Dragon Age: Origins - An Idea

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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

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

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

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

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

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Sandal
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Hit Points: 100
Alignment: Non-Player Character
Victory Condition: Enchantment?
Personal Goal: Enchantment!

Gold: 50
Income: 5 per turn

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

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.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Faction Explanation

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

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Items

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

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Abilities

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Enchantment!
Passive
Enchanting upon request and fee.

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

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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.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Communication

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

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:

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Originally Posted by TheFlax

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:

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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

YES YES YES!!!!!!!

love that game

If I said this was an awesome idea, would you hold it against me?

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Originally Posted by Centurion1

YES YES YES!!!!!!!

love that game

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

Where's the [Kill Centurion] option?

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

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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.

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Where's the [Kill Centurion] option?

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Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

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

[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:

I was kidding DA....... or was i. at least now you have something to look forward to.

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.

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.

And they should get to name the Mabari War Hound.

Mabari War Hound is called Centurion.

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

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.

This sounds like a very nice idea.

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Originally Posted by Secura

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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by Niklas

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.

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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.

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Ability upgrades/character specializations is a really cool idea

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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.

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

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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

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

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And Sandal, naturally... :P

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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.

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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... >.<

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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?

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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. >.<

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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.

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

You name your mabari Beskar too!!!!!!!!!!!!! thats so exciting great minds think alike.

good i want to take a screenshot now.

I named mine Centurion out of affection. You did yours as an OMGUS. :tongue:

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Originally Posted by Beskar

Mabari War Hound is called Centurion.

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

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

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Originally Posted by Secura

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.

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SEXISM!!!!1111111

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Originally Posted by Niklas

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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by Double A

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

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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?

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SEXISM!!!!1111111

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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

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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.

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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.

But beskie it turned into love now its the only.name.I use its just.so perfect

Especially as there's a point or two in-game where you can address your Mabari as "Naughty Beskie"... xD

Secura likes it when 'Beskie' is 'Naughty'.

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!

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:

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Originally Posted by Winston Hughes

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:

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

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Originally Posted by Secura

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?

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Uhm... pass.

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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

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It was a joke. :tongue:

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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.

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

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Originally Posted by Double A

It was a joke. :tongue:

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

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

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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!).

Then give Boobosaurs Rex an Ogre minion to run around in ur base killin ur doodz

Ogre Alpha was a role too though, hahaha.... they're not very conspicuous themselves. xD

I wanted to see Sandal in being the cruical vote in first-round lynching of the Arch-demon of the Blight. :cry:

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Originally Posted by Secura

Ogre Alpha was a role too though, hahaha.... they're not very conspicuous themselves. xD

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How bout some sort of evil ninja Darkspawn?

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Originally Posted by Double A

How bout some sort of evil ninja Darkspawn?

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

Oh wait.

It's so freaking obvious.

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

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.

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Originally Posted by Secura

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.

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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:

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Originally Posted by Niklas

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:

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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...

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.

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Originally Posted by johnhughthom

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

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Aww, thanks. :love:

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

oh i love templars.......... so cool looking

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

I just call her "not sideboob."

Flemeth. That's actually a cool idea.

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.

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.

What do you mean?

I NOTOW on CFC, all the role names are revealed at the beginning. Which I don't like.

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Originally Posted by Double A

I NOTOW on CFC, all the role names are revealed at the beginning. Which I don't like.

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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:

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Originally Posted by Diamondeye

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!).

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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.

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

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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. :/

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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:

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

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.

I could never pass up an RPG, so I'm definitely in!

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:

Just play more Dragon Age :tongue2:

Have you tried a dual mace-wielding Dwarf yet?

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

Secura, if you need something explained about the universe of the NotW, just catch me on messenger, I'm more than willing to help..!

I think the Dalish quest took me 30 minutes to an hour, and the Dwarven Noble quest took me 2 hours.

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah.

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?

Tevinter?

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Originally Posted by Double A

Tevinter?

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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!

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Originally Posted by Belisarius II

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?

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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:

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Originally Posted by Secura

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!

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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.

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.

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Originally Posted by johnhughthom

My favourite part of DA:O.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Or, you know, the town could be bloody horrible until the end, and everyone but 5 guys die, or even better, a mafia win.

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Originally Posted by Double A

Or, you know, the town could be bloody horrible until the end, and everyone but 5 guys die, or even better, a mafia win.

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

I'd also ask that your write ups contain no jokes as lame as that Sylvester Stallone one in the Footballodium please...

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Originally Posted by johnhughthom

I'd also ask that your write ups contain no jokes as lame as that Sylvester Stallone one in the Footballodium please...

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You know it rocked... meanie. :<

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Originally Posted by Secura

You know it rocked... meanie. :<

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Yes, it was quite rocky. :quiet:

HOLY CRAP GOLEM FORM IS AWESOME

You're still doing the Mages Tower quest???

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

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Originally Posted by johnhughthom

You're still doing the Mages Tower quest???

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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.

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Originally Posted by Secura

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

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

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Originally Posted by Double A

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

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: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:

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,

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Originally Posted by Double A

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).

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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

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

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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

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:

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Originally Posted by TheFlax

it has a great temporary companion.

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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

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Originally Posted by Secura

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

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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.

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Originally Posted by Double A

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.

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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

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Oh, and lockpicking. That's always useful.

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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

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Originally Posted by Secura

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

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

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Originally Posted by Secura

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

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