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Secura
05-07-2010, 19:21
https://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac48/Secura87/Dragon%20Age%20Origins/DALogo.png
Bioware's epic tale of Ferelden comes to the Gameroom!

I have been wanting to get back into hosting games for a while now, and after alot of reading back over games I've played and looking at some currently in the making, I decided to have a go at basing a game around my favourite role-playing game and see if I could incorporate role-playing and mafia elements in successfully.

So this game will incorporate the standard town-mafia face-off, with various characters on both sides vying to complete their own personal goals at the expense of others with the Grey Warden and his/her companions in the middle. There's going to be some elements of roleplay involved, as you'd expect, and hopefully everyone who signs up would get some joy out of the game and feel involved no matter which role they recieved.

I am open to, and actively requesting, any advice or assistance that anyone can offer. If people think the idea sucks or it won't work, tell me! If you've got questions or I've missed something out, say so! :P

Anyways, here's what I've mustered together thus far...

Rules
Phases
The game is divided into alternating phases of Day and Night; the former lasts 48 hours to encourage voting; the night will be 24 hours long. There may be some fluctuation in this due to real life constraints or other circumstances, but I will adhere to them as best as possible.

Voting
During the Day phase, participants will vote for a player to be imprisoned or executed in Denerim; each outcome carries it's own benefits and drawbacks.

Imprisonment removes a player from the game for a single night phase, whereby they will be released at the end of the next day; it is essentially a roleblock. If you opt for this, vote as follows:
Imprison: Secura

Execution is basically the standard lynch; in the case of Dragon Age, this amounts to an attack that deals 100 damage, which will kill all but the hardiest characters instantly... so ensure you pick the right candidate. For this choice, vote as such:
Execute: Secura

You can also deign to follow either of these choices by abstaining; in this game, it amounts to voting for no execution or imprisonment, simply vote as shown:
Abstain

Persistently not voting will naturally result in a WOG at some point, so please try to stay committed to the game, it'll be worth it.

Communication
Copy and Pasting anything recieved from me is a big no-no, no matter what; feel free to paraphrase, however. This does not apply to communications with players... that's fair game. Be mindful of who you trust, though.

There are QuickTopics for various factions and characters, but out-of-thread comms are also permitted over IMs or via PM... just remember the rule!

Character Information
Alignment
The core of any mafia game, all players will find themselves aligned to one faction or another; not all evil elements follow the call of the Archdemon, just as not all of Ferelden marches under the banner of the Grey Wardens. Some characters will require the death of others for their own personal success, even if they are both town-aligned.

Hit Points
All characters, from the lowliest citizen of Denerim to the mighty Archdemon, will have hitpoints; their lifeforce that determines how many attacks they can take before dying. The total of hitpoints varies across classes, characters and items used, but the standard role has around 50-60; the more hardier and powerful elements of Ferelden may have as many as 300.

Hit points naturally regenerate at the end of each Day phase, the rate of which can be affected by items or character race/class. Unless otherwise stated, the rate of regeneration is 10 hit points per Day Phase.

Classes & Specialisations
Most characters are given a pre-determined class at the beginning of the game that determines their abilities and hit points; Warriors tend to be hardier and take more damage, Mages are usually able to attack as well as use a spell and Rogues are masters of evasion. This is character-dependent, however.

Specialisations are available for some roles upon meeting character-specific landmarks or personal goals. When this occurs, you will recieve a PM from the host detailing the choices you have, the potential benefits involved for each choice and any abilities you may acquire. You'll have time to decide and then respond with your choice.

Abilities & Spells
Every character will have an ability of some variety, regardless of alignment and stature in the game; some may limited in what they can do, such as 'can protect X each turn', and others may be of much broader and greater use.

For all active abilities, whether they require the Day or Night to be used, send a PM to the host during the specified phase to use them. Naturally, this is not required for passive abilities. Unless otherwise stated, only one ability can be used per phase, though items can change this.

Items, Gold & Shopping
Money makes the world go 'round, and Ferelden is no exception; all characters have a penchant for gold, though some naturally have more than others. Characters will start with a fixed amount of gold and a set amount of income, which is the value they generate each turn; some characters may find it takes many turns to even muster a single coin, whereas others may end up rich indeed...

Most characters can use items; once wielding a sword, even a lowly commoner can attack someone each night, though killing them may be another thing entirely.

Players will have the chance to purchase items, potions and even a different ability for the right price from Bodahn Feddic... providing they can outbid their fellow gamers!

Victory Conditions & Personal Goals
Every single character will have both a victory condition and at least one personal goal that they attend to achieve before the game is over; some may have more depending on the character. These conditions and goals account for your final ranking and the closing write-up will change accordingly, so ensure that you attempt these additional goals to the best of your ability to leave your mark on the game.

Sample Role PM

Sandal
https://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac48/Secura87/Dragon%20Age%20Origins/Sandal.jpg
Hit Points: 100
Alignment: Non-Player Character
Victory Condition: Enchantment?
Personal Goal: Enchantment!

Gold: 50
Income: 5 per turn

Background

Sandal is the adopted child of Bodahn Feddic, a travelling merchant from Orzammar; Feddic found Sandal many years ago during a routine journey into the Deep Roads; the merchant believes that the boy may have ended up addled by constant exposure to lyrium.

However, despite his mental frailty, Sandal is an extraordinarily gifted enchanter, able to fold lyrium into weapons and armour to imbue them with magical properties, thus becoming a vital component of his father's business endeavours.

Faction Explanation

If Sandal belonged to a faction, there might've been some information about his allies here...

Items

If Sandal possessed any weapons or armour, it would be explained here...


Abilities

https://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac48/Secura87/Dragon%20Age%20Origins/Runecrafting.png
Enchantment!
Passive
Enchanting upon request and fee.

Sandal is skilled at enchanting; for a fee, he can enchant any items upon request.

https://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac48/Secura87/Dragon%20Age%20Origins/Immunity.jpg
Enchantment?
Passive
Sandal is impervious to all sources of damage and cannot be lynched.

When Bodahn first found him, Sandal was found covered in blood and surrounded by dozens of dead darkspawn; nobody knows how the seemingly oblivious boy managed this feat, but it appears he may be more aware of his surroundings than he lets on.

Communication

If Sandal was capable of a proper conversation, there would be QuickTopic details here for him...

TheFlax
05-07-2010, 20:15
Awesome! I'm a big fan of Dragon Age and Thedas lore. Very much looking forward to this and hoping Ser Cauthrien is included. :wink:

Secura
05-07-2010, 20:30
Awesome! I'm a big fan of Dragon Age and Thedas lore. Very much looking forward to this and hoping Ser Cauthrien is included. :wink:

It's one of my favourite games ever... played pretty much every facet of it and still don't get bored!

As for Cauthrien... well, a Teryn needs his second-in-command in a situation such as this. xD

Centurion1
05-07-2010, 23:52
YES YES YES!!!!!!!

love that game

Double A
05-08-2010, 00:01
If I said this was an awesome idea, would you hold it against me?

Beskar
05-08-2010, 00:31
YES YES YES!!!!!!!

love that game

[Would you like to play fetch with Centurion.]
[Leave Centurion alone.]

Double A
05-08-2010, 02:41
Where's the [Kill Centurion] option?

Centurion1
05-08-2010, 02:49
[Would you like to play fetch with Centurion.]
[Leave Centurion alone.]

ah yes beskar named his mabari warhound after me. in an OMGUS retaliation i of course did the same thing, it interestingly enough stuck, i now always name my hound that.


Where's the [Kill Centurion] option?

cadderly dies in the last book. yeah thats right cant blame me i used spoilers.

Double A
05-08-2010, 03:11
[CENSORED SO GH DOESN'T HAVE TO DO IT.]

I was just putting it there because in Dragon Age, there is always a goody-two-shoes option, a normal guy option, and a typical 4chan user option.

But it's not like that matters anyway, since Wizards thought it was a great idea to skip the world 100 years ahead in time :angry:

Centurion1
05-09-2010, 01:04
I was kidding DA....... or was i. at least now you have something to look forward to.

Double A
05-09-2010, 03:00
Well, I already know Cattie-Brie and Regis die. Try to get some plot device explained, and I end up reading a spoiler.

Stupid wikis.

Chaotix
05-09-2010, 03:43
Sounds great. I want to be Oghren.

Also, you should let the player who gets the "Grey Warden" character choose their own class and background.

Double A
05-09-2010, 03:53
And they should get to name the Mabari War Hound.

Beskar
05-09-2010, 11:39
Mabari War Hound is called Centurion.

Anyway, the Warden is a female, in the official comic.

Secura
05-09-2010, 15:40
In this game, the Warden will be female; whomsoever has the fortune of getting the character will have a small choice in the customisation of it, principally race and class. I'm still working that part out. I'd really appreciate input for this game; Beskar told me it was attempting to be too flashy and would end up confusing, so feedback on that would help me refine things.

The Mabari Warhound was always going to be a character, and has been customary for me since I started playing DA, it will be called Beskie.

Niklas
05-09-2010, 16:38
This sounds like a very nice idea.

I'd really appreciate input for this game; Beskar told me it was attempting to be too flashy and would end up confusing, so feedback on that would help me refine things.
I've looked over the rules, and I really like what I see so far. That said, Beskar's warning is fair and valid. You should make sure that abilities and items are balanced for this game, not strive to make it true to the original. That's the number one pitfall when designing a game based around your favorite setting, whatever that setting may be. Be sure that you have a set of core rules for this game that works out well, and then worry about how to map those rules back to the setting.

As I said, I think there are several very interesting ideas from your rules. Ability upgrades/character specializations is a really cool idea, complex personal goals is a must for any RPG-esque mafia game. I also like the idea of using Bodahn Feddic as a neutral auction.

Two things I'm less certain about. The hit points mechanic seems a bit complex for a mafia game, is there any reason it cannot be simplified down to a vitality stat like the one ATPG uses in Resident Evil? You could still call it hit points. Also, story-wise I would think it somewhat weird if there was an Archdemon hidden among the characters. Archdemons tend to be quite hard to miss after all... I think Beskar is right in that regard, about trying to make it more epic/flashy than it really needs to be. How about making the mafia some different faction that is still humanoid? A blood mage cabal perhaps? I realize that makes the Warden less of an obvious protagonist though, but a full Blight isn't really a subtle threat that lends itself well to a mafia game methinks.

Secura
05-09-2010, 17:29
You should make sure that abilities and items are balanced for this game, not strive to make it true to the original. That's the number one pitfall when designing a game based around your favorite setting, whatever that setting may be. Be sure that you have a set of core rules for this game that works out well, and then worry about how to map those rules back to the setting.

The abilities were generally the standard mafia faire with fancy names relating to the game, mixed in with some skills that add resistance to certain attacks and such; a mechanic I saw utilised in Sigurd's Star Wars game and really liked.

As for items, they were generally to affect incoming and outgoing attacks or increase health and such. Those would obviously need changing if I removed the health system.


Ability upgrades/character specializations is a really cool idea

I wanted something that would keep players interested whether they were the Grey Warden or just Darkspawn; a motivational tool to not just sit back and lurk through the game.


complex personal goals is a must for any RPG-esque mafia game.

I totally agree.

I've played and replayed the game repeatedly to come up with personal goals for every single character; some of them are straight emulation of the game (companions, for example), while others are related to background or circumstances.

Needless to say, everyone would be playing as a proper character rather than "Generic Orzammar Guard #18" and such. :3


I also like the idea of using Bodahn Feddic as a neutral auction.

And Sandal, naturally... :P


The hit points mechanic seems a bit complex for a mafia game, is there any reason it cannot be simplified down to a vitality stat like the one ATPG uses in Resident Evil? You could still call it hit points.

