IPB

Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

4 Pages V   1 2 3 > »   
Reply to this topicStart new topic
> One Last Little Peek, And other broken thoughts
Ancient History
post Oct 15 2010, 11:30 PM
Post #1


Great Dragon
*********

Group: Members
Posts: 6,748
Joined: 5-July 02
Member No.: 2,935



I seem to be writing more endings than beginnings these days. Originally I was saving these for when I could put them together into something more substantive, but my energy and enthusiasm have failed. So I'm going to post them here for those who might be interested, with a few comments and explanations. Anyone not interested in some potential spoilers should probably stop reading now.

If you look hard enough on the internet you might run across something called The Corruption; this was a big metaplot arc developed for Shadowrun from some ideas that the higher ups had, and it basically failed to launch. The reasons are many and varied, no need to go into it here, but as books came out and things were planned the plot was subject to several re-writes, eventually culminating with what would be the gist of the Dawn of the Artifact adventure series.

I was unsatisfied with the plotting of DotA for various reasons, and when the ball was being tossed around about righting a "conclusion" campaign to it. There were some stipulations placed on the book, because it was going to be an anniversary product, a follow up to Harlequin and Harlequin's Back, and it had to involve the DotA artifacts in some way. I ended up writing a proposal for a book to be called Harlequin's Gambit, and with some other freelancers was assigned to write the book.

You can download and read my proposal here: Harlequin's Gambit Proposal.

Then the troubles with CGL came. At the time I terminated my contracts, the drafts for the various chapters were incomplete. I was not entirely satisfied with what I'd written, but I'd meant to complete the drafts and then do revisions - but the opportunity never came, and it doesn't look like an official opportunity ever will. My intent later was to rewrite my two chapters, with a few brief bridging scenarios, and package it as a mini-campaign entitled Harlequin's Daughter...until I just ran out of steam.

You can download and read my incomplete drafts here:

Around the time the first DotA adventure was being, Jennifer Harding and I proposed for a companion ebook that addressed the primary arcanoarcheology organizations, talislegging, and rules/guidelines for building your own unique enchantments, with samples. The ebook, Field Guide to Arcanoarcheology, was never completed. Jen and I were going to abuse the low pay rate for ebooks by making this an excuse to write as much as we wanted on the subjects, to hell with word counts...but other projects got in the way. I have a partial draft of the first chapter for those interested. It's very short, but I like it - the intro fiction is based on an idea that I had proposed for a Missions tie-in to DotA, where the Missions characters are hired by the Atlantean Foundation to retrieve a fragment of the Piri Reis map from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan - unfortunately, efforts at getting a tie-in with Missions never happened. I rarely got the chance to write intro fiction with Elijah, which is a shame because I very much enjoy the character.

You can download and read the incomplete draft here: FGAA - Intro Fiction

Last and mostly least - the intention for Harlequin's Gambit was to set up a situation where the occult world of Shadowrun would be shaken up. I had played with this idea relatively early on when freelancing for Shadowrun, by asking why someone didn't just upload the details of the blood magic techniques to the Matrix, where they would go from underground data haven to pirate network, never to be recaptured. The end scenario of Harlequin's Gambit was supposed to be something similar, with a group deliberately leaking or releasing vast amounts of obscure magical knowledge on an unsuspecting Matrix - and the possibilities that carried. Not everyone liked it. Some freelancers hate it. Some freelancers think SR should go back to pink mohawks and frag those motherfraggers right the frag now, chummer! I empathize, but for me things that stay still long enough tend to die.

So Jen and I had tentative approval for a new magic supplement, in the same vein as what War! should have been. It was to be called High Magic, and Jen would have covered the location (Portland, Tir Tairngire) and I was going to handle the mechanics. Despite the name, this book was meant to be an expansion of magical ideas at all levels, from ivory tower corporate magisters to gutter wizards trying to brew Awakened drugs in old coffee machines from the blue moss they scraped off the subway wall. The location was to give a setting where such magic and options could be pervasive; where it wasn't uncommon to see a pixie sucking on a crack pipe in an alley or a dragon giving impromptu lectures and signing autographs to school kids at the mall. We never got as far as writing it, but I did start an excessive and eccentric collection of notes.

You can download and read these notes here: Notes Towards the Advanced Magic Sourcebook


Good night, shadowkids, and happy trails.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Stahlseele
post Oct 15 2010, 11:31 PM
Post #2


The ShadowComedian
**********

Group: Dumpshocked
Posts: 14,538
Joined: 3-October 07
From: Hamburg, AGS
Member No.: 13,525



Fluff for the Fluffgod! ^^
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Angelone
post Oct 16 2010, 12:35 AM
Post #3


Running Target
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,286
Joined: 24-May 05
From: A 10x10 room with an orc and a treasure chest
Member No.: 7,409



Shame it didn't get finished.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Sephiroth
post Oct 16 2010, 01:32 AM
Post #4


Running Target
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,147
Joined: 2-May 10
Member No.: 18,539



I hope in time your enthusiasm for Shadowrun will return to you again, Ancient History.

