Ashes of Athas: The PREMIERE of the new shared world campaign set in the burnt world of Athas. Three brand new adventures to challenge those foolish enough to call themselves adventurers. See www.baldmangames.com/aoa for more information as the show approaches.
Woo hoo!
More details will come out over the next few weeks...
I may be behind the times, but what specifically is a 'shared world campaign'? The way it's used in the sentence, it sounds like I should know
The idea is that the players/PCs at any particular table might change from one play session to the next, but they all share the same story and plot progression.
For example, when you play a one-shot D&D Classic based in Ravenloft, you understand the premise of the campaign world but you have no idea what may be the big threat in the adventure or what part of the world might be explored. A second one-shot in that campaign world would likely be completely unrelated.
In a shared campaign each adventure is part of the story and the table moves through it together (even if the actual PCs have not adventured before). You develop expectations as to what the big threats are, you see common NPCs, etc.
This campaign is an awesome idea but I can't afford to attend DDXP at this time. The fact that experienced convention/campaign organizers are behind it instead of Events HQ is even more appealing. Wish I could go.
Best of luck with this.
-Warunsun
So will these be three adventures and that's it? Or will it be an ongoing thing that's only beginning at DDXP?
There will be more than three adventures, for sure.
Sounds a lot like the Encounters games.
The encounters framework is based off a lot of things learned over the past decade or so with shared world or 'living' games run at conventions, show, stores, house, etc and then shrunk to bite-sized pieces.
These are full adventures though designed to run in 4 - 4 1/2 hour blocks of time. Each show will have a trilogy that covers the story focus for that show. So D&D Experience will have 12-13 hours of Dark Sun adventures. You may play them all with the same group or a different one each time.
Sounds a lot like the Encounters games.
We think it will have a very different feel from that and be a lot more immersive.
Sounds a lot like the Encounters games.
We think it will have a very different feel from that and be a lot more immersive.
Interesting that you posted that because my question was based on my LFR vs Encounters experience, I find Encounters allows more RP and narrative time versus LFR because of the time constraint of 3 or 4 encounters plus maybe a skill challenge in 4hrs. I noticed that the blocked time was 4 - 4.5 hrs per adventure, so are there fewer combat encounters per adventure?
Sounds a lot like the Encounters games.
We think it will have a very different feel from that and be a lot more immersive.
Interesting that you posted that because my question was based on my LFR vs Encounters experience, I find Encounters allows more RP and narrative time versus LFR because of the time constraint of 3 or 4 encounters plus maybe a skill challenge in 4hrs. I noticed that the blocked time was 4 - 4.5 hrs per adventure, so are there fewer combat encounters per adventure?
I so want to answer these questions, but the Templar of Draj behind me is saying he will fead my heart to Tectuktitlay if I answer... he says I can say that RP is very important to the Ashes of Athas campaign and that the Ministry of Information needs more time.
I so want to answer these questions, but the Templar of Draj behind me is saying he will fead my heart to Tectuktitlay if I answer... he says I can say that RP is very important to the Ashes of Athas campaign and that the Ministry of Information needs more time.
LoL... I'll take that as a positive indication for the campaign.
I so want to answer these questions, but the Templar of Draj behind me is saying he will fead my heart to Tectuktitlay if I answer... he says I can say that RP is very important to the Ashes of Athas campaign and that the Ministry of Information needs more time.
LoL... I'll take that as a positive indication for the campaign.
That's enough from you. Four years in Urik's obsidian mines for your first PC... not that you will survive that long! ;)
Just to clarify -- is this the start of a new organized play program? Will we be able to participate in weekly or monthly events at retail stores? Is this program going to be for folks who have "graduated" from encounters and are now looking for a program where you can get to higher levels? Sorry for all the questions - I'm just trying to understand how "big" of a program this will be.
From what Dave wrote above, it is convention-driven. Ok, I'll add that we liked the Encounters program. We haven't forgotten those PCs.
Just to clarify -- is this the start of a new organized play program? Will we be able to participate in weekly or monthly events at retail stores? Is this program going to be for folks who have "graduated" from encounters and are now looking for a program where you can get to higher levels? Sorry for all the questions - I'm just trying to understand how "big" of a program this will be.
