I am a little disappointed that my last post didn't get as many comment responses as I was hoping for. Perhaps I didn't quite pitch it correctly. The idea was 'What game would you want to run if it was strictly your choice without having to worry about your players' interests, opinions, tastes, etc.'
Since I run games to entertain my audience as much as myself, this question has a fairly large impact on my thinking. I'm always concerned about what my group will like and what kind of campaign best suits their preferences. As I've stated elsewhere, player input has a major effect on my plots and subplots as well as the type of adventures I design.
In the case of my running Hunter Planet for example, I don't think that game would go over well in NY. My New York crew is a bit 'too serious' and has trouble getting behind games whose premise is humorous from the start. It addition, I can't see them all playing weird aliens. Most likely you'd get very Human looking Star Trek types.
My NJ group could play this in a heartbeat. My lord it would hit the ground running and never look back. The issue here is I've promised them a serious game as a 'change of pace' from our usual comical endeavours.
So Hunter Planet, like so many other crazy Barking Alien ideas, goes back into RPG limbo for now. I will continue to tweak it and add to it and when the time comes I will unleash it on an unsuspecting world. For the time being however, I'll put it aside with my OZ campaign, FIENDish, and the like. I'm sure they all have much to discuss.
AD
Barking Alien
Showing posts with label FIENDish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FIENDish. Show all posts
Friday, January 28, 2011
Monday, December 13, 2010
Spilling My Creative Juices
Ewww...
I've recently been busy (read borderline obsessed) with my newest project, creating an original RPG that I will likely publish through Lulu and hopefully sell at the brick-and-mortar stores owned by several friends of mine. Turns out you make some pretty good connections working in fandom related retail and distribution for over 20 years.
Creating your own RPG is hard...actually that's not true. Sorry to violate the code of the Masquerade but the truth is its not hard. I've created dozens over the years ranging from houseruled versions of popular RPGs to kitbashing several unrelated games together to creating games from whole cloth.
Creating one that is good enough that you feel you can honestly charge people money for it...that is where the difficulty comes in.
Between this project and my FIENDish campaign I've really got the creative juices flowing. Where will they flow next? I hope to surprise you...
AD
Barking Alien
I've recently been busy (read borderline obsessed) with my newest project, creating an original RPG that I will likely publish through Lulu and hopefully sell at the brick-and-mortar stores owned by several friends of mine. Turns out you make some pretty good connections working in fandom related retail and distribution for over 20 years.
Creating your own RPG is hard...actually that's not true. Sorry to violate the code of the Masquerade but the truth is its not hard. I've created dozens over the years ranging from houseruled versions of popular RPGs to kitbashing several unrelated games together to creating games from whole cloth.
Creating one that is good enough that you feel you can honestly charge people money for it...that is where the difficulty comes in.
Between this project and my FIENDish campaign I've really got the creative juices flowing. Where will they flow next? I hope to surprise you...
AD
Barking Alien
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
We're Superheroes. What could happen?
Returning to my descriptions of the movers and shakers in my upcoming FIENDish campaign of nitwits and ne'er-do-wells, I thought it was time to have at look at those lowly and loathesome antagonists...the Superheroes.
The information you are about to read is what is public knowledge in the campaign milieu combined with here say from the villain and henchmen community rumor mill. Since the Heroes are the enemies of the PCs I can't reveal too much. Muhwahahaha! Wait...what does heroic laughter sound like? Probably more of a good hearted chuckle.
"We love you Metro Man!"
"And I love you too random citizen."
Metro Man, Megamind
The Action 5
Originally a social club of pulp-era style explorers, experiments in Super Science have given the next generation super human abilities, forming The Action 5!
Prof. Action is a two-fisted Super Scientist of the Dr. Quest meets Tom Strong variety.
Mrs. Action (originally Action Annie) is a rough ridin', pistol packin' cowgirl.
Triple Action is the elder son of the Actions who can be Super Smart or Strong or Fast.
Re-Action is the Prof. and Mrs.'s daughter with the ability to duplicate any action she sees.
and finally...there's Action Packed.
See...when the old team broke up Prof. Action went to his brother-in-law to fill in the ranks and he's regretted the decision ever since. The freeloading, loud mouthed, socially awkward Action Packed believes himself to be 'The Man with a Million Items! The right tool for the right job!' He definitely has the tool thing right...
All Man
The greatest of the greats, All Man is one part hero, one part movie star, one part demi-god, and all man! He is also, unknown to his adoring public, something of an ass.
