D&D alive and well in Moscow [news article]

[Talvisota]

I've been trying to tell WotC that D&D could be huge in the FSU (former Soviet Union) due to the character of the people and the intense idea of fantasy there (here.)

Unfortunately, I have not been as successful in Almaty at raising the consciousness of the game as others have in Moscow. My group has only 3 players.

MTG is here, but not so popular, maybe a core of 20-30 players, as it is relatively expensive when you consider the average salary of folks here.

BTW, you can download the PHB in Russian, as well as in English, from a Russian site.

 

[DDK]

GURPS Russia, as well as many mainstream textbooks on Russian history, also call Kiev a 'Russian City".

I've always meant to buy GURPS Russia but never had enough money to 'risk' it. As far as history goes, I was told it was pretty accurate, it was made about 2-3 years ago so I don't know if that changes things. Do you think it's any good as a resource for gaming in medieval Russia?

 

[johnsemlak]

BTW, you can download the PHB in Russian, as well as in English, from a Russian site.

Ahh, you've been to that site as well.

 

[johnsemlak]

I've always meant to buy GURPS Russia but never had enough money to 'risk' it. As far as history goes, I was told it was pretty accurate, it was made about 2-3 years ago so I don't know if that changes things. Do you think it's any good as a resource for gaming in medieval Russia?

Overall, GURPS Russia is very accurate and an excellent resource, IMO. I"m planning to review it for rpg.net, probably.

There are a couple of modules by Monkey God Enterprices: Tsar Rising and the Dancing Hut. I'm planning to reivew them for this site.

Gotta run, will write more on the subject later.

 

[johnsemlak]

That's really too bad about the Orthodox church and Harry Potter. One of my greatest role-playing and fantasy reading friends is American Orthodox, the off shoot of Russian missionary work in Alaska, and he would be very dissapointed to hear that.

I don't think there's anything to worry about.

First, I doubt the American Orthodox chuch you mentioned is part of the Russian Orthodox Church (there are many Orthodox Churches)

Second, even in Russian I don't think it's a big deal. The church by itself can't do that much about Harry Potter; most ordinary Russians are probably unaware the church has a position on it.

 

[johnsemlak]

I've been trying to tell WotC that D&D could be huge in the FSU (former Soviet Union) due to the character of the people and the intense idea of fantasy there (here.)

Unfortunately, I have not been as successful in Almaty at raising the consciousness of the game as others have in Moscow. My group has only 3 players.

MTG is here, but not so popular, maybe a core of 20-30 players, as it is relatively expensive when you consider the average salary of folks here.

I do agree D&D has potential in the Former Soviet Union. Tolkien was very popular in the USSR, though it was banned. It had a large underground cult following among people who passed copies well worn copies. In modern Russia, Tolkien has really taken off, as well as Harry Potter and numerous other fantasy authors.

However, for teh game to take off really here (in Russia, anyway), I think the core books would need to sold in RUssian, at a lower price that falls in line with local salaries.

MTG is very big here. The gaming clubs I've visited are packed full of CCG players.

I hope you keep at it, Talvisota. Good luck

 

[Barendd Nobeard]

I've always meant to buy GURPS Russia but never had enough money to 'risk' it. As far as history goes, I was told it was pretty accurate, it was made about 2-3 years ago so I don't know if that changes things. Do you think it's any good as a resource for gaming in medieval Russia?

Yes, GURPS: Russia is a great resource for gaming in medieval Russia. Go for it!

 

[Dr. Strangemonkey]

I don't think there's anything to worry about.

First, I doubt the American Orthodox chuch you mentioned is part of the Russian Orthodox Church (there are many Orthodox Churches)

Second, even in Russian I don't think it's a big deal. The church by itself can't do that much about Harry Potter; most ordinary Russians are probably unaware the church has a position on it.

Naw, you're right about it probably not affecting him personally. But he would still be sad about it.

Be like my finding out the Irish bishops were against Harry.