Re: You, too, CAN run Empire of the Petal Throne « Reply #105 on Sept 28, 2011, 11:48pm »
@bert - Thank you for the clarifications! And the nice examples.
@badger2305 - I'm thinking along your lines. You don't want to end up with something altogether different then o:ept. I would definitely like to see how you would handle the professional skill listings. As stated previously, I was considering, with a newly greatly expanded listing of Group I, II and III spells, that the static linear progression of professional skill listings (for priests and magic-users) of those somewhat 'cantrip' level spells to be honest, would be replaced with "Pick One From Group I", etc. sparingly, in a reasonable progression through "levels". This would be a slight adjustment to a % CHANCE at Bonus spells, which I think is a tad wonky. You have a chance there then of not getting anything worthwhile for some time using strictly the original text/ruling. Anyhow, I digress - I'd love to see what you come with. BACK to original topic, apologies to side-tracking the original intent here ; but I'd love to see you continue to expand on the GM'ing tips as soundchaser queries above.
Joined: Dec 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 669 Karma: 35
Re: You, too, CAN run Empire of the Petal Throne « Reply #107 on Oct 1, 2011, 12:21pm »
Part Nine - Some Deeper Principles, continued
There are no "non-player characters" on Tekumel. In Sec. 900 we discover that:
Quote:
Players who do attempt to enter Jakalla alone at this stage run the risk of making errors in speaking Tsolyani or in the intricate rules of Imperial etiquette. A six-sided die is rolled each turn, and a roll of 6 indicates that some such faux pas has been committed. Further reactions of the Tsolyani are then determined by the Nonplayer Character Reaction Table (see below), and subsequent actions may range from derision and laughter to a quick trip to the neighborhood impalement stake (emphasis added). Duels are common, but most Imperials of higher rank will not bother with an itinerant foreigner but will simply call the city patrols.
What this means is that, unlike D&D where there is often the assumption that player-characters are freebooters in a world of shopkeepers, Empire of the Petal Throne assumes that there are almost always people of higher social status and power than player-characters. and in fact, most people are of higher status than player-characters when they first begin adventuring.
The implications of this are straightforward, but may be unsettling to players used to the "open frontier" of D&D. In Tekumel, social connections are a resource to be prized and not something that is an "optional add-on." In this milieu, almost nothing is done as a completely independent activity - to your average Tsolyani, that would be dangerously unsupported! Rather, there are always social considerations that complicate and enhance options and opportunities. Bob Alberti has written an elegant exposition on this, here.
The implications of this are straightforward, but may be unsettling to players used to the "open frontier" of D&D.
I see this as an impetus that would drive the player characters to want to explore Jakalla's (or any other city's) underworld as a way of escaping the normal oppressions of society on Tekumel.
"Those who swallow the camel of the entire concept, then strain at gnats of a particular monster or situation seem to be be losing much of the basis for playing. However, that sort of thing happens as one becomes familiar with the fanciful and begins to qualify the experience by comparison to reality." - EGG
The implications of this are straightforward, but may be unsettling to players used to the "open frontier" of D&D.
I see this as an impetus that would drive the player characters to want to explore Jakalla's (or any other city's) underworld as a way of escaping the normal oppressions of society on Tekumel.
Absolutely. In fact, a good deal of adventuring on Tekumel can be summarized as, "how do I do what I want while at the same time satisfying my social obligations?" This might seem somewhat onerous as an expectation, but I would submit that it is highly satisfying to accomplish both. As Prof. Barker notes in The Dragon #9:
Quote:
Once out of sight, either in the labyrinths below the cities or in some out-of-the-way jungle, one may count on little support from the law. Even in the cities, in broad daylight, one may attempt violence upon an opponent — but if one is caught or identified, then the offender becomes a public outlaw and can expect no aid from his/her own temple, friends, etc. This polite hypocrisy allows for a certain amount of intrigue and adventure while at the same time maintaining the social order, something very dear to most folk both on Tékumel and on this planet.
Joined: Dec 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 669 Karma: 35
Re: You, too, CAN run Empire of the Petal Throne « Reply #110 on Oct 3, 2011, 9:55pm »
The more I think about this, the more I realize that my last post ought to have been broken into two different observations:
There are no non-player characters on Tekumel. There is a real social hierarchy in Empire of the Petal Throne - the story of General Kettukal reinforces this, for example, through the very real adage of doing as the Emperor commands. Some people will be below you, and some at your level, and some above you. Be ready to deal with that. As a referee, be ready to remind people of this.
-and-
Social connections are a resource, not a drag. Part of the deeper attraction of Tekumel is the development of connections between player-characters and other characters, be they patrons, henchmen, colleagues, servants, or something else altogether. This is different from D&D, where "party loyalty" is often the boundary line for such things. As a referee, be ready to provide opportunities to build these connections - and use them as hooks for further adventures.
Joined: Aug 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 65 Location: St. Louis, MO Karma: 0
Re: You, too, CAN run Empire of the Petal Throne « Reply #112 on Nov 17, 2011, 11:07am »
I have to agree Victor. This has been a great read. Entertaining, interesting, informative, and just generally enjoyable. I'd love to hear more. Might make me think I can actually run a game.
Re: You, too, CAN run Empire of the Petal Throne « Reply #113 on Dec 19, 2011, 11:54pm »
I am providing a friendly "bump" to put this wonderful thread up at the front of the list... I wonder if a mod wouldn't mind making it a sticky, as it is really *that* helpful and all-around excellent as a resource
Re: You, too, CAN run Empire of the Petal Throne « Reply #116 on Aug 27, 2012, 10:27pm »
I'll be following this plan in an upcoming campaign I hope to run, at least for a few short sessions. I'll be blogging about it at Tekumel Mojo at tekumelmojo.wordpress.com. I'd welcome any comments.
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