[Q&A] Matt Knicl (Tales of Arcana)

[20:05] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Hello everyone. My name is Matt Knicl and I am promoting my roleplaying card game Tales of Arcana, which is on Kickstarter until Jan 1.

[20:06] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Players randomly create their characters from cards. It is meant to be more casual and less rules intensive than other book-based systems so it can be a pathing product or alternative to other RPG systems.

[20:07] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> That about sums it up

[20:07] <~Dan> Thanks, Matt! The floor is open to questions!

[20:07] <~Dan> First, does the game have a specific setting?

[20:08] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> The game currently is setting agnostic, though the cards are flavored towards fantasy. I have a campaign module for download, as well as the game, at (Link: http://www.talesofarcana.com.)www.talesofarcana.com. I want to make free campaign and lore material, and the setting of Arcana will become more fleshed out, but I want to encourage using the system with whatever setting you and your friends

[20:09] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> want to play in.

[20:09] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Also I’ll link the kickstarter address: (Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1383113518/tales-of-arcana-roleplaying-card-game)https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1383113518/tales-of-arcana-roleplaying-card-game

[20:09] <~Dan> Oh, yes, always a good idea. 🙂

[20:09] <~Dan> So, that being the case, let’s take a look at the mechanics.

[20:10] <~Dan> I’m guessing there’s not really a character sheet?

[20:10] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> There is, with the campaign module.

[20:10] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> It’s mostly for notes and to help immortalize the characters you might make.

[20:11] <~Dan> Ah, cool… Do you have a copy of it online somewhere?

[20:11] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> But really the thing that will make up the character are the cards in front of you.

[20:11] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah, if you go to (Link: http://www.talesofarcana.com,)www.talesofarcana.com, it will be at the end of the campaign pdf.

[20:12] <~Dan> Give me just a moment to grab that.

[20:12] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> (Link: http://www.talesofarcana.com/TalesofArcanaSampleCampaign.pdf)http://www.talesofarcana.com/TalesofArcanaSampleCampaign.pdf

[20:12] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> That’s the direct link.

[20:12] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> It’s the last page.

[20:14] <~Dan> Let’s see… I don’t see attributes or skills. Do they fall under Abilities?

[20:14] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yes, in this game there are no attributes.

[20:15] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> I tried to move outside of the Gygax model of game, because I felt there are already too many of those out there.

[20:15] * ~Dan nods

[20:15] <~Dan> What’s the core mechanic?

[20:15] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> A character is composed of the following cards: Race, Class, Trait, Armament and Ability

[20:15] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> What do you mean by “core mechanic”.

[20:16] <+TigerWolfe> I think he means like

[20:16] <~Dan> The basic task resolution mechanic.

[20:16] <+TigerWolfe> in d20 you roll a d20

[20:16] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Ah, I understand.

[20:16] <+TigerWolfe> or like in warbirds It’s Attribute + Skill + 1d6

[20:17] <~Dan> TigerWolfe: You are correct, sir. 🙂

[20:17] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Player play their cards when they face an obstacle or enemy by narrating what they are attempting to do, then rolling a d6 to determine outcome.

[20:17] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> That card is flipped over and the player loses the ability to narrate with that card until, with some exceptions, they play all their cards.

[20:18] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Then they get all their cards back face up and they can use them again.

[20:19] <~Dan> Is the d6 total added to something, like a number on the card played or the like?

[20:19] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> No, the cards ((Link: http://www.talesofarcana.com/TalesofArcanaBasicSet.pdf)http://www.talesofarcana.com/TalesofArcanaBasicSet.pdf) have no numerical values on them as I wanted to reduce rule complexity and similarity to other systems.

[20:20] <~Dan> What impact do they have, then?

[20:20] <+TigerWolfe> So then it’s just like 1-2 fail 3-4 push 5-6 succeed?

[20:21] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> 1 is failure, 2-5 are successes and 6 are epically narrated successes.

[20:22] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> In combat, success removes HP from an enemy or challenge.

[20:24] <~Dan> So how do the cards affect actions?

[20:25] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> The cards represent the player’s ability to narrate the desired action they are trying to have their character do in the story.

[20:25] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Here are the rules for the Idlers to peruse (Link: http://www.talesofarcana.com/TalesofArcanaRules.pdf)http://www.talesofarcana.com/TalesofArcanaRules.pdf

[20:26] <~Dan> I see… So a relevant card is the requirement to roll in the first place?

