Glen Cook's Black Company Licensed by Arc Dream

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Malckuss

Malckuss

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Glen Cook mentioned, briefly, with no details, that Arc Dream Publishing has acquired the license for a Black Company TTRPG in a recent interview. No really, very briefly. No details. The interview is mostly about the Garrett, PI Files. If you like Glen Cook's writing, it's a great read.

Years ago, in a thread I started on TBP, Shane Ivey discussed a few ideas regarding how he would adapt ORE - Reign, specifically - to run a Black Company-style campaign. Reign got a new edition relatively recently and I'm excited to see how they approach the Black Company.

Green Ronin did an amazing job with The Black Company Campaign Setting for d20, which is still a great resource. I would have been interested to see how they might have adapted Fantasy AGE 2E, but alas, 'twas not to be.

Pelgrane Press' Sword's of the Serpentine lists the Black Company novels as an inspiration and it also fits the style of the Garrett files.

How does this news strike you? Discuss!
 
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Well, it'd be hard to do it justice and stay politically correct, that's for sure.

I'd think it'd do better as a war game though it is the kind of world where murder hobos are just part of daily life.
 
I reread the entire Black Company series every few years since it's probably my favorite fantasy series. I mean I love some others, but nothing compares to The Black Company for me (not every book, but overall). I picked up the D20 edition and mostly enjoyed it though I'm not a big class/level zero/hero guy, the setting is one of the few where it kinda works, albeit more like if everyone except certain people are playing one game without levels and classes and certain others are very high level (classes optional). It's also a setting with very unreliable narrators, so it's not like there can be a definitive reference.

I'd describe The Black Company as very much Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap on The Highway to Hell if I can borrow some song titles most people would recognize. It's NOT a nice place and any sugar coating it would ruin it. I recommend them highly, but they are dark and they are very much NOT the good guys, they aren't fighting for anything except survival and each other. It's not even like they choose sides most of the time, they just end up where they end up thanks to some factions just not really being something you can work for and survive for long.

I don't think it needs any specific system either, so while I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic, I'm not going to hold my breath.
 
I've no interest in a new system when there are plenty that could handle the setting. While a Black Company setting book would be fun to read, I have to be honest and say that few if any of my regular group have read the novels and it would be a tough sell. I'm not going to expend the good will to try to drag my players up that hill. Maybe a one-shot on Roll20, timed to coincide with Glen Cook's birthday or an anniversary of the publication of the first novel.
 
Savage Schemer said:
Even though I have never read the books and know nothing about the setting, I'd buy it sight unseen if they came right out and said they won't even make the attempt (to stay politically correct).
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Setting wise it's basically the ancient world with magic. I think the Lord of the Rings equivalent would be a mercenary company that signs on with Sauron and does his bidding but starts to see that his eventual victory will end badly for them.
 
Brander said:
I reread the entire Black Company series every few years since it's probably my favorite fantasy series. I mean I love some others, but nothing compares to The Black Company for me (not every book, but overall). I picked up the D20 edition and mostly enjoyed it though I'm not a big class/level zero/hero guy, the setting is one of the few where it kinda works, albeit more like if everyone except certain people are playing one game without levels and classes and certain others are very high level (classes optional). It's also a setting with very unreliable narrators, so it's not like there can be a definitive reference.

I'd describe The Black Company as very much Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap on The Highway to Hell if I can borrow some song titles most people would recognize. It's NOT a nice place and any sugar coating it would ruin it. I recommend them highly, but they are dark and they are very much NOT the good guys, they aren't fighting for anything except survival and each other. It's not even like they choose sides most of the time, they just end up where they end up thanks to some factions just not really being something you can work for and survive for long.

I don't think it needs any specific system either, so while I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic, I'm not going to hold my breath.
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Have wanted to read this series for awhile. Check half price books regularly for it. This was the push I needed. Thanks.
 
I wasn’t happy when Green Ronin got the license (D&D isn’t a good system for the Black Company), and I’m really disappointed that Arc Dream is doing it now.

I find ORE to be one of those systems that actively detracts from any fun I might have in a game. Pretty much one of my last choices for a system if I was going to run something.

Oh well, it’ll make it easy to skip this one (and add it to my list from the other thread).

