins with 30 Building Points (BP) initially, which allows for a smattering of skills and abilities. Since the current campaign (is continuing from where it left off) has characters with quite a bit of experience, brand new characters are doled XP over time to help them partially "catch up" as it were. The rationale is to make sure everyone is within the same level of power/effectiveness. The standard rule has usually been to get new characters up to about half the current campaign's total XP. *Quote:* I'm curious as to the rigidity of the system. Like Darkon, I see a good deal of open discussion, -minus some of the bickering - but I'm guessing I'll have to find out at the actual site whether or not "new weapons" which take after others already in the game would be permitted, such as throwing daggers or quoit though it would be my guess that such weapons deal so little damage there'd be little point in adding that to the system in the light of combat. Safe construction is actually rather easy and has been done before in other systems, but the key word being "other." Players have brought new weapons to be checked-out. When I ran the game, I had no problem with innovation. That's what makes a game grow and develop. However, if the weapon does not seem safe or effective, it will be quickly nixed. Because throwing weapons can often be confused with spell components, they really have to look different. We have had throwing hammers on the field (and if you've heard any lore in Darkon about throwing hammers, you'll realize how much angst they caused...by the way, I was the guy who first introduced them to the game...I think they're banned now, I believe ). As far as "rigidity," there are a lot of rules and effects and whatnot. One of Darkon's strengths is its simplicity (though the hit system/armor system still makes me wonky). But there was a creative and RP choice to make Archaea a more rich high fantasy system, a campaign style game. And with that comes a bit of stuff. But it's not hard to remember or use. Playability, I think, is preserved. Cheers, ED<br>Elder of the Realm ~~ <br>MD/DC/VA Archaea ~~<br>http://www.archaea.org
Savage Insight	Re: Curious newcomer...	#5	[-]
Posts: 116 (07/18/06 12:09:42) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	All throwing weapons save javelins are banned actually . This is mainly because the game became a throwing game and it was like being at a deadly confetti party rather than a combat game. Javelins are hard to carry en masse and archers are easily taken by getting close enough to them, so they're allowed. I see quite well what you mean by spellballs and throwing weapons being mixed up, it sounds like it could be pretty easy. Also I was a bit confused by something last event. I thought head shots by non-cored weapons were legal. What is the ruling on graze hits? A couple traps touched me last event but they didn't actually get me solid, so it had me confused on how to call it. I realize this is more player oriented but it's still something I'd like to have a bit of guidance on. As for playability, I'd have to say applicable simplicity is preserved as a strength in both games. Archaea strikes me as straightforward. Skill applies to situation and character type. If skill is present, present skill level to determine success. Done. Buying skills seems even easier, though I kind of rue the multipliers, heh. Rennaissance men/women make for expensive folk . Darkon, you pick a class, you grow its ranks. Get a level, get an ability. Combat I think makes everyone wonky but only for one reason: fighting makes people nervous, serious and self-conscious. Personally I find it easy. Just know that your butt, back and torso are your important parts. They don't get much extra protection until about chain's level. Everything else gets an extra hit from all but black and red weapons at every new armor class. Archaea kind of mystifies me. What is dying? Is it mortal? Two crits equal death or mortal? I guess the question is that of the "currency system." How many lights equal a crit, how many crits equal a mortal, and how many mortals equal a death? (although I think I got that one.) I've read the points and time delay system under "combat" in the rules page, but from what I can tell, it's too consuming for the elder to keep managing that. Possibly I'd suggest removing the time effect on lights and crits (unless we roleplay leaving a crit wounded character behind. "Oy, ey, ye can't do dis teh me!") while keeping mortals as dead in ten minutes (maybe reduce that, 10 minutes is an awful long time) to remove pressure on the elder. I guess what I'm saying is expression for my concern on how to run an event while we have a group so small. It may be a good idea to reduce them for management's sake for a while until we get enough folk again. Cailen (Pat), an old friend of Inox was very surprised the group had fallen to so few as seven. He expected a solid 30 this time, and he sends his concern. Hopefully raising the number won't be too great a challenge for long. Anyhow, it was a fun time, and I look forward to fully establishing my character in the realm . Good Times, -Li'en

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Quick Reply