GM Logs - 1998
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| Attribute
Auction starts Wednesday, October 7. Attribute Auction starts; rulings; maps Questions: auction, background First Round bids; site additions Second Round bids; player contributions GM Assistant Third Round of the Attribute Auction begins Thursday, October 15. Second Round bids; the ranking of twins; bedroom talk Fourth Round of the Attribute Auction begins Monday, October 19. Ember map Attribute status; reminder 5 pm CST 22nd Attribute stats Attribute Auction ENDS midnight Friday, October 23. Auction for the Postitions/Artifacts of Ember starts Friday, October 23. 10 am CST 23rd Attribute stats; Ember bids; ???? Attribute Auction final results! Ember Auction stats; commitment of points; character messages Ember Auction stats; website revisions Ember Auction ENDS midnight Friday, October 30. Character drafts, descriptions and questions due Friday, October 30. |
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Shake-out week. (Dialogues with the GM to complete character creation
and total points spent.) Complete paperwork. (Stat sheets, Item/artifact worksheet, Spell templates, Shadow descriptions, Q&A, etc.) Questions about Magic. Changes..... Official standings; thanks..... Miss me? Power Words... Gone again? spells; maps; sour wine.... Hosting pages; Ember icon. Pre-'War' briefings. (I need to know all spells, special actions, plans, treacheries, etc.) Admissions; info; the game has begun... Game play starts November 25th. (Yippeee!) GM on holiday, Wednesday (25th) - Sunday (29th). |
"A
Maturing Wine"
(A few years back, in a bar across the way...) Rumors (Regrets, there've been a few...) "The Scion of Ember" (Beginnings...) |
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Back! Postings; Powers More up on the site. Eviction; Scion's Chambers; Mother Ann. Revised castle maps; finals. GM loses Internet connections, Saturday (Dec. 19) thru Monday (Jan 4). I'm working on this. CHRISTMAS VACATION |
"A
Maturing Wine" (updates...)
Caitlin's Diary Seyer's Scrolls Cygnus, "The Ember Family" Simeon, "Ember's Rangers" |
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Last week I e-mailed RPG players I've played with before and a few personal friends who are interested in role-playing an invitation to play "Scion of Ember". So far we have six ayes and a couple of maybes. Today I added a Character Sheet in both .rtf and .txt format and started recording in the Game Master's Log (this page). I will add OOC (out of character) notes and game turn logs here. The game turn logs will be in the style of a 'rumor/gossip mill'. Only information that a player may have overheard in the conversation of others, in a town newspaper, or have been told by a casual observer.
The Attribute Auction (first round) begins today. EVERYONE STARTS WITH 125 POINTS. I will list bids as they come in on the attributes.html page. A bidding round is officially over when you receive e-mail stating so. I'll call for the second round as soon as all first round bids are in and posted. Bidding will continue with as many rounds as we need until everyone is satisfied with their ranking. Then on to the second auction for starting positions in Ember. Remember, the points you bid are permanently gone once each round is posted. You can not 'sell down' for more points after a bid has been made in one of the four categories (Psyche, Strength, Endurance and Warfare). You can not bid to increase your ranking in a category that has been sold down. Leave yourself enough points to buy powers and items later without stinting on Attributes. A balanced character will last longer than one with an obvious weakness. (Remember Achilles and his heel?)
Someone asked if I was sticking to the Amber DRPG manual as to procedures and definitions. Yes. I am. Hopefully, I'll stay out of hot water longer going along with rules everyone has access to in one way or another. Any changes from the rules will be on this website. (Be sure to reread the create character pages and the character sheet.txt. There are Ember specific changes there.) In all things connected with 'Scion of Ember', consider this website as dominant with the Amber DRPG manual second, e-mail messages third, and any conversations (especially the ones I forget about) as a last resort.
New crests are up for the Amber Trumps. Check the e-faqs.html page also. Gerry's computer found a cap (?) virus in the rtf version of the character sheet when downloaded. I apologize for this and have disconnected the file's link until the problem is fixed. We think it is a Microsoft macro virus. The .txt file should be OK. Again, I am sorry for this invasion of your cyberspace.
On the Attribute Auction... Yes, please bid on all four attributes. We will continue the bidding process for maybe four 'official' rounds or until everyone is done, but I think a simultaneous bidding on all four will speed up the character creation process a bit and allow us to start game play sooner. The diceless system does require more thought and decision making than the dice system (IMO) in character creation, but remember, a child of Amber is almost immortal. You are creating for the long-term.
