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Post by bloodsparrow on Dec 10, 2012 10:45:09 GMT -8
Re: Disney Pins...
I might have like 4 or 5 lanyards full of pins...
Okay Stu, here's the deal,
So every year there's a special series of pins. I don't know what the theme is this year, but it get's released on the first Sunday of every month (and they run out same day always). If you go into a pin store and spend at least $25, you can get one of these special limited edition pins. ... I forget if you have to buy it or not... You probably do. (I don't have many of those.) Or at least, that's how it used to work.
So the other thing is, don't trade pins with other pin collectors. I'm not even going to tell you where and when they congregate with their SCRAPBOOKS full of pins. You'll know them when you see them.
However, you will see Cast Members wearing lanyards and little fabric squares with pins on them. That means the Cast Member will trade pins with you, UNLESS their lanyard or fabric square is... green I think? That means they'll only trade with CHILDREN. (And they are super hip to the fact that adult's will try to use children as shills to get a particular pin.) Now, what's cool about this is that the Cast Members honestly don't care about what pin you offer in exchange for the pin you want. So back when I lived in Orange County, and had a Park Pass, a couple times a year I would buy one of those boxed collections of 6 little pins for something like $12 (or something like $2 per pin). Some of these little pins I liked and wanted to keep, others not so much. So I could exchange what was essentially a $2 pin for a $15 pin that I liked from a Cast Member's lanyard.
Also.
ALWAYS be nice to the Cast Members who trade pins. They put up with a massive amount of crap from creepy Pin Trading Disnoids. (Particularly since there are special pins you can ONLY by trading with Pin Trading Cast Members to whom it was issued.)
Thus ends my response to Happy Jack's Disney Pin Trading Podcast.
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Post by Stu Venable on Dec 10, 2012 14:11:29 GMT -8
Luckily I only go to Disneyland one every two years or so.
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Post by Stu Venable on Dec 10, 2012 14:12:26 GMT -8
And I can just see how the asperger's set would behave in this sort of situation.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2012 19:14:11 GMT -8
Listening to the Podcast tonight I have some thoughts on the whole Vampire Email.
Like all 4e characters they are pretty well balanced against other player characters as far as attacks and powers go. However they are a very different kind of character what with a need to drink blood and the like.
For a new player they are alot harder to play because they have only two healing surges. To make up for this they have an encounter power that lets them feed on enemies to to gain an extra healing surge, and they can take healing surges from other willing players during short rests. Basically they have simulated the need to feed on living creatures to survive. I actually used a version of this when I turned a pair of my players in a Dark Sun game into Psuedo vampires for a time. It works pretty well at building that tension where the player and the other players must deal with their need to feed.
Also the class is a striker that wears cloth. They have higher natural defenses to compensate somewhat, but they are still a surprisingly squishy striker compared to pretty much any other class because the bulk of their attacks are melee based.
They also have the vulnerability to radiant so if they are outside in day light and the light hits bare skin they take ten damage each turn. So they could die very quickly. As mentioned though this requires skin to be showing so he could mitigate this by her always being very bundled up. Which in itself could attract attention and lead to some interesting Roleplay aspects.
I'd say let her play it but make sure she understands the negative side of playing a vampire. For the social side I agree that you could go with either the idea that there are good vampires or simply follow the logic that vampires in general tend to keep a low profile so where Dragons, and goblins, and the like are a know quantity Vampires are almost a folk tale. Something most people don't know exist.
You could even throw in plot hooks where possible cures might exist, or where the clan that turned her, or a rival clan, are hunting her.
The big thing though is the DM and the player have to remember that the class does have some very unique features that make it a very different and in many ways harder class to play well and survive.
