News From the Front

I thought you might want to sneak a peek at the outline for the future shape of the DBD rules set.  What follows is an outline for the updated format.

Chapter One: On a Broad Canvas, or, Introduction to Death Before Dishonor

• General Introduction to DBD
• Joining the Game
• Time Scales
• Orders
• The Paris Gazette

Chapter Two: Soldiers, Scholars and Reprobates, or, Characters in Death Before Dishonor

Keep your eyes peeled for details of the Writing Contest and some substantial changes to the existing rules within the next edition of the Paris Gazette.  I have in mind some pleasant surprises, and I encourage your input.  As a precursor (and something of a space filler), while awaiting the arrival of all the orders, I amused myself by creating a DBD-themed skin for Yahoo Messenger.  For those of you who use this service, you may find it here.

While on that subject, you will find a newer addition to this site -- look to your left for an indicator of my online availability. Should you have questions or comments about DBD, or if you just feel like saying, "Hi," feel free to send me a message. I'm always happy to chat.

Well, back to the word processor!

April 4, 2002 A great deal of work has been going into this website as late, although much of it won't bear direct fruit for the next few weeks. However, I thought it only fair to point out these forthcoming changes so that the future actions of the player characters may be anticipated. Many of these changes were made toward the end of the previous iteration of DBD, but (as we have restarted the game) I have reset to the previous rules set.

Here are the things you will see changed within the next two turns.

• The rules are being reorganized, first by the use of a numbering system (accurate up to the middle of Chapter Four, as of this writing).  Rules may be tracked by their numbers, as follows: (Chapter #).(Section #).(Subsection #).(Special Case #).
• Many of the rules will be simplified, or excised altogether. Specifically:
• Mistress Rules dramatically simplified.  We will be removing Loyalty as a statistic, and deleting cases 2.3.1.1 and 2.3.2.1 through 2.3.2.5, as well as the entirety of subsection 2.3.3 and its cases.
• Influence Levels (ILs), a holdover from the original En Garde! game, will be replaced with Influence Points (IPs).  While one cannot combine ILs, or spend them and get change, IPs may be hoarded or spent like cash.  One IP equals (IL²), meaning a Class 9 IL becomes 81 IPs. This will dramatically simplify bookkeeping.
• Comprehensive reorganization of the existing material.  Many relevant rules are buried in hard-to-find locations.  Some are contradicted elsewhere.  Why, for example, can you hire a coach to go to the Debutante Ball, while the Coach rules state that one cannot hire a coach?  Hm.
• Greater restructuring of the military rules.  The previous concept of Brigades as standing units will be reinstated, providing a permanent home for Brigadiers.  This removes a great deal of stress from the GM in assigning ad hoc units.
• New rules will be introduced to give Ministers a role in Campaign development.  Campaigns will be limited to Summer campaigns, unless PCs or influenced NPCs dictate otherwise.  Many gentlemen are effectively barred from Paris life when their unit is called on for contiguous tours at the Front.

These and a few new surprises are in store in the next couple of turns.  And, of course, don't forget the Writing Contest, the details of which will be in the next issue of the Paris Gazette!

March 24, 2002
The DBD website goes live.  Beginning today, character sheets will be mailed out to those who have recently sent e-mails to the En Garde! Death Before Dishonor mailing list.  The final touches are still being placed on this site, mostly in the form of links.  All the rules are posted, but not all are effectively linked.  This will be remedied later today.

The Yahoo Groups poll regarding restarting vs. continuing has concluded.  An e-mail has been sent out to the entire group with the results.  These results are not entirely accurate, however.  Two members were unable to access the poll, which brings the total votes to eleven, nine for continuation and two against.  We will therefore continue our existing game.  Thanks to all who participated in voting.

I'd like to take just a second for some special recognitions.  First, to the following groups, without whom this site would never have been finished:

• My family, for keeping it to a dull roar (thanks, kids!)
• Starbucks, for keeping me overcaffeinated
• Sorten Muld and The Chieftains, for keeping me focussed

An additional recognition to my younger brother Doug (Alfredo d'Arc) for being the player with the greatest commute.  How's Hanoi, man?

Of course, each and every one of you guys deserve recognition for your patience and perseverence.  My thanks to all of you, but most particularly to Joe Carl (Jacques Strappe).  Joe has been instrumental in keeping this game alive, and for major improvements to the rules set.  Hope I can do them justice, Joe!

March 19, 2002
Work has continued to bring us closer to our "go live" date, with changes to key sections of this site and continuing updates and tweaks to the game rules (the entirety of which will be posted on this site by the live date).  Please be patient until then.

Details of the Writing Contest will not be posted until after the March, 1633 turn are completed.  While I am gratified by the positive response we've gotten, please wait until these details are published --anything detracting from getting underway has been put on a lower priority for now.

In other news, please vote for your decision regarding restarting the game with new characters, or continuing from where we left off.  So far, the results indicate continuing with existing characters.  For those of you who have already voted, thanks for doing so.

March 12, 2002
This website is slated to go live on Sunday, March 24.  All the current turn information, dating from February 1633, will be posted here for your review and to dust off those long-forgotten memory circuits.  While I have all the character information from the version of DBD I ran, I have none of the character data from George Hall's game.  Should you wish to play a character from that time, please e-mail me.

Assuming all rolls pretty evenly, the first orders (for the March, 1633 turn) will be due on April 7, 2002.  As previously, I will do my best to provide a two-week turnaround period (keep in mind, I have three part time jobs, people).  No promises, but I will do my best.  As we get up and running, I will likely be handing out assignments for sections of the Paris Gazette.  Please don't volunteer just yet; I'd prefer to get all our other issues settled first.

March 8, 2002
After a long hiatus, the decision was made to restart the Death Before Dishonor game we loved so much.  We may be running with only a couple of players for awhile, but we decided that it would be well worth it.  We hope, as you look around, that you will agree with us and join us.