The Flames of Rebellion

Coming Soon

 The Flames of Rebellion

A Burning Wheel Campaign

A Campaign set in Eredane, the world of Midnight

GM:  David Benson (Dork Rage)

Players:  Redring, JoesToes, Roee AV

Burning....

I think I'm finally ready to run a BW campaign on Roll20. I have a couple of game pitches but I'm open to almost anything. Here's what currently interests me: 1. A game set in the Midnight RPG campaign world, but during the end of the third age. For those of you familiar with the setting, it's before Izrador rises for the third and final time. The game will have a political focus as various Northern houses foment rebellion against their Sarcosan rulers to the South, all while the shadows gather in the North as Izrador marshalls his strength. I like to think it's a combo of Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings. 2. A game set in Ancient Rome centering around a Roman House that is having some financial problems of late. The game will have horror elements and a vague Cthulhu Britannica vibe. Here's the catch, though: I'm only available to play on Tuesday mornings at 8:30am PST. I know that's tough timeframe for most people, but could be pretty good for European players. I already have 1 or 2 players (though that's not confirmed). I'd like to go into the campaign with 3 solid players. Any interest?

Masks of Nyarlathotep

I have tried playing play by post role-playing in the past, with limited success.  Storium offered a year or so of amusement, but ultimately couldn't scratch that itch.  Storium is mostly a collaborative story game and not really a role-playing game.  Many people have attempted to shoehorn role-playing mechanics onto the framework of Storium and failed spectacularly.  I did run a long and enjoyable game set in my version of S.M. Stirling's Emberverse, but attrition and waning interest eventually killed that.  It's fun to go back and read it, though.  I had some players who were semi-professional writers and it reads like a dark and brutal story of survival in a world gone mad.  Fun stuff!

But I still have that itch, to write and to role-play.  My face to face gaming opportunities are limited.  The friends I live game with are busy professionals who can barely manage to meet monthly.  I'm no better (not nearly as professional, but equally as busy).  My weekly Roll20 game has been reduced to just one other person due to scheduling difficulties. It's fun, but lacks that group dynamic that makes role-playing so enjoyable.

So, I decided to give Tavern Keeper another try.  I wanted to run a game I'm familiar with, so I fell back on that old standard, Call of Cthulhu and the mega-adventure, Masks of Nyarlathotep.

I've attempted to run Masks several times in the past.  The first time while in college, if I remember correctly.  The game ended in a TPK and that group never returned to it.  The second time I ran Masks as a vehicle to learn Fate Core.  The game lasted only a few sessions, but was highlighted by the fact that the characters included Tarzan, Dr. Watson, Frankenstein's monster, Lamont Cranston, and a young Indiana Jones.  Of course the game was doomed to fail!  You'd think because of that cast, but you'd be wrong.  Fate Core was just not a great vehicle for horror games, at least in our inexperienced opinion.

So now I turn to play by post to try to run this venerable campaign.  We've only started, having completed most of the first scene, but it's been a rousing success.  PbP games offer me both the chance to role-play and to write.  I was skeptical at first, but I think, given the right players as I have now, I could learn to love this as a gaming outlet.  Finger crossed!

Follow along, if you dare, but beware of spoilers.  If you have any desire to play this wonderful and rich campaign, then make your sanity check and steer clear.  Spoilers abound!

Masks of Nyarlathotep on Tavern Keeper.

Star Wars: Episode Two

Episode Two:  Out of the Shadows

Our young heroes returned from a job done to the Drunken Kowakian Monkey Lizard.

Their Beliefs—as of now—are:

Ghost

1.     Zellara is but one thing Gudra has taken from me. He will not live to take another. His dog, Yargin Balko, will join him in a pauper’s grave.