Someone has requested more background material for character creation.
Nutshell version: All players are family (in one way or another) and for years have helped (or not) their father/scion to run the domain of Ember. Dad/king becomes ill for a long period of time. It appears he will die soon. The heir apparent is not obvious at this time (it will depend on who wins the auction for the Stone of Foomall). Some of you will not like the final choice and may wish to contest it in one way or another. Others may wish to support the new Scion. (This is called a Throne War in the Amber DRPG manual.) What you do is up to you. You choose your character's path in life.
GM NOTES: I see this game as an exploration of choices. It will be closely formatted in a story fashion, with chapters and scenes, with character growth through the joys, trials and tribulations of living. Do not worry too much about buying the wrong amount of attributes or powers. This is a fantasy. Buy what you want. (You can ignore my prodding and bullying if you wish. No stigma attached. I will push to sell like any good/evil GM.) Role-playing and interacting with your character's environment and the other players is the most important.
Back to the nut: Your short-term goal is to survive, determine who will be the new, permanent 'Scion of Ember' and grow your character into the powers and potentials you have purchased with your points. Your long-term goals are to break out of Ember and discover Amber, Chaos, and the Shadows. But don't plan on breaking out too soon. Learn who your character is and get comfortable with the Amber diceless system first.
All you need to create a character for this game is on the website (except for item and creature creation; will be soon). Everyone will start on the same footing, ignorant of their potential powers.
First Round Bids are coming in. As of 9 am CST today, the highest bids are: Psyche 20, Strength 10, Endurance 15, and Warfare 30. Take a look at the Auction Results (above) for the full range. The Second Round will start this Sunday.
I've added a Turn/Move Submission Form and updated the site links. You can also submit bids and other messages with this form.
The Second Round of the Attributes Auction started Sunday. I'm looking to close this round by Thursday, the 15th. As of 10 am CST today, the highest bids are: Psyche 31, Strength 20, Endurance 25, and Warfare 30. There are some major characters shaping up. Take a look at the Auction Results for the full range.
Player Contributions: Two links. One for the AmberCon Norwest 98 and one of its GMs - MaBarry. MaBarry also has another look at the Amber creation process as written by the LintKing. Northwest players might consider what player contributions might be offered the GM for extra points after attending such an event. Other players might consider writing book reviews on the various Amber novels to post on the website for extra points.
I've set up a page for the "Gossip Column". This will be our clearing house for true (or untrue) news, gossip, and rumors of the realm. If you would like to place something here, please submit your news to your local news runner (the GM for now). I'm also trying to hook someone down the hall from my lab to play some NPCs for me. Will let you know as events coalesce. (Yes, the dictionary is getting a lot of use lately).
"I've roped me a GM's Assistant," the GM says with a Texas accent. Please welcome John ([email protected]) to the group. He will play some of the pivotal NPC roles for me. He has role-played before, but not with the Amber DRPG (just like the rest of us). I am grateful for his support and am sure he will add "mucho spice" to the story.
The Third Round of the Attributes Auction started Thursday. I'm looking to close this round by Sunday, the 18th. As of 2 pm CST on the 15th, the highest bids are: Psyche 31, Strength 20, Endurance 25, and Warfare 30. Hmmm. The same scores as last time. The current battles seem to be taking place in the lower rankings. Take a look at the Auction Results for the full range.
The Ranking of Twins: We have a couple of matched bids (or twins) in the rankings. I have not discussed (although I should have) the ranking of bidders matching bid amounts. According to the Amber DRPG manual, bids that raise more than one person to the same level are ranked differently. The FIRST person to bid is ranked higher than all those other bids that match. Example: Currently two players are matched for first place rank in Endurance with 25 points bid. Char.6 bid 25 first, so Char.5 is ranked slightly below. If you truly wish to dominate all others in an Attribute, don't just match a bid, BE THE HIGHEST BID.
I am currently mapping the castle and its environs. If you wish a particular bedroom floor plan or view, please describe your character's preferences and mail in next week. I have a couple of tower rooms, a lake view and a forest view up for grabs. This does count as one of your character questions.
I've added a map for the Isle of Ember on the (Ember FAQs) page. Tell me if it chokes your web browser. This is my third revision. AT THIS TIME the map will not remain as it is now. As we fill in character descriptions, the terrain will change some, details will be added.
Attribute Auction ENDS Friday, October 23. Be sure to have your official bids in/dated the 23rd. Don't forget about player contributions. Be creative. Use your talents/skills. I'm flexible (yet demanding in content).
