|
|
Contracts Brothers,
First of all keep in mind that we aren’t gaming, we’ll be playtesting. That means trying, learning and pushing the things that make the Black Company Campaign Setting unique. To that end:
Create 2 characters of 5th and 10th level.
We’ll need AT LEAST 3-4 wizards to test the new magic system.
Let me know in the next couple of days what you want to try out. Send
me your first, second and third choices of class and PrC. I’ll
compile and divy class assignments out by Saturday. Once I assign
classes make two identical characters of 5th and 10th levels. Assign
your own equipment as you see fit. Remember we are trying to test
things out so dig into the material and try things out. Pick lots
of skills and feats from the setting. Use the Revised Player’s
Handbook if you have it. If you don’t, don’t sweat it. You’ll
have to use generic character sheets and do your own math. Realmsforge
wont help you. I don’t want you to use any program for this as
I want the material to come from the setting. Programs make it too
tempting to just pick default d20 options. If you run into troubles,
write it down and come prepared to discuss. IMPORTANT: Keep a digital
copy of all of your notes, but I wont need your character. Later, Riven
Playtesters,
My name is Robert Schwalb and I'm the d20 Line Developer and Lead Design for the Black Company Campaign Setting. The Manuscript attached to this email is the most current version of the text, though I realize some of you may have started the playtest process. Right now, the status of the ms is that two more files are coming in from freelancers, and the book itself is in editing.
The key areas of concern are Tone, Magic, Combat, progression, and Characters. * Does this setting convey the mood of the novels in an appropriate fashion? * Is the freeform magic system too complicated? * Do you prefer a centralized location for Magic Use DC modifiers applicable to all spells located in one place, or do you prefer each spell to list all the possible variations of its effects? * Does the Combat System work? --At the Character Scale (paying attention to such things as Advantage and Grievous Injuries and Squad Template) --At the Company Scale (Is it simple, fast paced and fun?) --At the Army Scale (Does this serve as a useful mechanic for quick battle resolution?) * Progression --Play the game using characters of various levels (1st, 5th, 10th, 20th, 25th). Do you feel that it breaks down anywhere? * Characters --Are the classes and prestige classes sufficient? --Do backgrounds create any awkward imbalances?
For first time playtesters... Please restrict your comments to mechanical and flavor considerations. The book is in editing, so don't worry about the occasional typo, however if you find an inconsistency or contradictory elements within the ms, please comment. When running Black Company games, restrict your sourcebooks to SRD material (so PHB, DMG, MM, Epic Level Handbook). The Black Company Campaign Setting does not make use of the XPH or Deities and Demigods.
Feel free to email me any questions you might have. Otherwise, I look forward to your Playtest Reports.
Best,
Robert J Schwalb |