This mechanic was considered because I wanted to try to mirror the kinda epic feel that the game has, which would be taken away if the Archdemon was a role and ended up lynched... game over, technically.

There were meant to be several things in place to stop the Archdemon role from being one-shotted, including it's HP, the fact only a handful of roles could deal the finishing blow, it's general resistance to damage... >.<


Also, story-wise I would think it somewhat weird if there was an Archdemon hidden among the characters. Archdemons tend to be quite hard to miss after all... I think Beskar is right in that regard, about trying to make it more epic/flashy than it really needs to be. How about making the mafia some different faction that is still humanoid? A blood mage cabal perhaps?

This was a major problem I had; I wanted to include the High Dragon, Broodmother and Archdemon (the latter two in particular were going to be very important roles), but their sheer size doesn't really lend well in terms of a mafia-esque storyline.

There's plenty of other characters that work out fine, it's just getting them into a setting that would work in terms of narrative, which in some cases (Dalish or Dwarven characters, for example), might be tough. >.<


I realize that makes the Warden less of an obvious protagonist though, but a full Blight isn't really a subtle threat that lends itself well to a mafia game methinks.

Well, a Warden can be a hero in any setting, really... :P

Centurion1
05-09-2010, 23:50
You name your mabari Beskar too!!!!!!!!!!!!! thats so exciting great minds think alike.

good i want to take a screenshot now.

Beskar
05-10-2010, 01:44
I named mine Centurion out of affection. You did yours as an OMGUS. :tongue:

Double A
05-10-2010, 03:53
Mabari War Hound is called Centurion.

Anyway, the Warden is a female, in the official comic.

I didn't think Morrigan was bisexual though...


In this game, the Warden will be female; whomsoever has the fortune of getting the character will have a small choice in the customisation of it, principally race and class. I'm still working that part out. I'd really appreciate input for this game; Beskar told me it was attempting to be too flashy and would end up confusing, so feedback on that would help me refine things.

SEXISM!!!!1111111


This sounds like a very nice idea.

I've looked over the rules, and I really like what I see so far. That said, Beskar's warning is fair and valid. You should make sure that abilities and items are balanced for this game, not strive to make it true to the original. That's the number one pitfall when designing a game based around your favorite setting, whatever that setting may be. Be sure that you have a set of core rules for this game that works out well, and then worry about how to map those rules back to the setting.

As I said, I think there are several very interesting ideas from your rules. Ability upgrades/character specializations is a really cool idea, complex personal goals is a must for any RPG-esque mafia game. I also like the idea of using Bodahn Feddic as a neutral auction.

Two things I'm less certain about. The hit points mechanic seems a bit complex for a mafia game, is there any reason it cannot be simplified down to a vitality stat like the one ATPG uses in Resident Evil? You could still call it hit points. Also, story-wise I would think it somewhat weird if there was an Archdemon hidden among the characters. Archdemons tend to be quite hard to miss after all... I think Beskar is right in that regard, about trying to make it more epic/flashy than it really needs to be. How about making the mafia some different faction that is still humanoid? A blood mage cabal perhaps? I realize that makes the Warden less of an obvious protagonist though, but a full Blight isn't really a subtle threat that lends itself well to a mafia game methinks.

CFC has more complex crap than us, and they get along fine. May be due to the 40 posts per page, though.

Also, the AD could have transmogrified himself. Like how in Koopa Troop, my cover role was bigger than my actual role, only reversed.

Or he could be pulling a Harbinger, mind controlling some mook during the day, and he go out and kill someone at night.

Secura
05-10-2010, 13:51
I didn't think Morrigan was bisexual though...

The game needed that aspect I think; Morrigan describes herself as someone who would use sex as a means of getting what she wanted... why limit that to men when there's plenty of wealthy and powerful women in Ferelden (and indeed Thedas) as well?


SEXISM!!!!1111111

I had considered allowing the Warden player to pick their gender to be honest; it's just that when I play DA, I'm pretty much always playing as a female and thus know the story better from that aspect. In the grand scheme of things though, allowing the choice of male/female might be better... I just wouldn't expect many to pick female if that was the case. :P


Also, the AD could have transmogrified himself. Like how in Koopa Troop, my cover role was bigger than my actual role, only reversed.

Or he could be pulling a Harbinger, mind controlling some mook during the day, and he go out and kill someone at night.

That was going to be the original idea... some of the serial killer roles are capable of disguising/changing their appearance anyway, but I haven't seen anything that implies the Archdemon, Broodmother or High Dragon were capable of doing the same.

I could split things up so that there's two mafia factions of smaller size or something to that effect... I've already got ideas thanks to Niklas. My main problem now is finding reasons for certain characters to be outside of the locale they normally are; Dwarves wouldn't want to lose Stone Sense, for example.... guess I can figure that out through narrative though.

Centurion1
05-10-2010, 15:40
But beskie it turned into love now its the only.name.I use its just.so perfect

Secura
05-10-2010, 17:04
Especially as there's a point or two in-game where you can address your Mabari as "Naughty Beskie"... xD

Beskar
05-10-2010, 18:03
Secura likes it when 'Beskie' is 'Naughty'.

Secura
05-10-2010, 18:16
If I'm honest, I never use the Mabari outside of scenes that require it (principally those playing as a Cousland)... it's decent enough but the limited pool of skills and such just don't compare in the long run. That won't be the case in this game though, it will be a decent role nonetheless.

I still need people's input though to make the game workable!

Winston Hughes
05-10-2010, 18:52
Sounds like an excellent plan for a game. Of course, I'll be totally baffled as to what's going on, but that's nothing new. :tumbleweed:

johnhughthom
05-10-2010, 19:10
Sounds like an excellent plan for a game. Of course, I'll be totally baffled as to what's going on, but that's nothing new. :tumbleweed:

Well you can always rely on my first round vote to help you get your bearings.

Double A
05-10-2010, 20:48
The game needed that aspect I think; Morrigan describes herself as someone who would use sex as a means of getting what she wanted... why limit that to men when there's plenty of wealthy and powerful women in Ferelden (and indeed Thedas) as well?

Uhm... pass.


I had considered allowing the Warden player to pick their gender to be honest; it's just that when I play DA, I'm pretty much always playing as a female and thus know the story better from that aspect. In the grand scheme of things though, allowing the choice of male/female might be better... I just wouldn't expect many to pick female if that was the case. :P

It was a joke. :tongue:




That was going to be the original idea... some of the serial killer roles are capable of disguising/changing their appearance anyway, but I haven't seen anything that implies the Archdemon, Broodmother or High Dragon were capable of doing the same.

I could split things up so that there's two mafia factions of smaller size or something to that effect... I've already got ideas thanks to Niklas. My main problem now is finding reasons for certain characters to be outside of the locale they normally are; Dwarves wouldn't want to lose Stone Sense, for example.... guess I can figure that out through narrative though.

Ah, but there is nothing in the game implying that they CAN'T do that.

Secura
05-10-2010, 22:50
It was a joke. :tongue:

I know, but you raised a good point in doing so!


Ah, but there is nothing in the game implying that they CAN'T do that.

It's true... I have always wondered exactly what led to the Cult of Andraste believing that a dragon was the reincarnation of the Prophet, but in all fairness I just assumed they saw such a mythical creature as something to revere rather than that it actually took the Prophet's form or anything.

As for the Broodmother... doubt that thing could move at all, and indeed it wasn't going to be able to; the Broodmother was going to be the second-most important role in the game not for her attacking capabilities (which were zero) but what else she brought to the table for the mafia. Disguising a giant boob-creature as a humanoid... don't think that's possible.

My idea was to have a cabal of blood mages or something similar as one mafia faction, some Darkspawn as the other... it would mean I could chop-and-change the hit point system (or scrap it entirely) and perhaps that the abilities/specialisations mechanic could extend to all characters (with a few special exceptions!).

Double A
05-11-2010, 00:33
Then give Boobosaurs Rex an Ogre minion to run around in ur base killin ur doodz

Secura
05-11-2010, 00:37
Ogre Alpha was a role too though, hahaha.... they're not very conspicuous themselves. xD

Beskar
05-11-2010, 00:47
I wanted to see Sandal in being the cruical vote in first-round lynching of the Arch-demon of the Blight. :cry:

Double A
05-11-2010, 03:14
Ogre Alpha was a role too though, hahaha.... they're not very conspicuous themselves. xD

How bout some sort of evil ninja Darkspawn?

Secura
05-11-2010, 11:00
How bout some sort of evil ninja Darkspawn?

You just gave me an idea for an awesome guest role...

Double A
05-11-2010, 12:06
Oh wait.

It's so freaking obvious.

Give the Broodmother a dozen Darkspawn to guard... her?

Secura
05-11-2010, 12:18
Naw, Broodmother will probably be dropped along with High Dragon, Ogre Alpha and Archdemon; I wanted to include them but there doesn't seem to be a logical way to do it through narrative... the characters are hardly likely to miss two huge dragons and a boob-creature... and I want to stay relatively loyal to the source material.

There's four or so roles that can easily replace them though, which is good.

Niklas
05-11-2010, 12:36
Naw, Broodmother will probably be dropped along with High Dragon, Ogre Alpha and Archdemon; I wanted to include them but there doesn't seem to be a logical way to do it through narrative... the characters are hardly likely to miss two huge dragons and a boob-creature... and I want to stay relatively loyal to the source material.
I think this is really the way to go. Staying close to the source material and making a believable scenario will make for a much more fun game, role-playing wise. Über-epic but otherwise nonsensical scenarios are only appealing for the 1337 kidz.

A low-key, down-to-earth, gritty battle between blood mages and templars, neither of which cares the least about collateral damage, would be pure awesome. Or perhaps a setting with werewolves vs the mages the cursed them? Or a factioned game featuring various dwarven noble houses, vying for the throne? Or a landsmeet, with the players being various Banns, and the mafia being Orlesian spies trying to overthrow the nation? Geez, you could make a whole series of DA:O games here, so don't use up all the cool ideas for a single game! :grin:

Secura
05-11-2010, 12:58
A low-key, down-to-earth, gritty battle between blood mages and templars, neither of which cares the least about collateral damage, would be pure awesome. Or perhaps a setting with werewolves vs the mages the cursed them? Or a factioned game featuring various dwarven noble houses, vying for the throne? Or a landsmeet, with the players being various Banns, and the mafia being Orlesian spies trying to overthrow the nation? Geez, you could make a whole series of DA:O games here, so don't use up all the cool ideas for a single game! :grin:

There's alot of good ideas in there that actually correlate with some of my own.

The thing is that they would be better suited towards games of a smaller scale, because otherwise it's going to come down to alot of people ending up with generic roles to fill the spaces; I've noticed from some previous games comments such as "I've never felt so useless or powerless" and "I never felt like I was part of the game", thus my idea of giving everyone a role that made them feel part of something.

Not sure some of the mechanics would lend well to games such as those either. Much to think about...

Double A
05-11-2010, 20:37
Right, like if you give me a role-pm, you will see at least a 100% jump in my activity, and if it's an actual role (ie, not just generic townie), I'm probably going to be devoting actual time to playing the game.

Roles make me feel speshul.

Winston Hughes
05-11-2010, 20:57
Well you can always rely on my first round vote to help you get your bearings.

Aww, thanks. :love:

I can also rely on random.org griefing me in new and exciting (or old and predictable) ways.

Centurion1
05-14-2010, 02:24
oh i love templars.......... so cool looking

how about morrigan's "mother" cant remember her name onn the tip of my tongue....

Double A
05-14-2010, 04:22
I just call her "not sideboob."

Niklas
05-14-2010, 10:30
Flemeth. That's actually a cool idea.

