Encounter Table Result: 1 Bryn

[HashtagBryn]

Player Essentials Name: Bryn Race: Appears human Gender: Enby (xe/xem/xyr) Age: Old enough to drink. Not old enough to retire! Class: Information Management Director

Player Background In my first draft for this post, I'd planned out this whole player-as-character theme, hiring a bard to introduce me while I was busy fighting with table formatting. I got most of the way through penning said bard's musical introduction (to the tune of "The Legend of the Sword and the Stone" from the corresponding Disney film), when I realized... I didn't want to introduce myself that way. I like to write characters and breathe life into them in games. Occasionally, I even run a few. I'm not some legendary roleplayer. I don't need a bard to present me to the crowd, or any other pomp or spectacle. The bit about fighting with table formatting is true, though. "Information Management Director" sure sounds like a "prestige" class, but it really means I spend a lot of my days formatting other people's process documents. BBCode tables are not a thing of beauty, but forum formatting is no worse than the wiki markup we use for most of our internal stuff. The least I could do was make my intro pretty...ish (I like these fieldset boxes!) Anyway... I've played a lot of games, in a lot of systems. I have a "tabletop" group which is probably permanently an "online tabletop" group in the post-COVID world. Being that we're all adults these days and (mostly) constructive contributors to society, the consistency of our schedule comes and goes. PBP is appealing to me because it doesn't matter if my work runs late or someone else's kids have a sportsball event or the GM's cat builds a bomb; posts happen when they happen, even if that probably makes games run more than a little more slowly. Outside of this hobby, I listen to a lot of music. I watch a lot of movies, and have a soft spot for more objectively bad ones that I should ever really admit. I read... well, okay, fewer books than I used to, and I should probably do something about that. I should probably also eventually get some actual writing writing started again; I'd like to be more published than I had a historical fiction piece published in a small-circulation periodical years and years ago, so that technically counts. But no one read it, and that's fine, because the piece was, in retrospect, awful.I currently am, someday. So what am I looking for here? Well... in the immediate now, probably nothing. I'm essentially double-special on-call for work during most of December, which makes me subject to travel with very short notice, potentially weird hours, and no guarantee of great internet connectivity. And sure, I just said that the appeal of PBP is that I don't have to be available at exact times, but there's questionable availability and then there's questionably availability, you know? Besides, I know that there are lots of players here and few games, and fewer games of the sort that directly appeal to my peculiarities. So for right now, I really pretty much plan to lurk and watch for an opening game that catches my eye and see if I can earn my slot by... out-writing people with way more experience writing in this format. Or trying to, anyway. Eventually, I might consider running something, too. But let's pencil that in after a year or so of playing in this format, I think!

