Prestige Classes as Campaign Flavor

3.x ways to define your Greyhawk Campaign


The idea of the prestige class was one of the big draws for DnD 3.0. For many long time gamers it was the incarnation of the idea that a character could become something extraordinary by choosing a particular set of skills and classes. It was the streamlining of the rules for the first edition Bard and the Thief Acrobat.

However, some gamers fail to appreciate the non-rules effect of Prestige Classes. The exclusion or inclusion of a particular class will affect the flavor of the scenario or campaign. This decision can be used to further clarify the vision of the world.

An example: There has been no mention of a Military Academy in the campaign world. The usual assumption is that the military follows the norms of medieval Europe. There is no standing national army. If one is needed, it will be raised from the forces of vassal lords. However, if the GM allows an Academy Officer Prestige class then the assumptions change. Now there would be some sort of training institution for soldiers. It follows that there is a need for professional officers. It is thus possible that a national army exists.

To go further, the introduction of a prestige class could become a campaign event itself. Imagine that the Military Academy had just opened its doors. Most likely enemy spies would begin observing and reporting on the development. Even better, suppose the Academy is just a proposed project. There would be much politicking as well as spying as proponents and opponents try to determine the outcome. A whole backdrop of espionage could accompany the idea that a prestige class will be introduced in the future.

It is this flavor generating characteristic that makes the Prestige Class even more valuable.

Mechwarrior

two sites for a tough old game


The Longevity of Battletech fascinates me. It's one game that survived the dissolution of the parent company. Normally, a game maker chooses to kill a game when its outlived its usefulness.

While searching for Mechwarrior info I came across Catalyst Games Battletech site and what amounts to their online miniatures gallery. This is Camo Specs Online. This site provides us with a whole slew of Mech miniatures painted in official regimental colors. Not only that, they have tutorials teaching you how to paint the mech. I'm amazed at the support Catalyst is providing to Battletech.

On the other end of the support spectrum is MegaMek. This is an unofficial online version of the Battletech game. Now some publishers may balk at this kind of flattery. But I think Catalyst is keeping their hands off MegaMek because it benefits them. It's a way to keep interest alive. It also gets the player base involved in the fate of the game. That's something most manufacturers should pay attention to.

Soda Pop

Tactical Games take a turn for the anime

Some reviewers liken Super Dungeon Explore to an analogue SNES rpg complete with pastel dungeons and chibi heroes. I wish I'd been there for the debut. It seem's I'll have to wait until everything becomes available but it will be something I'll watch out for.

Incidentally, the manufactureres, Soda Pop Miniatures is responsible for this bit of kawaii and they also have 32 scale figures. They've hinted at some game ideas but so far only the figures are available at their store.

Thanks to mini gallery/ forum/ community and trading center Cool mini or not for featuring some of the Soda Pop miniatures.

Mapping in the New DnD

an old task is reincarnated

In the days of yore, a group of AD&D players needed a Mapper. On this person lay the responsibility of providing an accurate representation of the dungeon location and its contents. The primary concern was that the party may wander into more dangerous [ie. higher level] sections of a dungeon and get slaughtered.

Well those days have gone, but mapping has now undergone a renaissance of sorts. Thanks to D&D 3.xx maps, in general, and tactical battle maps, in particular, became important once again. Now this has some advantages and disadvantages. For one, the cartographically challenged will have another task added to his list. Then there is the added pressure to make these maps visually appealing. Finally, those maps need to make sense.

On the plus side, I find there are fewer arguments about movement and placement. People also tend to use their heads more during an encounter. Prior to 3rd edition, people often relied on just letting loose their most damaging attacks. Now subterfuge and subtlety become clearer options.

Fortunately, technology has allowed gamers to create good looking printed material. The same technology has  been responsible for an explosion of small press gaming accessories like pre-made maps, paper miniatures and paper models. At least the GM has more options if not less work.

Gaming Music

adding an aural dimension

When I was a much younger, Game Masters sought to create the perfect gaming environment. That included creating props, visual aids and the right ambiance. Thus there was a period where everyone sought to create their own library of gaming music. There was this sense that if the game master failed to provide the bells and whistles, then he wasn't doing his job. For a time the pursuit seemed exciting. Then it became stressful.  

Who actually had the time to assemble a theatrical production? There was also the operational aspect. Pre-MP3 or even pre-CD, trying to locate the proper sound tracks was a chore. We only had magnetic audio tape. In the end, running a smooth game remained the priority. The audio was dumped.

Fast forward a few years and music started creeping into the games again. With my group, this culminated in our BESM game which practically ran with full audio. For each season we had Anime Music for the game. With the release of affordable portable MP3 players, it was easier to cue and switch music. We also asked someone to volunteer for Sound Technician duties. The game master described the mood and the sound tech chose an appropriate song. 

Some old gamers may bristle at technology encroaching the tabletop world. We embrace it.