Secura
05-14-2010, 10:35
Flemeth, yes... or Captain Kathryn Janeway, if you'd prefer. :laugh4:

I'm thinking of going ahead with the big game idea just to test mechanics and such out, and then utilise that to create a series of more story-driven games akin to NOTW over at CFC. Not sure yet, though.

Double A
05-14-2010, 12:03
Don't tell everyone the roles though, that's just confusing.

Also, it'd be kind of odd for Alpha Hurlock to be defending Morrigan.

Secura
05-14-2010, 12:04
What do you mean?

Double A
05-16-2010, 06:31
I NOTOW on CFC, all the role names are revealed at the beginning. Which I don't like.

Diamondeye
05-18-2010, 11:23
I NOTOW on CFC, all the role names are revealed at the beginning. Which I don't like.

This is true for most of the games; in those cases, the "wolves" have coverroles or roles that don't sound conspicious.

This has been both avoided (in Backwards Logic's NotW) and played with (TheForestAuro's game where the role names were with little import; we were all councilors with a different, nondescriptive adjective. ATPG was bloated!). Besides, this isn't NotW (although it sure sounds like it's going to be more like it - which I like! Look at how I'm enjoying myself in Space Rogues, per example!). Perhaps you should read up on some NotW, then, Secura? :)

In any case; this sounds like a nice idea and I'd definitely play it. The game it's based on sounds interesting as well. It sounds like Niklas knows it, perhaps I can question him about it :laugh4:

Secura
05-18-2010, 11:35
Besides, this isn't NotW (although it sure sounds like it's going to be more like it - which I like! Look at how I'm enjoying myself in Space Rogues, per example!).

Yes, it's funny you say that because Beskar and I were talking about Space Rogues and how there needs to be more games with a roleplaying element to them, but I'm not sure how that would appeal to the Org as much as it would to CFC.


Perhaps you should read up on some NotW, then, Secura? :)

I'm actually participating in autolycus' game currently, but the subject material to me is utterly confusing to say the least; I was directed to a wiki with relevant information but the things I genuinely wanted to know were not there. :/


In any case; this sounds like a nice idea and I'd definitely play it. The game it's based on sounds interesting as well. It sounds like Niklas knows it, perhaps I can question him about it :laugh4:

T'is true, it is an awesome video game. :3

Double A
05-18-2010, 21:27
Actually, the only time I've ever roleplayed here was when I was Bowser in CoV: KT, and that was because I was INVINCIBLE (at least until my guards died).

It was fun.

However, I think with most games the fancy pants roles (like for this, Morrigan) were all public, we'd get owned.

Methos
05-19-2010, 06:39
I could never pass up an RPG, so I'm definitely in!

Secura
05-22-2010, 05:30
I'm not entirely sure if I'm going to go through the stress of setting the game up and such, anymore... not really enjoying mafia at the moment, don't have the heart to set up a game and then lose faith in it halfway through, that's not really fair on myself or the players.

Hopefully I'll renew the interest somewhere along the line and can get this game up and running... thanks for the input, though. :bow:

Double A
05-25-2010, 03:10
Just play more Dragon Age :tongue2:

Have you tried a dual mace-wielding Dwarf yet?

Secura
05-25-2010, 15:48
Nine times out of ten, my Warden is a Cousland or Dalish Elf. xD

I think the Commoner and Noble questlines are fantastic, far better than the Human and Elven counterparts... I just can't get used to aesthetics most of the time. Besides, Oggy is more than enough Dwarf for me. :3

Diamondeye
05-25-2010, 20:53
Secura, if you need something explained about the universe of the NotW, just catch me on messenger, I'm more than willing to help..!

Double A
05-26-2010, 00:42
I think the Dalish quest took me 30 minutes to an hour, and the Dwarven Noble quest took me 2 hours.

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah.

Belisarius II
05-27-2010, 01:49
I have put many hours into this game, and yes, yes I am a Tevinter supporter.

I think this game could be put into the making, it's seems to have a lot of potential, and Secura looks like she's put a lot of effort into it, so why not make it a reality?

Double A
05-27-2010, 14:33
Tevinter?

Secura
05-27-2010, 15:52
Tevinter?

Yes, they're those Magi that you find in Denerim's Elven Alienage around the Landsmeet portion of the game; they've fabricated an epidemic in order to enforce a quarantine that is merely a cover for the slave trade that they've gradually built up over the course of the game... with the blessing of a certain Teryn Mac Tir, I might add!


I think this game could be put into the making, it's seems to have a lot of potential, and Secura looks like she's put a lot of effort into it, so why not make it a reality?

Thank you... rest assured I do intend to get the game up and running at some point, there's just alot of narrative and mechanical things I've got to look over first, as well as get over my current mafia block. :bow:

johnhughthom
05-27-2010, 16:29
Yes, they're those Magi that you find in Denerim's Elven Alienage around the Landsmeet portion of the game; they've fabricated an epidemic in order to enforce a quarantine that is merely a cover for the slave trade that they've gradually built up over the course of the game... with the blessing of a certain Teryn Mac Tir, I might add!

My favourite part of DA:O.

Might I request if you are basing this on NoTW style games at CFC, please, please, please don't have some mega-awesome unlynchable unkillable supervillain a lot of those games seem to have.

Double A
05-27-2010, 18:04
Um... john... may I remind you of Bowser in CoV?

Anyway, I don't think I got to that part of Dragon Age yet. I dropped everything else when Mass Effect 2 came out.

Gonna go play DA more now though.

Secura
05-27-2010, 18:11
My favourite part of DA:O.

I loved the Landsmeet because it was a chance to see just how far-reaching the politics of Ferelden was; even in the remote reaches of the country, Arls were suffering against the Darkspawn due in part to the loss of their men at Ostagar. You became part of the politics, you saw the effects... definitely my favourite part alongside the Quest for the Sacred Ashes.


Might I request if you are basing this on NoTW style games at CFC, please, please, please don't have some mega-awesome unlynchable unkillable supervillain a lot of those games seem to have.

Hahaha, you're not the first person to offer a critique of the NoTW games; I'm not sure I like the idea of revealing all the roles at the start of the game (even though some of them are obviously covers), but I guess that's a vital roleplaying component of the series. I think there's going to be a sense of continuity, so choices made by characters continue over into other games, including specialisation and spells/abilities (though they can be undone, for a price!), but no character will be overwhelmingly powerful or unkillable; I think the whole informed minority aspect gives the mafia enough of an advantage as it is.

I'm not certain that roleplaying in the NOTW sense would fit the storyline, especially in the case of special characters; consider the role of Beskie, the loveable mabari hound, and imagine roleplaying that... you'd be pretty transparant if you're just going woof, woof, pant, pant for the duration you're alive, because let's face it, nobody's going to lynch the wuvvable pup. :3

I think the roleplaying aspect for this game actually comes through the mastering of spells/abilities, the advancing through specialisations and the pursuit of individual goals; it would mirror NOTW in the sense that it is a continuing storyline shaped by the players, whether they are the heroic Grey Warden or the Architect himself. Continuity is key.

An example of what I mean... let's consider my least favourite character in the game, perennial crybaby and "I'm not a Blood Mage, honest!", Jowan. Let's say that he is a character in a Circle of Magi-related storyline, and that his personal goal is to escape the tower with Lily, as is his plan in the Mage starting quests, while keeping his newfound powers a secret from her.

If the players of Jowan and Lily both survived and escaped the tower, and the blood magic was kept under wraps, then they would feature in another game later down the line, perhaps whereby they are masonic in nature and have to keep each other alive... perhaps Jowan will have shirked his blood magic powers and taken up a different school altogether.

But what if Lily found out about the blood magic? Well then, Jowan would leave the tower alone, and the pair may appear in another game together, whereby Lily might end up having to hunt Jowan down (and kill him, or vice versa) or defect to his side and escape again... to another game, perhaps.

And, of course, there's the possibility that Lily might die, whereby we'd see Jowan in later games with accelerated prowess in blood magic; a barbaric, unstable apostate. Or Jowan could die, whereby we may never see either of them again... who knows?

There's so many possibilities, it's just a case of getting narrative ideas down. I wanted to try a 'royale'-esque game first, comprised of all the well-known/pivotal characters to get used to the mechanics and balance the game out, but it depends on how people feel about that.

Double A
05-27-2010, 20:58
Or, you know, the town could be bloody horrible until the end, and everyone but 5 guys die, or even better, a mafia win.

Secura
05-27-2010, 22:23
Or, you know, the town could be bloody horrible until the end, and everyone but 5 guys die, or even better, a mafia win.

There's avenues for that sorta of outcome too, wiseguy! :P

johnhughthom
05-27-2010, 23:47
I'd also ask that your write ups contain no jokes as lame as that Sylvester Stallone one in the Footballodium please...

Secura
05-28-2010, 00:28
I'd also ask that your write ups contain no jokes as lame as that Sylvester Stallone one in the Footballodium please...

You know it rocked... meanie. :<

Askthepizzaguy
05-28-2010, 01:26
You know it rocked... meanie. :<

Yes, it was quite rocky. :quiet:

Double A
05-29-2010, 01:21
HOLY CRAP GOLEM FORM IS AWESOME

johnhughthom
05-29-2010, 01:55
You're still doing the Mages Tower quest???

Secura
05-29-2010, 02:25
Righto, good news!

I have decided that I'm going to draft up a small-sized game, around 15-18 players or so hopefully, to fully test the mechanics and narrative direction before hopefully making the whole thing a lasting series across the Org. Having mulled over storylines, characters and such, I decided what better way to decide then to ask you guys directly?

Essentially, the trial game will be based upon one of the six origin quests that begin the game; Human Noble, Dwarf Noble, Dwarf Commoner, City Elf, Dalish Elf and Magi.

So, please post which one you liked most and why; once I've got a fair amount of votes, I'll have an idea of which characters to use, can start drafting up Role PMs and play through the origin again to get a feel of where I can fit the mafia mechanics into the narrative.

Hopefully it's going to be good. :3

Double A
05-29-2010, 03:19
You're still doing the Mages Tower quest???

Sort of. I'd be done if I didn't have to keep coming to the org and checking this thread for updates. Oh, and the WWI game.

I got to a part where there are 2 chests in a room (past the dragon-things and then the next encounter) and if you go up to them you get bumrushed by half a dozen shades and a yellow "lesser" rage demon.

Double A
05-29-2010, 03:19
Righto, good news!

I have decided that I'm going to draft up a small-sized game, around 15-18 players or so hopefully, to fully test the mechanics and narrative direction before hopefully making the whole thing a lasting series across the Org. Having mulled over storylines, characters and such, I decided what better way to decide then to ask you guys directly?

Essentially, the trial game will be based upon one of the six origin quests that begin the game; Human Noble, Dwarf Noble, Dwarf Commoner, City Elf, Dalish Elf and Magi.

So, please post which one you liked most and why; once I've got a fair amount of votes, I'll have an idea of which characters to use, can start drafting up Role PMs and play through the origin again to get a feel of where I can fit the mafia mechanics into the narrative.

Hopefully it's going to be good. :3

Dwarf noble! Dwarf noble! DWAAAAAAARF NOBLE!!!!!!!

Secura
05-29-2010, 03:39
Dwarf noble! Dwarf noble! DWAAAAAAARF NOBLE!!!!!!!

:laugh4:

That'd be an interesting one, for sure; imagine if there were standard rules in place, you'd just have everyone role-claim and then lynch Bhelen or something! xDD

The mafia wouldn't be quite as clear cut as that though; there's plenty of dissident nobles, unruly commoners, Proving combatants and Darkspawn to be had in Orzammar. :curtain:

Double A
05-29-2010, 04:03
Orzammar is by far my favorite place I've been to so far (granted that is just the Circle, the Fade, Orzammar, that Dalsih village next to the temple of doom, and some pansy Dwarf's house in Redcliff before I went to get Wynn instead).