System Preferences One of my friends, upon hearing I was looking into PBP, told me that I should expect to see a lot of 5E, because it's what everyone plays. And, you know, I play it too... sometimes. But it's just sort of hard for me to get excited about. Now, I know, I know, the excitement is in the characters you write and the settings they experience, not really in the mechanics as such, but... I've just had more fun, overall, with other things. That doesn't mean I won't end up playing 5E here, too. Though it does mean that I got to sit down and think about what I've liked playing and turn that list into a cool table! System Subsystem Chronicles of Darkness I know, this reduces the odds of gaming in this system to approximately nope, but is what it is.1E Only -- That is to say, prior to God-Machine Chronicle and the conditions/tilts/beats systems. I had misgivings about CoD 2E from the start, but by the time we got to Geist 2E and it was possible to build a character that specialized in generating bonus XP (and the book wink-and-a-nod hinted that they intended that, well... Changeling: the Lost Yeah, I know, this was the worst-edited book since Changing Breeds, but the IDEA is neat!Geist: the Sin-Eaters Mage: the Awakening As much as C/WoD "Zoo" games are terrible ideas, I really like the conceit of dropping exactly one of these into a party of some other supernatural. Works better that way, IME.Promethean: the Created Vampire: the Requiem Werewolf: the Forsaken Dungeons & Dragons At least in theory. It's been awhile, so I'm not sure how competent I'd be at navigating 3.5's labyrinth of trap options these days.3.5 I... guess. Some days I feel like I play 5E just because everyone else does.5E Legend of the Five Rings Any of the AEG editions, really. No experience with the FFG version. Pathfinder 1E 2E World of Darkness 20th Anniversary Edition (4E) Only -- I have opinions about V5, and I don't think that W5 is going to change my mind about post-20A editions. Mage: the Ascension Vampire: the Masquerade Werewolf: the Apocalypse That table isn't really comprehensive in terms of what I'm familiar with, or even what I'd be willing to play if the game was right. I'm no stranger to Starfinder, even if I want to shove its weird item-level system out an airlock. I played in a couple of Exalted games long enough ago that I'd have no idea what I'm doing now. I own a copy of Anima that I've never played and don't honestly understand! But there are a few things that just aren't for me, as there surely are for everyone! I don't want to play CoD 2E or WoD V5 or D&D 4E (or 2E!). I've never been a big fan of the PbtA framework, nor the Fudge/FATE/Fate family of games. And all the WH40K-setting games are a bit off-putting because I find the WH40K setting off-putting; it has this mix of utter banality and pointless cruelty that just makes games feel Yes, I know. That's the point.grim and dark. But what a terrible world it would be if everyone liked exactly the same things!

[Unko Talok]

Hey there, Bryn! Welcome to the site. It seems like the site's automoderator was concerned about the format of your post. Apologies that it took a moment to approve this thread! I love the format. Very creative. And it makes sense, given that you've got a mastery of this kind of formatting.

I think you'll find a good number of like-minded folk around. Some of the systems you've listed I haven't seen for a while. But we do get LoFR, WoD, CoD, and PF2E now and again. Though DnD 5E and PF1E are the more common ones!

Let us know if you've got any questions. We're happy to help.

[HashtagBryn]

Oh, no apology needed! I just assumed that all new arrivals were shuffled off into moderation queues because this forum is still part of the internet, and have you seen that place?

[Birched]

Welcome to RPG Crossing, HashtagBryn! That is one of the most fabulous introductory posts I've ever seen! Have fun poking around the community, and I hope that you find a game that strikes your fancy during your lurking during your extra-special-December.

[psuedenim]

Welcome,

5e does get more attention but its the big boy in RPG marketing world, but saying that I am playing more of other rulesystems here. This has surprised me but it might be that 5e gets more attention as well as applications and also the other systems tend to be more quietly advertised. Showing an early interest there can sometimes be enough to get game "Ohhh 4 people already, well lets just go play", owning the rules or being willing to buy them helps too but is not always necessary.

RPGX also has another side where you can do solo games and you might find some interest there (kinda like Tinder for RPG's - now what would you name that and would it be swipe left or hack left?)

 

• New game adverts are like the weather in that there might be a pattern and overall consistency to them, but like the weather droughts and floods can and do occur.
• Real Life is also like the weather so leave yourself time for the expected and unexpected, don't overextend yourself and the same applies to those you play with.
• Games can get lots of applications and you will be passed over, treat it as a bad roll and move on
• The solo game is a great intro - do one. You can also join other games early on but be upfront about your experience
• Some real soloists play Ironsworn Give it a whirl...
• Wow - even more free fun what are you waiting for
• What even more gaming opportunities
• Give XP when you see or read something you like (the scales icon on the top right of every post)
• The staff are kind but human so don't ignore the rules, smackdowns can be public
• Check out these BBCode skills, I can List!

[Ildrahil]

Howdy #Bryn,

Let me start by saying that this is an awesome intro. I enjoyed reading it from top to bottom.

