Sample for Comment

[Umbra]

A Cast of Thousands - Expert Sorcerors

G'day guys and gals,

Wanting to share some of my ideas and I'm considering something a little more formal which may even provide me with some pocket money. However, committing the time and effort to publish something is a little daunting (understatement!) . As a first step I thought I'd put up a brief sample for some feedback as to whether there is a glimmer of professionalism that might be worthwhile pursuing or whether I just share on the boards.

One of my ideas is “A Cast of Thousands” booklets. Each would provide a range of NPC's with a particular theme but with a slightly different focus to the normal adventurer types. I hope they would provide the DM with interesting, easy to use, ready-to-play characters.

Attached is a small pdf with a sample (without much layout, etc).

Any feedback would be appreciated.

thanks
David Hanneford

P.S. Is there a listing anywhere of companies that take submissions or do I need to keep checking their websites, etc.

 

[pogre]

What would be cool for a product like this is a separate layout with an illustration on one side and basic information about the NPC on the other. ENPublishing did this with Powers that be: City Council and I thought it was great.

I do think you need some sort of greater hook for this product. Right now it has the potential to be a decent campaign tool, but need a little something to add to folks campaigns.

 

[Umbra]

Thank you for the feedback, Pogre.

I was planning to do 1 page for each 'version' of each expert type. ie. one for the low level, one for the mid and one for the high. That way, only the page of the character the DM wants needs to be printed out.

In regards to a greater hook, I have other ideas to expand each type's entry but I'm trying to restrain myself so I don't create something too large which I won't finish. (Lots of ideas but getting down the details is another matter)

e.g. Under the courier there could be a description of Dellie's company, services it provides, other employees, major users of the service, opposition companies, etc.

e.g. Under the diplomat a list of local contacts and the spy network used, etc.

Thanks again for the feedback.

David H.

 

[Starglim]

This is very nice work. I hadn't considered before that, when not acting as a magic missile machine, a sorceror is well fitted to a role as a leader, negotiator or envoy in everyday life.

The appeal of the sample, to me, is in the prospect of application of unusual sorceror spells to an everyday profession, and in the "flavour" tweaks that you included. I'd buy this for the magic and the wacky adventures that only an expert/sorceror would encounter. Her depth of background is very creditable but probably sufficient as it is.

 

[Umbra]

Thank you, Starglim.

I developed an adventure where the party was tracking down the lair of a very powerful dwarven sorceror who went missing decades ago.

While I was going over possible spells the dwarf would know, especially any that would help in creating and protecting his lair, I realised that non-adventuring sorcerors would almost have to become specialists of one sort or another. This led to a list of possible sorceror professions.

As a sorceror's powers develop organically, I believe the interests and values of the sorceror would be a powerful influence on what spells would manifest. In the sample, Dellie's background 'chooses' her spells to some extent. (Or, as happened in my creation process, the spells I selected for a courier helped create her background.)

Ronin Arts Dozen pdf's inspired the Cast of Thousands idea.

 

[Warden]

This could definitely be useful, but the layout seems a bit chaotic. My own impression - if I were picking this up - would to have it spread out for both page-to-page reading and quick searching, meaning that it's easy to find the information I need for a NPC at the table and play without having to read too much, but also in depth enough should I choose to read on and actually plan to use any of these NPCs. I would recommend putting the stats/spells and such first, then physical description, then the text.

But offering NPCs with a twist (I especially like your phrasing of the 150 IQ genius who likes to drive trucks for a living) is a good twist on the idea. If you decide to publish it yourself, I look forward to seeing it. If not, give me a shout.

warden@emeraldpress.net

 

[Umbra]

Thanks for that, Warden.

Layout was not too much of the a concern for the sample as I'm just trying to unknot the ideas in my head and get them down on paper to see whether there would be any interest. Once I have a better idea of what my content is I will focus more on the page design side.

Ease of use is sitting at the back of my head but the balancing between too much and too little detail does set the mind spinning.

I appreciate the feedback and the offer to discuss possibilities.

 

[jmucchiello]

I like the idea of truly "specialist" sorcerers. In theory sorcerers don't pick their spells, they just are able to cast them. One doesn't go adventuring with only mending in one's repartoire.

I too would like to see/help this book come to fruition. I'd also love to know that the other 9 occupations you have planned. Hopefully you will contact me (or Warden) about getting this idea out there.

contact: joe (a in a circle) throwingdice (period) com

 

[Umbra]

Thanks, Joe.

I'll email you and Warden in the next few days with more details of my idea to see what you think.

I just have to stop those other ideas trying to get on stage while I work on this one.

You guys are all great. This encouragement is doing me wonders. Thanks again everyone.

 

[Nellisir]

I just have to stop those other ideas trying to get on stage while I work on this one.

Yeah.
Good luck with that.

Joe's STILL waiting for me to finish writing up one weird little monster. (and y'know, if I'd made the Halloween connection earlier, maybe I'd have finished it. Or not.)

Cheers
Nell.