As for your write-ups:

Harlequin's Gambit seems less railroady than Harlequin's Back. This is good. I also like the inclusion of the Black Lodge.

The Naming metamagic seems peculiar. I was under the impression that the 6th World doesn't even know what non-spirit Names are yet , so how could such a technique make sense to an Awakened studying it if it's based on a fundamental principle of magic unknown to them?

How is Suppress Magic supposed to be a Positive Quality? It doesn't seem to have much actual benefit.

Why the option of Insect Magicians as PC's?

Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
jaellot
post Oct 16 2010, 02:16 AM
Post #5


Moving Target
**

Group: Members
Posts: 252
Joined: 26-August 10
From: Greensboro, NC
Member No.: 18,971



Immensely intrigued by what little of the preview I skimmed while DLing. I applaud, and thank you, for your once flourishing enthusiasm, and agree with the sentiment that you find that spark for SR again.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Tiralee
post Oct 16 2010, 03:31 AM
Post #6


Moving Target
**

Group: Members
Posts: 917
Joined: 5-September 03
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Member No.: 5,585



Running a quick scan over these...

Godsdammit so fraggin much.

Managing to tie in the old with the new, hintings, lose ends, new threats and we get fragments, crumbs!

Thank you for uploading, I echo the thought of hoping you manage to recover that spark.

Tir.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Neraph
post Oct 16 2010, 04:37 AM
Post #7


Great Dragon
*********

Group: Members
Posts: 5,542
Joined: 30-September 08
From: D/FW Megaplex
Member No.: 16,387



Thanks for the nod about the Incarnation metamagic. I'm really enjoying the Advanced Metamagic bookling.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Neurosis
post Oct 16 2010, 05:37 AM
Post #8


Moving Target
**

Group: Members
Posts: 935
Joined: 2-September 10
Member No.: 19,000



Amazing. Thanks!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Mäx
post Oct 16 2010, 03:06 PM
Post #9


Prime Runner
*******

Group: Members
Posts: 3,803
Joined: 3-February 08
From: Finland
Member No.: 15,628



Some pretty cool stuff on those notes for high magic book, ofcource some of those would have needed heavy play testing to see where to put the limits.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Prime Mover
post Oct 16 2010, 03:29 PM
Post #10


Shooting Target
****

Group: Dumpshocked
Posts: 1,755
Joined: 5-September 06
From: UCAS
Member No.: 9,313



First I've been biting my tongue since I first saw mention of these items. Thanks for the post.
It's a damn shame these projects won't see the light of day.
Why am I still buying DotA books?
Fan project?
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Brazilian_Shinob...
post Oct 16 2010, 07:14 PM
Post #11


Shooting Target
****

Group: Dumpshocked
Posts: 1,989
Joined: 28-July 09
From: Somewhere along the brazilian coast
Member No.: 17,437



I would love to see something like the Field Guide to Arcanoarcheology come to light. It is a shame though.
Also, loved the fiction with Fianchetto, by far my favorite old school prime runner.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Angelone
post Oct 16 2010, 08:40 PM
Post #12


Running Target
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,286
Joined: 24-May 05
From: A 10x10 room with an orc and a treasure chest
Member No.: 7,409



QUOTE
At this point in time, you might be asking "Have we really arranged things so that the players get to shoot an immortal elf in the face for money?" and the answer is not yes, it is Hell Yeah.


Win, pure win. I might have to flesh out the rest of this adventure just so my players can do just that.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Prime Mover
post Oct 17 2010, 02:49 PM
Post #13


Shooting Target
****

Group: Dumpshocked
Posts: 1,755
Joined: 5-September 06
From: UCAS
Member No.: 9,313



Half of next seasons missions connecting to DotA and the promise of BIG changes connected to the conclusion for several years now.
I'm deeply curious what they plan on doing now that these other planned tie ins are no longer on the table?
I brought this up awhile back in another thread and the answer I got was "something else yet undetermined".
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Neraph
post Oct 17 2010, 05:30 PM
Post #14


Great Dragon
*********

Group: Members
Posts: 5,542
Joined: 30-September 08
From: D/FW Megaplex
Member No.: 16,387



With your permission Ancient History, I'd like to see if I can refine some of the rules you started in your Advanced Magic book.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Hagga
post Oct 18 2010, 06:27 AM
Post #15


Moving Target
**

Group: Members
Posts: 825
Joined: 21-October 08
Member No.: 16,538



Chakra ware is interesting. Very interesting.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Mäx
post Oct 18 2010, 06:47 AM
Post #16


Prime Runner
*******

Group: Members
Posts: 3,803
Joined: 3-February 08
From: Finland
Member No.: 15,628



QUOTE (Hagga @ Oct 18 2010, 08:27 AM) *
Chakra ware is interesting. Very interesting.

