Fantasy Concepts: An OGL Fantasy Saga Project

[EditorBFG]

Flynn--

I emailed you off list. Please let me know if you receive it and if you reply, as I recently had some email difficulties with Morrus.

Everyone Else--

If I may comment:

So this is going to be a freely available document when finished, correct?

I do not know whether Flynn and I will be collaborating yet (as you can see above, we've just begun to communicate) but I can tell you that at one point BFG discussed releasing the "nuts and bolts" of our version in pieces over time as sort of an SRD, and finding a way for other publishers to indicate compatibility. This is still in the discussion stage internally at BFG as of this writing, yet alone for Flynn, but I wanted to mention it.

Just rename Force = Magic. Rename the Force Power = Magic Spells.

Create new Magic Spells.

Even with the concept of algorithms/game mechanics vs. product identity, this does not strike me as 100% legally safe. Also, the Force does not feel like fantasy magic to me. If anything, it feels like psionics. So to my mind, a powers system (based on existing OGC rather than Saga itself) would be a better fit for a psionics supplement than the core-spellcasting mechanics.

That said, I know BFG's plans currrently include a synthesis of some existing OGC magic systems to create a system that uses the existing spells but in a spell-slot free way. I agree that D&D magic needs an overhaul, but re-writing every spell would be an expenditure of time and effort better applied elsewhere.

It goes without saying that at this stage, this is all tenuous.

 

[Baron Opal]

Classes
I'm currently thinking about five core classes: Fighter, Expert (the Rogue with additional talent trees for alternate skill-based character concepts), Wizard, Cleric and Aristocrat.

These cover the four classic archetypes in fantasy gaming, and also gives us a noble/charismatic leader as well.

This works for me. Regarding expansion into rangers and druids, would you consider a "wilderness class" with martial or magical talent trees? Or is your preference alternate talent trees for fighters and clerics, respectively?

(This could be your "constitution class" for your d20 modern analog.)

Sorcica: I'm definately Vancian in my magical preferences. Mostly due to the ease of portability between this potential system and Arcana Evolved. I would certainly be interested in a magic system based on SWSE force powers, but my motivation concerning this product is to improve an existing home game.

 

[Flynn]

Flynn--

I emailed you off list. Please let me know if you receive it and if you reply, as I recently had some email difficulties with Morrus.

I have received your email and responded.

Everyone Else--

If I may comment:I do not know whether Flynn and I will be collaborating yet (as you can see above, we've just begun to communicate) but I can tell you that at one point BFG discussed releasing the "nuts and bolts" of our version in pieces over time as sort of an SRD, and finding a way for other publishers to indicate compatibility. This is still in the discussion stage internally at BFG as of this writing, yet alone for Flynn, but I wanted to mention it.

If things work out between us, I think I could support something like this. We can work out the details, easily enough.

Hmmm, an SRD of sorts...

-Flynn

 

[w_earle_wheeler]

I never said it would be free. In fact, in the original thread I said I would do this only if I found that at least five people would buy it.

Sorry, I didn't see the original thread, only this one.

I'm working on a similar project.

 

[Flynn]

Sorry, I didn't see the original thread, only this one.

I'm working on a similar project.

No worries. If it turns out that BFG and I end up working on a collaboration on this project, then there may be some changes in the release date, content, etc. Either way, I'd definitely be interested in your work, even if only in discussions, should you be willing to share your thoughts.

The original thread is linked in the first post of this one, if that helps.

With Regards,
Flynn

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I love the idea of a Fantasy Saga product, and sympathize with the desire to have this be unquestionably 100 percent OGL from other sources. I'm eagerly looking forward to the final product.

 

[Baron Opal]

Healing the wounds.

How would you handle healing?

In the current SWSE rules there is a very cinematic method of merely resting for condition track penalties along with Second Wind. Granted, Second Wind is only usable once per day and it is limited in how much it can heal the character. Force healing is fairly limited in that the jedi suffers half of the damage healed. (And as stun? I don't remember.) Would there be any limits to what healing magic is available to spell casters? Would reserve points from Iron Heroes be a better fit?

 

[Matrix Sorcica]

Well, if spells from D&D port over, I guess that's how healing's handled.
Otherwise, like I mentioned in my first post, I think reserve points is a good way to go, combined with second wind.

Regarding Vancian magic: Like I said, I don't really have a problem with it. It' just that Saga gives another feel - which I feel will be diminished by Vancian magic. However, I will stop beating this poor dead horse.

 

[EditorBFG]

Well, if spells from D&D port over, I guess that's how healing's handled.
Otherwise, like I mentioned in my first post, I think reserve points is a good way to go, combined with second wind.

I do think that reserve points and D&D healing are compatible ideas. Reserve points keep PCs adventuring longer without stopping the fun, and that is a good thing to my mind. Since reserve points do not increase the damage a character can withstand in a single fight, I do not foresee balance issues from including them.

 

[HeinorNY]

I think it's a very nice idea, actually, I can't stop thinking about a fantasy game based on the saga rules.
If you allow me to give a very personal opinion: I enjoy a more "realistic" (to me, D&D is realistic enough for that matter) game, that allows a more immersive roleplay and a deeper roleplaying atmosphere. I like games that you can play with the "tailored" or "status quo" styles. Saga rules are excessive cinematic. They are all about "simulating" the movies and lack many RPG elements. Also, the saga core book is much more focused on combat than PHB, that it almost turned into a miniature rulebook.
So, if you are able to bring the SAGA rules to a medieval fantasy setting without bringing all the design concept and phylosophy behind the SWSE and the style of gaming it exclusively enforces, you will have success, for my taste.

And if you also happen to allow me to give specific ideas about anything, i'll be glad