[20:27] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yes, so say you have the Fireball card. While your character might always know about and be “able” to cast Fireball, the player can’t narrate the use or attempt to use that action unless the card is face up and available.

[20:29] <~Dan> Is there an in-setting rationale for that?

[20:30] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> It’s more for the mechanic of getting people to narrate their characters in unique ways.

[20:30] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> And unexpected ways.

[20:31] * ~Dan nods

[20:32] <~Dan> So it sounds like the action is about narrative control. Fiar statement?

[20:32] <~Dan> Fair, even

[20:32] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yes, and there is always the fine print about DM/GM/SM final say.

[20:35] <~Dan> Does the GM ever roll?

[20:35] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> They would for the enemy attacks, and could roll to determine the outcomes of other events if they so choose – similar to other rpgs.

[20:37] <~Dan> Is there any means of setting a degree of difficulty?

[20:37] <+TigerWolfe> It seems kind of like requesting a roll

[20:37] <+TigerWolfe> is how that’s done

[20:38] <+TigerWolfe> I’d assume most actions are assumed to succeed?

[20:38] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah, there is a chart for enemy balance and difficulty in the rules pdf.

[20:38] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Possibly? Unsure what you mean. If you play a card, you roll to see if it succeeds.

[20:38] <+TigerWolfe> This seems like it’d be a good intro for a younger audience, have you playtested it with kids?

[20:38] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Other actions can require rolls.

[20:39] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> I have not, but it could be used with kids – I would recommend taking the Trait cards out if that was the case.

[20:39] <~Dan> How is difficulty represented?

[20:40] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Difficulty of monsters and obstacles?

[20:40] <~Dan> Right.

[20:41] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> The SM could tell the players how many positive actions need to be taken against the obstacle, or the players could guess. But like HP in other games like DND or Pathfinder, the difficulty is not shown to the players except through narration.

[20:42] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Like a kitten is probably 1 HP, but a demon that is 50 feet tall is probably best avoided.

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[20:42] <+TigerWolfe> Brave Sir Robin ran away.

[20:42] <~Dan> 🙂

[20:43] <+TigerWolfe> Having now had the opportunity to open the PDFs I like what I’m seeing

[20:44] <+TigerWolfe> A bit narrative/rules light for my personal tastes. But I think it could really work as an introduction or perhaps board game night stand in type game

[20:44] <~Dan> So would it be correct to say that for someone to be better at an ability would be represented by having multiple cards of that type?

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[20:44] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah, I had a lot of negative reaction with the playtesters that were old school players, but once they played they understood and liked it.

[20:45] <~Dan> (Howdy, TrevorKrontz_Soluna!)

[20:45] <~Dan> (Matt, meet Trevor. Just set him up for a Q&A as well.)

[20:45] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah, it can be a pathing product for sure – other systems are bad for getting new players in.

[20:45] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Hello, Trevor.

[20:45] <+TrevorKrontz_Soluna> Hello Matt

[20:46] <+TigerWolfe> Reading the descriptions of Armament, made me think of running it for kiddos, since they tend to think a bit more outside of the box, than us grownup types.

[20:46] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> @Dan about multiple cards – that might mean that narratively, but not mechanically.

[20:46] <~Dan> Hmm… Well, could I describe a circumstance I have in mind?

[20:47] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah, I hope it is fun for kids. I’ve only playtested with adults. The casual board game night is a place I’d run the game, but it also has a campaign variant in the rules towards the end of the pdf.

[20:47] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> @Dan, yeah.

[20:47] <~Dan> Lifting a heavy stone might require multiple successes, correct?

[20:48] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah, possibly from multiple characters, if desired.

[20:48] <~Dan> Okay. And a card is required for each roll of the dice, correct?

[20:48] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Like say there is a burning village – there can be “combat” – just not against a monster.

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[20:49] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yes, unless the SM wants one for something not covered, like a minor thing like attempting to flirt with someone or similar action.

[20:49] <~Dan> (Howdy, Le_Squide!)

[20:49] <~Dan> Okay, so… it seems to me that for someone to be more likely to lift a stone requiring multiple successes to lift, they would need multiple cards with the relevant lifting abillity.

[20:50] <~Dan> Does that make sense?