Oh, and the Fade is actually below 0 on my like-o-meter. So, yeah. If you vote for mage, I will kill you,

Secura
05-29-2010, 12:39
Orzammar is by far my favorite place I've been to so far (granted that is just the Circle, the Fade, Orzammar, that Dalsih village next to the temple of doom, and some pansy Dwarf's house in Redcliff before I went to get Wynn instead).

You went to Redcliffe... and then left? I guess that you spoke to Teagan and the others... and that someone warned you not to leave? :3


Oh, and the Fade is actually below 0 on my like-o-meter. So, yeah. If you vote for mage, I will kill you,

I think a story based on the Mage Origin would likely focus on the things that happen after the Warden's following up to his/her recruitment after Jowan escapes. :P

TheFlax
05-29-2010, 15:48
I'm also pro-Dwarf Noble Origin, although I haven't done all of them. (My main is a female Elf Commoner and I did the Human Noble too.) I'd be open to trying out something different. What I like best in the Dwarf Noble Origin is all the politicking going on and it has a great temporary companion.

I did not find the fade as bad as most people did though, I think it did some interesting things, likewise in the expansion. :shrug:

Secura
05-29-2010, 16:18
it has a great temporary companion.

Gorim, right?

I loved how he interacted with the Warden at the start, whether you were male or female, kind or an utter d-bag.. but that love quickly dissolved into a sense of loathing; I purposefully take the long way around Denerim to reach the tavern and such because I don't want to hear him yelling "DWARVEN CRAFTS! FINE DWARVEN CRAFTS!" for the millionth time. xD

Double A
05-29-2010, 16:34
You went to Redcliffe... and then left? I guess that you spoke to Teagan and the others... and that someone warned you not to leave? :3

I couldn't persuade the Dwarf and his two bodyguards to fight, and I was poor, so I reloaded my save in my camp and went to the Circle to get more stats and anther level in persuade. I love rogues' 2-levels-to-get-another-skill-point thing instead of the warrior/mage one every three levels. Oh, and lockpicking. That's always useful.

Secura
05-29-2010, 17:26
I couldn't persuade the Dwarf and his two bodyguards to fight, and I was poor, so I reloaded my save in my camp and went to the Circle to get more stats and anther level in persuade.

Phew, I totally panicked there; let's just say that there might not have been much of Redcliff left had you departed and returned later. Wise move. :3


Oh, and lockpicking. That's always useful.

I never take lockpicking, even when I'm a Rogue; Leliana is my absolute favourite companion and features in every single party I have in every game I've ever started... and she'll be cropping up a fair amount in these games as a result. xD

TheFlax
05-29-2010, 17:37
Gorim, right?

I loved how he interacted with the Warden at the start, whether you were male or female, kind or an utter d-bag.. but that love quickly dissolved into a sense of loathing; I purposefully take the long way around Denerim to reach the tavern and such because I don't want to hear him yelling "DWARVEN CRAFTS! FINE DWARVEN CRAFTS!" for the millionth time. xD

Yeah, I didn't get to Denerim with my Dwarf Noble, I've been told by many I would be disappointed.


I never take lockpicking, even when I'm a Rogue; Leliana is my absolute favourite companion and features in every single party I have in every game I've ever started... and she'll be cropping up a fair amount in these games as a result. xD

Lots of Leliana is fine with me, even if she's not my favorite character.

Double A
05-29-2010, 17:56
I like Leliana, but since I always want 2 wizards (one for healing and one for blowing the crap out of everything), one tank (Alister), and one other (tank or DPS rouge, aka me) I don't have room for her.

Maybe I'll do a healing-mage next playthrough so I can take her, Morrigan, and Alister.

I also realize I can't spell today. So I'm just going to have to finish my fourum-ing early today and improve my vocabulary with more RPGs.

Double A
05-29-2010, 18:49
Hey, I think the secondary goal for everyone shold be to collect and subsequently burn the most Blank Vellum.

johnhughthom
05-29-2010, 21:49
I also realize I can't spell today.

It took you until today?

Double A
05-29-2010, 23:50
Actually, I spell rather well. Of course, you can't really tell because of spell-checker, and your overall annoyance with me hinders any good impressions I don't try to make.

johnhughthom
05-29-2010, 23:56
Actually, I spell rather well. Of course, you can't really tell because of spell-checker, and your overall annoyance with me hinders any good impressions I don't try to make.

Gah? My constant mockery of you actually means I kinda like you. Silly boy.

Double A
05-30-2010, 00:17
I know john, I recognize admiration when I see it.

Secura
05-30-2010, 00:20
Boys, get a room... Zevran's getting excited! xD

johnhughthom
05-30-2010, 00:25
How about doing a decent Dalish Elf origin story from scratch Secura?

Double A
05-30-2010, 00:40
Oh right, that reminds me.

I just heard Zevran speak for the first time. Why is he Spanish?

And yes john, I think we all agree that the Dalish origin story was a bit... lacking. In every department.

Secura
05-30-2010, 00:43
How about doing a decent Dalish Elf origin story from scratch Secura?

I take it you didn't like the game's own version?

I felt that it was very disjointed and far-fetched, which annoys me because I feel that the Dalish have one of the richest storylines in Thedas; the origin opens with you and Tamlen pointing your bows at a group of humans, and I guess it's there to show some of the Human-Dalish tension that exists in Ferelden, but after that, it fades away and you don't get any serious elusions to these racial tensions until the Landsmeet set of quests.

Furthermore, I didn't like the manner in which you encounter Duncan; the whole mirror thing that absorbs Tamlen or whatever the fudge it does, and yet such an artifact isn't seen again throughout the entire game, as though the object was simply there to serve that purpose because they were all out of ideas, deus ex machina style.

Out of all the origins, it was probably the weakest one, so it would be hard to form an basis for a story which could translate into a mafia game, but I like a challenge.

Secura
05-30-2010, 00:45
I just heard Zevran speak for the first time. Why is he Spanish?

Zevran is from Antiva, which is a cultural twin to Venezia/Italy.

Everywhere in Thedas is akin to somewhere from the medieval world (think Europa Universalis III, actually):

Ferelden - England
Orlais - France
Antiva - Venezia/Italy
Tevinter - Byzantium
Anderfels - Holy Roman Empire/Germany

Those are the big ones, at any rate... I think the Qunari are meant to resemble the Ottoman Empire, as they're a strong people that seem to enjoy war and invading places and they're so culturally alien to everyone else. That's the best idea I could come up with anyway.

johnhughthom
05-30-2010, 00:50
What I meant was, ignore the game origin and do a totally different Dalish origin story. A good one. Emphasise the tensions with humans. With Gheyna and Cammen as the central characters.




Well, maybe not that last one.

Secura
05-30-2010, 00:56
With Gheyna and Cammen as the central characters.

Cammen's face makes Sten cry... it's that bad.

Besides, Cammen & Gheyna are from a different Dalish tribe to the Dalish Warden, so they're unlikely to appear. I'm liking the challenge of this the more I think of it though.

Double A
05-30-2010, 04:13
Didn't I already say the Dalish one was lame? (of course it's only the second one, and the Dwarf noble quest, which I played about a month after DA came out, still has lasting impressions on me)

Also, who and who?


Zevran is from Antiva, which is a cultural twin to Venezia/Italy.

Everywhere in Thedas is akin to somewhere from the medieval world (think Europa Universalis III, actually):

Ferelden - England
Orlais - France
Antiva - Venezia/Italy
Tevinter - Byzantium
Anderfels - Holy Roman Empire/Germany

Those are the big ones, at any rate... I think the Qunari are meant to resemble the Ottoman Empire, as they're a strong people that seem to enjoy war and invading places and they're so culturally alien to everyone else. That's the best idea I could come up with anyway.

I thought Tevinter was just the Roman empire, not just the Byzies. Cause they aren't around any more. So what are the Dwarves most like?

Also, I don't have EU3, as I explained in some QT which I will post here once I remember where I put it.

And I think the Qunari are like the Quarians from Mass Effect. Aside from the obvious spelling similarity, they are both mysterious, especially when you first meet them. Both are HIGHLY skilled at what they do (fighting and tech). And both Sten and Tali are purple-ish.

TheFlax
05-30-2010, 06:24
I thought Tevinter was just the Roman empire, not just the Byzies. Cause they aren't around any more.

Nah, Secura got it right. Tevinter is still around and kicking, fighting a lot with the Qunari. They are a lot smaller now though. Also, I remember from the Bioware forums, before the game came out, the lead writer mentioned that Tevinter was heavily inspired by the Byzantine Empire.

johnhughthom
05-30-2010, 08:16
I thought Tevinter was just the Roman empire, not just the Byzies.

The "Byzies" were the Roman Empire....



Somebody had to say it.

Secura
05-30-2010, 13:53
Nah, Secura got it right. Tevinter is still around and kicking, fighting a lot with the Qunari. They are a lot smaller now though.

Which is where I drew the Ottoman-Qunari comparison from, seems the most logical one.


Also, I remember from the Bioware forums, before the game came out, the lead writer mentioned that Tevinter was heavily inspired by the Byzantine Empire.

The wikia states that "Writer David Gaider has stated that the present, weakened state of Tevinter Imperium is influenced by the real-world Byzantine Empire". He gave real-life influences for all the nations I described in my earlier post. I don't think the Dwarves or Elves had one because their civilisations are very much under wraps; the Dwarves span across most of Ferelden (and further, p'raps) with the Deep Roads and such, while the Elves are fractured and essentially nomadic.

Double A
05-30-2010, 19:00
The "Byzies" were the Roman Empire....



Somebody had to say it.

I know that, sheesh. But when I say the "Roman Empire" I mean when it wasn't constantly fighting Muslims and Catholics, just everyone else. Byzies are the purple guys in M2 who have Constantinople.

And I didn't know the Imperium was still around. I'll have read my codex entry for them.

Also: GAAAAH WEREWOLVES CAN TALK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Belisarius II
05-30-2010, 23:39
https://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/FusionSaint/ThedasMap-1.jpg

This will help as far as geography.

There are bigger resolutions of the map, a quick google search will get you one.

Double A
05-31-2010, 03:17
Oh wow I thought Orlais was where that strip of land between Orlais and Ferelden is...


And that it was on an island.

Secura
05-31-2010, 13:37
Oh wow I thought Orlais was where that strip of land between Orlais and Ferelden is...

As I said, Orlais draws influences from France; aside of the obvious culture comparions, there's the vast extent of the country compared to the nations around it and the sheer size of their army (which was able to effectively invade and occupy Ferelden for some time).

There's a reason that Cailan was trying to forge a Ferelden-Orlais alliance and wanted the Chevaliers to come to aid against the Darkspawn... and there's a reason why Loghain chose to abandon the forces even when the beacon was lit.

Belisarius II
05-31-2010, 17:31
Oh wow I thought Orlais was where that strip of land between Orlais and Ferelden is...

That is still Orlais. The one thing I don't like about this map is its lack of borders for the nations. The land between Orlais and Ferelden was once called the Dales (2nd homeland of the elves). Orlais occupied the land. The far eastern border of Orlais is actually the mountains that make up the west border of Ferelden. Orlais is huge, and is the superpower of the Thedas presently. Another way you can see that Orlais has control of the area is that there are a few towns in that have French-like names around the Dales.

Double A
05-31-2010, 18:07
Holy crap Orlais is HUGE!

So can someone draw borders on that map?

Belisarius II
06-01-2010, 02:52
https://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy115/BelisariusII/ThedasMap-1-1.jpg?t=1275357502

This is a rough speculation of the borders and are in no way "official" but since we don't have an official map it'll have to do.

Does anyone want me to pop up an even bigger map, so city names will be visible? Or does this do fine?