2.    The strong have a responsibility to the weak. I will be one of the strong, and protect those in need.

3.    Zellara had a list of names stored with two lightsabers. I will find the purpose of this list, beginning with identifying the legendary Blackjack

Ant

1.    A Mandalorian always pays his debts. Gudra will pay for the years he stole from me.

2.    Yargin Balko killed Zellara. He will die by his own acid. I will track him down at the old fishery.

3.    I seek to uncover the mystery of Zellara. I will track down Blackjack to find out more.

Upon returning to the bar, Grundo appears agitated. Bitterly, he lets them in without much protest, however. Gyra must have had a word with him. 

The bar is busy now. Humans, twi'leks. A rodian and a duros sit privately in a booth. 

They approach the bartender, and ask where Gyra is. The bartender tells them that he's out back, making a deal. Just wait and he will be in in a moment.

Ant begins worrying about his droid, M1T3. He should have come to Ant when he walked through the door. Desperate, he asks the bartender for his holocom, to triangulate the mouse-droid's signal. After some grumbling, the bartender hands it over, alongside two musk ales. The young men sit in a corner table. 

Ant fiddles with his datapad and the bartender's holocom, and discovers that M1T3 is, in fact, in Gyra's satchel, who is approaching them now.

He apologizes to them before complimenting them on a job well done, allowing him to conduct his shady business. In fact, because of them, he actually made quite a profit. He slides them a couple of credit-chips (1D of Cash each). "Ah, I almost forgot!" He produces M1T3, and hands it to Ant. "Caught Alnada playing with him. You best be careful, and be glad I ain't one of them barkeeps who don't serve their kind here!"

A quick inspection reveals that M1T3 has been tampered with, but Ant doesn't bring this up.

Ghost cuts to the chase. "What about our deal?" 

Gyra scratches under his eyepatch. "Blackjack, eh? Hell, he's a tough man to find. Only way you can reach him is by dead-dropping a holopad. He's done some work for me before, but he's very particular about what jobs he takes. Real righteous fella'. Totally useless when it comes to anything not involving the authorities or the throne. Hell, won't even respond to me if the job isn't right up his alley. I set up a meeting with him for you."

He instructs them to meet Gyra back here at the Monkey Lizard in two days’ time, before midnight. 

The boys go back to their tiny apartment and sleep. The next day, Ant begins working on M1T3, to find out what's wrong with him.

        He ties a Computer vs. Slicing test. Not being the defender, he fails.

He discovers that Gyra had the droid sliced for surveillance footage of the two of them testing the newly-found lightsabers, and that that footage was sent directly to an untrackable holopad.

Never wanting this kind of breach again, Ant begins work on a firewall for the little spy.

         He rolls 3 successes on a Graduated Computers test to set an Ob 3 if someone attempts to slice M1T3

The holonet news blares in the tiny workshop. 

//Meanwhile, the whereabouts of the Palace Seneschal, Neolandus Kalepopolis, for the past week are unknown. Needing a replacement for public relations during this time of uncertainty, Queen Ileosa has appointed a new position of Press Secretariat. In a recent statement, the secretariat has claimed that the Seneschal is 'currently disposed in political matters'. This was followed by a statement claiming that Imperial diplomats are arriving soon to discuss the future of Korvosa and the Empire with the Queen. This has led to unease—and several small altercations—in the streets, as Imperial supporters gain confidence. What was once thought to be a strongly decided anti-Imperial populace of the planet, Korvosa is now considered divided nearly in half of Imperial sympathizers and people opposed to the Empire. The throne has released one final statement of late that there will be a decision made, and soon, about Korvosa's future. I'm Basha Kamilla, reporting for KVNN//

During this time, Ghost sets out to case Gudra's new hideout, the old fishery. First, he needs a holocorder to capture images. He decides to spend his recent earnings on a new holocom, equipped with a holocorder.

·         His resources is 0, but he spends the 1D cash and a persona point to pass an Ob1 Resources test

Using Zellara's map, he discovers the fishery located in an old, near-abandoned industry district near the harbor. There being not a lot of people around to slip through crowds, Ghost must rely on his abilities at sneaking through shadows. If he is seen by someone, it could throw off their entire plan to sneak in to Gudra's hold. He wants to get up close to discover any alternate entrances to the building

·         He wins a Stealthy vs. Observation, linking to a Perception test at Ob 4, which he passes.