Well it's a start of the Baldman Games Organized Play program. Does that count? Having said that I'm not Wizards nor do I have their support structure or cash (I wish I did - can I put that down as a goal?). So this is not something aimed at stores and such at this time (Encounters is aimed at stores and doing a great job imo). This is aimed at big conventions right now with a potential home play aspect to it (but the majority of it will be convention play). We hope to grow it from there. I've grown my business to this point by taking my time, starting with what I can manage, doing it beyond awesome, and growing from there. I firmly believe giving 300 people a mind-blowing awesome time is a better start to something then giving 1,000 people a hoe-hum middle of the road time.
Well it's a start of the Baldman Games Organized Play program. Does that count? Having said that I'm not Wizards nor do I have their support structure or cash (I wish I did - can I put that down as a goal?). So this is not something aimed at stores and such at this time (Encounters is aimed at stores and doing a great job imo). This is aimed at big conventions right now with a potential home play aspect to it (but the majority of it will be convention play). We hope to grow it from there. I've grown my business to this point by taking my time, starting with what I can manage, doing it beyond awesome, and growing from there. I firmly believe giving 300 people a mind-blowing awesome time is a better start to something then giving 1,000 people a hoe-hum middle of the road time.
Thank you for that clarification. I'm looking forward to participating when/if I can. There are two regional (mayabe three) cons that I attend around here and would love to run adventures from this. I'll keep an eye on your page about it. Thanks!
Updates every Monday - Next week we have some AoA goodness, more special guests, our message lists will go live (I hope) so people can sign-up for some automatic updates on future shows (as well as DDXP itself).
So hopefully some or all of your questions are answered.
-Warunsun
The Ashes of Athas page is up. Right now it probably creates more questions than answers, but more is on the way.
Warunsun, I wish you could be there too. There will be other opportunities to play, but a lot of factors result in this being a con-driven campaign. It will limit the reach, but growth may be possible if we see interest. This is a great year to come out to D&DXP.
Bigibbons, I know this doesn't yet answer all of your questions. We are taking an approach that we feel works as a whole. Thus, sharing just one part without sharing the whole would likely do you a disservice. Our focus is on story and on a really great gaming experience. We want you to want to play every adventure in order, but we don't want to prevent a new player or one that can't come to D&DXP to not be able to play. We also want to allow for those that have done the Encounters program to continue their play, and even for some that have played other available adventures. More on this when the Veiled Alliance gives me the all-clear...
Wish I could afford to hit Winter Fantasy again to play this stuff. Sounds great. What a tease to us poor gamers.
Dude. You should try flicking through cool stuff like this when you live on the other side of the world ...
The Baldman site has been updated to include the team administering the Ashes of Athas campaign. You will see I am working with some incredible guys on this effort! (As you can see from Chad's write-up, we have a sense of humor).
The Ashes of Athas page is up. Right now it probably creates more questions than answers, but more is on the way.
Warunsun, I wish you could be there too. There will be other opportunities to play, but a lot of factors result in this being a con-driven campaign. It will limit the reach, but growth may be possible if we see interest. This is a great year to come out to D&DXP.
Bigibbons, I know this doesn't yet answer all of your questions. We are taking an approach that we feel works as a whole. Thus, sharing just one part without sharing the whole would likely do you a disservice. Our focus is on story and on a really great gaming experience. We want you to want to play every adventure in order, but we don't want to prevent a new player or one that can't come to D&DXP to not be able to play. We also want to allow for those that have done the Encounters program to continue their play, and even for some that have played other available adventures. More on this when the Veiled Alliance gives me the all-clear...
A continuation of the Dark Sun Encounters (Fury of the Wastewalker) adventure? Am I understanding that right? That would be very cool.
A continuation of the Dark Sun Encounters (Fury of the Wastewalker) adventure? Am I understanding that right? That would be very cool.
Not story-wise, but the campaign's starting level will allow for players to continue to play those PCs if they wish. The starting level is also friendly for many that may have played some (not all) of the available adventures from gamedays/Marauders/DDi.
A continuation of the Dark Sun Encounters (Fury of the Wastewalker) adventure? Am I understanding that right? That would be very cool.
Not story-wise, but the campaign's starting level will allow for players to continue to play those PCs if they wish. The starting level is also friendly for many that may have played some (not all) of the available adventures from gamedays/Marauders/DDi.
Thanks Alpha. Will this new program be limited to conventions? I'm really excited about Dark Sun but so far haven't found anyone to play with. If there was some kind of organized program at stores it would be a great opportunity for us.
Dude. You should try flicking through cool stuff like this when you live on the other side of the world ...