EDIT: Slightly unsure of the western border of Orlais, so it may be smaller in reality.

Double A
06-01-2010, 03:31
Where's Qunariland?

Niklas
06-01-2010, 10:30
Qunari = Par Vollen, the island in the northeast. That's just their "forward colony" though, originally they come from somewhere across the ocean.

Beskar
06-01-2010, 10:35
Elf-Commoner was a great one. Though I did it as a male, it is apparently different as a female.

Belisarius II
06-01-2010, 14:19
Qunari = Par Vollen, the island in the northeast. That's just their "forward colony" though, originally they come from somewhere across the ocean.

And don't forget Scheron. That's where Sten came from.

I believe Scheron represents Anatolia. It was held by the TI before the Qunari came, and ever since then, the TI has launched attack after attack trying to regain the island, and they did finally get it back in what, I believe, was the latest Exalted March, but then lost it once the other nations' armies pulled out.

Double A
06-01-2010, 21:20
So are the Free Marches the HRE?

TheFlax
06-01-2010, 21:36
So are the Free Marches the HRE?

My understanding is that the Free Marches are un bunch of city states. The Dragon Age wiki mentions that the Free Marches are akin to Northern Italy.

Secura
06-01-2010, 21:37
So are the Free Marches the HRE?

No, that's Anderfels; the culture is apparantly quite Germanic in nature, and the socio-political aspects closely mimic the HRE... don't know much more about it, though.

Obviously most of the stories I write will be based in/around Ferelden and on the game's material itself, but I like the Orlesian and Antivan backgrounds sufficiently so that they might pop up as a proper setting somewhere down the line. :3

Double A
06-01-2010, 22:11
Yeah ok I get the Free Marches are North Italy, so then how is Antiva also Italy and not Spain?

TheFlax
06-01-2010, 22:23
Yeah ok I get the Free Marches are North Italy, so then how is Antiva also Italy and not Spain?

Antiva is more like Venice, because they are big on trade, with the merchant class generally running things.

Double A
06-01-2010, 22:30
I thought it was the Assassin class.

TheFlax
06-01-2010, 22:32
"Antiva is a nation in Thedas. Its capital is Antiva City, which lies on in the middle of its coastline. The line of kings in Antiva has remained unbroken for two and a half thousand years. In truth, however, the nation is ruled by a collection of merchant princes such as heads of banks, trading companies, and vineyards. As Antiva is well-known to be good at everything but fighting, it is ironic that the world's deadliest assassins, the Crows of Antiva, originate here. No general would be mad enough to lead an attack on the Antivan borders, for while they would surely succeed due to the fact Antiva has no standing army, the general would likely be assassinated by the Crows. " -Dragon Age Wiki

Generally assassin, being in the shadows and all that, don't run kingdoms. :clown:

Double A
06-01-2010, 22:48
Their figurehead would.

:P

Secura
06-02-2010, 20:28
Elf-Commoner was a great one. Though I did it as a male, it is apparently different as a female.

My personal favourites are Dwarf Noble, Human Noble and City Elf.

The Dwarf Noble is probably the best; the origin captures the intrigue of Orzammar's socio-economic and political aspects while highlighting the constant battle against the criminal underworld and the Darkspawn. There's so much narrative in such a short space of time that it's never enough to play the origin once, but to go at it repeatedly from every facet until you know every single outcome.

The Human Noble, to me, feels like the way the game was meant to be played; while the Dwarf Noble has the best origin story, I feel that the Human counterpart has the overall better storyline (in length and breavity) across the course of the game, the highlight being the confrontations with Arl Howe and Queen Anora, in particular. Besides, Tim Curry is awesomeness, could listen to his evil-laden tones all day long. xD

As for the City Elf, I loved the marital aspect and how it was ruined by the Human overlords, and then the subsequent revenge plot and eventual intervention of Duncan. Much better from the female perspective, too.

I think I'm going with the Dwarf Noble origin as an initial story, just need to iron out the mechanics; I'm thinking of changing the hitpoints thing to static Attack and Defense stats that determine the relative success of actions, which would be increased/reduced by specs, items and abilities/spells. Not sure yet.

Double A
06-02-2010, 22:03
Why not all 3? :P

Secura
06-03-2010, 00:06
Why not all 3? :P

See, here's the thing; say that the player who ends up as the Warden is unsuccessful and they die, or they fail to unite with Duncan or whatever... then they're dead, it's okay, because we can move on.

Consider what happens to the other Origins that you don't play as due to not meeting Duncan:

- the Mage is likely turned into Tranquil for helping Jowan destroy his phylactery
- the Dwarf Commoner dies in Jarvia's dungeons
- the Dwarf Noble dies in the Deep Roads
- the City Elf is executed for their crimes
- the Dalish Elf dies next to the Tevinter mirror
- the Human Noble is slain by Arl Howe's forces

So, if one Warden fails, so what? We've got other origins we can move onto until we get a successful Warden! :laugh4:

Anyways, mechanics-wise I'm considering using an array of stats that range from 1-10 and determine the success of an attack:

- Strength: determines the attack score for Rogue/Warrior characters
- Magic: as above, but for Magi
- Constitution: determines the defense score for physical attacks (melee and ranged weapons)
- Willpower: as above, but for staves and spells

So, for example, let's say we have the following characters, all without any items, buffs or abilities:

Sandal - 8 Strength, 0 Magic, 7 Constitution and 4 Willpower
Genlock Emissary - 1 Strength, 6 Magic, 3 Constitution and 6 Willpower
Hurlock Alpha - 6 Strength, 0 Magic, 6 Constitution and 2 Willpower

Both the Emissary and Alpha choose to attack Sandal overnight, the former choosing to attack with a Fireball, the latter with their bare hands, thus they are the aggressors; Sandal is defending himself with his bare hands, he is the defender.

The Alpha has 6 Strength compared to Sandal's 7 Constitution; this would result in Sandal surviving the Alpha's attack outright, or perhaps suffering an injury which could have any number of effects depending on the luck (or lack thereof) of the die... typical examples would include head trauma (loss of willpower), broken bones (loss of constitution) and so on. As both Sandal and the Alpha are in melee range of one another, there is a possibility that Sandal could retaliate against his attacker; in this instant, he may inflict an injury, but were his attacker somewhat weaker he might kill them outright, dependent on the luck of the draw.

The Emissary has 6 Magic compared to Sandal's 4 Willpower; this would likely result in Sandal's death, though the luck of the draw may favour him and he comes out with injuries instead. As the Emissary is a ranged attacker and Sandal is melee, there would be no opportunity in this instant for Sandal to retaliate to the attack, in this instant.

As a rule, melee characters can only retaliate to melee-ranged adversaries, bow-wielders can retaliate to ranged only and magi can retaliate to both, although there's a high liklihood they won't survive to do so at close-range. These rules can be circumvented by specific abilities such as Archery or Templar abilities, for example.

It's something I developed that's akin to the mechanic used in the Star Wars game over at CFC, just more relevant to the world of Dragon Age and more personalised through class, spec, items and such. It might seem complex, but it really isn't in practice, it's just there to inflict a greater sense of roleplay and remove that whole Health/Stamina/Mana aspect and the monitoring of recovery and such. Tell me what you think, anyway. :3

Double A
06-03-2010, 03:34
Yeah by all 3 I meant HP, attack, and defense, not 3 Wardens.

And about archers... I think some should be able to retaliate. Melee archer or having a dagger are both ways. And then there's Dirty Fighting, my most used ability :P

But they just won't be as powerful that way.

Also... I think Sandal should have more Magic than than. Like, enchantment! Gosh!

Secura
06-03-2010, 08:24
Yeah by all 3 I meant HP, attack, and defense

The thing with the HP stat is that it's a bit too complex for a mafia game and casts a significant disadvantage upon the mafia, who are largely subject to the same personal goal/specialisation 'levelling up' as the town. Say it was a larger game and they attacked two people per night, but their attacks only led to halving two people's health... it would reduce them to one kill a night and probably not be as fun for them, bearing in mind they're constantly fearing a lynch that would outright kill 'em or a vigilante attempt by a powerful character.


And about archers... I think some should be able to retaliate. Melee archer or having a dagger are both ways. And then there's Dirty Fighting, my most used ability :P

I think this is largely character-dependent; a 'throwaway' character like Tamlen would be unlikely to have Melee Archer... compare him to Leliana, a major character who will most certainly have the ability. And Dirty Fighting is an ability I'm using... I think it began as a role-block but evolved into a reactionary ability like those in Sigurd's game; players will be informed when they're attacked, and DF may have a chance of preventing the attack entirely. Not sure on that yet.


Also... I think Sandal should have more Magic than than. Like, enchantment! Gosh!

Haha, it was just an example... I don't think there will be where anyone will play as an in-game merchant, Gorim withstanding.

johnhughthom
06-03-2010, 10:25
Also... I think Sandal should have more Magic than than. Like, enchantment! Gosh!

Isn't part of the lore that only those with no magical abilities can work with lyrium to enchant items?

Secura
06-03-2010, 11:54
Isn't part of the lore that only those with no magical abilities can work with lyrium to enchant items?

And even then it addles the mind; not only Sandal, but the hyperactive merchant in the Dwarven Commons just before the entrance to the Deep Roads and the Diamond Quarter.

Double A
06-03-2010, 17:38
Aren't Tranquil enchantment-ers, though?

They're mages right? Just really bad ones, but still mages.

johnhughthom
06-03-2010, 17:40
Nope, they can't use magic. They went through a process that takes their magical abilities (and emotions) away leaving them able to do enchantment. I think it's generally bad mages (or overly emotional ones) it happens to which is probably why you got it mixed up.

Double A
06-03-2010, 17:55
Oh yeah...

So then how come Sandal can use lyrium? Pretty sure shouting ENCHANTMENT! classifies as an emotion.

Secura
06-03-2010, 18:06
So then how come Sandal can use lyrium? Pretty sure shouting ENCHANTMENT! classifies as an emotion.

Bodahn found him in the Deep Roads, knee-deep in dead Darkspawn and completely addled from exposure to the raw unprocessed lyrium there.

His skill with enchanting weapons with runes is likely a by-product of this.

Double A
06-03-2010, 18:08
Knee-deep in dead Darkspawn?

Who is he, Goku? I mean a PC?

Secura
06-03-2010, 18:16
Knee-deep in dead Darkspawn?

Who is he, Goku? I mean a PC?

To be honest, the audience doesn't know... you meet Sandal again in the last dungeon in a similar situation, and when questioned about it all he can say is "ENCHANTMENT!".

Double A
06-03-2010, 18:24
Maybe he had a sword with 5 ruin slots all with paragon-tier anti darkspawn runes.

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/images/smilies/emot_vhappy.gif

Secura
06-04-2010, 01:57
Alrighty, I've posted to request a place on the hosting calendar for the end of the month; the game will be called Dragon Age: The Aeducan Succession, and it should fit around 15-17 players.

I'm sifting through a host of characters both in the Origin itself and in Orzammar once you return there proper; I'm hoping to include all the treachery of the Noble Caste (and not just the Aeducans!) but also draft in some of the Darkspawn plight as well.

Reminds me of Blue Harvest when a family drives over the Death Star during the battle and says "you see that kids... you getting a load of that plight?"

johnhughthom
06-04-2010, 15:26
Considering I've posted in this more than I do in the average game, I don't need to say in do I?

Secura
06-04-2010, 17:22
I was banking on you, AA, Flaxy and so on being instant sign-ups. :laugh4:

I've just got to wait for a moderator to confirm and add me to the calendar, but I've already started working on roles; there's no Magi in the Origin, which should be interesting... it does make testing the Strength/Constitution thing a little easier, though. :3

TheFlax
06-04-2010, 19:15
Can I be the Dwarf who wants to be a Mage? :clown:

Secura
06-04-2010, 19:55
Can I be the Dwarf who wants to be a Mage? :clown:

I loved her!