According to the underground grapevine, All Man's girlfriend, Ace Reporter Missy Montauk, also writes the speeches for most of his public appearances. All Man can be somewhat egocentric, unconsciously prejudice toward homosexuals and minorities and has a bit of a middle-American 'redneck'* quality about him. While not severe or intentional he can easily put his foot in his mouth and that foot is capable of one super powerful kick!
All Man's powers include but may not be limited to: Super Strength, Super Speed, Near Invulnerability, Flight and Kinetic Vision (basically a long distance, telekinetic punch similar to the 'Whoosh' gun from District 9). His weakness is unknown to the public but word from the shadows is that Board Game Geek and the villainous Ruthless Rex know what it is. Rex and BGG therefore remain his worst Arch-Enemies.
Amazon Woman from Mars
No one knows where she came from...oh...actually we do. Mars. Its right here in my notes. I apologize to my viewing public.
This Emerald Amazon, this Verdant Vixen, this Proton-Powered Pin-Up Princess is none other than the ex-wife of the villainous Martian mastermind Mein Fuhrer Martian ("Its Dr. Quarkwarp you sack bellied orangutan!") and mother to their 19 year old daughter Quasaria. She is well known for her humanitarian efforts, love of Blueberry Pie, Hot Dogs, and Rock-n-Roll and has been linked romantically with big names from the Superhero circuit to Hollywood.
Powers include Telepathy, Telekinesis, and Teleportation! While possessing no super human physical traits (other than beauty), she is an extremely accomplished hand-to-hand fighter and swordswoman. Her Arch-Nemesis is Anarchette.
Lady Mama
She started her career as the righteous Right On! Girl and was the first African-American cape on the scene. Over the years she defeated numerous villains, cleaned up many inner city neighborhoods, and even had a short but successful singing career. Now, many years later, she is a married mother of two, still working hard for a better tomorrow. She will occasionally don her costume once more to fight the forces of injustice, especially if they threaten her home, friends, or family. Lady Mama is the enemy of Anarchette, who she believes is hurting the cause of women more than helping it. As she herself so eloquently put it in a recent interview, "That girl is just a damn fool."
Lady Mama is an attractive black woman in her mid-to-late thirties who is just a tad curvier than her costume is designed to accomodate. Her powers have waned over time but she's got Super Strength, Invulnerability, and a Super Leap than can clear oppression in a single bound.
(Imagine Tamara 'Cleopatra Jones' Dobson as a late 60s / early 70s Blaxploitation Wonder Woman).
The Mystery Guest
A suave and secretive super spy working for an unknown, shadow organization, this fellow is one tough act to follow...especially when he seems to vanish in plain sight. Equipped with numerous weapons and gadgets designed to look like common, everyday items, Mystery Guest is always ready for a sneak attack or a clever retreat from places where he wasn't invited.
A common theme among many of the Mystery Guest's opponent's is to find out his secret identity (more so than other heroes - like the old trope from the Flash comics). His main opponent is Magister Longissime with whom he appears to have a personal grudge.
That's all the time we have this post ladies and gentlemen. Good night, good luck and have a pleasant tomorrow.
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Barking Alien
*Why is it we think a Kansas farmboy would best represent the American ideal. I'm surprised Clark Kent doesn't have a mullet and can read above a fifth grade level. (ducks flames and stings from America's heartland).
Just teasing folks.
The information you are about to read is what is public knowledge in the campaign milieu combined with here say from the villain and henchmen community rumor mill. Since the Heroes are the enemies of the PCs I can't reveal too much. Muhwahahaha! Wait...what does heroic laughter sound like? Probably more of a good hearted chuckle.
"We love you Metro Man!"
"And I love you too random citizen."
Metro Man, Megamind
The Action 5
Originally a social club of pulp-era style explorers, experiments in Super Science have given the next generation super human abilities, forming The Action 5!
Prof. Action is a two-fisted Super Scientist of the Dr. Quest meets Tom Strong variety.
Mrs. Action (originally Action Annie) is a rough ridin', pistol packin' cowgirl.
Triple Action is the elder son of the Actions who can be Super Smart or Strong or Fast.
Re-Action is the Prof. and Mrs.'s daughter with the ability to duplicate any action she sees.
and finally...there's Action Packed.
See...when the old team broke up Prof. Action went to his brother-in-law to fill in the ranks and he's regretted the decision ever since. The freeloading, loud mouthed, socially awkward Action Packed believes himself to be 'The Man with a Million Items! The right tool for the right job!' He definitely has the tool thing right...
All Man
The greatest of the greats, All Man is one part hero, one part movie star, one part demi-god, and all man! He is also, unknown to his adoring public, something of an ass.