[20:50] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yes.

[20:50] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> The cards are written in such a way to inspire people to be creative with their uses.

[20:51] <&Le_Squide> (Heya)

[20:51] <~Dan> But if someone were very strong, they’d need multiple “Stong” (or whatever) cards to represent that, correct?

[20:51] <~Dan> (Strong, rather)

[20:52] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Potentially, that seems like something that would be the preference of the player and SM.

[20:52] * ~Dan nods

[20:53] <~Dan> You touched on this a bit, but can you go into more detail about how combat works?

[20:53] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Combat occurs when the characters are in life-or-death struggles against enemies or dangerous obstacles (such as a room slowly filling with water or a collapsing bridge). During combat, players must play their cards one at a time in turn order.

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[20:54] <~Dan> (Howdy, Lassek!)

[20:54] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Each player takes a combat action in order and plays a card, narrating its effect in the usual way and then turning it face down. They then roll to see the outcome.

[20:55] <+TrevorKrontz_Soluna> what would determine the difficulty of the such checks

[20:55] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Successes remove points from the enemy or obstacle.

[20:55] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> @Trevor, I’m not sure what you mean.

[20:56] <+TigerWolfe> the number of “points” the monster has is just GM decided correct?

[20:56] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Correct, or depending on if they are using the Campaign or other material I hope to create

[20:56] <+TrevorKrontz_Soluna> that’s what i meant correct

[20:57] <~Dan> TrevorKrontz_Soluna: If I understand the system correctly so far, a 1 is a failure, 2-5 is success, and 6 is a great success. Difficulty is based on the number of successes required to beat an obstacle or opponent. Correct, Matt?

[20:57] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah.

[20:58] <+TigerWolfe> Momentary interruption. The male sasquatch, totally made me think of superman. Super Sasquatch!

[20:58] <~Dan> O.o

[20:58] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> I have no response lol

[20:59] <+TigerWolfe> Mostly the coloring/pattern of his clothes

[20:59] <+TigerWolfe> not the sasquatchness of him

[20:59] <~Dan> What determines how many successes vanquish a PC?

[20:59] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> The number of cards.

[21:00] <~Dan> Ah, they lose cards on a hit?

[21:00] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> When you take damage, you remove a card at random from your hand (face up and face down)

[21:00] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah.

[21:00] <~Dan> And how many cards are in a hand?

[21:00] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Typical play with be 6 – 1 Race, 1 Class, 1 Trait, 1 Armament, 2 Ability

[21:01] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> If you do the campaign mode, then you can end up with 9, but house rules can increase beyond that

[21:01] <~Dan> Effectively, then, does that mean that all PCs have the same number of hit points?

[21:01] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yes.

[21:01] <+TigerWolfe> Obviously for narrative purposes you are still those things, once the card has been removed? or is it like munchkin?

[21:02] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> No, you are always a Vampire, even if you lose your vampire card, you just can’t narrate your character attempting positive vampire actions.

[21:02] <~Dan> “Positive vampire actions.” Sounds like something from a vampire self-esteem manual.

[21:03] <+TigerWolfe> I like how Muppet Show-y the puppets look.

[21:03] <+TigerWolfe> Remind me of the old guys up in the balcony

[21:03] <+Motulev> that mechanic makes perfect sense to me, “I’m exhausted, and I need a drink before I can turn into a bat again”

[21:03] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Lol, again, I don’t see it

[21:04] <+TrevorKrontz_Soluna> Is there a way to recover the cards you lose

[21:04] <~Dan> Waldorf and Statler. 🙂

[21:04] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> @Motulev, yeah, that can work.

[21:04] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yes, there is a healing action.

[21:04] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Some of the classes can heal and some abilities can as well.

[21:04] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Then you roll to add cards back.

[21:05] <~Dan> Speaking of which, what are the classes?

[21:05] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> And if you lose all your cards, there is a chance for players to save that character.

[21:05] <+TigerWolfe> So once you have your 6 cards is that set for the game basically, or do you occasionally pick more?

[21:05] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> You could add or subtract depending on the session.

[21:06] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> @ Dan, Ranger, Rogue, Fighter, Paladin, Bard, Druid, Barbarian, Wizard, Cleric, Monk

[21:06] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> with stretch goals I want to add some like Pirate, Ninja, Luchador, Samurai, etc.