You are a scary bunch of folks. I never dreamed the bidding would be this aggressive! (But 'tis good, 'tis good.) As of 10 am CST on the 22nd, the highest bids are: Psyche 35, Strength 23, Endurance 28, and Warfare 30. As a "good" GM, I must remind you that Strength and Endurance are way too low! "I pity the fool" that gets in a tug of war with either the Psyche Dominant or the Warfare Dominant when they do not have enough Strength and Endurance to modify.
Reminder: At the beginning of this introductory game, your characters know nothing of their heritage or their potentials. (There is a valid reason for this. Ask the right NPC and you may receive the answer.) ALL of us will have to allow our characters to first recognize their abilities, test, practice, stretch and grow. Don't give up on the bidding though, once we find Amber, we will leave our 'itty, bitty living space' to achieve and exercise our 'cosmological powers'.
As of 5 pm CST on the 22nd, the highest bids are: Psyche 36, Strength 23, Endurance 31, and Warfare 30. Please check your trumps occasionally, I'm placing information there as it comes in. If I've goofed, let me know!
As of 10 am CST on the 23rd, the highest bids are: Psyche 36, Strength 23, Endurance 31, and Warfare 30. Please check the other rankings, however, as changes are still occuring. I will not accept any Attribute Auction e-mail, phone or written bids dated after midnight tonight (23rd). I will not be able to post bids on the website after 5 pm CST until next Monday, so you will be blind bidding after that time. Good Luck All!
Bidding for Ember's Positions/Artifacts begins today. This bidding ends next Friday, October 30 at midnight. Remember, only the highest bidder in each category will have points deducted from their budget. Many of the skills your character has learned in his/her life (so far) will be enhanced by the positions won.
Question: I've organized my records and this website around PC names and player e-mail addresses. I've not linked player e-addresses due to warnings of spam programs that harvest e-mail addresses from web pages. If anyone has objections to this or would prefer them TO BE LINKED, please let me know.
ATTRIBUTE AUCTION FINAL RESULTS: the highest bids are Psyche 45 (Seyer), Strength 28 (Seyer), Endurance 36 (Char.6), and Warfare 30 (Caitlin). I am proud of you all! You are a mean bunch of cutthroats. Everyone watch their backsides during game play.
Bidding for Ember's Positions/Artifacts began last Friday. This bidding ends this Friday, October 30 at midnight. So far Riddyl is winning Foomall's Stone with just 5 points.
Riddyl is winning Foomall's Stone with the miserly bid of 10 points. Char.6 is winning EVERYTHING else with bids of only 1 point.
Aaaarrrrrrrggggghhhh! Like he said, "Annoying, isn't it?"GM NOTE: I've just twigged to the thought that someone may actually win more than one Position/Artifact in this auction.
If no one else bids, I will have to create some exalted "Scion's Assistant/Secretary" position in Ember and assign NPCs to the roles won. Folks, this means that one player will have access to ALL positions of power in this world. ("He 'aint a heavy, he's my brother!")
IF others bid in the positions won by this player, I will give the winner the choice of accepting ONE position, then give the others to those who have bid second highest.
Does anyone foresee problems with this? Any questions?Someone's asked about the character questions and when are the points actually, finally committed and gone.
Commitment of Attribute points is done. Commitment of Ember points is being determined by midnight this Friday at the end of this auction. Commitment of all other points is only final when you and I agree on them during character shake-out.GM NOTE: Players are already considering diabolical plots, alliances (cabals the Amber DRPG manual calls 'em), and the division of the kingdom. I will formulate a GM Ruling and post soon, but for those eager for Machievellian machinations: 1) All messages must be in character, 2) The details must be pertinent and known to this world only, and 3) All messages must be CC: or BCC: to me.
Riddyl is winning Foomall's Stone with 15 points.
Caitlin is winning Captain of the Rangers with 10 points.
Magnus is winning Chatellaine with 4 points.
Magnus and Char.6 are tied for Sheriff with 3 points.
Char.6 is sweeping Admiral and General with 3 points.Navigation was getting a bit mucky so I'm revising. If you can't reach all the pages this weekend, please let me know.
GM NOTES: More than one person has asked for a clarification on magic. I am working on a Spell template. Below are quotes from the manual on the power of Magic:
Power Words are a limited form of magic, used mostly in a defensive way. Power words are easy to cast, instantaneous in effect, but have no lasting effect. Because any Power Word involves channeling a burst of Psyche, they are always noticeable, never concealed.