According to the underground grapevine, All Man's girlfriend, Ace Reporter Missy Montauk, also writes the speeches for most of his public appearances. All Man can be somewhat egocentric, unconsciously prejudice toward homosexuals and minorities and has a bit of a middle-American 'redneck'* quality about him. While not severe or intentional he can easily put his foot in his mouth and that foot is capable of one super powerful kick!
All Man's powers include but may not be limited to: Super Strength, Super Speed, Near Invulnerability, Flight and Kinetic Vision (basically a long distance, telekinetic punch similar to the 'Whoosh' gun from District 9). His weakness is unknown to the public but word from the shadows is that Board Game Geek and the villainous Ruthless Rex know what it is. Rex and BGG therefore remain his worst Arch-Enemies.
Amazon Woman from Mars
No one knows where she came from...oh...actually we do. Mars. Its right here in my notes. I apologize to my viewing public.
This Emerald Amazon, this Verdant Vixen, this Proton-Powered Pin-Up Princess is none other than the ex-wife of the villainous Martian mastermind Mein Fuhrer Martian ("Its Dr. Quarkwarp you sack bellied orangutan!") and mother to their 19 year old daughter Quasaria. She is well known for her humanitarian efforts, love of Blueberry Pie, Hot Dogs, and Rock-n-Roll and has been linked romantically with big names from the Superhero circuit to Hollywood.
Powers include Telepathy, Telekinesis, and Teleportation! While possessing no super human physical traits (other than beauty), she is an extremely accomplished hand-to-hand fighter and swordswoman. Her Arch-Nemesis is Anarchette.
Lady Mama
She started her career as the righteous Right On! Girl and was the first African-American cape on the scene. Over the years she defeated numerous villains, cleaned up many inner city neighborhoods, and even had a short but successful singing career. Now, many years later, she is a married mother of two, still working hard for a better tomorrow. She will occasionally don her costume once more to fight the forces of injustice, especially if they threaten her home, friends, or family. Lady Mama is the enemy of Anarchette, who she believes is hurting the cause of women more than helping it. As she herself so eloquently put it in a recent interview, "That girl is just a damn fool."
Lady Mama is an attractive black woman in her mid-to-late thirties who is just a tad curvier than her costume is designed to accomodate. Her powers have waned over time but she's got Super Strength, Invulnerability, and a Super Leap than can clear oppression in a single bound.
(Imagine Tamara 'Cleopatra Jones' Dobson as a late 60s / early 70s Blaxploitation Wonder Woman).
The Mystery Guest
A suave and secretive super spy working for an unknown, shadow organization, this fellow is one tough act to follow...especially when he seems to vanish in plain sight. Equipped with numerous weapons and gadgets designed to look like common, everyday items, Mystery Guest is always ready for a sneak attack or a clever retreat from places where he wasn't invited.
A common theme among many of the Mystery Guest's opponent's is to find out his secret identity (more so than other heroes - like the old trope from the Flash comics). His main opponent is Magister Longissime with whom he appears to have a personal grudge.
That's all the time we have this post ladies and gentlemen. Good night, good luck and have a pleasant tomorrow.
AD
Barking Alien
*Why is it we think a Kansas farmboy would best represent the American ideal. I'm surprised Clark Kent doesn't have a mullet and can read above a fifth grade level. (ducks flames and stings from America's heartland).
Just teasing folks.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Enemies Mine
Introducing the starting line up of B to C-List Supervillains the players will choose from to determine who to hench for. I'm putting it to a vote. Whichever villain gets the most votes is the head honcho for the start of our game.
Now, at some later point the PCs may want to quit working for their villain or the villain might get captured. Maybe the PCs do really well and another villain notices and offers them better pay and retirement benefits. Its all up to them what they want to do.
Also notes that these villains are pretty tough but not A-List. These aren't the Dr. Doom's and Lex Luthor's of the world but they could be someday. Generally they are the ones who are either not quite there yet as far as power level or they are there but various things hold them back.
Anarchette
Radical feminist and political revolutionary (at least in her own mind), Anarchette seeks to put down the establishment and raise up a whole new matriarchal world, with herself either in the top seat or thanked by those who she put there. Unfortunately, she sometimes hurts her cause rather than helps it with an abbrasive attitude and no real clue as to how to put real change in motion. She is often opposed by Lady Mama and The Amazon Woman from Mars.
Mid-low in resources, mid-low in tech and middle ground in popularity, Anarchette's real advantage is the she is very 'hands on' and more likely to go out on missions with her minions than any of the other villains. Also, while her image sometimes confuses the public, her motivation is occasionally shared by other female supervillains who are willing to 'team-up' with her. At least temporarily.