[21:07] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> I’d like to have 25 classes

[21:07] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> and 30 races

[21:08] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> but I have 14 races currently: Goblin, Elf, Devilkin, Gnome, Merfolk, Gorgon, Dwarf, Minotaur, Puppet, Troll, Orc, Vampire, Sasquatch, Human

[21:08] * ~Dan thinks

[21:08] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Hopefully with stretch goals I can get some more like Skeleton, Kobold, Manticore

[21:09] <~Dan> Now, when it comes to race and class, they’re simply cards to be played as well, correct?

[21:09] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yes

[21:10] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> But, the race and class cards do not need to be played to refresh your hand, since they have more conditional abilities

[21:10] <~Dan> And what they can be used for is between the player and the GM?

[21:10] <~Dan> Oh, they have designated uses?

[21:10] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Well, like a Druid speaking to plants

[21:11] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> won’t come up all the time

[21:11] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Or a cleric healing will need an injury, which might not exist.

[21:12] <~Dan> So if you’re out of all cards except your race and class card, you can refresh your hand?

[21:12] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yes.

[21:13] <+TigerWolfe> Could the Cleric like make some “diplomacy checks” because of his religious knowledge though, as a “Cleric ability”

[21:13] <~Dan> Gotcha… And the race and class cards have designated uses?

[21:13] <+TigerWolfe> or by playing his cleric card i should say

[21:13] <~Dan> Or are they open to interpretation, as per TigerWolfe’s example?

[21:13] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Its open to interpretation, like all the cards, but a Cleric could be used for knowledge of gods, religion, healing

[21:13] <+TigerWolfe> or a skeleton toss his arm bone to distract a guard dog

[21:13] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah

[21:13] <+TigerWolfe> ok cool

[21:14] <~Dan> Tell me if this is right…

[21:15] <~Dan> …It sounds like the question when it comes to accomplishing tasks is, “Why can you do this?” (more)

[21:15] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> That’s fair.

[21:15] <~Dan> And the answer is, “Because I am/have ____, I can _____”

[21:15] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah.

[21:16] <~Dan> Okay, so… am I right that there is something akin to a “Strong” card?

[21:16] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Superior Strength in the Earth element

[21:16] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> But a Minotaur and Orc would be “Strong”

[21:16] <~Dan> Okay, so, to go back to my boulder example… Ah, there we go.

[21:16] <+TigerWolfe> so a minotaur with superior strength would be like whoa strong

[21:17] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yes, or a Gnome with Sneak

[21:17] <~Dan> So, the Minotaur player says, “I can lift this boulder because I am a Minotaur *plays card, rolls die* and because I have Superior Strength *plays card, rolls die*.”

[21:18] <~Dan> Correct?

[21:18] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah, and that would reduce 2 (Story Points) from that challenge

[21:18] <~Dan> Hmmm…

[21:19] <+TigerWolfe> I would imagine that at GMs discretion if the players action were particularly suitable that more than 1 point could be knocked off?

[21:19] <~Dan> So would a Human in the same circumstance be out of luck?

[21:19] <~Dan> (Lacking a Superior Strength card, I mean.)

[21:19] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yes, or you roll a 6, which is meant to, mechanically, be a crit

[21:19] <+TigerWolfe> Well the human would try something else, like using his quarterstaff as a lever

[21:19] <+TigerWolfe> i think

[21:19] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah

[21:21] <~Dan> You mentioned an elemental aspect a moment ago regarding strength… Can you go into more detail about these sorts of elements?

[21:22] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Each Ability card belongs to an element, such as Air or Light, which is represented by a unique color and symbol. The elements help guide the SM and players but do not have rigid rules for interaction. When one element interacts with another, the result within the game depends on the situation and die rolls, using common sense and resonant narrative tropes.

[21:22] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> For instance, Water effects should generally counter Fire, but the Dense Fog card, even though it belongs to Water, probably won’t extinguish a flame (unless the situation makes sense to the SM and the players, or the player rolls a 6 or makes a good enough case).

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[21:23] <~Dan> (Howdy, TQuid!)

[21:23] <+TQuid> Evening

[21:23] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> In the campaign mode, When selecting a new Ability card at the end of a session, the element type of the card does matter. You can select any card from those remaining, though an Ability card whose element is different than those of the cards you already hold imposes a penalty of ‒2 on die rolls with that card during the next session of play. This represents

[21:23] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> the character learning to use a new kind of magic or power.