Ghost discovers a refuse hatch on the backside of the building. It appears to be a dump chute for fish cleanings. An ancient, rusty iron ladder leads up to it. Ghost gets a few reconnaissance snapshots, and heads back to the apartment.

The two of them head out to meet Gyra. They arrive at the bar where Grundo remains ever vigilant (as much as a gamorrean can be)

Entering the Monkey Lizard, they find it to be "Closed". Seskerin is mock-cleaning at the bar, regards them. Alnada is watching intently. In the center of the room, Gyra stands over a white, opened crate, finishing up a conversation with a Kubaz. The alien leaves the bar, and Gyra greets the two boys. A quick peek in the crate reveals it is full of Stormtrooper E-11 blaster rifles, stolen, and obviously highly illegal in the hands of a civilian. Gyra doesn't keep this information from Ant and Ghost, and goes on to say that if things heat up with this possible new deal with the Empire, Gyra isn't gonna be caught with his pants down. Getting the guns before anything happens is key.

He speaks with them, and claims that Blackjack will be scared off if Gyra isn't there with them. If they want to see Blackjack, they need Gyra. He goes on to discuss details about what to say, and how to say it in Blackjack's company. Never turn your back on him, always have both hands in the open, leave holocoms on the ground where he can see them, etc.

Gyra is interrupted by his earpiece. "What? They're here? Hold them off, Grundo! Hold them off!" He dashes over to the crate. "That kubaz must be workin' for the imps!" 

Unbeknownst to Gyra, the real reason why the stormtroopers are here is because his gang pistol was found and tracked to him.

Blaster fire. Grundo comes careening in through the front door, and crashes to the floor in a limp heap. White armor emerges in the door, and Seskerin begins to shoot. He takes a shot between the eyes. Alnada screams and disappears. "Looks like the Monkey Lizard's outta' business, fellas!" Gyra fires his blaster at an imperial stormtrooper trying to step over Grundo's bulk and lands a clean hit. He tosses them each a blaster. "C'mon! I gotta couple swoops out back!"

·         Range & Cover! 

·         Both teams set objectives: Gyra & the PCs need to make it to the bikes. If they get "Out of Range" they make it out the back, to where the speeder bikes are. The Imperials want to capture the PCs and Gyra alive (If possible). They will need to force a team hesitation or injuries, or get in to "Too Close to Shoot". 

·         Range is set at Optimal for both teams (Same weapons). Cover is widely available in the forms of tables, benches, the stage, etc.

·         The PCs make a Steel test for surprise, with advantage from Grundo's warning. Gyra hides behind cover, screaming like an idiot (Fall Prone). Ant just stands there fiddling with the E-11's safety (Stand & Drool). Ghost drags his partner behind a banquette before a hail of blaster bolts rains down on where they were standing (Passed his Steel test). Phew! Close call!

·         Volleys:

o    1st Volley: PC's Sneak Out (Moving through cover of the debris and smoke among the tables) vs Imp's Close (Getting through the entry-way and in to the bar proper.) Ghost tests Stealthy without any help (his friends are hesitating) and beats the stormtrooper's double Ob penalty for Speed. He takes a shot with his rifle, but misses. He spends another success to move the group behind the bar for a better position. They move to Extreme range.

o    2nd Volley: PC's Withdraw (Getting out the back door while blasting at their pursuers) vs Imp's Flank (trying to fan out to get better angles.) Ghost tests his Speed+2D with Help vs the stormtroopers' B3 Tactics with Help, and barely wins after spending a Fate! 

o    They make it out the back door, Out of Range for both teams, and R&C ends, rather quickly, I might add.