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D.T. Pints
Instigator
JACKERCON 2018: WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY June 22-July 1st
Posts: 2,857
Currently Playing: D&D 5e, Pathfinder, DUNGEONWORLD, Star Wars Edge of the Empire
Currently Running: DUNGEONWORLD, PATHFINDER
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Post by D.T. Pints on Dec 10, 2012 19:43:43 GMT -8
The last email brought up the best game to suggest for RPG newbies. While I'd agree with JiB that Savage Worlds is inexpensive and skinny (the deluxe book 154 pages) I don't think its immediately the most accessible of games. I've always seen it as the gateway to long time gamers who just don't have the amount of time in their lives to play extended campaigns and complex rulesets. I"ve said this before on the Pathfinder thread but I cannot recommend the PF beginner box enough as a very inexpensive (and high production value) game to get folks new to RPG's into the hobby. (Which is certainly what this esoteric activity could benefit from). paizo.com/beginnerboxI'm running a series of introductory games at my wife's bookstore for various age groups. Then, as any good marketing person would recommend she'll stock the stores shelves with the game. With pre-gen characters, a gm's book, players book, battle mat, and a shit ton of cardstock minis its my go to introductory product. Unlike WOTC's release of its Red Box this product actually is very accessible, readable and easy to use. Check it out or buy it for some RPG curious friends/family. Fantasy Flight Games just released its Beginner Box Star Wars set which I haven't played but have seen some good reviews. It utilizes some of the more interesting aspects of the Warhammer V3 dice/game mechanics. www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite_sec.asp?eidm=224&esem=1
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Post by Kainguru on Dec 11, 2012 3:49:25 GMT -8
So we're all hipsters then!!! Obscure games??? WTF - I may get to my local FLGS once in blue moon but nearly all the games discussed are proudly displayed and (by assumption) must be selling well to so displayed. To the guy who left the 2 star review - fuck him!!! As to accents: the regional dialects in the UK were instrumental in the identification and apprehension of the Yorkshire Ripper in the early 80's - they were able to place his origin to within two sets of houses because of certain unique inflections. BTW the main mountain chain that separates east and west England are called the PEN- nines (like a biro followed by the number 9) - not pen-ines (sorry had to pick up on that one) Of linguistic interest New Zealand (land of my birth) is being studied because unlike any other country it apparently does not have regional accents. One accent for the whole country - the why is the purpose of the study 'cause no one can explain it. Australia though has a huge variety of accents, persons (like myself) who grew up in port cities have a far less pronounced twang due to the influence of the itinerant residents from other countries (merchant seamen etc) - country folk (or out backers) are easily able to identify we soft arsed townies because of it ( and vice versa). And, no, no Australian sounds like a retired british army major unless he's actual a pommy import (if which we have loads as well as substantial collection of Irish expats . . . In fact if you like beer and music and ever find yourself in Brisbane Qld seek out the Irish quarter in the Fortitude Valley it's a good drunken night out with plenty if stout) Simpler than D&D but still "D&D" - Castles&Crusades. 1e flavour with modern simplified mechanics and better art work and a better index and a more logical rules presentation. Plus there is also OSRIC which is free as a pdf Aaron
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Post by inflatus on Dec 11, 2012 8:27:48 GMT -8
I think that when recommending a game for a new player or GM, the community that is part of the system should not be overlooked. I remember trying to learn Pathfinder I has specific combat questions. I posted them to the community and received answers in less than a day. A couple of the questions had to be reworded during the discussion to get it answered but I was able to understand afterwards.
When picking a system to learn for a new RPG player or GM, check the community associated with the game. If they are helpful it can make for a better learning experience.
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Post by shadrack on Dec 11, 2012 9:26:36 GMT -8
I think it also really matters what the people are like.
It also matters (possibly the most) what the GM wants to run. I feel a discussion before the group gets together should go down. I think a general idea about what genre is desired, and a feel for what kind of gameplay the group wants.
Clearly, if you/they want the classic D&D experience, you should likely go with Pathfinder or some iteration of D&D (I would say GM choice on which flavor)
I am clearly a fan of Savage Worlds, and think it can be a great intro game. As mentioned already the price point is solid, also if they want a particular setting feel, you can probably get close with either a published setting or a fan-created version.
And here we go... FATE core. not for everyone, but clearly doable. Right now, you can get the core rules for a $1 pledge. Once the book comes out the pdf will be released "for whatever price the want to pay, including free, when we publish." As I mentioned, likely not for all, but if you (GM) think your players are the type that could enjoy a bit more of a free wheeling feel then it could be a good option. (if you're stuck on the dice just roll a d6-d6, or do FUDGE dice on your smartphone)
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Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2012 14:22:37 GMT -8
I'll be honest I ended up playing 4e because when I went to my local game store to get back into RPGs after a long hiatus from 2e my first encounter with the Pathfinder players in the area was pretty much a collection of all the worst stereotypes possible. I've never played the system but for a long while I actively hated it simply because the dozen or so players I met over a few trips to the game store were such ass hats. The much smaller collection of 4e players were on the other time much more inviting and friendly, possibly because almost all of them were new players like myself.
I keep hearing decent things about the system, but having now been introduced to FATE, Traveller, and Savage Worlds pretty much all d20 systems are something I've left behind as I much prefer quick combat so you can get back to the RP and storytelling.