Her dad was a real tight git, though he just lost the crown of World's Worst Dad to the father in Tapster's who kicked his daughter out into Dust Town because she refused to leave her casteless-born child for dead. :laugh4:

She isn't a character in the Origin though. :P

Double A
06-04-2010, 20:44
There are dwarf... women?

Do they have beards too?

TheFlax
06-04-2010, 21:04
There are dwarf... women?

Do they have beards too?

NO!

Secura
06-05-2010, 02:31
http://www.corinnekempa.com/#/voice-work/4539626016

I could listen to her talk in English OR French all day... <3

Double A
06-05-2010, 03:42
Eeeew what's that armor she's wearing? It looks like someone took a Roman Legionnaire's armor and turned it into a miniskirt after exposing it to severe gray.

And yes this means anyone who isn't a tank is never wearing a hat unless I desperately need the inventory space.

Secura
06-05-2010, 15:26
Eeeew what's that armor she's wearing? It looks like someone took a Roman Legionnaire's armor and turned it into a miniskirt after exposing it to severe gray.

It's actually what all leather armour looks like on female characters; you don't notice it so much on the Dwarven ladies because they don't have legs that're nice to look at for drooling fanboys like the Humans/Elves, but it's massively noticeable on the aforementioned races. Bioware knows the majority of it's market and panders to it... us girls get mushy Alistair and effeminate Zevran... or Leliana. I know which option I usually take. :curtain:

Anyway, I'm drafting up roles but I've got a problem; it wouldn't be an Origin story without a certain Grey Warden popping up; how can I reflect his sheer bad*** factor without making him overpowered?

Double A
06-05-2010, 17:10
My making him Athrogate.

Oh wait...

johnhughthom
06-05-2010, 17:14
I've never understood the Duncan obsession, I thought he was kinda meh and was glad to see him go. Plus he could have at least tried to talk Ser Jory round. "I am sorry." Yeah, right.

Double A
06-05-2010, 17:34
Whaaat?

Secura
06-05-2010, 18:47
My making him Athrogate.

Oh wait...

What do you mean? :S


I've never understood the Duncan obsession, I thought he was kinda meh and was glad to see him go. Plus he could have at least tried to talk Ser Jory round. "I am sorry." Yeah, right.

Duncan isn't one of my favourite characters, principally because I felt he was very much Mr. Plot Device; no matter how hard you argued not to join the Grey Wardens, he brings out the Right of Conscription and goes "lol, no choice naow!"... and then it transpires that the Joining is very much a luck of the draw thing where you're just as likely to die as you are survive, and should you even consider backing out after Daveth dies... well Duncan will kill you. :/

However, this is an Origin story, Duncan's pivotal in all of them and it would be a shame to cut him out; he will have his role to play in The Aeducan Succession, including personal goals and such, and while he will be quite powerful, he won't be invincible by any stretch of the imagination.

I'm currently mulling over an alignment change system for some of the characters; as certain events occur, whether they be a situation changing to benefit that character or someone dying, characters can change from town to mafia or the town's perception of a character can change from ally to enemy... think of the Kira/L thing in Noblesse Oblige as an example, a mechanic that didn't largely effect me as Selecao but one that I feel really changed the spirit of the game, kept town on their toes and kept things fresh.

The joy of playing so many games since I last hosted is that I have such a greater grasp of mechanics now and I have a better feeling of what works and what people enjoy seeing as opposed to what they dislike or doesn't fit in well; I'm hoping to test a few mechanics to see how well they correlate with both the narrative and the roleplaying aspect, even if the latter is more behind the scenes and decision-based rather than in-thread and in-character.

Coming up with the roles for The Aeducan Succession was easy enough because of the wealth of narrative available in the Dwarven storylines, but fleshing them out with abilities, goals and balancing 'em is a bit tougher. :P

Double A
06-05-2010, 19:02
Athrogate is a dwarf from Forgotten Realms who has Glassteel morning stars with adamantine chains, and is literally strong as a giant. One morning star secretes rust monster ichor, which rusts any metal super fast, and the other one has oil of impact, which EXPLODEEEES like a bomb when it his stuff. His strategy is to hit weapons with the rust then make them explode. When he's fighting zombies or non-weapon-using-things, he just makes them explode. And he makes horrible rhymes all the time which annoy everyone around him.

I like him http://www.twcenter.net/forums/images/smilies/emot_vhappy.gif

johnhughthom
06-06-2010, 22:26
I was going to play through Dragon Age again to get in the mood for this and bought "The Darkspawn Chronicles" to play through before I start a character to play through Origins and Awakenings (which I still haven't gotten around to playing) but it won't download. The Feastday pack downloaded fine as did Blightblood, TDC just sits on 0% not moving. It has 1.3 in red on version required, but I am on 1.3 and Feastday needed that and downloaded without problems. I've tried exiting and restarting the game and turning the PC on and off, any ideas?

Double A
06-06-2010, 23:05
Dragon Age has more DLC than I thought...

Also do you get all the Blood Dragon plate from camp?

johnhughthom
06-06-2010, 23:10
You start with one piece and can buy the rest from Bodahn. The Dwarf Noble Origin was amusing when they took your piece off you at the end... Think they patched it though.

Double A
06-06-2010, 23:15
Yep I kept it when they exiled me.

I'd hate to know where my character kept it :laugh4:

johnhughthom
06-06-2010, 23:30
Got Darkspawn Chronicles working, I found the file it was downloading to and deleted it. Fired up DA again and it's downloading properly.

Secura
06-06-2010, 23:39
as did Blightblood

What is that? Sounds like a weapon? o_O

Also, you'll want to be careful with Awakening; I'm not certain if it's been patched yet, but when I played it conflicted heavily with some of my DLC. There's a really nice crafted sword that has a unique model that's sorta transparant IIRC... except it clashed with my Warden Keep DLC and looks identical to the Starmetal weapon. This also occured with the best armour set in Awakening, which looked like Warden's Commander Plate rather than what it was meant to. :/

Double A
06-06-2010, 23:46
Hey Secura what happens if you put a fire rune and a frost rune on the same sword?

Wouldn't the fire melt the frost?

Or a fire rune on the Orlesian Mace that gives +5% frost resist, +2 frost damage, and -5% spirit resist?

johnhughthom
06-06-2010, 23:54
What is that? Sounds like a weapon? o_O

http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Blightblood

Quite enjoying Darkspawn Chronicles, didn't seem to go down well but it's pretty much what I expected.

Thanks for the heads up on Awakenings, I'm rarely bothered what items look like (well maybe Morrigans robes bother me...) so long as they actually do what they are supposed to I'm happy.

edit: I see the old problem of party members randomly deciding they couldn't be bothered fighting and would rather stand there until dirctly controlled is still there..

Secura
06-07-2010, 00:23
Hey Secura what happens if you put a fire rune and a frost rune on the same sword?

Nothing happens; you get both damage modifiers added to your attacks, unless a creature is resistant to that type (Dragons to fire, for example).


http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Blightblood

Cripes, my Rogue'd like that... I've been dithering about downloading TDC because I wasn't sure I'd like the premise and felt that the only reason I'd be downloading it was because it's release means I no longer have all the DA achievements! :laugh4:


I'm rarely bothered what items look like

You mustn't play as female characters then. xD


(well maybe Morrigans robes bother me...)

In the good way, right? :laugh4:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnj9fEC_El8&feature=related

My favourite part is the fact he says it's an hour and it lasts twenty-two seconds. xD

Anyways, back to work on the roles tomorrow, balancing is a pain in the bottom. >.<

johnhughthom
06-07-2010, 00:26
At least we never got a clip of "Dogs Humping".

Double A
06-07-2010, 00:49
Cripes, my Rogue'd like that...

Really? My ANYTHING would like to have that. :p

Also last night (read: this morning) I beat Redcliffe Castle (I didn't play until 10ish). Irving's powers are so freaking awesome... I want to be a mage now!

johnhughthom
06-07-2010, 12:55
I've been dithering about downloading TDC because I wasn't sure I'd like the premise and felt that the only reason I'd be downloading it was because it's release means I no longer have all the DA achievements! :laugh4:

I quite enjoyed TDC, so long as you don't expect too much (I wonder why anyone would still have high DLC expectations by now?). It took me about an hour and a half to complete, not bad for the fiver or so it cost, which included the Feastday Gift/Pranks pack and I have a nifty new sword (which is automatically in your inventory when you start a new game, none of that buy it off Bodahnn guff) to use in the main game.


You mustn't play as female characters then. xD

The only character I completed the game with was an female elven mage. Going to use a human noble warrior for my Origins + Awakenings playthrough.

edit: Looks like my fourth attempt at playing through Dragon Age on the PC is going to end the same way as the other three. Does anybody know a way to set up your tactics to actually make everybody attack? Dog just stands there doing nothing after he's killed the first person he attacks, I've tried dozens of combinations and I couldn't be bothered playing through if I have to choose every order for him.

Secura
06-07-2010, 21:41
Dog just stands there doing nothing after he's killed the first person he attacks, I've tried dozens of combinations and I couldn't be bothered playing through if I have to choose every order for him.

Dog is useless beyond the early-game as a stop-gap until you find a better party member (Oghren, Shale, Zevran); his ability pool is shallow compared to the other party members and his item choices sub-par. He's a great personality, but an awful character, in my opinion. :laugh4:

Niklas
06-07-2010, 21:45
Nooooooo! Overbear is just awesome on enemy mages!

Secura
06-07-2010, 23:09
Two words: Mana Clash.

:laugh4:

johnhughthom
06-08-2010, 00:31
Just finished Return to Ostagar, got more swords than I know what to do with now and I haven't even started a treaties quest... And I've got the ore for Starfang already, off to Wardens Keep I guess.

Double A
06-08-2010, 00:48
Wait, you did DLC before the main quest?

:inquisitive:

johnhughthom
06-08-2010, 00:55
Wait, you did DLC before the main quest?

:inquisitive:

Well I completed it last year on PS3, never got past Ostagar on PC so the DLC is new to me and I wanted to try it first.

Secura
06-08-2010, 01:55
Wait, you did DLC before the main quest?

:inquisitive:

I always complete the DLC straight after leaving Lothering; that way I get some of the best armour, weapons and one of my favourite companions straight away to use for the entire main body of the game... :P

Just wanted to ask; do you think I could get away with the game having twenty roles and still be a small game? :P

johnhughthom
06-08-2010, 02:12
I remember Pizza asking something similar and being told no a few months back. Well probably closer to a year ago, but that's academic. The maximum number in small games was raised not so long ago, so I don't fancy your chances. No harm in asking though.

Secura
06-08-2010, 15:27
The game can run with the current amount of roles (about sixteen) well enough, it's just that I had some additional ideas I wanted to test, but it's fine either way.

I'm mulling over prohibiting out-of-thread contact, beyond any QuickTopics and such I set up; some of them will be public, whereby you can post under your character's name (anonymity!) and can roleplay there, some will be private whereby people can contact one another under my observations, nosy host that I am.

Alternatively I might just have all PMs sent between parties CC'd to me, but that's hard to regulate. Or I could roleplay as the King like I did as the Judge in my PW game. So many possibilities, still mulling it over.

Banner should be coming soon courtesy of Beskie. ^_^

Niklas
06-08-2010, 16:23
I'm mulling over prohibiting out-of-thread contact, beyond any QuickTopics and such I set up; some of them will be public, whereby you can post under your character's name (anonymity!) and can roleplay there, some will be private whereby people can contact one another under my observations, nosy host that I am.
I think this is a great idea for a role-play heavy game. See TheFlax's game for a good example.