Beetle Mania
A great Supervillain for first time henchpersons, Beetle Mania has mid-level ratings in Resources, Technology, Popularity and no direct Arch-Nemesis as of yet. Of course, he is several french fries and a vegetable sort of a blue plate special if you catch my drift.
All his gear, crimes and motivations are focused around insects. Beetle Mania is convinced that a terrible tragedy is soon to befall mankind and only insects will survive (they survived the extinction of the dinosaurs and will out live us if its a nuclear war, right? RIGHT?!?). That is, unless he and he alone can figure out how to create science and technology that will give humanity the insects' advantages. He's the best kind of villain in that amid the destruction he causes and thefts he performs he is absolutely certain that he is really the hero.
Board Game Geek
What does a lonely man with a good deal of wealth, poor social skills, and a penchant for Monopoly do with his spare time? Become a Supervillain of course! The Prince of Pop-O-matic, the Sultan of Sorry!, the Candy Land Handy Man - Board Game Geek has invented an amazing array of deadly death-traps to destroy those who would otherwise ruin his fun. Truth is he really has little to no motivation for crime otherwise. After having mastered every game he could find, he's just bored.
Now, at some later point the PCs may want to quit working for their villain or the villain might get captured. Maybe the PCs do really well and another villain notices and offers them better pay and retirement benefits. Its all up to them what they want to do.
Also notes that these villains are pretty tough but not A-List. These aren't the Dr. Doom's and Lex Luthor's of the world but they could be someday. Generally they are the ones who are either not quite there yet as far as power level or they are there but various things hold them back.
Anarchette
Radical feminist and political revolutionary (at least in her own mind), Anarchette seeks to put down the establishment and raise up a whole new matriarchal world, with herself either in the top seat or thanked by those who she put there. Unfortunately, she sometimes hurts her cause rather than helps it with an abbrasive attitude and no real clue as to how to put real change in motion. She is often opposed by Lady Mama and The Amazon Woman from Mars.
Mid-low in resources, mid-low in tech and middle ground in popularity, Anarchette's real advantage is the she is very 'hands on' and more likely to go out on missions with her minions than any of the other villains. Also, while her image sometimes confuses the public, her motivation is occasionally shared by other female supervillains who are willing to 'team-up' with her. At least temporarily.
Beetle Mania
A great Supervillain for first time henchpersons, Beetle Mania has mid-level ratings in Resources, Technology, Popularity and no direct Arch-Nemesis as of yet. Of course, he is several french fries and a vegetable sort of a blue plate special if you catch my drift.
All his gear, crimes and motivations are focused around insects. Beetle Mania is convinced that a terrible tragedy is soon to befall mankind and only insects will survive (they survived the extinction of the dinosaurs and will out live us if its a nuclear war, right? RIGHT?!?). That is, unless he and he alone can figure out how to create science and technology that will give humanity the insects' advantages. He's the best kind of villain in that amid the destruction he causes and thefts he performs he is absolutely certain that he is really the hero.
Board Game Geek
What does a lonely man with a good deal of wealth, poor social skills, and a penchant for Monopoly do with his spare time? Become a Supervillain of course! The Prince of Pop-O-matic, the Sultan of Sorry!, the Candy Land Handy Man - Board Game Geek has invented an amazing array of deadly death-traps to destroy those who would otherwise ruin his fun. Truth is he really has little to no motivation for crime otherwise. After having mastered every game he could find, he's just bored.
Mid-to-high Resources, mid-level Tech but high Popularity, BGG faces off against the ultimate in ArchNemesis...es...Nemesisi...er...anyway, All Man! Yikes! Make sure the Geek gives full dental.
Magister Longissime
Pronounced MA-gee-stare LON-gee-see-may, AKA 'Mister Far Away', is a debunaire, playboy villain of the type that normally faces off with secret agents more often than the cape and cowl set. Dashing, handsome, wealthy, and popular, he nonetheless faces massive challenges from organized law enforcement and various government agencies. He is more subtle than the other villains but constantly under surveillance for any slip up.
Though unconfirmed, it is believed that this charming fellow of latin descent possesses powers of a mystical nature. Indeed it is possible that black magics are what have enabled him to amass his fortune and avoid capture. He operates from his secret island Villa of Doom. (Think Ricardo Montoban on Fantasy Island).
Mein Fuhrer Martian
Actually named something somewhat hard to pronounce which sounds a bit like Dr. 'Quarkwarp', this little green man with a big green brain is out to do nothing less than take over the world! Its for your own good you hairless monkey people. Only an extraterrestrial intellect as vast and handsome as he could save you from your own pitiful stupidity.