[21:26] <~Dan> Interesting…

[21:26] <+TigerWolfe> Oh nifty. But if you stay in your wheelhouse, no penalty, but less diversification

[21:26] <+TigerWolfe> like multi-classing penalties

[21:26] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah.

[21:26] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> And you can do dual class dual races, too

[21:27] <~Dan> Is that penalty the only exception to difficulty being the number of required successes?

[21:27] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> The only rule chance there is that you have to use one of your two before your hand refreshes.

[21:27] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> @Dan, if I understand you, then yes.

[21:27] * ~Dan nods

[21:28] <~Dan> When it comes to magic, does a spellcasting class give you the ability to cast any spell, or do you have to have a spell card of a certain type?

[21:29] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> No, I feel that any race can be any class can wield any weapon or use any magic.

[21:29] <+TigerWolfe> So how would one use their “wizard” card

[21:29] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> I think fantasy RPG lore is stagnating and restricting instead of encouraging new ideas.

[21:30] <~Dan> Right, TigerWolfe’s question is where I was going.

[21:30] <+TigerWolfe> Like because I’m a wizard I____

[21:30] * ~Dan high-fives TigerWolfe. 🙂

[21:30] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> @Tiger – This can mean that your character has their spells because they learned them, and can sense magic, understand lore about magic, possibly about monsters, and would effect how others perceive them.

[21:30] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> I’m in a town that hates magic, I’m a wizard, I try to keep out of view of the guards.

[21:31] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> And its optional so you don’t have to play the Class card to get your cards back.

[21:31] <~Dan> But any character can use a Fireball spell card?

[21:31] <+TrevorKrontz_Soluna> @Matt I agree that RPG lore is stanating

[21:31] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yes.

[21:31] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Lore is a huge roadblack to new players

[21:31] <~Dan> Hmm.

[21:32] <+TigerWolfe> I think if I was GMing I’d allow wizards to perhaps play their wizard card to use cantrip/maybe 1st level (to dndify this) spells, to give them a bit of oomph

[21:32] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> You could if you choose. The system is meant to be fun for SM and player

[21:32] <+TigerWolfe> i don’t imagine this game will lead to the linear fighter quadratic wizard problem that’s so frequently bemoaned over on the forums

[21:32] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> I have no idea what that means.

[21:32] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> But sure!

[21:32] <~Dan> Yeah, that’s what I’m pondering. Would it be, “Because I am a Wizard, I am casting Fireball, and because I know the Fireball spell, I am casting Fireball”?

[21:33] <+TigerWolfe> I think it’d be more

[21:33] <+TigerWolfe> Because I know fireball i’m Casting fireball

[21:33] <+TigerWolfe> so that’s 1 point

[21:33] <+TigerWolfe> but maybe you could say

[21:33] <+TigerWolfe> and because i’m a wizard I’m intimately aware of the weakness of treants (what I wrote my thesis on it!) so you get another point for that too

[21:33] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yup

[21:34] <~Dan> We have that right, Matt?

[21:34] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah

[21:34] <~Dan> So in that sense, a Wizard would be more potent with a Fireball, at least potentially.

[21:34] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> This also differentiates from other systems, that all really just want to have their own version of D&D.

[21:34] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Ummm

[21:34] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> maybe I don’t follow

[21:34] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Anyone can use Fireball.

[21:35] <~Dan> Right, but in the example I used, the player was playing both Wizard and Fireball in this Fireball attack.

[21:35] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> I had a warhammer wielding merfolk bard that used fireball in one session

[21:35] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Oh, yes, I understand.

[21:35] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah

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[21:37] <~Dan> By the same token, I can see a Dwarf Barbarian with an Axe getting to play three cards when using an axe: For being a Dwarf, for being a Barbarian, and for having an Axe. Whereas a Human Wizard with an Axe would just roll once, for the Axe.

[21:37] <+TigerTheWolfening> Hey dan…

[21:37] <~Dan> Right idea?

[21:37] <+TigerTheWolfening> can you kick other me

[21:37] <~Dan> wb, Tiger!