It sounds like you are an experienced player. Truth in lending, I'm a D&D guy (5e now but my favorite is AD&D) who enjoys fantasy, but I have played many other RPG systems. One of my absolute favorite 'other systems' is L5R, and the older editions of L5R at that. I actually enjoyed the foray D&D took into L5R in the early 2000s as well. I'm Scorpion Clan both by predilection and due to some of the things I did while I was in the Army. What Clan do you prefer? I also enjoy a system called King Arthur Pendragon. Have you heard of it?

All PbP sites tend to be a bit different so you may want to check out a solo game.

This is a place where the people are welcoming, where the games are interesting, and where generally they only expect you to post a few times a week. I've been playing D&D for a very long time and I thought I've seen it all, but this site has some amazing games going on. I've been playing (storytelling as much as rolling) for almost two years now in a game that has been going on continuously for four decades, started tabletop and moved online two decades ago. It's set in an alternate Europe where the worlds of Tolkien and Howard existed in ages past. So there is a hint of LOTR and a hint of Conan in it and since it's set in an alt Europe it somehow feels familiar.

This is just one example and there are other great campaigns on RPGX. You should take some time to "stroll around" the site and see if anything catches your eye.

I hope to see you around on the boards.

[Kenjitsu]

Welcome to RPG Crossing.

I love your intro. Being a software engineer, I can appreciate someone who dives into the formatting languages.

And even though you seem to have a good grasp of how to do formatting, I still highly recommend checking out the New Player Solo Game in the main forum's Solo Games/New Gamers folder. There are 13th Age, Call of Cthulhu, DnD (3.5, 4, 5), FATE, Pathfinder (1), and Travelers many game systems to pick from and once signed up, you will be paired with a patient and helpful GM that can help show you the ropes of how to do things at this site. They can also be an excellent person to ask any questions to while you are getting up to speed on things.

I prefer the modern day and space opera style games like Starfinder and Shadowrun. But lately, I have been wanting to go back to my roots with the Hero System.

All these things can be done with the Hero System. Champions, Dark Champions, Star Hero, and Monster Hunter International (that is based on the novels of the same name).So, ever wanted to be a superhero fighting crime to make the world a safer place? Or don a mask and make the criminals fear your brand of justice? Or go where no man has gone before and explore the outer reaches of the known universe and beyond? Or have you ever wanted to join the Monster Hunter International (MHI) team to track down things that go bump in the night while the Monster Control Bureau (MCB) does everything they can to keep those things a secret and dreading the day you have to deal with the Special Task Force Unicorn (STFU) teams from the MCB?

Anyway, enjoy your time here and let us know if you have any questions.

[HashtagBryn]

Originally Posted by psuedenim

(kinda like Tinder for RPG's - now what would you name that and would it be swipe left or hack left?)[/I]

I might be a terrible person, because my immediate response to this was:

Scene A bar-hopping extrovert has finally managed to drag his friend out to the club with him, only to find them complaining about being hit on by people they are totally uninterested in. "Don't let it get you down. Just... swipe left," he opined, his advice given with a grin and an exaggerated pantomime on his way back to the bar to grab another round. Unfortunately, he had never realized that his friend would take his suggestion quite so literally... or that they were a werewolf.

Originally Posted by Ildrahil

Howdy #Bryn,

Let me start by saying that this is an awesome intro. I enjoyed reading it from top to bottom.

It sounds like you are an experienced player. Truth in lending, I'm a D&D guy (5e now but my favorite is AD&D) who enjoys fantasy, but I have played many other RPG systems. One of my absolute favorite 'other systems' is L5R, and the older editions of L5R at that. I actually enjoyed the foray D&D took into L5R in the early 2000s as well. I'm Scorpion Clan both by predilection and due to some of the things I did while I was in the Army. What Clan do you prefer? I also enjoy a system called King Arthur Pendragon. Have you heard of it?

My limited edition copy of the 4E book might have a hint!

I always felt that a lot of players had really negative preconceptions of the Crane, and so I loved trying to play them in ways that stayed true to their ideals of excellence while still being useful and likeable. Sometimes I may have even succeeded! I've also played Unicorn, Phoenix, and Dragon over the years. I'm happy to leave the Scorpion to their very, very many fans.

