Dragon Age, Chris Pramas interview

[darjr]

Green Ronin Podcast: Episode 10, Dragon Age Interview (Green Ronin Publishing)

I'm downloading it now and have not listed yet.

 

[Pour]

Getting the FR Gray Box as a kid was a huge deal to me, basically the point I decided to be a DM, and to hear that there will be a series of box sets for Dragon Age really hearkens to me.

I'm also a bit of a sucker for long-term releases, and dealing with five levels at a time instead of one big rulebook is a refreshing change of pace. The digital game looks great and from what Chris mentions I like the rules' simplicity with potential for additional rules/options in the future (leading armies, yes please!). I'm a big supporter of story, mood and roleplaying, anyway, so a concise number of classes, spells and even monsters to use are all positives to me. I think it reflects that old study where a person was given three things to choose from and was very happy and content with his choice versus a person who was given twenty things to choose from and second-guessed his choice.

And I just plain like GR.

 

[Aus_Snow]

And I just plain like GR.

Yeah, that's me as well.

Plus, hey, box set! No idea what either game (PC or tabletop) will be like, but I guess curiosity wins again.

 

[CaptainChaos]

With WFRP2 sadly getting a bullet in the head, this seems like the perfect time for a new dark fantasy game. And an old school boxed set? Win.

 

[Rykion]

I'm looking forward to this game, both the tabletop and Xbox 360 versions.

 

[weem]

I'm looking forward to this game, both the tabletop and Xbox 360 versions.

Yes, this.

A friend of mine was invited to the Dragon Age Origins event in London (he lives in Germany). I don't know much about the event itself, but he was very excited about it (the invite) this morning

 

[ProfessorCirno]

I'm looking forward to this game, both the tabletop and Xbox 360 versions.

Sadly, I'm the opposite on both accounts :\

WFRP and Dark Heresy both have that tongue-in-cheek-ness that lets you know it's not taking itself that seriously. Dragon Age hasn't shown me that yet :\

 

[CapnZapp]

Is there a transcript or summary so I don't have to listen to the podcast?

 

[Rykion]

Is there a transcript or summary so I don't have to listen to the podcast?

Here's a summary off the top of my head. I'm sure I didn't cover everything.

The game will be put out as an old-school boxed set covering levels 1 to 5. There are plans for more boxed sets each covering 5 levels with a max character level of 20. The setting is based on the videogame. There wasn't an attempt to port the videogame's rules directly as it was felt these would be too cumbersome for tabletop play. There are 8 abilities, strength and cunning are mentioned.

The basic mechanic is to roll 3d6 and add an ability versus a target number. One die is a different color and is the "dragon die." If you succeed on a skill test, the number on the dragon die determines the level of success. So a 1 on the dragon die is barely making it and a 6 means the character did really well. If you roll doubles in an attack or using spells, and also succeed, you get the number you rolled on the dragon die as stunt points. You may spend these immediately to do something cool. If you don't spend the points, they are lost. Different classes have different point costs for stunts. A pierce armor stunt for rogues is mentioned. Characters can also get talents that allow them to use certain stunts.

The game will be out first as a PDF, and the boxed set comes out a little later.

 

[Snowbird]

WFRP and Dark Heresy both have that tongue-in-cheek-ness that lets you know it's not taking itself that seriously. Dragon Age hasn't shown me that yet :\

The GW IPs are all pretty homicidal. I guess if Dragon Age adds some GW-type orcs/orks that would lighten the mood.