Edit: It seems like it won’t necessarily be ORE, as they said it’ll be a custom system. Still not thrilled they have the license, but maybe it won’t actually be terrible after all. Not holding out much hope, though.
 
Hairless Bear said:
The link doesn't work, can you please update it?
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Um. Hm. Weird. Not sure how that happened. Hang on a sec...
Jetstream said:

‘The Black Company Role-Playing Game’ In Development at Arc Dream Publishing – Arc Dream Publishing

arcdream.com arcdream.com

Found it
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You saved me some effort. When I posted this thread, that release wasn't up yet. You are my Pub hero.
Silverlion said:
Meh, I'd be more interested in a Tunfaire/Garret Files RPG
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You should take a look at Sword's of the Serpentine, then. It may not be official, but it's very close and exceptionally cool.

I'd love an official Garrett Files, too.
Vidgrip said:
I've no interest in a new system when there are plenty that could handle the setting. While a Black Company setting book would be fun to read, I have to be honest and say that few if any of my regular group have read the novels and it would be a tough sell. I'm not going to expend the good will to try to drag my players up that hill. Maybe a one-shot on Roll20, timed to coincide with Glen Cook's birthday or an anniversary of the publication of the first novel.
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I'm sad your crew wouldn't be happy to dive in with you. You need to meet some people at a local convention game who dig it.
sharps54 said:
I’d still be interested in a link to the interview about the Garrett novels Malckuss Malckuss
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Yeah. Just in case it breaks again, I'm just gonna post the link so people can C&P the link into their browser. It ain't pretty, but it works.

 
Malckuss said:
Um. Hm. Weird. Not sure how that happened. Hang on a sec...

You saved me some effort. When I posted this thread, that release wasn't up yet. You are my Pub hero.

You should take a look at Sword's of the Serpentine, then. It may not be official, but it's very close and exceptionally cool.

I'd love an official Garrett Files, too.

I'm sad your crew wouldn't be happy to dive in with you. You need to meet some people at a local convention game who dig it.

Yeah. Just in case it breaks again, I'm just gonna post the link so people can C&P the link into their browser. It ain't pretty, but it works.

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Thank you!
 
I'm not sure why it needs to be a custom system. I am skeptical of them as there are so many systems now I find it hard to believe that there isn't a system out there that does it just fine.
 
Raleel said:
I'm not sure why it needs to be a custom system. I am skeptical of them as there are so many systems now I find it hard to believe that there isn't a system out there that does it just fine.
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Would you prefer ORE, I wonder? I sometimes get the impression I'm the last fan of ORE on the intrawebs...:shade:

David Johansen said:
Well, it'd be hard to do it justice and stay politically correct, that's for sure.
Click to expand...

Savage Schemer said:
Even though I have never read the books and know nothing about the setting, I'd buy it sight unseen if they came right out and said they won't even make the attempt (to stay politically correct).
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I agree with David Johansen David Johansen, but alas, I also suspect that the "no political correctness" move is kinda unlikely from Arc Dream, of all publishers...:thumbsup:

I'm ready to be proven wrong, of course! And yes, I agree that "the Politically Correct Black Company" would be a very different game, likely a parody version of the original::honkhonk:!


David Johansen said:
Setting wise it's basically the ancient world with magic. I think the Lord of the Rings equivalent would be a mercenary company that signs on with Sauron and does his bidding but starts to see that his eventual victory will end badly for them.
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The untold heroes of the War of the Ring:grin:!
 
Malckuss said:
Glen Cook mentioned, briefly, with no details, that Arc Dream Publishing has acquired the license for a Black Company TTRPG in a recent interview. No really, very briefly. No details. The interview is mostly about the Garrett, PI Files. If you like Glen Cook's writing, it's a great read.

Years ago, in a thread I started on TBP, Shane Ivey discussed a few ideas regarding how he would adapt ORE - Reign, specifically - to run a Black Company-style campaign. Reign got a new edition relatively recently and I'm excited to see how they approach the Black Company.

Green Ronin did an amazing job with The Black Company Campaign Setting for d20, which is still a great resource. I would have been interested to see how they might have adapted Fantasy AGE 2E, but alas, 'twas not to be.