I also have a great deal of interest, conceptually, in the naga, and had a friend who was pretty much a naga super-fan. But I've found it's really hard to put one in play without distracting from the game's themes or just having your nature (and outsider perspective) increasingly handwaved away as the game goes on. Maybe in the right game, at the right time period?

Never heard of the King Arthur Pendragon game, though.

[Admin Dirk]

welcome!

I wish i had more than one RPXP to give for your opening post! Glad you joined us, and brought your IMD skills to bear on RPG. Hope you have a blast exploring, writing, and apparently, making tables!

Happy gaming!

[HotsuSama]

Welcome to the site! Unfortunately I'm the opposite of you on L5R editions, I know the FFG version but not the AEG iterations, but we have similar taste in Great Clans.

[bananabadger]

Welcome to the site #Bryn!
So, with all that experience, what's the first game you want to try on this site?

[HashtagBryn]

Originally Posted by bananabadger

Welcome to the site #Bryn!
So, with all that experience, what's the first game you want to try on this site?

I think a lot depends on what's available. Because my work means a potentially terrible schedule "exciting travel opportunity" this month, I'm not signing up for a solo game or anything else that would start before January. But I'm keeping an eye on the available games forum, because it certainly seems that application windows are long enough for me to feel willing to jump in if something catches my eye.

Something like L5R 4E or Changeling: the Lost 1E would be fantastic, but I'm realistic about their popularity. I have no doubts I'll end up applying to a Pathfinder game or maybe find something 5E that's sufficiently appealing. Maybe I get in, maybe I don't. Worst case, even tabletop gaming slowly accrues a folder of unused character ideas, but since I do run games from time to time, my orphans eventually find their way back as NPCs. Besides, it's fun writing backgrounds and building ideas.

[Leviticus]

Welcome, HashtagBryn! Love that introduction! It reminds me of some of the fantastic submissions to this year's Iron DM Competition, which you might be interested in checking out!.

I hope you find a few fun games to join on the site!

[Ildrahil]

I haven't played L5R consistently in probably 20 years. It was before the Towers came down since my Government funded trips to Afghanistan and Iraq interrupted my RPGing. Back then there weren't all that many Scorps and we were well hated...except for the Dragon Clan, who we were allied with. I played the CCG a few times here an there, if I was on leave or back in the US for the short times until we deployed again. But there just wasn't enough time to run a campaign. Back when I played it was all about the Lion, Crane, and Crab, in that order. It's cool to see another L5R player though. I've seen a few in the last couple weeks. Maybe it's time to see if we can cobble a game together. I have ideas for a campaign I've been thinking about for years. This is a how old some of my source material is.

[HashtagBryn]

Originally Posted by Leviticus

Welcome, HashtagBryn! Love that introduction! It reminds me of some of the fantastic submissions to this year's Iron DM Competition, which you might be interested in checking out!.

I hope you find a few fun games to join on the site!

On one hand, I'm sad I didn't join up here in time to get in on that this year. On the other hand, I don't think there's any way I could do what the competitors are doing with those crazy prompts in the time limits given. So I'm happy to spectate!

Originally Posted by Ildrahil

I haven't played L5R consistently in probably 20 years. It was before the Towers came down since my Government funded trips to Afghanistan and Iraq interrupted my RPGing. Back then there weren't all that many Scorps and we were well hated...except for the Dragon Clan, who we were allied with. I played the CCG a few times here an there, if I was on leave or back in the US for the short times until we deployed again. But there just wasn't enough time to run a campaign. Back when I played it was all about the Lion, Crane, and Crab, in that order. It's cool to see another L5R player though. I've seen a few in the last couple weeks. Maybe it's time to see if we can cobble a game together. I have ideas for a campaign I've been thinking about for years. This is a how old some of my source material is.

Attachment 97803

I have most of a set of those Way of the Clan books around here somewhere, too. Even Scorpion!