Sorcery operates differently from Power Words (characters who plan on engaging in magical combat would be well advised to get both). The big difference is time. It takes anywhere from ten minutes to several days to cast a spell. The way around this is to prepare spells in advance.
1) You can only memorize one spell at a time, and concentrate on the spell constantly or store them (in Amber its called "hanging") in a container. The magical container must be either a living thing, capable of remembering the spell, or a magical artifact containing power that can be forced into the form and structure of the spell.
2) Spells are very specific. No problem, if you happen to know exactly what, where, why, when and how your spell is going to be used. The way around this is to prepare spells that aren't quite complete. Instead of preparing the entire spell, you leave out a few key instructions, which can be filled in when the spell in finally released. These are called lynchpins.Conjuration is the ability to "conjure" up items or creatures. It can also be used to "empower' or "ensorcel' people, places or things. It is really using Magic to shape Shadow and to give that bit of Shadow power. It allows for the combination of magic with other powers. Conjuration doesn't require Sorcery. However, in order to use Magical Spells with conjuring, the character must have Sorcery. The duration and number of Conjured items depends more on Psyche than any other Attribute. It is also good to have sufficient Endurance to engage in the longer Conjurings.
Take a look at the Artifact & Creature Worksheet. You will need this to create conjured items and for creating containers to "hang" spells on.
Changes made....
- I've changed the tentative start date for game play to the 3rd (or 4th) week of November. This is to accommodate problems with stats and the additional responsibilites due to position wins. A general posting of those wins will be sent as soon as we've completed the 'balancing act' to ease game play.
- Most of the website revisions have been made. A couple of maps added.
- Doublecheck the pages for your characters. They've been redone. You may wish to add information.
- Postal Regulations for e-mail is linked on the Site Map.
- Preliminary role-play for background purposes approved. If you did not receive mail on this, let me know.
I think we've balanced the field. If there are any questions on how final wins are allotted, please ask. Winners, please deduct the points from your budget.
- Riddyl has Foomall's Stone with 20 points.
- Myste is the Chatellaine of Ember Castle with 7 points.
- Magnus is Sheriff of the City of Ember with 3 points.
- Simeon is Captain of Ember's Rangers with 13 points.
- Cygnus opted to be Military Advisor to the NPCs for Admiral of Ember's Navy (Ramius) and General of Ember's Army (Harrison).
I am receiving the info. being mailed. Am currently working on some example spells and power words for the site. There have been many questions. The template mailed earlier can be used to focus on the important aspects, then we can figure out the costs.
Thank you Gerry for your intriguing supplement intro. Responses anyone?
Did you miss me? Sorry about the long absence, will try to keep them few and far between.
The basic listing of Power Words is up. You can make your own, follow the format listed. Indicate whether you wish to add them to the posted list (posting will garner PC points). Remember, to use a Power Word you must purchase the Power first.
I love you people. The responses to Gerry's supplement are astounding. I haven't laughed this much in weeks.
Gone again? Not really, just very, very quiet. I've been spending time trying to get more details completed.
Additions:
1) Spells are up. Take a look through. Magic Users need to tell me which ones their characters are using. Another opportunity for PC points. Create your own Spells and Power Words. PC points will be awarded after publication. Yes, you can remain anonymous.
2) A rough graphic of the ground level of Castle Ember is up. Take a look through. Descriptions will be added after maps are done. If a room has no furniture your character may be able to move in. If I'm missing something very important, let me know. I'm horrible at dimensions and specifications. If anyone can draw a decent outside/inside viewpoint, please do. (PC points ?)
3) Revisions have been made to player trumps. Please check. The de Roceki Family History has been added with a timeline. Please fill in the blanks as needed.Character Shopping List: (Please make sure these are in.)
If you're waiting on something from me, let me know......
- Attribute auction done
- Ember auction done
- Character Stats Powers, Items, Creatures, Ally, etc.
- Character questions What you do not write-in, I will ;)
- PC points If you want to use them now, get 'em in.
- Background for Family History General history for public consumption.
- War Plans, secrets, gossip, etc. I need an idea of what you're aiming for.....
Gerry's supplement is winding up. However, I think we need to go through with portions of the banquet. You might wish to see Daddy before he gets really sick, and Dworken has an apology to make.......
For those who wish to include a link from their websites to Ember's, or who want to keep character information there and link back, please use the one displayed here.
http://www.geocities.com/karentypes/ember/
Tell me when you do this. I'm always interested in new pages.