Honestly if you are starting with players who have never played an RPG I think I might actually recommend FATE. The game comes across as strange and a little hard to Grok by standard RPG players, but the few times I have introduced to to game novices it they caught really quickly. I've also found them to be much better at coming up with aspects on the file because instead of trying to equate math and stats they just start describing things in vivid detail which naturally builds the aspects.
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Post by Stu Venable on Dec 11, 2012 15:11:43 GMT -8
That something I've wondered about Fate. To most of us, it's very much outside-of-the-box. But if you're not familiar with the box, it might be just as easy to pick up as anything else.
BTW, the 2012 RPG Podcasts Listener Survey will be coming out soon. They released to us the contents of the comments section. If that's any indication, HJRP listeners look well represented.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2012 5:09:53 GMT -8
So, I've been thinking about it, and I think there are basically three reasons why I want to get a new RPG book:
1. It's got new fluff (usually setting/story) that I'm not familiar with, I think is cool, and might want to use in something. (e.g. Broken Rooms looks kinda cool, might wanna pick it up).
2. It's an extension of something I already have/like, most often supporting a new genre for it (e.g. I'm currently enjoying Dresden Files, and there are some FATE games out there for sci-fi, so I might want to get one or two of them).
3. It's got an interesting new game mechanic that I think is cool, and want to try out. (e.g. I'm into FATE right now, but a friend who games similar to me is really enjoying the PDQ system, and I think I want to check it out.)
So, hopefully, the above will finally help explain exactly why I COULD NOT CARE LESS ABOUT D&D NEXT, or really any iteration of D&D going forward.
And I get confused why so many people are interested who I wouldn't think would go near it. I get folks who signed up for the first beta, out of curiosity. But beyond that? It's sort of like, if you're into music, and an old, classic band got back together and put out a new album. If you don't listen to any of that band's old stuff, and don't even really like them, why would you go buy their new album, and critique it?
Sorry, got a little ranty. I'm not actually complaining about people discussing D&D on the podcast or anywhere. It's fine. I just... don't understand why? I feel like I'm missing something... like I *should* be more interested in it, for reasons I don't get.
--Pukka Tukka
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Post by Stu Venable on Dec 12, 2012 5:34:33 GMT -8
From a general "RPG hobby" point of view, DnD Next is very relevant, as a large chunk of people in the hobby will not only buy it and play it, but it will be their primary game.
As a result, a large portion of our listenership will play it and discuss it.
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Post by jazzisblues on Dec 12, 2012 6:22:36 GMT -8
Speaking purely for myself I have some degree of interest in anything that comes out because one never knows, it might be really interesting, or have some interesting aspect to it that could be used to color another game. I also think that (for me) it is very useful to keep an open mind about new games and products and ideas about gaming.
I'm unlikely to run a campaign of D&D Next, but if someone else were running I might very well play in it.
Cheers,
JiB
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Post by Kainguru on Dec 12, 2012 6:39:01 GMT -8
People discuss D&D Next for the same reasons they discuss any kick starter involving a game in development - interest in its development. It's no different, fir me personally, than when Porsche unveil a new model . . . There's speculation and hype and curiosity (despite my personal belief that the best Porsche of the 911 marque was made in the mid 90's - I never really liked its radical overhaul or the abandonment of air cooling - and I could never realistically hope to own the later models). The most curious observation I've made is that people often state they've 'evolved beyond D&D'? . I've tried different systems, I love the new traveller I enjoy WoD and nWoD etc etc but I prefer to think that I've expanded my RPG horizons rather than evolved past it. After over 20yrs I'm back DMing a 1e Campaign and the podcast is right . . . It's flawed its raw but it is absolutely fun . . . And it's the bits that are batshit silly that make it a hoot. One of the players, they never played 1e or 2e, has decided to buy the PhB reprint because it's been a blast and that's what we often forget Elegant mechanics are nothing if it's not fun to play . . . And new is always fun because it's new and different even it's actually old. Music is a good analogy. One may not listen to old bands reformed but I know that I was introduced to a lot of music that predates my age because of an interest in just such bands at the time . . . It made me seek out the back catalogue and appreciate their (often better) earlier works. Grappelli and Reinhardt to name an example . . . though in Reinhardts case it was more discovering the original of a later interpretation by another artist. Aaron
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Post by jazzisblues on Dec 12, 2012 6:43:18 GMT -8
One of the reasons I think 1e was so much fun is that we didn't have mechanics for every little thing so we didn't rely on them. We made it up as we went to make an epic heroic story.
I'm more than a little convinced that all the weight of mechanics we have for everything now doesn't really help us role play at all. It helps us maintain fairness in the game play but does nothing for the role play.
Just my 2 krupplenicks worth, your mileage may of course vary.
JiB
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