Gyra runs over and pulls back the canvas covering some illegal swoops. The three bicker about who is going to drive these things when the Stormtroopers begin blasting at them. They take off, Gyra on the back, blasting at two pursuing Imperials on speeders themselves. They want to get away, unharmed, undetected, and on time to meet Blackjack!

·         Ant tests Beginner's Luck Driving, plus Help from Gyra's Rifles skill and Ghost's Agility vs the Imperials' B4 Driving with 1 Help. The Imps get 1 measly success, and Ant pulls out a whopping 10 successes after spending a fate point. This brings his net to 5, and the party screams off in to the night on their swoops.

They arrive at their destination, an old city park, overgrown and abandoned. They get off their speeders and approach the hollowed stump of a great maska tree. From within, a soft voice questions the young men and their guide. "Were you followed?" Gyra speaks up first. "No, we were not." The voice ignores Gyra. "Young men, I ask you, and I think you will know. Were you followed?" The two think about the question, but assured, they both say "No. We were not."

"Why do you seek my company?" Ghost produces the list of names, and reads them aloud, along with where they found it, in a Jedi's home. 

"Zellara? She was no Jedi." Gyra's services here are no longer needed, and the voice sends him off. Gyra, feeling hard done by, asks for his illegal blasters back, says his farewell to the boys, and mounts his speeder, ushering the other one by remote. The sad image of their broken ally rides off as the voice speaks again. "Your lightsabers," It asks. "Show them to me." The boys do so, and a dark figure materializes out of the tree. Black, well crafted cloak, a fine-lined silver blaster pistol at his hip, and a mask covering all but his chin.

He looks at Ghost. "That. That lightsaber, I have not seen it in many years. May I look more closely?" Reluctantly, Ghost hands the dark stranger the weapon. "It is mine, though I have not had claim to it in a long time." He pockets it, assumingly, and to Ghost's silent dismay. "The two of you must have had a very rough day. I feel the Force is strong with both of you. Though you have only just met me, would you trust me enough to shelter you for the evening? Perhaps you might have the answers you seek." They agree, and follow him through the dark, gnarled old city streets, to places long left to rot. They arrive in an underground hovel, and Blackjack goes on to light candles.

He tells them of the Force, of the dark side and the light. He offers them training, to unlock their potential to use the Force. He lets them sleep on the decision.

Before sleep, Ant asks M1T3 to spy on the mysterious man.

• M1T3 failed an Inconspicuous test to spy

In the morning, Ant is woken with a terrible thud to his chest. M1T3 squeeks from on top of him, as Blackjack stands menacingly above. "The next time you try and spy on me, try to be a little more subtle than a mouse droid?" M1T3 Whirrs a foul-mannered response.

End of session.

Burning Wheel Codex

Update:  Funded!  Get to work, Luke.

+luke crane and Burning Wheel Headquarters have announced a kickstarter to update the Monster Burner, Magic Burner, and Adventure Burner in a single tome, The Burning Wheel Codex.

We fans of the BW have been waiting a long time for this.  Don't miss your opportunity to get in on the ground floor and support this wonderful RPG company.  You won't be sorry!

More Burning Wheel...Please!

I'd like to take a moment here and step up on my soap box.  Luke Crane, creator of Burning Wheel, has expressed a desire not to see his work released and distributed in PDF form on social sharing sites.  I can certainly respect his wishes there.  But...he has refused to reprint and make available books that, while designed for an older version of BW, are directly referenced in his newest and current version of the game.  I don't want to download illegal PDF's of games.  I want to see the creator paid and rewarded for his or her hard work.  I want to encourage future publications with my credit card.  I want the system to work as it's supposed to.  Bottom line, though, is I want to be able to purchase and own Luke's work!  It will enhance my experience with his game and put a little money in his pocket.

I know that Luke has scheduled an announcement on Tuesday, so I'll wait for that, but I want to encourage him to rethink his position and either release the books in question as PDF's or reprint the books and make them available for purchase.  Either way, I'll buy them.