Pelgrane Press' Sword's of the Serpentine lists the Black Company novels as an inspiration and it also fits the style of the Garrett files.

How does this news strike you? Discuss!
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Fuck. Just fuck. One of my favorite series, bought by a company that I refuse to have any dealings with. :argh:

face-screaming-in-fear.png

Also, get ready for a very long development time. A long Kickstarter with shitty communication from the Iveys. Man, this really bites.
 
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AsenRG said:
Would you prefer ORE, I wonder? I sometimes get the impression I'm the last fan of ORE on the intrawebs...:shade:
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I have Wild Talents 2E...
AsenRG said:
I agree with David Johansen David Johansen, but alas, I also suspect that the "no political correctness" move is kinda unlikely from Arc Dream, of all publishers...:thumbsup:
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I don't know; this is the same team who did Delta Green.
Acmegamer said:
Fuck. Just fuck. One of my favorite series, bought by a company that I refuse to have any dealings with. :argh:

View attachment 80568

Also, get ready for a very long development time. A long Kickstarter with shitty communication from the Iveys. Man, this really bites.
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The only crowdfunded for Arc Dream I can recall was for Reign 2E. I don't recall it having any issues.

I realize I might be opening a can of worms, but dare I ask, why are you so set against Arc Dream?
 
Malckuss said:
I have Wild Talents 2E...
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But the question is, do you like it:thumbsup:.

Malckuss said:
I don't know; this is the same team who did Delta Green.
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Yes, that should be a recommendation for "willing to not bother with political correctness". DG is excellent in this respect!

In practice, it was pointed out recently that this, surprisingly, might not be the case...though I'm more than willing to be proven wrong, here:shade:!

Malckuss said:
I realize I might be opening a can of worms, but dare I ask, why are you so set against Arc Dream?
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For my side, I'm still clarifying some info. Also, I'm not set against them, and wouldn't be no matter what. I'm just trying to make an accurate prediction.
 
Raleel said:
I'm not sure why it needs to be a custom system. I am skeptical of them as there are so many systems now I find it hard to believe that there isn't a system out there that does it just fine.
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Everything needs a custom system. It's just a matter of how much work is required for me to get it from the published version to what I need it to be.
 
Acmegamer said:
Fuck. Just fuck. One of my favorite series, bought by a company that I refuse to have any dealings with. :argh:

View attachment 80568

Also, get ready for a very long development time. A long Kickstarter with shitty communication from the Iveys. Man, this really bites.
Click to expand...
The hell did Arc Dream do?

I don’t even remember who Arc Dream is.
 
AsenRG said:
Would you prefer ORE, I wonder? I sometimes get the impression I'm the last fan of ORE on the intrawebs...:shade:
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i don't think I care, and am not overly familiar with ORE, but "new custom system" usually means the math is broken or it's painfully simple as to be completely uninteresting and stretch the term "custom". I'd just like people to think really hard and design before they think they should come up with a "new custom system". I get why (omg, new system! new shiny!), but it is tiresome.
 
SotS would be a killer rules set for a Black Company game. I like ORE in a philosophical way but I'm not 100% sure I'd want to actually run it.
 
Raleel said:
i don't think I care, and am not overly familiar with ORE, but "new custom system" usually means the math is broken or it's painfully simple as to be completely uninteresting and stretch the term "custom". I'd just like people to think really hard and design before they think they should come up with a "new custom system". I get why (omg, new system! new shiny!), but it is tiresome.
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Arc Dream did rigorous playtesting on Delta Green, and it came out as one of my all-time favorite BRP games. I don't see any reason to think they will put out a broken game. Detwiller and Ivey don't strike me as being in the "painfully simple" school of design either.

That aside , I am in the camp that a Black Company game isn't essential. One of the best games I played in back in the '90s was a Black Company game using the Dragonlance SAGA rules. Maybe this will have a compelling system for running gritty fantasy that will lure me into buying it anyway.

I have reached the point that I am fairly reluctant to pick up new systems, but it doesn't bother me that people keep making them.
 
