JG_WENTWORTH
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This is the start of a planned series of posts that will record my thoughts on an upcoming Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC) tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) sandbox-style megadungeon campaign set in the setting illustrated in The Halls of Arden Vul, published by Expeditious Retreat Press.
The goal of the campaign will be to run one mainly aligned with the principles set out in Muster: A Primer for War an “introduction to the particular ethos and technique of playing D&D as a wargame, a kriegsspiel.”
During the campaign, I, acting as the “Judge” (DM, GM, Referee), will attempt, hopefully with the assistance of the players, to abide by the Three Cornerstones as outlined in Muster:
1. Neutral Referee
Session 1
Start time: 2993 AEP, Horasday, the 23rd day of Besemios, the 9th month, noon.
Players:
Spine inspected the giant stone hand of the colossal statue of Arden, and noticed that there seemed to be an area in the center of the palm that looked perfect for one person to stand on.
The group then continued to a small room dug into the side of the cliff. They found a fireplace that had been used as recently as last night, as well as a supply of firewood.
They passed the next few switchbacks before arriving at another small room in the side of the cliff. It was filled with scraps of trash, and had a spider web in the back. The party decided not to search it and began ascending The Long Stair again.
They reached the top and saw the ruins of Arden Vul before them. They moved 230’ to the northeast and searched a small ruined structure for about 30 minutes. They found nothing of value.
They then went to a tower about 200’ away from the searched ruined structure. They ran a perimeter around it, and Battista elf-sensed a secret door that was activated by pushing in one of the flagstones. They entered the tower, and explored a few rooms after having Sarnai and Basil each light a torch.
Spine took an ornate silk robe embroidered with Ibises, Baboons, and a word written in Mithric. The only party member who knew any Mithric was Battista, on account of its use in spellcasting, however, he did not recognize the word. Basil found a body with a shimmering sword, shimmering leather armor, a golden potion, a set of fine lock picks, and a purse with 20sp and 7gp. He looted it immediately and returned to the party.
Spine took the sword, Waldorf took the armor, Sarnai took the lock picks, and Basil kept the coins and potion.
End time: 2993 AEP, Horasday, the 23rd day of Besemios, the 9th month, 1:30pm.
The goal of the campaign will be to run one mainly aligned with the principles set out in Muster: A Primer for War an “introduction to the particular ethos and technique of playing D&D as a wargame, a kriegsspiel.”
During the campaign, I, acting as the “Judge” (DM, GM, Referee), will attempt, hopefully with the assistance of the players, to abide by the Three Cornerstones as outlined in Muster:
1. Neutral Referee
2. Real AchievementThe Game Master is a referee; their task is to prepare a challenging scenario and conduct it fairly to whatever outcome. Teaching the rules, and adjudicating the events. The referee does not have a plan for what will happen in the game. They do not play favourites, they do not cheat the rules, and they will, ultimately, share in the celebration or commiseration of the outcome. A referee who is not responsible for outcomes leaves room for the other players to have real agency.
3. Simulation RulesThis is a game of skill and daring, played against quantifiable adversity. It’s not a theatrical show; you’re not playacting inside the Game Master’s planned story. Naturally, this means that losses are real as well. Exhilarating to avoid, depressing to face. But you learn from them, because they are real. Real achievement, real pride, real learning and real sportsmanship are only possible when the game is real.
To facilitate the above, I have implemented the following game structure, also taken from Muster:The game is a conflict simulation, its purpose to shed light to how things work; teach reality, use reality. It is not a boardgame, conveniently self-enclosed and fair. Players maneuver against the imagined scenario and how it should work. The referee exists to apply and adapt the rules to reflect the scenario. The ideal of simulating a reality, even a fantastic one, is always an aspiration and a compromise between gameability and insight. The game treads a golden mean to capture anything real while remaining fun and fluid. The right mechanical tools for the task depend on the group’s developing skills and interests.
- Quick character generation through automated tables in Foundry VTT.
- No backstories. More than 2-sentence backstories are discouraged.
- Start at first level, always. Anything else skews perspective.
- Character death is a necessity. It keeps the game honest.
- Use of character stables. Players can make as many new characters as they like.
- XP is goal-based, only granted for gold. 1gp = 1xp.
- XP is consistent and serious. It is respected as a sign of achievement. There will be no pity points.
- There is no balance. Players may retreat if they wish.
- No cheating. I will not fudge anything, ever.
Session 1
Start time: 2993 AEP, Horasday, the 23rd day of Besemios, the 9th month, noon.
Players:
- Battista, Level 1 Elf, in pact with The Fates, Lawful
- Pif Feldman, Level 1 Cleric of Demma, Lawful Goddess of the Harvest
- Spine Thundergruff, Level 1 Dwarf, Lawful
- Waldorf, Level 1 Halfling, Lawful
- Basil, Level 1 Warrior, Neutral
- Sarnai, Level 1 Thief, Chaotic
Spine inspected the giant stone hand of the colossal statue of Arden, and noticed that there seemed to be an area in the center of the palm that looked perfect for one person to stand on.
The group then continued to a small room dug into the side of the cliff. They found a fireplace that had been used as recently as last night, as well as a supply of firewood.
They passed the next few switchbacks before arriving at another small room in the side of the cliff. It was filled with scraps of trash, and had a spider web in the back. The party decided not to search it and began ascending The Long Stair again.
They reached the top and saw the ruins of Arden Vul before them. They moved 230’ to the northeast and searched a small ruined structure for about 30 minutes. They found nothing of value.
They then went to a tower about 200’ away from the searched ruined structure. They ran a perimeter around it, and Battista elf-sensed a secret door that was activated by pushing in one of the flagstones. They entered the tower, and explored a few rooms after having Sarnai and Basil each light a torch.
Spine took an ornate silk robe embroidered with Ibises, Baboons, and a word written in Mithric. The only party member who knew any Mithric was Battista, on account of its use in spellcasting, however, he did not recognize the word. Basil found a body with a shimmering sword, shimmering leather armor, a golden potion, a set of fine lock picks, and a purse with 20sp and 7gp. He looted it immediately and returned to the party.
Spine took the sword, Waldorf took the armor, Sarnai took the lock picks, and Basil kept the coins and potion.
End time: 2993 AEP, Horasday, the 23rd day of Besemios, the 9th month, 1:30pm.