Complications (was Flaws)
In an effort to make the rules a little tighter, I think I will rename Flaws "Complications". In addition, I will make their use a little more formal so that the GD can apply them more effectively,...
View ArticlePlaytesting, the Soul, and Reactive trait checks
Playtesting at the Source has been going well. Our group of four Aztec and Maya have made a daring raid on a mysterious temple to Quetzalcoatl trying to find the source of corruption, only to find it...
View ArticleNew Version
I just compiled a new version of the rules into a single document using only gray-scale images in an effort to be ready to do print-on-demand. The last few play-test sessions have been very good....
View ArticleWiki Updated
I just uploaded the content from the new version to the Wiki at http://lostworld.wikidot.com/start
View ArticleMotivation Matrix
Aztec and Mayan cultures are very different from European cultures. To try to emphasize this as well as include some of these differences into the game, I have changed the personal/epic motivation (and...
View ArticleCon of the North 2008
Both Heirs to the Lost World games at Con of the North went great. John ran "Shadows of Xicalango" on Friday night, and I ran "Rescue at Fortaleza de Dios" on Saturday. Both games had great players who...
View ArticleMagic Revision and fixing up the Soul
The magic system is going through some major revisions. All spellcasters must be specialized (by choosing a certain god, totem, loa, element, etc). This will greatly limit the variety of powers they...
View ArticleGroup Char Creation and Merging Complications and the Motivation Matrix
Group Character CreationAfter listening to a podcast interview of Fred Hicks (I think from Theory From the Closet), I was inspired to start working on an alternate character creation system. One of my...
View ArticleProof Copy
Not much playtesting has been happening lately. I got married, and that has taken much of my energy. The best news is that I did work hard to get the text finished, received my proof copy, and started...
View ArticleNew web site domain and other news
The second proof copy is on its way here. I am very happy with the improvements (mostly editing and formatting) that I have made so I expect it to look even better than the first proof.I've purchased a...
View ArticleStarting New Campaign
I am starting up a new semi-episodic campaign this Wednesday, Feb. 25. We will play every Wednesday at the Source (1601 Larpenteur Ave, http://www.sourcecandg.com/), from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. My goal is to...
View ArticleObsidian Portal Wiki
The gaming at the Source has been going well. It seems difficult to get the pacing down for a complete 3 hour, one-shot adventure. Most adventures so far have been stretched over two sessions instead....
View ArticleWorking on Cover
So we are all finished with playtest and the editing is almost finished (just a few typos to correct and that is it). I've gotten some feedback that my cover needs improvement, and I agree. Hopefully,...
View ArticleImmersion - What hurts it for you?
This is the first of my Random RPG Thoughts posts.As my gaming experience grows, I am regularly surprised. In playing with different gaming groups, (especially when playing with gamers who have only...
View ArticleCinematic - What does this mean? How does Heirs do it?
Cinematic action was an important design goal of Heirs to the Lost World. Many RPGs describe themselves as "cinematic". This can be problematic for many reasons, the most obvious being that this word...
View ArticleAdventure Planning Sheets
I used to struggle with planning adventures - planned way too much. This was bad because either the planning was wasted (because the players did something completely unexpected - as they always do), or...
View ArticleNiche Protection
Back in my D&D 3.x days, one of the things I liked the most in the source books were the prestige classes. They seemed like such a cool way to connect the setting with the mechanics. They were...
View ArticleRewarding Players
I am a big proponent of the idea that game tastes and preferred play styles vary greatly. With this in mind, groups should be intentional in picking a game that matches and supports the preferred style...
View ArticleHeirs to the Lost World at RPGnow!
In addition to the print version you can purchase at the CreateSpace webstore, Heirs to the Lost World is available as a PDF at rpgnow. If you live in the Twin Cities area, you can also pick it up at...
View ArticleConflict vs. Task Resolution
After reading about the differences between these two concepts a while back, I remember thinking, "Yeah, I get it." and going on. Later, as I read more posts and listened to podcasts about it, I...
View ArticleWhat Gamers Want Out of Their RPG
I'm sure it has been around for a while, but I just came upon Levi Kornelsen (?) excellent website filled with gaming goodies at sites.google.com/site/amagigames (formally at www.amagi-games.org). In...
View ArticleSocial Conflict in RPGs
Situation A: The role of the rules vs. role-playing when a PC make a social action against an NPCCase A1: A PC wants to convince a guard to let the PC into the castleCase A2: The PC wants to seduce...
View ArticleRPG Inspiration Cards are Available!!
With the release of Obsidian Serpent Games' RPG Inspiration Cards (available at theGameCrafter.com), I wanted to post a sample use of the cards. If you would like to share how you use the cards, send...
View ArticleStunts!
One of my favorite parts of Heirs to the Lost World are the stunt rules. Here is a very brief summary of those rules.To attempt a stunt, the player spends an Effort die (a visual cue that he is...
View ArticleSet Pieces
Set piece scenes are often the most memorable scenes in any session. When planning an adventure, they deserve special attention. Plan to ImproviseYou don't want to have everything planned out in...
View Article