Bottom line:  Luke, take my freakin' money!

P.S.  Luke, the books are brilliant.  Don't sell yourself short.  We love and respect your work and only want to encourage you to create more.  We have your back.

Star Wars: Episode One

Edge of Anarchy

It is a time of strife for the planet Korvosa. King Eodred —beloved by his people— is dead. His accord with the Galactic Empire for the planet's autonomy is now in jeopardy. The people of Korvosa anxiously await the decision of their new leader, the late king's wife, and known supporter of the Empire, Queen Ileosa.

In Shingle City, two young people —once slaves to the deplorable Gudra the Hutt— find themselves at the home of the mysterious old woman who rescued them from Gudra's clutches.

Unbeknownst to them, their actions here may set them on a path that could save Korvosa, and perhaps the Galaxy from an ancient and terrible evil...

CAST

Antares "Ant" Arkadyn 

Ant Arkadyn is the son of Arcas Arkadyn, a Mandalorian mercenary.  When Arcas entered into the employ of the Hutt, Gudra, on Korvosa, he was forced to turn his son over as a hostage to ensure his loyalty.  When Arcas never returned, Ant was forced to work as a slave in Gudra's hall.  He was rescued by the Jedi, Zellara, and set free.  Ant used his technical skills to eke out a living in Shingle City, doing odd jobs for a variety of patrons.  Ant lacks the martial skills common among Mandalorians and has always felt like a failure in that regard.


Kalen "Ghost" Dorian

Kalen Dorian was born a slave into the household of Gudra the Hutt on the planet Korvosa.  He was freed at the age of 12 by the intervention of the Jedi, Zellara.  For the next few years, Kalen made his living as a pick pocket and small-time thief.  He was often employed by information broker Gyra Reu.

SUPPORTING CAST

Gudra the Hutt

Gudra is a small-time criminal in Shingle City on the planet of Korvosa. He has a small household and employs mercenaries from time to time. He has been known to employ local thug Yargin Balko.  Five years ago, a woman known as Zellara helped cripple his burgeoning criminal empire on Korvosa.  He has struggled to recover and, now, has amassed enough strength to finally strike back.

Yargin Balko

Balko is a killer for hire often found in the employ of Gudra the Hutt.  He is known for using acid as a means to commit his murders.  He is thought to be the killer of the Jedi, Zellara.

Gyra Reu

Reu is an information broker in Shingle City.  If you want info, he's the man to see.  He has recently entered into a partnership with Seskerin Malosh, a Twi'lek of ill-repute. With Malosh, he is the part owner of the Drunken Lizard-Monkey, a cantina in Shingle City.

Seskerin Malosh

Little is known of the Twi'lek Seskerin Malosh.  He's a new player in Shingle City and has recently partnered with the well known information broker Gyra Reu.  He is the part owner of the Drunken Lizard-Monkey.

Alnada

Alnada is a Kowakian Lizard-Monkey and companion to Seskerin Malosh.  She is the inspiration for the name of his cantina.

Grundo the Gamorrean

Grundo is the doorman and bouncer at the Drunken Lizard-Monkey.  He's not particularly bright, even for a Gamorrean.

Blackjack

Blackjack is a legendary figure on Korvosa.  He has been known to be both a criminal and a legendary hero.  He hasn't been seen in over a decade and is thought to be dead.  Recently, the information broker, Gyra Reu, has claimed to know of his whereabouts.  Most consider him a myth.

Zellara

Zellara has long been rumored to be a Jedi, but there has never been any proof.  If she is, she has hidden it well.  Five years ago Zellara brought down the crime ring of Gudra the Hutt, freeing his slaves.  She was recently found murdered in her home on the outskirts of Shingle City.  Several lightsabers were found in her possession as well as a reference to the legendary figure, Blackjack.