So here is my more serious response. I've read the first omnibus of Black Company. This one to be specific:

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I liked it well enough. I already have the Campaign Setting book from Green Ronin, which I think is excellent. It was part of the Mythic Vistas series that Green Ronin made, all of which are great in my opinion. So even though I'm not a fan of D20 anymore, the setting part of the book I already have is good enough to run games on. When it comes to rules, I would probably just use Savage Worlds for it.
Delta Green is a good game, so I don't doubt this won't be either. But I'm just not interested in getting it myself.
 
Since this seems to be doubling as the ORE conversation (as well as Delta Green (see below)), I like the idea of ORE but I've never been tempted to use it. I am curious how it handles high powered scaling. Godlike seemed to be limited to supersoldier levels and that seems a bit low for even Black Company (even though they said they would use a new system, if ORE can do it, I think I'd lean towards using it rather than a new shiney).

As for Delta Green, loved the original, but even then I had Corps (which I ran in a similar vein and I do mean Corps NOT CORPS, though they are mostly the same) and now I have Savage Worlds plus Silent Legions (which I have run and it went great). Neither Delta Green nor Black Company strike me as settings that need much in the way of custom rules beyond what already exists.

I do wonder if Godbound would handle the setting with some tweaks (which I see in Jetstream's signature). Seems more like Worlds without Number for some folks and Godbound for others even though both games don't recommend PC rules for NPCs.
 
Fan of the novels and Green Ronin D20 supplement.

Not sure if a new rpg needs a custom system. Many existing fantasy and generic rpgs such as Savage Worlds can easily recreate the setting etc.

Steven Erickson who wrote the Malazan novels is also a fan and whose series was influenced by the BC series of novels.
 
Unrelated to the game: I recall loving the original trilogy (25+ years ago) but being less impressed by the subsequent novels. I can't remember if I even finished the series.

Is my recollection off? Are the post-trilogy novels actually pretty decent (worthy of another try by my now-more-mature self)? Or is my memory more or less correct?
 
Akrasia said:
Unrelated to the game: I recall loving the original trilogy (25+ years ago) but being less impressed by the subsequent novels. I can't remember if I even finished the series.

Is my recollection off? Are the post-trilogy novels actually pretty decent (worthy of another try by my now-more-mature self)? Or is my memory more or less correct?
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The later books are written in a different style in the voices of several different first-person narrators and the characters are also closer to the center of the action rather than being, effectively, pawns with no real idea what’s going on at the higher levels of power except what they witness and can surmise, so the feel is definitely different. The setting of the later books is also very different from the original trilogy - more south Asian-flavored. The later books are also longer.

Around books 7-8 my interest was flagging pretty badly and I wasn’t sure I was going to bother to continue, but the last two turned it around for me and I ended up feeling satisfied with the series as a whole and glad I stuck with it. [Note: Cook has fairly recently published an 11th book set early in the timeline which I haven’t read and can’t vouch either for or against.]
 
I like ORE, but whether you love it or hate it this is highly unlikely to use it. Last time Arc Dream released an ORE game was over 10 years ago. Reign is Atomic Overmind now.
 
I'm a big fan of Black Company and would prefer a system neutral campaign setting. Is the d20 version heavy with stats and character creation or is the campaign material most of the book? I could get that now or wait to see how well the new one is.
 
Jetstream said:
The hell did Arc Dream do?

I don’t even remember who Arc Dream is.
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Do a Google on the their Kickstarters, than go and read messages from them to backers and look at the length etc. Look at how they handle customer service with those interactions with their backers. You'll pick up how they are quite fast. I meant to rant about these guys last year and just decided to let it go. Of course now, I'm having to be frustrated because they landed one of my favorite IPs. Joy. So yeah, fuck them. Also there was another thread just within the last week where someone was going off about them here.

I don't wish them ill, but I never want to deal with them, they have utterly shitty customer service and are totally unwilling to accept anything being pointed out to them, no matter how nicely and you as a customer are the problem. Even if its just to ask questions on the status of one of their Kickstarters and request better communication every few months.

I've never had a Kickstarter creator cancel my pledge, and yet that's what the Ivey's did to me because I voiced frustration on my "all in" pledge (around $350.00) on one of their on going pledges. No warning, no willingness to have a rational conversation, just cancel and return my money. I was actually pretty shocked for a couple months that they did that. Lesson learned by me and they definitely helped curb my FOMO and spending upwards of 12k a year on this hobby. So I guess there's that. lol
 
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