Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga(CLOSED)
- mithrandir138
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Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga(CLOSED)
I am not committing to anything yet, but I haven't played Castles & Crusades in a while, and I have the Umbrage Saga boxed set just sitting here. I have been thinking about running a game and I just want to see if anyone likes this system and would like to jump into this campaign in a little while. I have to do some preparations and ensure that I can meet my other commitments before I jump into it. Maybe if enough people show interest, this will be the catalyst.
Let me know!
Let me know!
Last edited by mithrandir138 on Wed Nov 28, 2012 1:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
I'm definitely interested!
- Vargr1105
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Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
I would recommend posting some more info about the main differences between C&C and AD&D, as I think most folks are not very familiar with the specifics (I include myself in this group). Some blurb about the Saga itself would also be useful. Those will help prospective players make up their mind if they would like to join or not.
- mithrandir138
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Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
By request, here is a quick elevator speech....
What is the Umbrage Saga?
An adventure series that starts at level 1 with an introductory adventure that is perfect for first time players. The first adventure is basically a bounty-hunt for a Gnoll who has been running amok around a settlement in a frontier region that is known to have bandits, raiders, and other creatures populating it. It expands from there into a much deeper plot (which I will likely embellish, as needed if it turns into a longer running campaign.)
What is Castles & Crusades?
Short/TLDR answer:
Basically it's a rules-light system with Old School feel and sensibilities with Newer School rule mechanics from Troll Lord Games. If you are influenced by such things: Gary Gygax, shortly before his death, was developing material for the system (most notably a redo of Castle Greyhawk named Castle Zagyg), gave the system praise, as well as writing for their in-house magazine "The Crusader." Basically strip d20 of skills and feats, tack on a super simple resolution mechanic based on attributes and put an old school aesthetic on it -- you get something that looks like Castles & Crusades (aka: the SIEGE engine)
Long Answer/Basic System Details:
What is the Umbrage Saga?
An adventure series that starts at level 1 with an introductory adventure that is perfect for first time players. The first adventure is basically a bounty-hunt for a Gnoll who has been running amok around a settlement in a frontier region that is known to have bandits, raiders, and other creatures populating it. It expands from there into a much deeper plot (which I will likely embellish, as needed if it turns into a longer running campaign.)
What is Castles & Crusades?
Short/TLDR answer:
Basically it's a rules-light system with Old School feel and sensibilities with Newer School rule mechanics from Troll Lord Games. If you are influenced by such things: Gary Gygax, shortly before his death, was developing material for the system (most notably a redo of Castle Greyhawk named Castle Zagyg), gave the system praise, as well as writing for their in-house magazine "The Crusader." Basically strip d20 of skills and feats, tack on a super simple resolution mechanic based on attributes and put an old school aesthetic on it -- you get something that looks like Castles & Crusades (aka: the SIEGE engine)
Long Answer/Basic System Details:
Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
I would be interested. I've read a bit about he system but haven't had a chance to play it.
Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
Interested here. I've looked through the system but not played it yet.
Sebastian, A Candle in the Darkness
Ulrich, Tales of The Troll Company
Alex Fiord, The Rescuers
Hakon Geirmundarson, Pawns of the North Wind
Jameson Rowan, Silverband
Disston Symonds, Sigma Chronos
Ulrich, Tales of The Troll Company
Alex Fiord, The Rescuers
Hakon Geirmundarson, Pawns of the North Wind
Jameson Rowan, Silverband
Disston Symonds, Sigma Chronos
- mithrandir138
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Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
Wow, this had more interest than I thought it would. So, am I counting 3 or 4 so far? I will leave this thread to make sure people see it and then post an official LFP to round out the group.
So far:
max_vale - Interested
Vargr1105 - Maybe (?)
NJWilliam - Interested
Dogma - Interested
Now we need to figure out how to get you guys up to speed and get some more rules in your hands within the bounds of "fair use" or something. I want to make sure that TLG gets their money (they are a small company with great guys, and Castles & Crusades is a "current" product) but I also think I can share excerpts of a PDF within the group. I am not trying to be over-sensitive or anything, I just want to make sure I do the right thing. I am not naive enough to think you guys can't "find" this stuff if you were so inclined, I just don't want to encourage it. I will just say, if you like it, please support them.
For now I would suggest to just read the quickstart rules and think about what Race/Class you might like to play. Here are the options, I can provide more specific info if you need it.