M1T3

M1T3, or Mite, is the personal droid of Ant Arkadyn.  He built Mite from scratch from scavenged parts after he was freed from Gudra the Hutt.  Mite may look like a smaller version of the standard "mouse" droid, but he has been heavily modified and upgraded.

This game of Star Wars takes place during the Age of Rebellion.  It will be played using a hybrid of the Burning Wheel and Burning Empire rulesets, written by Luke Crane and Thor Olavsrud.

Episode One:  The Hutt Strikes Back

Antares Arkadyn and Kalen Dorian arrive at Zellara's house, on the far outskirts of Shingle City. Something has called them here, some feeling of unease.

Upon entering, they find the house in complete disarray. The beheaded body of their once-savior lies on the floor, arms outstretched toward an old book case. Kalen kicks a table over in outrage. Zellara had —5 years before— saved the two of them from Gudra's collection of orphan-slaves, and toppled his small crime empire. The Hutt had escaped, and now it seems he has rebuilt enough for his revenge.

After examining her wounds, Ant and Ghost determine that her killer must be Gudra's henchman, Yargin Balko, based on the acids used to remove her head, now missing. They inspect what she may have been reaching for in her last moments, and find a hidden compartment. They open it, and find several noteworthy items. Two weapons, used by a Jedi, known as lightsabers.





A holo-map of an old fishery, with data-notes indicating that it might be Gudra's current hideout. Ghost knows where this place would be: The old docks and fishing district.

There is also a faded, very short hand-written list of names:

Arkadyn

Dorian

Blackjack?

Ant and Ghost decide that the two weapons are, in fact, a Jedi's (or two Jedi's) lightsabers. One a yellow-orange color, the other a pale blue. They begin plotting their revenge on Balko and Gudra. They consider some options, but eventually settle on trying to track down the third name on the list, Blackjack.

Blackjack has been a legendary folk hero for as long as people on Korvosa can remember. Rare in his appearances, he rights injustices on the planet where he can, equipped only with a blaster pistol. Many claim that they have seen him, but no one knows his true identity, for he wears a mask and hood. The task of tracking him down will be difficult.

The players write some beliefs/instincts for their characters.

Ghost

Belief 1: Zellara is but one thing Gudra had taken from me. He will not live to take another. His dog, Yargin Balko, will join him in a pauper's grave.

Belief 2: The strong have a responsibility to the weak. I will be one of the strong and protect those in need.

Belief 3: Zellara had a list of names stored with two lightsabers. I will find the purpose of this list, beginning with identifying the legendary Blackjack.

Instinct: Never say no to a pretty face.

Ant

Belief 1: A Mandalorian always pays his debts. Balko will die by his own acid.

Belief 2: I seek to uncover the mystery of Zellara. I will track down Blackjack to find out more.

They call upon an old contact, a data- and information-broker by the name of Gyra Reu, a one-eyed, crafty scoundrel. Gyra used to work for the Rakghoul's Teat Boys, before becoming an independent. Now he co-owns a busy cantina, The Drunken Kowakian Monkey-Lizard, alongside Seskerin Malosh, a Twi'lek. Before entering the bar, Ghost is forced to relinquish his pistol to the Gamorrean bouncer, but both he and Ant keep their lightsabers from Grundo's sight.

Gyra greets them. They ask him to track down Blackjack. Gyra claims he already knows where Blackjack is. As per usual, he offers them a trade: They must divert a daily patrol of stormtroopers long enough for Gyra to... operate his business. If they can disable the soldiers' speeder, all the better. Ant and Ghost agree, and begin with their assignment, after stealing an extra pistol from Grundo's lockbox. Unknowingly, Ghost takes Gyra's old gang pistol! Ant leaves his droid, M1T3, behind to spy on Gyra.

They find their mark, and construct a plan. Ghost will take a couple of pot-shots at the imperials, while Ant slices the speeder. They are successful, but Ghost drops the gang pistol to —hopefully— throw off his pursuers. Their job is a success, though repercussions for their trickery will haunt them soon enough.

Session ends.