Also kinda OP, especially Sahasrara.
Unless it costs a ton of essence or shit ton of nuyen, it would have been pretty much must have for all mage characters(most would take it anyway, even if it did)

Also got to say that Orichalcum bone gilding is made of Win.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Hagga
post Oct 18 2010, 10:57 AM
Post #17


Moving Target
**

Group: Members
Posts: 825
Joined: 21-October 08
Member No.: 16,538



Well, the edge spending problems does help to negate it. My players spend edge willy nilly when it comes to glitches.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Mäx
post Oct 18 2010, 11:14 AM
Post #18


Prime Runner
*******

Group: Members
Posts: 3,803
Joined: 3-February 08
From: Finland
Member No.: 15,628



QUOTE (Hagga @ Oct 18 2010, 12:57 PM) *
Well, the edge spending problems does help to negate it. My players spend edge willy nilly when it comes to glitches.

Becouse getting a glitch on a 16+ dice spellcasting pool that gets rule of six is so ver likely, right (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Hagga
post Oct 18 2010, 11:20 AM
Post #19


Moving Target
**

Group: Members
Posts: 825
Joined: 21-October 08
Member No.: 16,538



I generally don't count the extra rerolls to the glitch threshold. It's not really feasible. And it's not highly likely TO glitch, but I think you underestimate how insanely aggravating a glitch can be. Or lethal. Yes, it is powerful though. I imagine it'd be ruinously expensive on essence, and probably better involving a blood charm style limitation as well.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
ravensmuse
post Oct 18 2010, 04:39 PM
Post #20


Running Target
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,182
Joined: 5-December 07
From: Lower UCAS, along the border
Member No.: 14,507



Thank you AH. I hope you don't mind me posting links to them on my blog so other people will find them too?

Here's to add to the chorus hoping that you find your spark of love for Shadowrun again. These feel kind of like your last hurrah before you ride off into the sunset :/
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Stahlseele
post Oct 18 2010, 04:41 PM
Post #21


The ShadowComedian
**********

Group: Dumpshocked
Posts: 14,538
Joined: 3-October 07
From: Hamburg, AGS
Member No.: 13,525



Well, you have to admit that it would have a certain style and be kind of badass O.o
But yeah, i want to see more too ^^
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
ravensmuse
post Oct 18 2010, 04:46 PM
Post #22


Running Target
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,182
Joined: 5-December 07
From: Lower UCAS, along the border
Member No.: 14,507



QUOTE (Stahlseele @ Oct 18 2010, 12:41 PM) *
Well, you have to admit that it would have a certain style and be kind of badass O.o
But yeah, i want to see more too ^^

For him? I imagine a tip of the hat and a knowing nod before he left. No words, no goodbye's, just...the simple tranquility of a man, his horse, and the sunset.

Damn I get prosaic sometimes.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Cheops
post Oct 18 2010, 05:30 PM
Post #23


Shooting Target
****

Group: Members
Posts: 1,512
Joined: 26-February 02
Member No.: 392



I want me my Orichalcum Melange. That's fricking cool.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Shrike30
post Oct 19 2010, 09:18 AM
Post #24


Runner
******

Group: Members
Posts: 2,556
Joined: 26-February 02
From: Seattle
Member No.: 98



PRAXIS GIZZARD.

Maybe it's because I raise chickens (in my urban Seattle yard), but I love that idea.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Prime Mover
post Oct 21 2010, 04:45 PM
Post #25


Shooting Target
****

Group: Dumpshocked
Posts: 1,755
Joined: 5-September 06
From: UCAS
Member No.: 9,313



So any clues as to what or if any of these titles will be replaced?
Will DotA end with a disappointing whimper or get another kind of follow up?
I mean it's still being listed as having a "dramatic conclusion" and involving secrets of the worlds past revealed.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

4 Pages V   1 2 3 > » 
Reply to this topicStart new topic

 



RSS Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 29th March 2024 - 06:46 AM

Topps, Inc has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. Topps, Inc has granted permission to the Dumpshock Forums to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with the Dumpshock Forums in any official capacity whatsoever.