Pluses? Really advanced gear! We're talking ray guns, flying saucers, 50ft Super-Robots, you name it. Downsides? Angry Superheroine ex-wife, press created the 'Mein Fuhrer' nickname and now everyone thinks he's 'Nazi' related (That's ridiculous! I despise all Humans equally!) and how far can you go when you're a Human and you're boss hates Humans. He does have a real hottie of a daughter though...if you're into green women.
What's up next you ask? Why, the milieu's Superheroes! After all, that's who the PCs will be up against. Be ready for the Earth's most gallant guardians and posh protectors...coming up next.
AD
Barking Alien
Magister Longissime
Pronounced MA-gee-stare LON-gee-see-may, AKA 'Mister Far Away', is a debunaire, playboy villain of the type that normally faces off with secret agents more often than the cape and cowl set. Dashing, handsome, wealthy, and popular, he nonetheless faces massive challenges from organized law enforcement and various government agencies. He is more subtle than the other villains but constantly under surveillance for any slip up.
Though unconfirmed, it is believed that this charming fellow of latin descent possesses powers of a mystical nature. Indeed it is possible that black magics are what have enabled him to amass his fortune and avoid capture. He operates from his secret island Villa of Doom. (Think Ricardo Montoban on Fantasy Island).
Mein Fuhrer Martian
Actually named something somewhat hard to pronounce which sounds a bit like Dr. 'Quarkwarp', this little green man with a big green brain is out to do nothing less than take over the world! Its for your own good you hairless monkey people. Only an extraterrestrial intellect as vast and handsome as he could save you from your own pitiful stupidity.
Pluses? Really advanced gear! We're talking ray guns, flying saucers, 50ft Super-Robots, you name it. Downsides? Angry Superheroine ex-wife, press created the 'Mein Fuhrer' nickname and now everyone thinks he's 'Nazi' related (That's ridiculous! I despise all Humans equally!) and how far can you go when you're a Human and you're boss hates Humans. He does have a real hottie of a daughter though...if you're into green women.
What's up next you ask? Why, the milieu's Superheroes! After all, that's who the PCs will be up against. Be ready for the Earth's most gallant guardians and posh protectors...coming up next.
AD
Barking Alien
Monday, December 6, 2010
I'm feeling...FIENDish
Not that I want to be a fiend. No, no. Just sort of fiend...ish.
FIENDish is the title of my new tongue-in-cheek, Silver Age, parody campaign that I'll be running with my old NJ crew. The initial focus, as I've mentioned, is a group of henchmen working for a C-List Supervillain in a world patterned after Megamind, The Incredibles, Venture Brothers and other forays into this particular genre parody.
As with most of my 'comedy' RPG campaigns, things are likely to get deeper and more serious than our 'serious' campaigns, periodically punctuated by moments of out and out Muhuwahahaha! I can't wait! Here's a tiny taste of what I've been working on thanks to creatively modifying some fantastic Sean Galloway concept art from the Megamind movie...say hello to Dr. Quarkwarp, a.ka. Mein Fuhrer Martian!
The good bad doctor will get further artistic adjustments before the final cut but I'm really liking him and some of the other villains and heroes I've thought up including All Man, Beetle Mania, Lady Mama and the dastardly Board Game Geek!
Other than this, my thoughts are turning once more to science fiction and the possiblity of either running Star Trek again or my old UFO campaign idea that I've never really been able to get together properly. Hmmm. This is gonna take some thinkin'.
More to come and soon!
AD
Barking Alien
FIENDish is the title of my new tongue-in-cheek, Silver Age, parody campaign that I'll be running with my old NJ crew. The initial focus, as I've mentioned, is a group of henchmen working for a C-List Supervillain in a world patterned after Megamind, The Incredibles, Venture Brothers and other forays into this particular genre parody.
As with most of my 'comedy' RPG campaigns, things are likely to get deeper and more serious than our 'serious' campaigns, periodically punctuated by moments of out and out Muhuwahahaha! I can't wait! Here's a tiny taste of what I've been working on thanks to creatively modifying some fantastic Sean Galloway concept art from the Megamind movie...say hello to Dr. Quarkwarp, a.ka. Mein Fuhrer Martian!
The good bad doctor will get further artistic adjustments before the final cut but I'm really liking him and some of the other villains and heroes I've thought up including All Man, Beetle Mania, Lady Mama and the dastardly Board Game Geek!
Other than this, my thoughts are turning once more to science fiction and the possiblity of either running Star Trek again or my old UFO campaign idea that I've never really been able to get together properly. Hmmm. This is gonna take some thinkin'.
More to come and soon!
AD
Barking Alien
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