Secura
06-08-2010, 16:41
I think this is a great idea for a role-play heavy game. See TheFlax's game for a good example.

I think it's quite difficult to roleplay in-thread in a game such as this, where I'm sure everyone will make their own assumptions as to who the mafia is based solely on role names or roleplaying behaviour... then there's the people who don't know the source material so will just act Scottish for their character, which is why I've been erring on the side of caution regarding roleplay as a whole.

I don't want to turn away players who haven't played the game, because they're just as valuable in shaping the experience and future games as those who have played it. The prohibition of out-of-thread contact is mostly for my benefit so I can see how people go about their roles and such via the QuickTopics etcetera... I like to feel a bit more involved than just posting writeups and dealing with orders. :3

Secura
06-08-2010, 21:22
New sig-based advertisement courtesy of Beskar! :D

I've been added to the calendar now, so should be able host my game around the start of July, given that some games are a little backed up; gives me plenty of time to tweak and trim things. :3

Double A
06-09-2010, 05:22
Good job Beskie!

Create an account on TWC so I can rep you.

Double A
06-10-2010, 22:27
What's easier/more fun (aka NO UNDEAD), Orzammar or Denerim?

TheFlax
06-10-2010, 22:39
What's easier/more fun (aka NO UNDEAD), Orzammar or Denerim?

Orzammar IMO.

Double A
06-11-2010, 00:04
Ok, I'm gonna run around like crazy on the world map till I get Shale first, then.

johnhughthom
06-11-2010, 01:39
The place you need to go is "Sulchers Pass" I think, it's not on my map anymore as I've completed the quest. It's west of Lake Calenhad and south of Orzammar.

Double A
06-11-2010, 02:00
I thought that was for Warden's Keep, hence the orange-ness instead of yellow-ness.

TheFlax
06-11-2010, 02:07
I thought that was for Warden's Keep, hence the orange-ness instead of yellow-ness.

Not to sound condescending, but looking in your journal will tell you where to go. :wink:

Double A
06-11-2010, 03:00
Okay...

Khazaar
06-11-2010, 13:03
You might want to consider making this a nonmafia game, instead go for the Game of Thrones (which Oblivion is inspired upon) faction fight for supremacy. That would alleviate you of all your mafiabalancing concerns and you could use hitpoints and what not. Different factions and depending on the results different outcomes at the end. I could imagine a rock paper scissor system melees are weak to mages, mages are weak to archers and archers are weak to melee. Thieves/Assasins could be balanced in the middle with the extra ability to sniff out classes. The groupleaders could have an ability to survive an attack (shieldbash, dirty fighting, fear etc.) which would in turn give a hint which class the character belongs to (if he survives that is).

Otherwise I wouldn´t put HP or too much abilties in there, it´s frustrating when you´re the bad guy and you need four turns just to kill one person.


As for the game I used my character (dwarven commoner shieldfighter, later paladin) allister? (shieldfighter paladin) the french chick (rogue archer, later ranger) and morrigan? (the witch ,frost nuker, shapeshifter no heal). The paladins are great at taking out the casters which are the most dangerous imho.

Double A
06-11-2010, 19:58
Rock beats Scissors
Scissors beat Paper
Paper beats Rock
Valaryian steel beats all three.
Dany beats everything.


As for the game I used my character (dwarven commoner tank, later Templar) Alistair? (tank TEMPLAR) Leliana (rogue bard archer, later ranger <- WTF rouges can't be rangers) and Morrigan? (the witch ,frost nuker (very true), shapeshifter no heal). The Templars are great at taking out the casters which are the most dangerous imho. (also very true)

Khazaar
06-11-2010, 21:14
Thanks for the corrections ;-) As for Leiliana I don´t remember the class but she could summon creatures (wolf bear and spider to be exact) I thought it was called ranger or something, anyway useful abilities especcially the spider...

I was dreaming of a Game of Thrones non mafiagame. That would be awesome, soooo many cool characters to choose from. But for now I´d settle for the pilot of the tv series...

Secura
06-11-2010, 22:19
Rogues can specialise as either Bards, Assassins, Duelists or Rangers; Awakening adds Shadow and Legionnaire Scout too.

Rangers can learn to summon bears, wolves or spiders, with their fourth ability being an upgrade for the three animals into bearskarn, blight wolf and corrupted spider.

johnhughthom
06-11-2010, 22:20
Leilana can become a Ranger.

Double A
06-11-2010, 22:22
Oh crap you're right I thought Ranger was for Warriors but it's for Rogues...

But now this means I potentially can summon animals. http://forums.civfanatics.com/images/smilies/mwaha.gif

(Wait, what's the best second specialization for an assassin dual wielder/archer?)

Secura
06-11-2010, 22:31
Assassin-Duelist is the best one for non-expac Rogues such as your PC or Zevran.

Leliana starts as an Archer, so I usually just keep her as that and take Ranger to compliment Bard.

Double A
06-11-2010, 22:34
I just had an interesting thought.

A party of 3 rangers and Wynne (for obvious reasons). That's 6 characters fighting and one on healing.

And yeah Duelist sounds kinda fun, they're harder to hit aren't they?

And Secura, what do you think of the stealth tree?

Secura
06-11-2010, 22:43
A party of 3 rangers and Wynne (for obvious reasons). That's 6 characters fighting and one on healing.

It isn't as good as you would think; the animals require alot more micromanagement than the normal characters and it's largely not worth it, at least in my opinion.


And yeah Duelist sounds kinda fun, they're harder to hit aren't they?

Pretty much.


And Secura, what do you think of the stealth tree?

I'm indifferenced when it comes to Stealth; I don't see enough occasions that warrant it's use, but that's mainly because I never bother to lay traps, make bombs or anything else like that.

Double A
06-11-2010, 22:48
I don't like trap-making... there are few occasions where I can see it being useful. I'm more of the "rush in behind my tanks in and start shooting and/or backstabbing everyone and pray that they don't have more than one mage" type instead of the "prepare the battlefield MWAHAHA" type.

johnhughthom
06-11-2010, 22:52
I'm trying to play through without using mages and it's been more fun than my other playthrough, Genlock Emissarys are the bane of my Ferelden existence though, hate those gits. I am confused though, the lore say Genlocks are corrupted dwarfs, how can they be so good at magic?

Secura
06-11-2010, 22:53
Mana Clash is the highest damaging attack in the game.

Have Wynne learn it, set her tactics to use it on the nearest Mage with >75% mana... pretty much guaranteed a one-shot if they're not a boss-level mob, even on higher difficulties.

It's a little bit cheap, but then again, so's being one-shotted by a Mage's fireball... if they're going to kill me instantly, I'll strike back in kind. :3

Double A
06-11-2010, 22:53
No mages is more fun?

How is EXPLOSIONS is more fun?

Double A
06-11-2010, 22:54
Mana Clash is the highest damaging attack in the game.

Have Wynne learn it, set her tactics to use it on the nearest Mage with >75% mana... pretty much guaranteed a one-shot if they're not a boss-level mob, even on higher difficulties.

It's a little bit cheap, but then again, so's being one-shotted by a Mage's fireball... if they're going to kill me instantly, I'll strike back in kind. :3

I knew there was a point to that tree!

Secura
06-11-2010, 23:00
I knew there was a point to that tree!

The tree is utterly pointless until that stage, so you do have to resign yourself to wasting three talents; however, Wynne doesn't utilise many attacking options anyway, principally acting as a healer/support role, and thus Mana Clash is a sound option for her once you've gathered the relevant Spirit Healer and Heroic/Glyph de/buffs you want.

For Morrigan, you might want to consider her wider range of attacks; she's excellent at crowd-control and will easily be able to lock down a tough caster with Cone of Cold, Crushing Prison and the like. :3

Double A
06-11-2010, 23:04
Wait, doesn't Mana Cleanse do the exact same thing as the cool Templar debuf thingy?

And Mana Drain... well that's good too isn't it? Free extra mana for you and less mana for them.

And yeah Wynne is really bad with attack spells, I think the only one I bought that she didn't already have was earthquake, and I use that to screw up the obligatory enemy archer ridge.

Heh, they're so vulnerable to knockdown.

Secura
06-11-2010, 23:11
Wait, doesn't Mana Cleanse do the exact same thing as the cool Templar debuf thingy?

Except the Templar is a Warrior specialisation, and Warriors have poor spellpower pools... compare it to my Wynne, who dealt around 2400 damage with a single Mana Clash... yeah. ¬_¬


And Mana Drain... well that's good too isn't it? Free extra mana for you and less mana for them.

Meh, easier to use a lyrium potion, you get so many of 'em. :3


And yeah Wynne is really bad with attack spells, I think the only one I bought that she didn't already have was earthquake, and I use that to screw up the obligatory enemy archer ridge.

Mana Clash all the way, nothing else really; stick to her healing and buffs/debuffs, Mana Clash for killing pesky mages, in my opinion.

Double A
06-11-2010, 23:18
I said Mana Cleanse not Mana Clash was like the Templar one (Cleanse Area)

And unfortunately I don't have 70 billion lyrium potions and health poultices, so I gotta use what I've got.

Secura
06-11-2010, 23:25
I said Mana Cleanse not Mana Clash was like the Templar one (Cleanse Area)

I thought the fourth tier Templar ability was like an awful version of Mana Clash; it does damage to spellcasters and drains their mana, whereas Cleanse does the latter.


And unfortunately I don't have 70 billion lyrium potions and health poultices, so I gotta use what I've got.

What are you doing with them? I had tonnes after leaving Lothering.

Double A
06-11-2010, 23:32
Using them?

And secondly, I didn't go do every single DLC quest...

TheFlax
06-11-2010, 23:59
Edit: I missed a page apparently. :embarassed:

Double A
06-12-2010, 00:31
Aren't there only 2 Tevinter gods left? What happens after that? BioWare said they could (and would) make lots and lots of games in the Dragon Age world.

The Chantry's god goes crazy and sides with the Darkspawn? Crusade on the Qunari? Start off in Tevinter?

TheFlax
06-12-2010, 20:15
Its been stated numerous times that Old Gods --> Archedemon is what the Chantry says is happening, but its not necessarily true. Besides, there's a lot more to Thedas than blights, any of the nations in the setting could easily be the center of an interesting plotline. There's also the option of going back in the past.

Double A
06-14-2010, 02:48
Oh yeah hehe prequels.

I'm pretty sure that the Grey Wardens, as well as the game lore itself, say the Old Gods get corrupted by the Darkspawn underground and all that. I mean... how many giant dragons live underground, exactly?

johnhughthom
06-14-2010, 02:51
Never mind all this lore nonsense, there is one vital question I don't believe has been asked. As the game is set in Orzammar, will we have a nug called Schmooples taking part?

Double A
06-14-2010, 02:55
What about Sir Schmoopy of Awesometon? He's a dwarf!

TheFlax
06-14-2010, 02:59
Oh yeah hehe prequels.

I'm pretty sure that the Grey Wardens, as well as the game lore itself, say the Old Gods get corrupted by the Darkspawn underground and all that. I mean... how many giant dragons live underground, exactly?

Most DAO lore = Chantry lore. The devs have said numerous times on the Bioware forums that its not necessarily true. Heck, the lore in DAO basically says Darkspawn are mindless, yet the expansion contradicts that.


Never mind all this lore nonsense, there is one vital question I don't believe has been asked. As the game is set in Orzammar, will we have a nug called Schmooples taking part?

:laugh4: Seconded!

Double A
06-14-2010, 03:11
The Grey Wardens said it too, though, and they're the closest to experts on the matter.

And I haven't even bought Awakening yet, so if you ruin it, I'll metagame you FO' EVA!