All righty then. I admit it. I'm ignoring the heck out of this log! No more apologies. It's done.
The City of Ember map is not complete. Will try to get it together soon. Same with the Isle and the Castle. I know this is hampering your plans, soooo....
If you look at the Ember Domain map, you'll see that the City is large. It covers the major portion of the mainland's coast across the strait from the Isle. The Western portion includes the majority of the shipping docks in the gently rounded bay protected from the sea by the Isle. The Naval Academy headquarters is located here. The Eastern portion is mainly residential, the most expensive homes topping the small hills with a good view of the Castle. (Don't ask me why the rich want a view of the Coalies they secretly despise. Humans, go figure.) The Central portion contains much of the State buildings, Army headquarters, stores, hotels, museums, restaurants, etc. Moh's bar/inn is located here. There are traders, farmers, merchants, craftsmen, etc. arriving and departing in the hundreds everyday. Festivals and holidays are especially grueling for the peacekeepers.
There is one major road on the Isle. It runs, very close to the northern cliffs, from the village by the bay, up the mountain terraces (yes, they're not on the map yet), around The Mere, to the Castle. There are a couple of trails above the Castle, in/on the cliffs and a few beach positions that are guarded by rangers at all times.
I'm adding castle floorplans as fast as possible. We'll retrofit posts as needed until then.
The game has begun! You should have the first post by tonight. Happy Thanksgiving. Play on!
I'm Back!
Did everyone have a great holiday? My rear is numb from driving and my stomach sore from stretching, yet I'm very thankful for the time off from everyday concerns to reconnect with my family. Family and friends are the riches in life.I posted the first official turn before leaving. In the rush I forgot to OOC: my greetings. Sorry 'bout that. The second post will be this week. You may have noticed my dating scheme at the top. One reason is to place your characters into the life cycle of Ember. Another is for keeping events straight in my story logs. Another might be ..... well, I'll talk about that later in the game. Maybe.
The posting will be a bit awkward at first. My first reflex is to push that reply all button and start typing. My second is to push that forward button and send that really juicy role-play message on to someone else. I'm fighting both. If I make a mistake, let me know, nicely please.More information about the Powers you purchased will be sent to you, just in time to actually start using them. Remember that your characters do not know about anything beyond the common magic used in Ember (and that Dworken is an uncommon mage). The Attributes exist because the characters are born with them. However, not all aspects of those Attributes are available at this time. If I make a ruling that you disagree with, let me know, nicely please.
Updates:
I'm enjoying the character inter-play. Depending on where you indicated your starting positions to be, some of you are relying just on little 'ol me. Group posts will occur soon. (As soon as/if all of the messages are delivered.)
- The second and third level maps of Ember Castle. Some rooms can be renovated to suit an occupant's taste in decor.
- The PC contributions are slowly being added. Yours should be up soon.
- I'm posting only the Mother Ann sections of the game on the website. Due to the secrecy rules, I'm counting on the PC journals/contributions to fill in the rest.
BeautyThe game lies in the eyes of the beholder!
I'm about to be evicted from my life! Creating a world and story for this game is very challenging and absorbing. I've managed to ignore quite a few of my household bills and some inventory keeping at work. Oh well, Christmas vacation is near, much time to catch up with it all, NOT.
If I manage connections during the holidays I'll pop a note in your mail box. If not, then either John can carry on or we can all take a vacation.
You should have all received a message containing a description of Louie's rooms (the Scion's Chambers). Updates of the castle maps should be uploaded by this Friday.
Mother Ann is the main storyteller of "The Scion of Ember". I'm posting the intro through her eyes only. In a bit though, her story may get a bit dry. I don't want to tell too much about your secrets, but I feel the site's visitors/lurkers might be interested in a glimpse at the on-going story from a neutral viewpoint.
There have been extensive revisions to the Castle maps, especially the second level. I've tried to fit in/graph your room descriptions as accurately as possible/able. If some aspect of your rooms are not pleasing, let me know. We'll try to work something out. For those with homes/offices outside of the Castle environs, please send floorplans/descriptions. The Castle basement and dungeon are yet to be mapped.
I'm sending out stat sheets again. Just in case and to reflect updates due to questions answered and PC (player contribution) points added. I'm working on individual Power sheets for e-mail also.
This is Finals Week at my school/work. It's been very stressful for all of the students and faculty. Also the number of Christmas functions to be attended grows each year. I've heard some say they're considering going back to just celebrating Jesus's birthday and nothing else. This does sound attractive.....