Race/Class Info (Beyond the Quickstart Rules)
So far:
max_vale - Interested
Vargr1105 - Maybe (?)
NJWilliam - Interested
Dogma - Interested
Now we need to figure out how to get you guys up to speed and get some more rules in your hands within the bounds of "fair use" or something. I want to make sure that TLG gets their money (they are a small company with great guys, and Castles & Crusades is a "current" product) but I also think I can share excerpts of a PDF within the group. I am not trying to be over-sensitive or anything, I just want to make sure I do the right thing. I am not naive enough to think you guys can't "find" this stuff if you were so inclined, I just don't want to encourage it. I will just say, if you like it, please support them.
For now I would suggest to just read the quickstart rules and think about what Race/Class you might like to play. Here are the options, I can provide more specific info if you need it.
Race/Class Info (Beyond the Quickstart Rules)
Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
FYI I have copies of the Player's Handbook and CK Guide that I purchased from rpgnow.
But, to save me time scouring them, is it correct that there are not any minimum scores to qualify for any of the classes, you can freely choose class and then class determines one of your primary attributes?
But, to save me time scouring them, is it correct that there are not any minimum scores to qualify for any of the classes, you can freely choose class and then class determines one of your primary attributes?
Sebastian, A Candle in the Darkness
Ulrich, Tales of The Troll Company
Alex Fiord, The Rescuers
Hakon Geirmundarson, Pawns of the North Wind
Jameson Rowan, Silverband
Disston Symonds, Sigma Chronos
Ulrich, Tales of The Troll Company
Alex Fiord, The Rescuers
Hakon Geirmundarson, Pawns of the North Wind
Jameson Rowan, Silverband
Disston Symonds, Sigma Chronos
- mithrandir138
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Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
Subject: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
Regarding attribute scores: I believe you are correct regarding pre-requisites (there seem to be none). I have never seen such restrictions, nor played with anyone who put any prerequisites in place. The standard attribute generation rules say to roll 3d6 and place the scores wherever you want them (as opposed to "Down The Line") -- Obviously, It would stand to reason that you should put your highest scores in your primary attributes, but you can make whatever "type" of character you want if you want to roleplay it. (A stronger than average wizard, a smart barbarian, etc.) I believe I have seen some sort of guidelines for the DM/CK to make modifications to "Challenge Level" based on "role" and not to just let the attribute scores be the end-all-be-all when someone has a higher-than-average score, but its not their primary attribute.
The best way to think about prime attributes is: If I make an attribute my primary, the base traget number for a check against that attribute is 12. If it's not a primary attribute (called "secondary") the base target is 18. The idea is not to roll an attribute check every time something is to be accomplished -- it's more about doing checks if it is "difficult" or some random chance is needed. I have seen people overuse checks and it makes me mad, so I am very sensitive to game-ruining dicerolling -- (The worst I have seen someone do are perception checks for something right in front of your face. Like a broken down carriage in the middle of the road you are walking down. You kidding me?)
I shall covet your copy of the CKG, I have yet to buy one. (It was "coming out soon" for the longest time, and the player's handbook has DM guidelines -- IMHO it's more of a "Unearthed Arcana" for C&C.)NJWilliam wrote:FYI I have copies of the Player's Handbook and CK Guide that I purchased from rpgnow.
But, to save me time scouring them, is it correct that there are not any minimum scores to qualify for any of the classes, you can freely choose class and then class determines one of your primary attributes?
Regarding attribute scores: I believe you are correct regarding pre-requisites (there seem to be none). I have never seen such restrictions, nor played with anyone who put any prerequisites in place. The standard attribute generation rules say to roll 3d6 and place the scores wherever you want them (as opposed to "Down The Line") -- Obviously, It would stand to reason that you should put your highest scores in your primary attributes, but you can make whatever "type" of character you want if you want to roleplay it. (A stronger than average wizard, a smart barbarian, etc.) I believe I have seen some sort of guidelines for the DM/CK to make modifications to "Challenge Level" based on "role" and not to just let the attribute scores be the end-all-be-all when someone has a higher-than-average score, but its not their primary attribute.
The best way to think about prime attributes is: If I make an attribute my primary, the base traget number for a check against that attribute is 12. If it's not a primary attribute (called "secondary") the base target is 18. The idea is not to roll an attribute check every time something is to be accomplished -- it's more about doing checks if it is "difficult" or some random chance is needed. I have seen people overuse checks and it makes me mad, so I am very sensitive to game-ruining dicerolling -- (The worst I have seen someone do are perception checks for something right in front of your face. Like a broken down carriage in the middle of the road you are walking down. You kidding me?)
Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
Mithrandir: I have both the originial gold/yellow Player's Handbook and the later Green Player's Handbook. Did you have a preference for which one to use?
The primary differences are with the Barbarian class and the descriptions/names of some of the spells; particularly Illusionist spells.
At the moment....if this game happens; I'm leaning towards reviving by old Half-Orc Cleric/Thief character; so I don't think it much matters to my character; but it certainly might for others!
The primary differences are with the Barbarian class and the descriptions/names of some of the spells; particularly Illusionist spells.
At the moment....if this game happens; I'm leaning towards reviving by old Half-Orc Cleric/Thief character; so I don't think it much matters to my character; but it certainly might for others!
- mithrandir138
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Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
Let's tentatively plan on the 4th printing. (Green cover, 2009)max_vale wrote:Mithrandir: I have both the originial gold/yellow Player's Handbook and the later Green Player's Handbook. Did you have a preference for which one to use?
Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
Mine is 5th printing, do you know if there are any significant changes between 4th and 5th?
(don't change on my account, I'm flexible)
(don't change on my account, I'm flexible)
Sebastian, A Candle in the Darkness
Ulrich, Tales of The Troll Company
Alex Fiord, The Rescuers
Hakon Geirmundarson, Pawns of the North Wind
Jameson Rowan, Silverband
Disston Symonds, Sigma Chronos
Ulrich, Tales of The Troll Company
Alex Fiord, The Rescuers
Hakon Geirmundarson, Pawns of the North Wind
Jameson Rowan, Silverband
Disston Symonds, Sigma Chronos
- mithrandir138
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- Joined: Mon Oct 29, 2012 12:28 am
- Location: Knoxville, TN
Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
According to this thread, no -- 5th edition is just prettier (better layout and colors), it seems:NJWilliam wrote:Mine is 5th printing, do you know if there are any significant changes between 4th and 5th?
http://www.trolllord.com/forums/viewtop ... =5&t=12280
Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
I don't have any of the books but I would be interested. I found the QuickStart rules on the TLG site. Are they sufficient?
- mithrandir138
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Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
They are sufficient to get you exposed to the ruleset. I can fill in the gaps, if you need. It appears that more of us have some exposure to the system as well, so if you have a specific question just ask. The idea of this thread was to get a feel for the interest in playing a game, and we aren't rushing in at the moment. It seems like we may have enough people to fire up a game, so it may be time for me to start putting more effort into thisMondego wrote:I don't have any of the books but I would be interested. I found the QuickStart rules on the TLG site. Are they sufficient?
Don't sweat it, the system is very "rules light", the first adventure is introductory-level, and I have no problem teaching you what you want to know about the system as we go.
Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
I've always wanted to check out C&C. This is not a commitment, but put me down for a maybe.
As a player, is this what I'd need?
http://www.trolllord.com/store/product_ ... ucts_id=97
Thanks!
As a player, is this what I'd need?
http://www.trolllord.com/store/product_ ... ucts_id=97
Thanks!
"Sir, our research shows that the bird is equal to or greater than the word."
Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
Hey,
Saw the message for this on Dragonsfoot. I'd be interested in joining a C&C game. I have the 4th printing of the rulebook and while I haven't played C&C in a few years I have played it before.
Cheers.
Saw the message for this on Dragonsfoot. I'd be interested in joining a C&C game. I have the 4th printing of the rulebook and while I haven't played C&C in a few years I have played it before.
Cheers.
- mithrandir138
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Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
Cool! Yes, the PHB is all you would need, I could even walk you through some stuff if you need. I am trying to keep it simple.ToniXX wrote:I've always wanted to check out C&C. This is not a commitment, but put me down for a maybe.
As a player, is this what I'd need?
http://www.trolllord.com/store/product_ ... ucts_id=97
- mithrandir138
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Re: Checking Interest: Castles & Crusades - Umbrage Saga
Cool. I had no idea this was posted to Dragonsfoot 4th printing is what we are tentatively planning on using, though the 5th printing seems to be OK, too, as purportedly no changes to rules were made.moorcrys wrote: Saw the message for this on Dragonsfoot. I'd be interested in joining a C&C game. I have the 4th printing of the rulebook and while I haven't played C&C in a few years I have played it before.