TheFlax
06-14-2010, 06:03
The Grey Wardens said it too, though, and they're the closest to experts on the matter.

Actually, in the second novel, IIRC, Grey Wardens admit not knowing much about the Darkspawn, except how to kill them. With the Chantry ever present and since in the end it doesn't really matter for the people living in Thedas, moslty everyone has accepted that story.


And I haven't even bought Awakening yet, so if you ruin it, I'll metagame you FO' EVA!

I did my best to keep it vague, I usually don't spoil stuff for people. What I said can be seen in the trailer, which everyone interested in Dragon Age should have already seen. :clown:

Secura
06-14-2010, 14:03
Never mind all this lore nonsense, there is one vital question I don't believe has been asked. As the game is set in Orzammar, will we have a nug called Schmooples taking part?

There will not be a nug character, no; they're docile animals that are unlikely to have any disposition towards attacking someone. However, it's possible that there might be a nug item...

I've largely completed the seventeen roles and their chosen alignments, it's now a case of adjusting abilities and STR/CON values, making sure personal goals are achievable within the limits of the game and thus one can reap the rewards of doing so before the game ends (none of this "your personal goal is to save X's life", though one character does have a Victory Condition that requires a player's survival) and so-on. Got to make sure that the mafia aren't obvious either. :P

Some of the roles are entirely new to the game, created by me as a means of keeping the storyline fresh and to make my own impact upon it, so among the Bhelens and Trians you'll see a few additions of my own. :3

Double A
06-14-2010, 20:32
Actually, in the second novel, IIRC, Grey Wardens admit not knowing much about the Darkspawn, except how to kill them. With the Chantry ever present and since in the end it doesn't really matter for the people living in Thedas, moslty everyone has accepted that story.

Exactly, CLOSEST to experts :P


I did my best to keep it vague, I usually don't spoil stuff for people. What I said can be seen in the trailer, which everyone interested in Dragon Age should have already seen. :clown:

Relax, you didn't spoil anything.

Double A
06-15-2010, 05:01
I still can't get past this.

Why do all of the hats that aren't at least heavy armor look SO DAMN UGLY? I don't care HOW good that cowl is, it is NOT going on Morrigan!

johnhughthom
06-15-2010, 07:53
I still can't get past this.

Why do all of the hats that aren't at least heavy armor look SO DAMN UGLY? I don't care HOW good that cowl is, it is NOT going on Morrigan!

Normally what items look like is pretty much irrelevant to me, but even I consider not having my mages wear cowls as they look daft. I always keep them on though.

Secura
06-15-2010, 11:59
Any character of mine that doesn't wear plate just doesn't wear a helm, as I hate the aesthetics for the leather and cloth variants.

Khazaar
06-15-2010, 16:47
Jeez, roleplayers with a fashionsense. My characters wear whatever giv3s teh biggest b0nus, I´m proud to be a statswhore ;-) .

Besides that, Secura is the game set, or do you still need help or creative ideas?

Secura
06-15-2010, 17:20
Jeez, roleplayers with a fashionsense. My characters wear whatever giv3s teh biggest b0nus, I´m proud to be a statswhore ;-)

Well, I do keep the blood spray on, though it sometimes feels ridiculous to be having an intimate conversation with a romance option and find the characters covered in blood... but aside of that, I find that the helms just ruins the aesthetics; I only have my characters wear helms and such when playing Nightmare, where every little stat point matters. The plate variants look awesome


Besides that, Secura is the game set, or do you still need help or creative ideas?

The characters and their alignments are mostly done; it's largely just a case of making sure that any character is able to fulfill their personal goal and is able to meet their main victory condition, whatever that may be. I think that Duncan is probably the character that is giving me the most hassle at the moment, as his victory condition is unique and possibly the hardest one to achieve; however, he's easily the strongest role in the hands of a clever player. Still working him out, really.

I'm currently juggling abilities around the various characters; making sure that players able to vig aren't just killing each other willy-nilly overnight, ensuring that the investigative abilities are not all-powerful, trying to make sure some of the weaker characters are still able to make their own mark on the game and so on.

I'm also trying to balance STR/CON values across the board (no need for WIS/MAG as there's no Magi in Orzammar, which simplifies the mechanic for testing purposes), then manipulating these with items and injuries to mimic characters being stronger or weaker than others. Usually an item will just result in a base increase to STR or CON, but there's the occasional thing that might help avoid night attacks, influence a lynch or whatever else I come up with.

Then it's just a case of uploading all my images to Photobucket and then drafting the opening post, really, which is mostly just a teaser of what's to come, the rules/instructions and a sign-up list. T'isn't my turn to start yet, though, still got another week or so to iron things out.

Double A
06-15-2010, 20:54
Look, I'm normally not a stickler for looks, but really? Those things look HORRIBLE. Those are things people would wear on Halloween at a stupidity-themed party!

On the other side of the same coin, that ugly wingéd hat from the DLC is too freaking good to pass up. +2 to all stats!? That's ridiculously overpowered!

johnhughthom
06-15-2010, 21:02
On the other side of the same coin, that ugly wingéd hat from the DLC is too freaking good to pass up. +2 to all stats!? That's ridiculously overpowered!

My character is currently wearing the Helm of Honnleath, Andruil's Blessing and the Key to the City, all of which give +2 to all attributes and a few other bonuses.

Double A
06-15-2010, 21:07
What's he doing with Aragorn's sword?

TheFlax
06-16-2010, 02:27
Really looking forward to the game Secura. :yes:

Secura
06-16-2010, 03:26
You and I both, Flaxy. :3

I was going to talk about Darkspawn Chronicles, but considering it doesn't have anything to do with this game, I decided against it. Not that I don't like it, but try to keep the chatter on-topic or take it to the Arena thread (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?122962-Dragon-Age-Origins-gameplay-and-discussion-thread.), I wouldn't want to get into trouble. :3

Double A
06-16-2010, 03:36
It has something to do with the LORE of the game though!

See, there's loopholes for everything, you just gotta BS hard enough!

Secura
06-16-2010, 04:09
None of the discussion is relevant to The Aeducan Succession though, AA... if we were discussing the Dwarven lore that is rife in the game, fair enough, but we're not.

I don't mind the off-topic discussion, but at least try to bring my game into your chatter a little more; it seems as though you're more keen on playing more DA than mafia. :P

johnhughthom
06-16-2010, 04:12
Yeah you're right Secura, we have a nice big thread in the Arena. Sorry for my part in cluttering up your thread. It's actually longer than most actual small game threads now...

Secura
06-16-2010, 04:21
I hope my game is longer than this thread!

I've installed various countermeasures to stop overzealous vig-killing, as I've said, as well as ensuring that the detective-esque abilities are balanced enough that the mafia shouldn't be uncovered within the first day... it would suck to put alot of effort in and have things end by the end of day two. xD

Regarding vig-kills, for the curious: if your character is capable of vig-killing, then by all means, go ahead... but know that if you kill an innocent (whatever that might be, we all have different interpretations!), you will reap what you sow, and it may well change the entire course of the game for you, including your personal goals and victory condition.

Let it never be said that negative actions do not come with negative consequences! :3

johnhughthom
06-16-2010, 04:24
Aww, I was hoping for another Mace Windu.








:devilish:

Double A
06-16-2010, 04:35
Soooo... what'd you guys do with the dude with the giant ! over his head in the throne room?

I made him look like an idiot :devilish:

Secura
06-16-2010, 04:47
Aww, I was hoping for another Mace Windu.

No chance.

Some characters can vig away because they have no desire to follow the law or because they are the law... others cannot act with such impunity.

Double A
06-16-2010, 21:10
Because they're too lame and jerks? (read: Dwarven Scout)

Secura
06-16-2010, 23:07
Because it'd be too imbalanced for everyone who can vig to be able to do so repeatedly without repercussions.

Double A
06-16-2010, 23:30
That's an even better point than the one I made.

ArpeggiateTHIS
06-19-2010, 13:30
(If I haven't posted in this thread already)

*Drools* I'm in.

Speaking on the point of unnecessary vigging, you could take the idea (is it mine? most likely to have been done before) idea of one-hit roles. Perhaps some sort of poison vial, or just explain that the mage can only cast Cone of Cold once because she has like...2.5 willpower.

Off the topic of the game, and onto the topic of The Game Itself, can anybody explain to me why the mage clothing is so dire? Oblivion (I'll assume y'all played Oblivion) allowed you to make your character look so much cooler, although the story lacked much more than DAO.

Secura
06-19-2010, 16:07
Speaking on the point of unnecessary vigging, you could take the idea (is it mine? most likely to have been done before) idea of one-hit roles. Perhaps some sort of poison vial, or just explain that the mage can only cast Cone of Cold once because she has like...2.5 willpower.

I've got an idea in place, and I'm sure someone will vig, get it wrong and end up in deep water... :P


Off the topic of the game, and onto the topic of The Game Itself, can anybody explain to me why the mage clothing is so dire? Oblivion (I'll assume y'all played Oblivion) allowed you to make your character look so much cooler, although the story lacked much more than DAO.

Try leather armour for women; at least there's alot of mage-orientated robes that don't look awful (Chasind Robes, Robes of the Reaver, etc), whereas all leather armour looks the same in Origins, merely coloured differently for the various materials.

Double A
06-19-2010, 17:56
But there aren't and decent cowls. The only cool one is the one Morrigan wears on the cover, and I doubt that's even in the game.

ArpeggiateTHIS
06-20-2010, 13:49
But there aren't and decent cowls. The only cool one is the one Morrigan wears on the cover, and I doubt that's even in the game.

I gave up on the idea of hat-wearing a long time ago. I'm seriously considering making my next character an Arcane-warrior or plain tank type; at least the helmets look decent. Then again, I'm reminded of another flaw: any fiery weapons are still ablaze when they are sheathed! Alistair (the only non-mage in my group) must be a regular in the burns unit by now.

Secura
06-20-2010, 17:04
Bah, nevermind.

Having some troubles slotting roles into place and such; playing through the game in my mind from the perspective of each role and seeing if it's possible to win the game as said role. xD

Double A
06-20-2010, 18:56
I gave up on the idea of hat-wearing a long time ago. I'm seriously considering making my next character an Arcane-warrior or plain tank type; at least the helmets look decent. Then again, I'm reminded of another flaw: any fiery weapons are still ablaze when they are sheathed! Alistair (the only non-mage in my group) must be a regular in the burns unit by now.

Electricity and frost still show up too, that wouldn't also be painful why?

ArpeggiateTHIS
06-21-2010, 09:39
Electricity and frost still show up too, that wouldn't also be painful why?

No idea, obviously they would! I was using one idea to illustrate my point.

Secura
06-21-2010, 15:39
Not long to go now; Pizza and Flaxy's games are reaching their conclusion, which means Sasaki and Yaseikhaan are up next... once one of those games concludes, t'is my turn! :3

Secura
07-03-2010, 05:42
Due to some shuffling of the calendar to account for how backed up it is, we should be able to expect the game to commence signups around Saturday 10th July; I will be working early that morning (9am-2pm GMT, though most of you might be in bed at that time!) but will have the opening post for the thread up-and-ready for when I return.

Everyone who has posted vigourously in this thread has been granted what Beskar likes to call 'G.A.Y Priority', which gives you first dibs on a spot, essentially; it's likely I'll PM everyone as a friendly reminder, but if you see this message before I get time to do so, simply PM me and reaffirm your interest and you'll get your spot.

Speaking of Beskar, his game (Parasite: Earthbound) will begin about ten days after mine, and I suggest you sign up to that as well when it comes around; he'll do it far more justice than I will, so go and take a looksies for yourselves if you haven't already. (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?128732-Parasite-Earthbound&p=2505416&viewfull=1#post2505416)

T'isn't a game you should miss :3