SD.net pen & paper multiplayer RPG?

Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman · Post by **Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman** » 2003-04-11 02:02pm

I don't know if it's gonna work, but maybe we could create SD.net multiplayer RPG, traditional pen-and-paper style.

Here's the basic idea:

- A thread is a game.
- One is elected as DM (probably a mod), while others are the player.
- A player act by post. If the post is an attack during combat (ex. RayCav attack a troll using Broadsword), the damage is calculated by third party, probably the DM (to aviod cheating).
- All players elect a "party leaders" to make decision which is affected the whole team ("You encounter a party of orcs. What are you going to do?" (F)lee, (P)arlay, (C)ombat).
- The premise, story, and basic setup (equipments, statistic, etc) are posted by the DM before all players can play. Player's statistics are updated time-to-time when necessary:

Note: examples below are not in detail and just reflecting general idea.

Example: a post about player statistic (posted by DM)

SirNitram
Magic-User
HP: 30
AC: 3
Equipment:
- Staff +1 (1D4+1)
- Dagger (2D3)
- Robe (-1 AC)

phongn
Knight
HP: 63
AC: -2
Equipment:
- Broadsword (2D8)
- Shield (-1 AC)
- Full Plate Mail (-4 AC)

Faram
Fighter
HP: 70
AC: 3
Equipment:
- Battle Axe+1 (1D10+1)
- Shield (-1 AC)
- Chain Mail Armor (-2 AC)

Example: a post consisting monster-attacking act (posted by player. In this example, SirNitram)

SirNitram attacks orc using Staff

Example: a post consisting the result of the attack (posted by DM. In this example, the post is made to reply Nitram's post above)

SirNitram caused 5 points of damage. Orc's HP is reduced to 21.

Well, that's the general idea. Whaddya think, guys?

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2003-04-11 02:14pm

I've done such before over the 'net, though usually through MUSH-type servers.(Usually abandoned ones which I still have wizard access to.. I'm a DM, what can I say?)

Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman · Post by **Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman** » 2003-04-11 02:18pm

SirNitram wrote:I've done such before over the 'net, though usually through MUSH-type servers.(Usually abandoned ones which I still have wizard access to.. I'm a DM, what can I say?)

How about doing that in web discussion board like SD.net? Will it be difficult?

RedImperator · Post by **RedImperator** » 2003-04-11 02:22pm

Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman wrote:
SirNitram wrote:I've done such before over the 'net, though usually through MUSH-type servers.(Usually abandoned ones which I still have wizard access to.. I'm a DM, what can I say?)
How about doing that in web discussion board like SD.net? Will it be difficult?

The main difficulty I see is that it could take hours to conduct a single encounter if one of the players isn't here. Also, we have to consider how many posts that would take up over the course of even one adventure. Bandwidth is neither infinite nor free.

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2003-04-11 02:22pm

Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman wrote:
SirNitram wrote:I've done such before over the 'net, though usually through MUSH-type servers.(Usually abandoned ones which I still have wizard access to.. I'm a DM, what can I say?)
How about doing that in web discussion board like SD.net? Will it be difficult?

Only in the timing sense. By necessity of this medium, it'll run slower, but it'll also be slightly more friendly to longer-term adventures in that manner. There's no need to grab everyone at once: As long as actions are stated and left on the board, the DM can round them all up. Still, that would make battles difficult. If I had to choose what 'setting' for such a campaign, I'd choose AD&D's Planescape. It strongly favors RP and problem solving instead of monster bashing.

Mark S · Post by **Mark S** » 2003-04-11 02:33pm

Seems very sterile to read. That may be just me though. Lots of work for the DM too. You'd really have to want to do it.

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2003-04-11 02:40pm

Sterility comes quite often if the person describing things is dull. I tend to describe the effects as more along the lines of 'Nitram's staff catches the lizardlike creature in the midsection, knocking it back and winding it badly', or the ever popular, 'A single chop of Phong's hands swiftly cleaves the man's head from his shoulders, with the appropriate spray of blood and gore'.

If bandwidth is an issue here, it could be run on a MUSH. I think I know one where I have administrative access enough to run things.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 2003-04-11 02:43pm

Mark S wrote:Seems very sterile to read. That may be just me though. Lots of work for the DM too. You'd really have to want to do it.

Dice calculation can be done using small VB apps (I think I've written one some years ago... hmmm.. gotta find it. Doesn't need to be integrated with the board, though). But yes, I agree with you. The DM has to constantly monitor a game (because he has to resolve many things, like the damage inflicted by a player).

But I think SD.net multiplayer RPG can work for short games. It would strain the players and the DM in long campaigns, but short games may be nice.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 2003-04-11 02:47pm

I'm thinking about the theme now. It doesn't have to be medieval/fantasy RPG, does it? How about a sci-fi RPG, set in Star Wars meets Star Trek universe? Maybe we can create a short game about that (playing Stormtroopers in a mission to capture a GCS.