[21:37] *** TQuid has quit IRC: Disintegrated: My Mac has gone to sleep. ZZZzzz…

[21:37] <+TigerTheWolfening> so i can get my name back

[21:37] <~Dan> Just a sec…

[21:37] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Oh, no

[21:37] * +TigerTheWolfening pummels intenet

[21:38] *** Dan kicked TigerWolfe from the channel: See You – Kick sponsored by (Link: http://www.trillian.im)www.trillian.im

[21:38] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> So, just because it makes sense with your trope knowledge doesn’t mean it will for say, your mom or neighbor

[21:38] * +TigerTheWolfening pouts

[21:38] <+TigerTheWolfening> said it was already in use, even after you kicked it

[21:39] <~Dan> It’s still on the server.

[21:39] <~Dan> Janus, you around?

[21:39] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Are you asking if you could use the Dwarf card, Axe card and Barbarian cards all for the roll for swinging an axe?

[21:39] <~Dan> Matt: Right.

[21:39] <+TigerTheWolfening> Well I guess I’ll just have to bum around in these rags for a bit.

[21:39] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah

[21:40] * +TigerTheWolfening looks disdainfully at ill fitting nickname

[21:40] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> I thought you were trying to combo based on your knowledge of other rpg tropes

[21:40] <+TigerTheWolfening> So basically it seems like the “game” here

[21:40] <+TigerTheWolfening> is to figure out how your hand

[21:40] <+TigerTheWolfening> works in the situation

[21:40] <~Dan> Well, I suppose I was, in a way.

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[21:41] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> This goes into my little soapbox about lore

[21:41] <~Dan> There you go. 🙂

[21:41] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> and how we are really just playing versions of D&D when we RP

[21:41] * +TigerWolfe stretches armors adjusts collar

[21:41] <+TigerWolfe> much better

[21:41] <+TigerWolfe> (*arms)

[21:41] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> and that there is no reason why a Cleric can’t use shadow or earth magic, other than our preconceived notions

[21:42] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> The fun is creating a character where that is normal and their unique backstory

[21:42] <+TigerWolfe> I can understand why you’ve had issues pitching to old-schoolers. Those preconceived notions are what they like about the game.

[21:42] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Then the question becomes, why is a Dwarf Bard armed with a Shotgun? And why can he Transform into Bees.

[21:42] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Sometimes, but once they’ve played they’ve liked it.

[21:43] <~Dan> Right, I get your point. However, by the same token, would you agree that some preconceived notions are required for the cards to be meaningful at all?

[21:43] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> It depends. Half of my playtesters haven’t played RPGs before. But, they’ve seen Marvel movies.

[21:43] * ~Dan nods

[21:43] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> So they knew how powers work.

[21:44] <~Dan> Well, see, to me, a Dwarf Bard with a Shotgun is cool precisely because I already have thoughts on what a Dwarf is.

[21:44] <~Dan> You can’t mess with expectations if there are no expectations in the first place, so to speak.

[21:45] <+TigerWolfe> Well there is card art which sort of helps guide some basic expectations

[21:45] <+TigerWolfe> for players that are completely a blank slate

[21:45] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> I see what you mean, which is why the races are ones that people will have seen on Disney movies or harry Potter

[21:45] <+TigerWolfe> speaking of card art, will there eventually be “monster” cards

[21:45] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> culturally resonate races

[21:45] <+TigerWolfe> just to have something visual to present to players when they’re up against something?

[21:45] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah, that is exactly why I put the art of the characters on the Race card

[21:46] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Because a goblin has so many interpretations

[21:46] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Or Vampire has so many rule sets

[21:46] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> also, I’d love to do expansions, but I need to get the first game funded.

[21:46] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Card art is the most expensive thing, but I was able to get some D&D and Pathfinder artists to provide the art I have so far.

[21:47] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> There are some enemies in the campaign that have art.

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[21:47] <~Dan> I guess what I’m saying is that if everyone’s idea of Dwarf is equally valid, then you could have someone saying, “Because I am a Dwarf, I can scuba dive” or “Because I am a Dwarf, I can write this poem”.

[21:47] <~Dan> Which I think runs counter to your intent.

[21:48] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> That can happen, which is why there is some text, and also if the person is very new to the trope, the group or SM having a discussion before the session can work,

[21:48] * ~Dan nods

[21:48] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Realistically, if you think Dwarves scuba dive, I’, 100% okay with you playing the card for that as long as the players and SM are cool with that.

