grodog wrote:I'm already really looking forward to seeing the final AS&SH product, and these variations on a theme really stand out to me as what Gary envisioned DMs doing with our games: taking the baseline rules, and building them out to reflect the campaign setting as it lives in the inner eye of the DM.
Jeff: how much of these rules are ones that you've played with over the years, versus that you created expressly for the AS&SH project? I guess what I'm asking is how long is the tail of your creative process/inspiration for AS&SH: did the project evolve out of your home campaigns and house rules, or did you go into the project with a blank slate and then try to engineer the game you wanted to design that would best represent CAS, REH, and HPL? To some degree, those are two sides of the same Q, around when you started the creation process (and there's no right or wrong answer, of course, just curious is all ).
Chainsaw wrote:Well, well, well... look what I got in the mail today! :mrgreen:
Ghul wrote:grodog wrote:I'm already really looking forward to seeing the final AS&SH product, and these variations on a theme really stand out to me as what Gary envisioned DMs doing with our games: taking the baseline rules, and building them out to reflect the campaign setting as it lives in the inner eye of the DM. Exactly so, grodog, and I couldn't have said it any better myself.
Ghul wrote:Allan, I actually began exploring these themes in 2001 after abandoning 2nd edition in favor of 3rd edition. I eliminated hobbits and elves and things of that sort (high fantasy elements) in an effort to attempt to capture and embrace literary influences outside of Tolkien. Don't get me wrong, I loved Tolkien, and I still do, but in gaming I got tired of gaming in his backyard, and I think the 2e Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance culture played into my jadedness. [snip]I really have waffled on, and for that I apologize, but there really is no simple answer, Allan. I certainly did not begin with a blank slate; however, much of what the game developed into has been fleshed out from 2008 to present, through vigorous game play and experimentation, coupled with strong fascination with Gygaxian 1e gaming, and an honest love for authors such as HPL, REH, CAS, Vance, Burroughs, Merritt, Moorcock, Lieber, et al.
Ghul wrote:In 2008 I began my Hyperorea campaign, and from its play sprang the rules and setting. The setting continued to build, but the rules were in flux, as I was experimenting with a variety of methods that I found interesting. Development continued in this manner for a few years; I had a co-designer during the very early stages, but things did not work out for us. I continued to develop the game organically -- through actual game play with my friends. Also, I had a small group of trusted fellows from different corners of the globe whom I entrusted developments to, and they combed through drafts of the game and offered their candor and insights. It worked well on this small scale, and I don't regret it. I was never interested in public beta-testing.
Ghul wrote:I hope I answered your question!
Looks like Chainsaw got some multi-colored dice, my set was all one color (not that it matters, just noticed)
Badmike wrote:Thanks for the photos, Chainsaw.
dmkastmaria wrote:Chainsaw wrote:Well, well, well... look what I got in the mail today! :mrgreen: Man! It looks fantastic! Can't wait to get mine! :D I hate waiting! :evil: Looks awesome! Really, really awesome! :D Now, I must wait.... :evil: Thanks for posting the pics. :D Now, I must wait... :evil:
grodog wrote:Thank you for your lengthy reply, Jeff: I owe you a beer when we're at GaryCon next! I definitely got the strong literary vibe from your games at GaryCon, in which the inspirations shine through clearly (with Ian's art always as a great accompaniment too!).
Badmike wrote:Thanks for the photos, Chainsaw. That box set kicks so much ass it's unreal. Jeff, this has gone to the top of my must-buy list, congratulations on what looks like a quality product here!Mike B.
ScketreWhisp® wrote:I also just got my boxed set yesterday. 5 / 200 It's pretty nice. I checked all the corners, they seem pretty solid, verified "my" mountain is on the map.Browsed through the books, no time to read them yet.Looks like Chainsaw got some multi-colored dice, my set was all one color (not that it matters, just noticed)If these go up for sale somewhere, people need to get a copy, especially if it's a limited print run