Nope. I live in/near the gaming action. Within 3 to 6 driving hours of the major conventions. It is still a matter of cost however. Moving GenCon to Indianapolis was awesome as far as more and better accommodations, better food, and just an all-around more alive town for the festivities to occur in. However, this actually made GenCon much more expensive. Since the town is actually alive after 10pm, you spend way more on food and drink and actually do a lot less gaming. The hotels are not cheaper either. If anything I spent a lot more that part of the expenses. My last Indianapolis trip cost more than my first two Milwaukee GenCons.
So as much as a love gaming and "convention style gaming" I find I was doing a lot less gaming at the conventions and was spending way more money.
So, if I was interested to write for AoA, how do I go about it?
Gomez
I can't come to DDXP. Maybe GenCon...
So, if I was interested to write for AoA, how do I go about it?
Gomez
We sure want talented authors! (Even FR Geeks
) The first three adventures are written internally but we are building up a list of those interested in contributing to the next round of adventures. Even if someone isn't ready to be an author but wants to help in some way, contact us. The more you can tell us how you want to help, the easier it is to incorporate you into our evil plans. In all cases please clearly state your knowledge of the setting and your experience working with authoring and organized play / living campaigns. We of course can't promise to incorporate everything and everyone we hear about, but will likely be influenced by your ideas.
I do have some questions which you may (or may not) be able to answer
1) Will characters be created by the players (using the Character Builder) and starting at 1st?
2) Will the campaign take characters through (and possibly including) Epic?
3) If you miss a convention or game, will there be rules (e.g. level bumps) for advancing your character in order to play future adventures?
Thanks!
2 - That is not really laid out yet but we have plans on continuing the story as long as the demand is there from the players and the story dictates it.
3 - Yes (both make-up games at the start of a show and bumps for those that may only hit one show a year).
Lots more cool stuff coming.
Dave C
Would the AoA group be interested in collecting "character goals" to help steer modules in directions players want to go?
Example:
My L1 character is a mechanical Druid; but his "beast form" is a dwarven neanderthal.
- He wants to teach himself to read/write Davek script (the Comprehend Languages ritual doesn't count).
- He is going to be a Caravan Master - and I optimized him for the Guide A Caravan and Survive In the Desert skill challenges from DSCS. He wants to create his own caravan company, under the auspices of an existing merchant house.
- He also (Paragon) wants to invest in other caravans and maybe a silt skiff or two, for extra income from outside sources.
- Eventually (Epic) he wants to create a ritual to un-defile some land and create oases at convenient spots along the trade routes.
I believe it would encourage participation if players could see their characters' goals start to pan out as options in the ongoing storylines.
As Caravan Master, do you see him as an independent or working for a Merchant House? Or perhaps a noble company or directly for a city-state? How do you see your PC dying? Oh, sorry about that last one... ;)
We are really interested in the kinds of PCs players will make and the story behind those PCs.
Narvik from House Wavir is still a work in progress. More details coming presently. (Grumble work grumble overtime grumble.) But do keep an eye out for me at DDXP; I'll bring along the printed version of Narvik's background.
As Caravan Master, do you see him as an independent or working for a Merchant House? Or perhaps a noble company or directly for a city-state?
He will be a Caravan Master, both with and without capital letters. He starts with House Wavir, from Balic. He has to start as just one more employee in the House, but he will be able to rise rapidly to run a caravan himself. (Well, his CHR is low so maybe as part of a duo - anybody out there got a city-wise Ardent?) He does want to go into business for himself some day but he knows that DS "business ethics" are all about stomping on the little guy; better to be an autonomous part of a more powerful whole. He had a close-up view of the Balic moneylending House; why not build up a personal stash and then use it to finance other House activities? For a reasonable rate of return, of course. He would like to part-finance a silt skimmer but won't openly antagonize House Tomblador in the process; he might be busy adventuring while the boat crew just sends him the checks.
I built him with the Running a Caravan skill challenge in mind - I think for a short trip and no adventure module unusual activities in the offing, he might be able to beat the challenge all by himself. When I look for an MC - and I'm holding off until I have some experience with him - I'll want to train Athletics with it.
In combat, he is a controller/leader. I can striker in a pinch (DPR beast form powers) but would rather not; my LFR Warlock is a striker.
How do you see your PC dying?
OF OLD AGE. Although if I take the "Lawrence of Arabia" ED (Hordemaster?) then ... "Old legends never die; they just fade away."