The characters don't have to be individual. It could be ships (ala Privateer). It could be fighters (TIE Fighters have same statistics but the pilots don't).

After all, this is a Star Wars vs Star Trek forum, ain't it?

Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman · Post by **Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman** » 2003-04-11 02:52pm

Goddammit. I posted as Guest again. AAARRRGGHHHH!!!!!!

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2003-04-11 03:32pm

I intentionally use the subSilver theme, as I instantly know when I've been logged off by the system.

Keevan_Colton · Post by **Keevan_Colton** » 2003-04-11 04:24pm

If people want to run RP's here I'd be more than happy to DM it all.....I've plenty of experience from my time in the Star Wars Combine

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2003-04-11 06:44pm

I would love to play...It will be difficult...but

MAGIC USER I WILL BE!

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2003-04-11 06:47pm

Alyrium Denryle wrote:I would love to play...It will be difficult...but

MAGIC USER I WILL BE!

You'll roll 3d6 like everyone else.

Slartibartfast · Post by **Slartibartfast** » 2003-04-11 09:36pm

Why not play SW D6? The rules are easy to pirate...

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2003-04-11 09:38pm

SirNitram wrote:
Alyrium Denryle wrote:I would love to play...It will be difficult...but

MAGIC USER I WILL BE!
You'll roll 3d6 like everyone else.

Yes yes yes

Bringing out gold d6s

6+6=6=18
2+5+5=12
4+4+6=14
6+4+5=15
6+4+5=15
6+5+3=14

they love rolling 5s 6s and 4s...

Str:15
dex:15
con:14
int:18
wis:12
Char:14

Damage+1
max weight:55
max press:170
open doors:8
bend bars:7%

Defense adj: -1

spell level:9
chance to learn: 85%
spells per leve:18

mx henchmen:6
loyalty base:+1
reaction adj:+2

Anarchist Bunny · Post by **Anarchist Bunny** » 2003-04-11 10:10pm

I'd do a game if it was DnD, maybe we could use a combonation of the boards and the IRC chat room to the get it done(for situations like fights, or maybe just more important fights.)

The Dark · Post by **The Dark** » 2003-04-12 12:27am

I was going to say, why not use the IRC room to actually play, then post to the thread after each session to keep a log of what has happened with the group. Much simpler IMHO.

Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman · Post by **Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman** » 2003-04-12 06:44am

The Dark wrote:I was going to say, why not use the IRC room to actually play, then post to the thread after each session to keep a log of what has happened with the group. Much simpler IMHO.

Sounds like a good idea. IRC room can handle combat much faster than posting on the board (unless we really want to raise our postcount

) . Besides, on IRC we can use scripts to help dice rolling. The thread can be used as log to keep the game updated, or for initial setup, or back story, such things. Good idea. Why I haven't thought 'bout that before?

OK, who's gonna start the first game?

Newtonian Fury · Post by **Newtonian Fury** » 2003-04-12 11:28pm

Which pen and paper RPG are you guys thinking about? I'm only familiar with the D20 system cuz I do D&D 3ed. I've managed to forget the 1ed rules after I found out how much more efficient and uncomplicated 3ed is.

Faram · Post by **Faram** » 2003-04-14 11:17am

Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman wrote:Faram
Fighter
HP: 70
AC: 3
Equipment:
- Battle Axe+1 (1D10+1)
- Shield (-1 AC)
- Chain Mail Armor (-2 AC)

Yee I'm a fighter! Me smash stuff

Hotfoot · Post by **Hotfoot** » 2003-04-15 05:18pm

*weeps bitterly at the total lack of mention of Dream Pod 9 or the Silhouette System and dons his robes of the DP9 Evangelist*

Ah well...soon Core Command will be out, and with it, Core Silhouette. Then I can pimp the rules system to any who would listen. Ah simplicity, elegance, robustness. No rules system is perfect, but Silhouette is the best I've ever come across. It's very easy to learn and use, and doesn't require constantly looking at endless tables and charts. Combat is paced quite nicely as a result, and much more believable than in the system used by D&D 3rd Ed.

Keevan_Colton · Post by **Keevan_Colton** » 2003-04-15 08:15pm

I'm fond of white wolf's system.....Werewolf, Vampire....I'm partial to them all....

Damaramu · Post by **Damaramu** » 2003-04-15 11:15pm

Check out THIS site to get a good idea of how it all can work.

Just wish I knew how they were figuring out combat and such. Guess I should read their faqs.

Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman · Post by **Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman** » 2003-04-16 01:02am

Faram wrote:
Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman wrote:Faram
Fighter
HP: 70
AC: 3
Equipment:
- Battle Axe+1 (1D10+1)
- Shield (-1 AC)
- Chain Mail Armor (-2 AC)
Yee I'm a fighter! Me smash stuff

Fighter's cool. I usually choose fighter when Knight/Paladin is not avaialble in the given RPG system.

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