[Alex]

Hi people! Long time no see!

This year, I have spent some of my time reading (and sometimes even playing!) pen and paper RPGs. Due to various issues, I have played a lot less than what I wanted, but still, it convinced me that there is a lot of neat stuff in them that could help the design of computer RPGs. Actually I also think there is a lot that PnP RPGs could learn from videogames too, though RPGs and CRPGs are actually very different beasts. Because of that, PnP features can't be used "as is" on CRPGs and vice versa. Instead, we must understand the purpose and workings behind the systems before they can be properly adapted. For example, if I took The Riddle of Steel's combat system (more on it on a later thread) and transplanted it directly to, say, Ultima 7, the game would be much worse for it, as you would have a game full of combat encounter, each potentially lethal, with little or no way around them.

So, I wanted to start one (actually various, but one at a time) game thread in the hopes that, by the time a game is done, the thread itself will be useful in discussing and dissecting how various design decisions can change a game (of course I am hoping for a good time while doing it too).

So, if the moderators are ok with it, I would like to start the first game right here. I know quite a lot of systems, and I am willing to learn any I don't know (though difficulty in procuring the book may be a limiting factor). My objective is to try out various different RPGs, so we can gleam different insights from them. Therefore, I probably won't play a game that is too much like another I already played for some time, but since this is the first time I am doing this, any RPG would be fine. Also, if the game you want to play has some kind of game master, I am willing to take that role (not all RPGs have a game master), or let someone else take it, either way is fine.

I anyone is interested, post here your suggestions of what games you think would be nice to start and you opinions of what has been posted so far (post what you think of the suggestion, your familiarity with its system, and anything else you think relevant). My own suggestion is to start with GURPS Infinite Earths. In this kind of game, almost any kind of character is possible. This will allow us to focus on a simulationist game with plenty of options.

Thanks, everyone!

[Hector]

Certainly sounds interesting.  Should this go ahead, what are we going to use for dice though?  And what is the post rate likely to be?

[Alex]

I am open to suggestions on the format (so, if anyone has a better idea, please, post it!), but I am thinking of using the invisible castle for rolling dice when a game has dice. Games with other kinds of system may be a little harder to make do, but I think we probably can make do with the Vassal Engine in these cases.

As for posting rate, I can guarantee posting at least 3 times a week, though I will probably post almost every day. I would prefer that everyone else who participates also committed themselves to 3 times a week at least. If anyone wanted to participate but is unable to meet this kind of schedule though, post about it anyway! Maybe we can find some kind of arrangement or something.

[Dragatus]

I'm interested. GURPS intrigues me though what I've seen of the full version the wealth of options seems rather overwhelming. GURPS LITE is simple enough though, follows the same basic rules, and is available here for free.

As for the differences between p&p RPGs and computer RPGs I think the main advantage of p&p is freedom while the main advantage of cRPGs is that the game mechanics can use more complex math and follow more details. Battles with larger numbers of opponents are also easier to handle when the computer can track each individual's health for you.