[21:48] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> *I’m

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[21:48] <~Dan> (wb, TigerWolfe!)

[21:48] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> and that those expectations are communicated clearly, preferably before the game begins

[21:49] <~Dan> Right, right… Are you familiar with Everway?

[21:49] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> I am not.

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[21:50] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> The um class cards, dan, also have art on them

[21:50] <~Dan> It’s a roleplaying game that relies on the interpretation of evocative card art.

[21:50] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> which can be at least a bit of a guide for the player

[21:50] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> to some extent, but it’s more narrative based

[21:50] <~Dan> Tales is making me think in terms of a more structured version of that.

[21:51] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Ah, yeah this is more for the story, less about the characters, right?

[21:51] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> And if you as a group agree that vampires are sparkly, for example (shudders), then they’re sparkly

[21:52] <~Dan> I believe so.

[21:52] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> and sparkling can be an aspect of your vampire card

[21:52] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> so if a player says something too off the wall

[21:52] <~Dan> But in both circumstances, you’re figuring out what a card means in order to succeed.

[21:52] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> then the GM or the other players can call foul?

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[21:53] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> yeah!

[21:53] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> Like because I’m a rogue, I body slam the lawn gnome of doom

[21:53] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> would probably get you some funny looks

[21:54] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Exactly

[21:54] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> and then it’d be up to that player to either convince the group that Rogues are the KINGS OF BODY SLAMMERY

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[21:54] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> or… they’d have to pick a more feasible thing

[21:54] <~Dan> Right, there has to be some foundation of Rogue for it to mean anything at all in this context.

[21:54] <~Dan> (Howdy, TQuid!)

[21:54] <+TQuid> (rehi)

[21:55] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> Well I figure the hood picture on the rogue card heads you in that direction, and then the GM would say something to the effect of “their stealthy and sneaky” to the player at the start of the game

[21:55] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> to set a baseline expectation, if it was a complete blank slate player

[21:55] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> @Dan, exactly, which is why I put the symbol and text.

[21:55] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> *they’re…. gah

[21:55] * +TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet feels shame

[21:55] * ~Dan nods

[21:55] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> Oh yeah

[21:56] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> there are also words on the class card

[21:56] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> s

[21:56] * +TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet just noticed that

[21:56] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> was distracted by pictures

[21:56] <~Dan> So there’s room for interpretation, but a foundation. Cool.

[21:56] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> Yeah like it says paladins uphold a code

[21:56] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Yeah, some context

[21:56] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> or that monks are practioners of a martial art

[21:56] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> etc

[21:57] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> That will resonate with older players, but help newer ones

[21:57] <+TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet> there’s even more words than that… but i have goldfish for brains and couldn’t remember more than like a sentance

[21:58] *** TigerWolfeHatesSlowInternet is now known as TigerWolfe

[21:58] <+TigerWolfe> WOOO I’M ME AGAIN!!!

[21:58] * +TigerWolfe dances

[21:58] <~Dan> 🙂

[21:58] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> For instance, the Paladin says: Paladins are bound by oath to uphold the law and defend the people with their knowledge of combat, religion, and law. They are sworn to service of a god or religious organization, using their powerful devotion to heal and protect the innocent.

[21:58] <+TigerWolfe> Yeah words and stuff

[21:59] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Armaments have art and don’t really need text.

[21:59] <+TigerWolfe> Yeah I agree those are pretty self explanatory

[21:59] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> The abilities don’t have art because I don’t want to predispose people to the way of using that ability, but still have text for context.

[22:00] <~Dan> So a quick note, Matt: Please know that you are welcome to hang out with us as long as you like, and whenever you like, for that matter.

[22:01] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Cool.

[22:01] <~Dan> That said, is there anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to bring up in the “regular time” remaining?

[22:01] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> No, I think everything got explained. Hopefully people like the idea. Please take a look at the cards and play it if you get a chance.

[22:01] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> (Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1383113518/tales-of-arcana-roleplaying-card-game)https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1383113518/tales-of-arcana-roleplaying-card-game

[22:02] <~Dan> Certainly!

[22:02] <~Dan> If you’ll give me just a moment, I’ll get you the link to the chat log.

[22:02] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> This is live until Jan 1 and we’re on track for getting funded at over 1/3rd to the goal.

[22:02] <+Matt_TalesofArcana> Oh cool.