P.S. Can you use the "Comprehend Languages" ritual to read Davek (Dwarven)? It sounds TOO easy... And Narvik would like to teach himself to translate Davek/Common. IRL even have some ideas about how he could start.
What level character should we bring to AoA?
(All you've said so far is that L > 1.)
How many people on this forum are planning to attend DDXP for Ashes of Athas?
I'm planning to be there with bells on (only without the bells because I don't want to be mistaken for a belgoi).
Unanswered previous question:
What level character should we bring to AoA?
(All you've said so far is that L > 1.)
It will be level 3.
How many people on this forum are planning to attend DDXP for Ashes of Athas?
+1 (although the Battle Interactive drew me, too)
Unanswered previous question:
What level character should we bring to AoA?
(All you've said so far is that L > 1.)
Level 3 PCs. The rules are in progress, but you can expect 3rd level PCs using the core Dark Sun races and sticking to the Dark Sun setting (no FR options, no Eberron, no divine, etc.).
Definitely going to play it. It'll be a nice switch from the Living Forgotten Realms I'll be otherwise doing (and possibly Gamma World).
Are we sticking to classic Dark Sun? Humans, weird elves, Goliaths, Muls, dwarves and Thri-Kreen or what?
How many people on this forum are planning to attend DDXP for Ashes of Athas?
+1
I'm going for the LFR and staying for the AoA.
Considering several new PCs for that, atm. A half-giant barbarian, an elven shaman, a mul battlemind. Who knows.
-VIC
Unanswered previous question:
What level character should we bring to AoA?
(All you've said so far is that L > 1.)
Level 3 PCs. The rules are in progress, but you can expect 3rd level PCs using the core Dark Sun races and sticking to the Dark Sun setting (no FR options, no Eberron, no divine, etc.).
Yeah..."Core" is a bit of a squishy definition. For example, the DSCS talks about Genasi in the form of Half-Elementals, so does that mean Genasi are in (Half-Elementals) or out (FRCS)?
Any update when character generation rules will be released? Over a week since the last post, less that 3 weeks to the con. Help!
While I'm no one official, I read a tweet from Chris Sims earlier today saying "All right, so I might have the Ashes of Athas guide wrapped up @alphastream. I've made the suggested changes."
Matt James and Alphastream have both indicated over on the Baldman Games Ashes of Athas forums that they are very close and it should appear very soon. Here and here.
In this case, we found some ways to tweak the character generation rules a bit further in ways that we think will ultimately create more fun and help us tell a better story. We are really close. All the big issues are out of the way.
Awesome and thank you !
{ BRJN rushes off to books and paper and pencil }
According to the Campaign Guide it is only available at US conventions. What about us all the way on the other side of the planet?
Perhaps, Mr. Christ can make another visit to Australia to run it
The character creation guide is now live at www.baldmangames.com/aoadownloads/ ! We can't wait to see the cool PCs everyone will make.
These are good cannonical guidelines. I will use these for my DS campaign. Even the vintage 3rd Level start up is back !
And the tips about Roleplaying and all the cinematic action so great...err makes me wish i could go to DDXP just to attend to Ashes of Athas.
I wish it great success !
One thing that stands out rather bluntly, unless you live or travel to the US a lot, your not going to be playing this campaign.
According to the Campaign Guide it is only available at US conventions. What about us all the way on the other side of the planet?
Perhaps, Mr. Christ can make another visit to Australia to run it
Line it up and I am there. There are reasons it is the way it is right now but I hope to expand when the time is right.
Nitpick: In one scenario, you are supposed to get outta Dodge, not fight. So why is there a swarm of townspeople in the way? You can't Push swarms! (I tried - straightforward non-violent solution to the problem, be the hero for the round, right?)
Great job to all the guys who worked on AoA. I really enjoyed myself. I'm looking forward to continuing on at Origins and GenCon.
Dave will be creating additional forums on the AoA site for specific discussion of Chapter 1 so as to avoid spoilers. Let's talk over there when they are up and running.
ConnCon in Stamford, Connecticut (March 18-20)
GameStorm in Portland, OR (March 24-27)
SynDCon in Washington, DC (April 1-3)
ComicPalooza in Houston (May 27-29)
All of the above will feature the Chapter 1 adventures that premiered at D&DXP. The adventures have been revised based on how they played and the comments made on our forums, for even more fun!
Chapter 2 will premiere at Origins, June 22-26.
Chapter 3 will premiere at Gen Con, August 4-7.
Rules for running and playing the campaign are found here. We also have forums for campaign discussion.